Chapter 55

** Paige’s POV ** Ryder finally stops pacing, his gaze locked on me. I can see so much pain and fury in his eyes. He blows out a shaky breath. “Paige, can you take a walk with me outside?” I nod and take the hand he offers me, letting him pull me up. The night air is cool and fresh and feels good on my flushed face. The moment the door closes behind us, Ryder pulls me into his arms, hugging me desperately. “I failed you.” His voice is low and rough. It cuts straight through me. “Both of you. I knew better than to leave you unprotected. I knew what kind of world this was, and still… I wasn’t there.” “Ryder…” “No!” He pulls back, and my breath catches. His eyes glow faintly, his wolf riding him hard. Grief and rage war behind his eyes. “Don’t tell me it isn’t my fault. You were vulnerable because of me. Jaxon was vulnerable because of me. And he…” Ryder’s chest heaves. “He could have taken everything. He was right there in your home, in your life, while I was hiding here.” The anguish in