Chapter 83

** Paige’s POV ** The sound of children’s laughter fades behind me as we step onto one of the narrow dirt paths on the outskirts of the small village. I almost stop right there, because every instinct in me screams to turn back and keep Jaxon in sight. Parker’s hand brushes mine, his calming energy flowing through me from the briefest touch. “He’s fine,” he says softly, as though he can feel my worry, and maybe he can. “Callen and Ryder won’t let anything touch him.” I nod, even though my chest still feels too tight. “I know, I trust them. It’s just… he looks so happy. He acts like he belongs, and I’m scared someone might say something to make him feel like he doesn’t.” “He does belong, you both do,” Parker replies without hesitation. Remy snorts, falling into step on my other side. “And if anyone else tries to say otherwise, I’ll take their words and make them choke on them.” I smile faintly. That’s so very Remy, gruff and blunt. The path opens into a larger space, and another cluster