“Let’s make sure the lights are on outside for May’s first shift, babe,” I whisper, trying to keep my voice from shaking.
Caden nods without hesitation, standing and taking my hand. He doesn’t say anything at first—just walks with me onto the back deck, fingers threaded tightly through mine like he knows I need the anchor.
The night air hits my face, cool and sharp. I pause and inhale deeply.
Rogues. The scent is faint… but it’s there. Circling. Creeping. Waiting.
“We won’t lose her, Baylee,” Caden says, voice low and sure beside me. “I know we won’t.”
I try to smile for him. I even lean up to kiss him gently. But inside, the fear claws at my ribs.
“No,” I murmur, blinking fast. “We won’t lose her. But I am going to kill that bastard.”
Caden exhales and shifts his stance, brushing h
