** Paige’s POV **

The house feels alive again this morning.

Soft laughter drifts from the living room along with the low hum of conversation. Jaxon is curled up on the couch, a blanket tucked around him, his cheeks flushed from coughing, but his fever has gone. Ryder sits beside him, his hand absently stroking Jaxon’s hair as they watch cartoons.

Every now and then, Ryder checks his temperature, making sure the fever isn’t returning. He barely left Jaxon’s side for the first night; ...