Poppy’s POV

They stand, but they don’t move. That’s the first thing I notice. Not the cabin, nor the way the porch light casts a warm gold over them. Not even the way the bond feels thicker here, heavier in my chest. They are so still.

I’m not sure what I expected… running into each other’s arms? Angry stomping? Possessive growling? Frantically being checked over?

Instead, Leo stands to the left, solid and still, shoulders squared as if he’s bracing for impact. Jake is half a ...