Housebound with the Blackridge Heirs novel Chapter 14

**Change Begins With You — Jayden Collins**

**Chapter 14**

**Maya**

Sleep eluded me like a fleeting shadow, slipping through my fingers just when I thought I could grasp it. My mind was a chaotic whirlpool, replaying the moment I had been so close to Caden yesterday, a moment that felt both electrifying and terrifying. And then there was Ray Ban, his voice echoing in my head, chastising me for allowing Caden to disturb my peace. It was as if sleep had become a stranger, refusing to embrace me in its comforting arms.

As dawn’s first light began to creep into the world, I made a decision. I needed to escape the confines of my room, to break free from the house that felt stifling and heavy with unspoken tensions.

Caden hadn’t returned since he left yesterday, and when I had the audacity to inquire about him from Tylon, his response was curt and dismissive. “None of your business,” he had said, his tone sharp, urging me to focus on matters that were mine alone.

What a jerk.

Conflicted emotions swirled within me. Was I angry at Caden? Part of me wanted to be, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever had transpired between him and his father was a heavy burden he was carrying. It was unfair for him to lash out at me, especially when he had called me a friend.

I scoffed at the thought.

Friend.

What a joke.

I hastily pulled on the leather jacket I had worn yesterday, feeling the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me. I needed clarity, a way to purge the confusion swirling in my mind. Hitting the gym would only serve to occupy my thoughts with memories of yesterday, so I opted for a run instead.

It was a reckless choice, considering my recent kidnapping, but I reassured myself that I wouldn’t stray too far from the safety of home.

As I stepped through the back door, the cool morning air kissed my skin, and I inhaled deeply, feeling a flicker of relief wash over me.

“Going somewhere?” a voice interrupted my thoughts.

I nearly jumped out of my skin. Leo stood there, illuminated by the soft glow of the porch light, clad in sweatpants and a T-shirt, his hair tousled as if he had just awakened.

“For a run,” I replied, placing a hand over my racing heart, still startled.

“It’s not safe to go alone,” he cautioned, his tone firm. I opened my mouth to protest, desperate for this moment of freedom, but he raised a hand to halt my words. “Fortunately for you, I’m headed out for the same reason. Mind if I join?”

I hesitated, taken aback by his offer. I had expected him to insist I stay put.

“I don’t mind,” I admitted, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

“Good,” he replied with a nod.

We took off down a narrow path that wound its way between the trees, the world around us waking up with each step. For a while, the only sounds were our footfalls echoing against the earth and the steady rhythm of his breath, a comforting backdrop to my tumultuous thoughts. He ran with a grace that mirrored everything else he did—controlled, steady, and built to endure.

“How’re you feeling?” he finally asked, breaking the silence.

“Strangely better,” I replied. “The bruises are practically gone.” I touched the cheek that had been marred, surprised to find it almost unscathed. “I don’t get it.”

“I noticed,” he said, letting the words hang in the air between us. His gaze flickered to my outfit, but his scrutiny felt different from Caden’s.

“Thanks,” I said, a hint of pride swelling within me. “It kind of makes me feel like I know what I’m doing.”

He chuckled softly. “You will,” he assured me.

As we rounded a bend, the path dipped into damp ground, and I noticed large prints embedded in the mud—deep at the toes, resembling dog paws but… larger. I slowed involuntarily, a sense of unease creeping in.

“Are these… wolf?” I asked, my heart racing. “Is that why you said it isn’t safe? I heard them the other night.”

“Something like that,” he responded, his tone casual, but I could sense the underlying tension.

“Why does the school have wolves this close? Doesn’t that pose a risk? They should call someone to relocate them or something.”

“They aren’t dangerous unless you provoke them,” he said, his eyes scanning the surroundings. “Every student knows not to wander.”

“I didn’t,” I mumbled, anxiety creeping into my voice. “And if we’re seeing their prints, aren’t we trespassing? Is this really safe?”

“If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t have brought you here, Maya.” Leo’s voice held a weight that made my name sound like a precious secret.

He shot me a look that was a mix of apology and a silent plea for me to drop the subject, and I complied, letting it fade behind us like the prints in the mud.

“Do you know if Caden is okay?” I ventured after a moment, my curiosity piqued. “It seems like he has a complicated relationship with his father.”

Leo’s jaw tightened as he considered his response. “It’s complicated,” he finally said. “But I can’t share anything. It’s not my place.”

“I get it,” I replied, and I truly did. “Are you all close? You, Caden, and Tylon, I mean?”

“Well, Caden and Ty grew up together, so they’re closer,” he explained as we navigated the path. “I met them three years ago.” He hopped over a root, pausing for a moment to let me clear it before falling back into stride. “They’ve been good to me.”

“The other day, the woman called you the Blackridge heirs,” I said, curiosity bubbling to the surface. “What did she mean?”

He let out a soft laugh. “We’re all heirs. We’re the only ones who’ve lived in the Blackridge house since Tylon’s grandparents.”

“Oh,” I said, processing the information. “So you’re not related?”

“No,” he confirmed.

“Heirs to what?” I pressed, feeling a sense of urgency. I was fortunate that Leo was patient with my inquiries.

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