Chapter 51

** Paige’s POV ** The house falls quiet again. Parker is still upstairs with Jax, and Ryder is brooding silently at the kitchen island. “What happened out there?” I ask, sitting next to him. Ryder doesn’t answer right away. He lifts his gaze to meet mine, and then his eyes drift to my neck. I don’t miss the flash of anger before he turns his head away. “They came at us from three directions. It was an organised attack, but not as organised as our defence. We’ve had years to learn this land, and Ronnie has been preparing the pack to defend it as soon as they turn eighteen. We knew they’d find us one day; I’m just sorry it has to be now. I wish you could have joined us during our peaceful years. You’d have loved it here.” “Did you lose any pack members tonight?” I suddenly feel sick at the thought. I had been too worked up over Jaxon, the mate bond, and worrying about my mates that I hadn’t even given a second thought to the others out there fighting. Ryder reaches out and cups my cheek,