**Paige’s POV **
Much to my disappointment, Ryder had a late-night patrol. Which meant he didn’t mark me, just kissed me softly and sent me off to bed.
I can’t deny I needed the rest, though. Even without him, I’d ended up curling into his sheets, deciding to spend the night in his bed, anyway. It felt good to have some space to myself. I hadn’t realised how much I needed it. As I drifted off, my mind wandered into dangerous territory… thoughts of our future. Not the mushy happy-ever-after fantasy, but the practical things. My work. Where I’m meant to live.
I know the guys aren’t going to let me go back to my quiet little house, the one I barely got to settle into. Not with the hunters still out there. But honestly, I know they’re right. It’s safer here, not just for me but for Jaxon. S
