The Lost Pack (Paige) novel Chapter 72

Chapter 72

**Paige’s POV **

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“I don’t need an entourage,” I argue, standing in the middle of the living room with my arms

crossed, glaring at my four very stubborn men. “I’m going to see my sister. That’s it. Five

minutes down the road, no danger, no hunters, no apocalypse waiting in the bushes.”

Ryder shakes his head. “Not happening.”

“Paige,” Callen says softly, already pulling on his boots, “you could trip and break your ankle.

Or someone could show up uninvited. Or…”

“Or a squirrel might look at me funny?” I cut in, rolling my eyes. “You guys can’t come

everywhere with me.”

Parker, who has been quiet until now, lifts his brow at me. “Yes, we can.”

I throw my hands up. “Do you realise how insane this is? Poppy is going to wonder why I

have a group of men sitting in my living room like a pack of…”

“Wolves?” Callen finishes with a smirk.

I glare at him, but he only looks amused.

“Do you know how suspicious you’ll look? Four guys, all hovering, all glaring at my sister like

she might attack me.”

“We aren’t worried about Poppy, but there are hunters out there who know where we are now.”

Ryder says softly. “We aren’t letting you or Jax go anywhere unguarded until the threat is

dealt with. I know it might feel suffocating and awkward, but it’s what needs to happen for

now.”

“It’s much easier to hide us in plain sight than to have literal wolves circling your property,” Remy shrugs.

I open my mouth to argue again but then stop, staring at the four of them. They’re right, I know they are. It doesn’t mean I have to like it.

“Fine,” I sigh, rubbing my forehead. “Come, but you need to act normal, which means no growling, no touching me, no flirting. She has to believe we are just friends.”

“Deal,” Callen says immediately.

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Remy pushes off the doorframe. “Told you she’d give in.”

Ryder comes over, pressing a kiss to my head. “Smart choice, Luna.”

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By the time we’re ready to leave, Parker has already arranged for groceries to be delivered to my place so we don’t need to risk a trip into town.

They may be overbearing, but secretly, a little bubble of warmth grows in my chest. Because as much as I want to scream about my independence and feeling trapped, there’s something strangely comforting in knowing I won’t have to be away from them, and they won’t let any

threat near my son.

When I finally get home, Ryder takes the keys and unlocks the door. He enters the house with Parker whilst me and Jax wait outside with Callen and Remy. When they finally call that it’s all clear, I step inside and pick up the small stack of mail that’s built up in the last few days.

I flick through it, dismissing the flyers, and shoving the envelopes into my bag to go through later. Jaxon flies past me, running straight up to his room to find any toys he’s left behind, and I know we will be carrying them all back to the cabin with us later.

An hour later, Poppy waves to her friends as they pull away, and she turns to walk up the path towards the house. Her smile brightens, and she waves when she sees me standing in the window. I wave back, but my stomach twists into knots. The house might look normal to her, but I know better. There are enforcers posted all around. They hide in the trees at the back of the house, and some walk the usually quiet street, every one of them pretending.they’re enjoying the evening air while their eyes scan every shadow. Inside, my mates have been impossible all day.

“Remember,” I say to the men, giving each of them a hard look, “you’re just my friends.”

Ryder raises a brow, his lips twitching. “Do you kiss all your friends like that?”

Callen smirks. “Some friends come with benefits.”

“Not helping.” I huff.

“I am friendly,” Parker shrugs, setting down the glass he’s polished for the fifth time.

“Maybe a little too friendly. Just remember not to sniff me like I’m your favourite pastry in

front of her,” I tease.

“I don’t sniff,” he protests.

“You do,” Ryder, Remy, and Callen reply in perfect unison.

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Before Parker can argue, the front door opens, and my heart leaps into my throat as Poppy’s

cheerful voice shouts, “Hello.”

She walks in wearing a bright sundress and cute sandals. She is so pretty, just like our mum.

She looks at me as if she hasn’t seen me in years. Then her eyes flick to the four men flanking me, and she raises her brows.

“Well, someone’s been busy,” she laughs.

I almost choke. “It’s not like that.”

“Like what?” She frowns, and I realise my mistake. I’d been too quick, too defensive.

“Nothing, I just meant these are Ryder’s friends. I completely forgot I’d invited them over for

dinner tonight. I hope you don’t mind.”

Behind me, Remy lets out a low rumble, and I jab him in the ribs before Poppy notices.

“It’s good to see you again, Poppy,” Rye says quickly, stepping forward. “You already know my

brother Callen, this is Parker and Remy.”

The guys all greet her, and I can see how skeptical she is as she studies each of them.

“So, two sets of twins, huh? Is there something in the water around here, or…” she trails off,

giving Parker an appreciative look up and down that makes something hot and angry shoot through my chest.

The feeling is so sudden that it makes me gasp, and Poppy shoots me a cornered look.

“Bit my tongue,” I lie, moving into the kitchen before she sees the deceit on my face.

I’ve never felt such anger towards my sister before, not even when she was a rebellious teen

and making stupid mistakes.

“Relax, it’s just the mate bond. It’s because you’ve not solidified the bond with Parker yet, it will pass,” Ryder’s voice slides smoothly into my mind.

I tug on the collar of my hoodie, making sure my mating marks are covered, and blow out a breath as I hear Poppy following me into the room. Then, I force a smile onto my face before turning to face her.

“You look good, Paige,” she says before hugging me tightly, then leans in to whisper, “Okay, spill. Why do they all look at you like you hung the moon?”

My heart skips a beat. “It’s… complicated.”

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“Complicated?” she huffs. “Paige, they’re practically drooling, and you are glowing. I don’t know what kind of yoga class you’ve signed up for, but I want the brochure.”

I snort, then catch Ryder’s gaze. He’s watching me like I’m his entire world, which is really not

helping.

“Please don’t ask questions tonight. Just… go with it. For me?”

She studies me for a moment and then sighs. “Fine, but I want all the details soon.’

Before I can reply, Jaxon bursts into the room, nearly tripping over his own feet. “Auntie Pops!

“J–man!” She scoops him up, smothering him in kisses. “Look at you! You’ve grown already.

What are they feeding you out here, miracle grow?”

“Bacon,” Jax giggles. “Loads of bacon, and I’m on a mission.”

My blood runs cold. “Jax.”

“It’s a secret mission,” he whispers.

Poppy raises her brows. “A mission, huh? What kind?”

“Xbox,” I blurt. “He’s been playing spy games with Callen.”

“Ohhh.” She laughs, ruffling his hair. “You’re a gamer now then?”

“I’m so good at it. I beat Uncle Cal three times last night!”

“Good job,” she gives him a high five and then puts him down.

He runs off and pulls on Callen’s hand. “Can we play football in the garden?”

“Sure, bud,” Cal grins and follows him outside with Remy close behind them looking very

much on guard.

Parker starts preparing the chicken for grilling, and Ryder goes to the front window, checking

outside for anything suspicious.

Poppy, of course, notices everything.

“So,” she says, watching Ryder. “Are you two officially back together?”

Ryder’s eyes flash to mine, and I feel my cheeks heat.

“We’re just… erm…” I stammer.

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“Friends… for Jaxon’s benefit,” Ryder says smoothly.

Poppy snorts. “Friends?… sure, and I’m the Virgin Mary.”

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“Who wants coffee?” I ask, my voice coming out too high pitch as I shoot Poppy a look that

screams ‘shut up‘.

The last thing I need is to get into this conversation now. We haven’t got our stories straight,

and that will only make her more suspicious.

Ryder helps Parker cook while I take Poppy outside to watch Jaxon. I keep the conversation

firmly on her, asking her about her university course and student accommodation.

When we finally sit down for dinner, I’m even more on edge. Every time Jax opens his mouth,

I brace for disaster, but to his credit, he sticks to his mission.

The food is amazing; grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, and steamed vegetables, but I can

barely eat it. Callen carries the whole conversation, telling us funny stories from his sports

classes with the kids at school, and Poppy laps it up. I don’t miss the way she watches us all,

though.

After dinner, the guys are clearing the plates, and Jaxon dashes off upstairs with Poppy close

behind him. I follow, panicked that she is going to question him. But as soon as I make it to the top of the stairs, she grabs my wrist and pulls me into my room.

Her voice is low and urgent. “Paige. What’s going on here?”

My stomach knots. “Nothing.”

She narrows her eyes at me. “You have four men watching you like you might vanish any moment, there are random dudes lurking outside, and Jaxon is talking about secret

missions. You really expect me to believe this is normal?”

I open my mouth, then shut it again. What can I say? The truth would drag her into a world she’s not ready for.

She softens, her hand closing over mine. “I don’t need the whole story. Just… tell me you’re safe. Tell me Jax is safe.”

Emotion sticks in my throat. “We’re safe. I promise.”

Her eyes search mine for a long moment. Then she nods. “Alright. But Paige… if you ever need me, you call. No matter what.”

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< Chapter 72

I nod, fighting off the tears. “I know.”

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I hear Parker laughing downstairs. The sound is comforting, and for a moment, I let myself believe this could work. That I can balance both worlds without putting my sister in danger. But then the way Poppy watches me with suspicion tells me she won’t stop digging forever.

I just hope that when the time comes… she’s ready for the truth.

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