Housebound with the Blackridge Heirs novel Chapter 26

**Change Begins With You — Jayden Collins**

**Chapter 26**

**Maya**

The atmosphere between Tylon and Caden was thick with unspoken words, a chasm that seemed to grow wider with each passing day.

It had been three long days since that ill-fated truth or dare incident, and the oppressive silence that permeated the mansion felt like a heavy blanket, stifling and uncomfortable. The once grand space, with its towering ceilings and opulent decor, now felt as cramped as a tiny hut, filled with an unbearable heat that mirrored the tension in the air.

Caden had also withdrawn from me, though his silence was more pronounced. I couldn’t quite grasp the reason behind his cold demeanor.

During our training sessions, he would speak, but only to critique my performance. His hands would move to adjust my arms or correct my stance, but they no longer lingered as they once had. The playful banter and warm smiles that used to light up his face were replaced by a stoic expression, and he avoided meeting my gaze, as if he were afraid of what he might find there.

I tried to convince myself that his behavior shouldn’t affect me, but the truth was that it gnawed at me relentlessly. It troubled me more than I was willing to admit, primarily because he had promised me he wouldn’t shut me out like this again. And for what reason? I hadn’t intentionally fallen on Tylon; it was a mere accident.

What hurt the most was the absence of his touch. All the moments he had shared with me, the intimacy he had introduced me to, felt like they were snatched away without warning. The kisses that once sent shivers down my spine were now reduced to mere pecks on my forehead or cheek, leaving me more bewildered than ever.

It was akin to being addicted to a drug and then being locked away from it, the craving for that connection burning fiercely within me. Every muscle in my body remembered the thrill of being desired, and I found myself wrestling with the urge to resent him for taking that away.

Training had transformed into a grueling ordeal.

He pushed me harder than before, his critiques sharper and more relentless.

Each time our eyes met, there was something flickering within him—perhaps frustration or guilt—but it always vanished before I could grasp it fully.

When Leo found me in the kitchen that morning, I was on the verge of exploding, barely holding onto my composure.

“You look like you’re plotting someone’s demise,” he remarked, leaning casually against the counter, his trademark grin plastered on his face.

“Maybe I am,” I retorted, focusing intently on tying my sneakers, trying to channel my frustration into something productive.

“Caden again?” he inquired, his tone teasing yet knowing.

I shot him a glare. “Does it always have to be about Caden?”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Well, considering you’ve been stabbing your eggs for the past ten minutes since finishing your training session, I’d say yes.”

With a resigned sigh, I pushed myself away from the counter. “I’m going for a run.”

He hesitated, concern flickering in his eyes.

I could tell from his attire and the light sheen of sweat on his brow that he had just returned from a run. Yet, despite that, he offered again, his voice gentle.

“Mind if I join?”

For a moment, I wanted to decline, knowing he had already completed his workout.

But deep down, I recognized it was his way of ensuring my safety, especially given the events of our last run.

“I’d appreciate that,” I replied honestly, grateful for his company. “Thanks.”

With a nod, he gestured for me to lead the way.

We took off through the expansive back fields, passing the garden where the grass still bore the scars of the recent storm, and along the familiar path we had traversed on our first run together.

I tried to shake off the anxiety that gripped me, reminding myself that the point of running was to clear my mind, not to dwell on the fear of encountering a massive wolf again.

For the initial minutes, Leo and I ran in silence, the only sounds were the rhythmic thud of our feet on the ground and the soft cadence of our breaths. I knew this quietness was deliberate. Leo was always so meticulous and intentional in everything he did, more so than Tylon’s obsession with perfection, if I were to be honest.

After a while, he cast a sidelong glance at me. “You’re not pacing yourself.”

“I’m fine,” I insisted, though I could feel the adrenaline coursing through me.

“You’re angry,” he corrected, his voice calm but firm.

“Maybe both,” I conceded, a hint of frustration creeping into my tone.

He offered a faint smile. “Caden’s not easy to deal with, you know.”

“Tell me about it,” I exhaled, my pace slowing to a light jog.

“Tylon isn’t a walk in the park either. But with him, it’s straightforward. He’s either furious or he’s not. Caden, on the other hand, is skilled at hiding what he feels.”

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