** Ryder’s POV **

By the time Paige finishes gathering the crayons and Jaxon is wrapped up warm in his coat and boots, the sun has dipped low. The air outside is still, expectant, heavy, waiting.

This is the moment I promised the pack, and I can feel Paige bracing for it even before she steps outside.

Callen, Remy, Parker and I flank her automatically. Walking behind us are Ronnie, Jake and Leo, with Poppy, whose shoulders are still tight. Around us, moving with natural silence through the ...