Daniel finally backed away under Callen’s silent, icy stare, stumbling over the snow before muttering something about “talking later.”
Aisha didn’t respond. She couldn’t. Her heart was still pounding from everything—Daniel’s manipulation, Callen’s presence, the overwhelming sense of protection she couldn’t explain.
Callen took a step closer, not touching her, but near enough for her to feel the heat of him. “Are you alright?” he asked quietly.
She nodded. “Yes. Thank you… Callen.”
The name still felt new on her tongue—new, but right.
He stared at her a moment longer, silver eyes softening in a way they never did for anyone else. “I’ll be nearby,” he said, voice low, almost a growl. “If anything happens, call for me.”
Aisha swallowed, nodding again. She didn’t know how she would call
