CHAPTER 4
Timeline: 1 Week After the Rescue
The familiar shape of the house rose over the treeline, and Kael leaned forward in his seat, eyes wide. He’d seen photos, heard stories, but nothing prepared him for the real thing—warm, solid, his. The truck rolled to a stop, and the front door flew open. Liam stood on the porch, arms open, smiling so wide his eyes crinkled.
“Welcome home.”
Kael stepped out slow, like he was afraid the ground might vanish beneath his boots. He looked at Liam, then at all of us gathered around him—Cole, Knox, Jax, Zane, Micah, Elara—and for the first time in his life, he didn’t have to stand alone.
“Home,” he whispered, testing the word like it might break.
“Home.” I took his hand, squeezing tight. “And we’re never letting you leave.”
The first few days w
