Katherine’s POV
That night, Jake was quiet.
Too quiet.
He never mentioned what happened after he left me near the arcade. Never said who the man was, or what he wanted.
And I didn’t ask—not because I didn’t want to know.
But because I was scared I already did.
Now I was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, tracing invisible cracks with my eyes as Jake stood near the window, phone pressed to his ear, his voice low and controlled.
I could only hear pieces.
“…they know we’re not backing down.”
Pause.
“…warn the gate team. If they see anyone with Blaze’s mark, shoot to disable, not to kill. I want a message sent, not a war.”
Another pause.
“…no. She doesn’t need to know. Not yet.”
My throat tightened.
I turned away, facing the wall instead.
Jake’s voice stopped. A soft click. S
