Chapter 96

** Paige’s POV ** The problem with Callen is that I can never tell when he’s joking. His smirk is pure trouble, but his eyes are bright with the kind of excitement that tells me he’s about to drag me into something I’ll regret. “Alright, sweetheart,” he says brightly, “time to put you through your paces. Let’s see if the mate bond makes you dangerous or if you’re just still soft and squishy human.” I cross my arms and glare at him. “Soft and squishy? Really?” Parker moves to stand closer. “Don’t rise to it,” he sighs, even though I feel his amusement through the bond. “He’s just trying to rile you up so you’ll try to prove him wrong.” “Well, it’s working,” I mutter, though my lips twitch into a half smile. Callen grins wider. Ryder steps forward, the air shifts. I can sense his presence more now, like I’m finally feeling what the pack does. He’s Alpha through and through. He rolls his shoulders, and his eyes light up. “We’ll keep it simple,” Ryder says, his voice steady. “Nobody’s thro