Housebound with the Blackridge Heirs novel Chapter 34

**Change Begins With You — Jayden Collins**
**Chapter 34**

**Maya**

“What!”

The word struck me like a physical punch, leaving me momentarily breathless.

My knees wobbled, threatening to buckle beneath the weight of the revelation. I felt the air rush out of my lungs, and all I could manage was to stare at him in disbelief, shaking my head as if that simple gesture could somehow negate the truth of his words. Tylon’s expression softened, a flicker of concern in his eyes, yet he remained rooted in place, not reaching for me.

“We’re going to him tonight,” he stated firmly. “Leo’s already getting everything ready.”

A thousand questions surged through my mind, each one clamoring for attention—What happened? Where is he? Is he even still alive? But the words lodged in my throat, refusing to come out. My surroundings faded into a dull roar, the rapid thumping of my heart drowning out everything else. All I could think about was the promise he made to me, the vow that he would return.

He promised.

“I’m coming with you,” I declared, my voice stronger than I felt.

Tylon shook his head almost immediately, the finality in his gesture sending a chill down my spine. “You can’t.”

“Why the hell not?” I shot back, frustration bubbling to the surface. “He’s my—”

I hesitated, the word hanging in the air as I grappled with the reality of our relationship. He’s my boyfriend? My partner?

We had never defined what we were, yet our actions spoke volumes. I shook my head, dismissing the confusion. It didn’t matter. He belongs to me.

“It’s not fair for you guys to leave without me. I might be new here, but he still means something to me. And I mean something to him, and you know it.”

Tylon’s jaw tightened at my words, a flicker of something—perhaps regret or understanding—crossing his face, as if he wished he could deny the truth.

After a moment of silence, he sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. “You don’t understand, Maya. These people are… different. We’re stepping into a territory that doesn’t take kindly to outsiders. The only reason Leo and I can even go is because we’re connected to Caden, and his father is aware.”

“So, you know his father?” I probed, curiosity mingling with apprehension.

“We’re acquainted,” he replied, his tone dripping with disdain. It was clear he held the man in low regard.

“We’re going to try to convince his father to let us bring him back tonight,” he continued, a hint of urgency creeping into his voice. “I just came to inform you of what’s happened and to advise you to stay with that geeky friend of yours until we return. It’s not safe for you to be alone.”

“Her name is Elise,” I interjected, suppressing the urge to roll my eyes. “And if you don’t take me, I’ll follow you.”

Tylon ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration that only fueled my determination. “Maya. This is bigger than—”

“I don’t care, Tylon.” My voice cracked, emotion spilling over as tears threatened to cascade down my cheeks once more. “Please.”

He regarded me for a moment, his expression a mixture of conflict and concern. I could see he wanted to end this discussion with a sharp retort, to assert his authority and move on. But to my surprise, he relented.

“Fine,” he conceded, his tone softening slightly. “But you will listen to Leo and me, and you will stay by our sides as much as possible. No heroics.”

A wave of relief washed over me, almost comically intense given the gravity of the situation. I grabbed my bag, my hands still trembling with adrenaline. “I promise I will,” I vowed, determination igniting within me.

***

The drive felt surreal, like navigating through a thick fog. Leo was at the wheel, while I occupied the passenger seat, and Tylon sat stiffly in the back, his tension palpable.

I stared out at the darkened landscape, struggling to suppress the torrent of questions swirling in my mind.

Where had Caden been? What could have happened to him that left him unconscious for three long days?

My imagination conjured up the worst scenarios, each one more terrifying than the last, sending a wave of nausea rising in my throat.

It took an hour of winding country roads to reach our destination. As we drew closer, an unsettling stillness enveloped the air, as though the world itself was holding its breath.

When we finally arrived, my breath caught in my throat.

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