Chapter 173

** Paige’s POV ** The front door clicks shut behind them, and the silence left in its wake is thick enough to choke on. Outside, the cold wind whistles through the gaps in the trees, making the walls seem thinner than they were ten minutes ago. Parker’s arm tightens around my shoulders like he can feel the tremor climbing up my spine. Jaxon shifts in his hold, wrapping his small arms around Parker’s neck. His chin rests on Parker’s shoulder, eyes locked on the door that Ryder and Callen just disappeared through. We stand there, three bodies pressed together, breathing in the same unsteady rhythm, until the thud of boots fades into nothing. Only then does Parker speak, voice low. “Hey… come on.” He presses a gentle kiss to the top of Jaxon’s head. “Let’s go sit down. They’re going to be okay.” He means it. I feel the truth of it through the bond. But underneath… there’s worry. Deep and sharp, like a wound he’s trying to hide from me. I let him guide me toward the sofa, but my eyes don’t