Chapter 179

** Parker’s POV ** The moment Ryder, Remy, and Callen head out for the night patrol, the cabin feels too big. Too hollow. Paige stands by the window, her arms wrapped around herself as she watches the silhouettes of the rest of her mates disappear into the tree line, Ryder leading, Remy already shifted, and Callen stalking the rear like a silent shadow. Her shoulders don’t drop when they vanish. If anything, they go tighter. She watches the darkness as if it might swallow them whole. “Hey,” I say softly, placing a hand on her back. “They’ll be okay.” She doesn’t look at me. “I know.” But I know she doesn’t believe it, not fully. I can feel the anxiety humming under her skin like a live wire. She’s exhausted, but her power buzzes beneath the surface… overworked and coiled so tight I’m amazed she’s still standing. “Come on,” I murmur. “Let’s get you to bed.” Her lips press together. “You should sleep.” “I will, but only with you.” She glances at me then, her eyes softening but still full