The Lost Pack (Paige) novel Chapter 183

** Paige’s POV **

The walk to the clinic feels longer than it actually is.

Maybe it’s because every step makes that strange pull inside me grow stronger, like an invisible thread stretching from somewhere deep in my chest and pulling me toward the healer’s cabins. Or maybe it’s because Callen hasn’t stopped talking since we left the house.

“So,” he says, hands shoved into his jacket pockets like he’s trying to look unbothered. “Just to clarify for future reference, how does one go about getting marked by our Luna? Asking for… you know… purely educational reasons.”

Parker groans beside me. “Callen…”

“No, no, I’m serious,” Callen interrupts quickly. “Do I stand still? Do I kneel? Do I have to chant something? Is there a form? A sign-up sheet? An enquiry list? Should I fill out a request on pack stationery or…?”

I elbow him lightly. “Callen, shut up.”

He gasps dramatically. “Wow. The violence.”

Parker’s lips twitch. “She’s not violent. You’re just an idiot.”

“Well, yes. But at least I’m an idiot with goals,” Callen says, waggling his brows before he gestures at Parker’s chest.” Look at him; he’s glowing. Smug, glowy bastard.””I’m not glowing,” Parker mutters, his cheeks flushing.

“You literally are,” Callen fires back. “He’s been smiling like someone took him on a date and then gave him a puppy and a new motorbike.”

I can’t help smiling despite the dread curling in my stomach.

Callen’s jealousy isn’t real. Not the painful kind that hurts the bond. It’s armour, his preferred weapon for distracting all of us when things get too heavy. He’s worried, stressed, and terrified of what waits for us at the clinic. So he’s doing what he always does… making noise so we don’t drown in silence.

“You know,” Callen continues casually, “if you ever want to practise your marking abilities, Paige, I volunteer as tribute.”

Parker snorts. “Shut up before Ryder hears you and shows up with a shoyel.”

“Oh please,” Callen scoffs. “If Ryder had a problem, he’s say. Besides, we all know he’s just as desperate for our mate to mark him. He’s pissed as hell he wasn’t the first; he’s just trying to pretend he’s all noble and shit.”

I’m laughing just as the next pull hits me, hard enough to stop me mid-stride.

Parker notices instantly. “Paige?”

I swallow.

“It’s stronger.”Callen and Parker instantly tighten formation around me, moving in closer like they can shield me from this, but they can’t protect me this time, because it’s coming from inside me.

“How strong?” Callen asks quietly. “Scale it for me. One being your usual nonsense. Ten being the sparkly meltdown.”

I shoot him a look. “You’re going to die young.”

“Oh, she’s going to smite me… kinky,” he grins. “Definitely worth it.”

Byt answer anyway, because they need to know. “It’s a solid seven,” I whisper.

That sobers both of them immediately.

Parker’s hand finds mine, squeezing gently. “We’ve got you.”

We keep walking, but now the air feels different, thicker, charged. The healer’s cabin comes into view through the trees. Poppy and Jake stand outside, waiting for us. I have no doubt Ryder pre-warned them of our arrival.

Poppy sees me first, and her face crumples with relief and worry all at once. She jogs forward, her wild curts bouncing, and throws her arms around me.

“Paige,” she breathes. “Oh, thank goodness. I feel like l’ve not seen you for weeks.”I hug her tight. “I know, I thought you were still at Midnight.”

“We came back early this morning; it was all a little crazy,” she says with a tight smile. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine, Pops.”

She raises a brow at me. “Are you? Because Ryder’s mind-link with Jake was very… ‘Paige is coming to the clinic, and if you argue with me, ‘ll rip your head off.”

“That sounds exactly like him,” Callen mutters. “Maybe with more swearing.”

We break apart as Jake steps forward. His eyes are 1 shadowed with exhaustion. I suspect none of them has slept all night.

“Paige,” he says with a nod before glancing at Parker and Callen. “There are some things you should know before you go in there.

The pull flicks inside me again, sharp and urgent. I try to ignore it, focusing on Jake’s words.

“What’s happening?” I ask.

Jake exhales. “They’re stable. Physically stable. Strong vitals, steady shifts, no obvious signs of injury or internal trauma. Their wolves respond to normal stimuli. Their reflexes are intact.”

“Then why…” I begin.”Because they’re not them,” Poppy interrupts softly.

Jake nods. “Their bodies are fine. Their brains… their consciousness… their personalities… those are another story.”

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