The Lost Pack (Paige) novel Chapter 221

** Ryder’s POV **

I feel it the moment I cross the threshold. The bond tightens, sharp and alert, and my wolf lifts his head inside me like he’s just scented a deer on the breeze. The cabin feels different, steadier somehow, but also charged, like the air itself is holding its breath.

Parker feels it too. I see it in the way his shoulders square, the way his gaze flicks instinctively toward the stairs.

Remy doesn’t bother pretending. His eyes glow faintly as he scans the space.

“She’s awake,” he says quietly.

I know what he means. He’s not talking about physically; he means spiritually. She feels different again, like she did when her gifts first started to wake up.

I move quietly up the stairs, my boots silent on the wooden floor, and my every instinct tuned toward one room in-particular. The door is closed, but the bond hums from behind it, warm and whole in a way it’s never been before.

I knock once, softly.

“Come in,” Paige’s voice answers.

I open the door, and the sight hits me harder than I expect.

Paige is curled against Callen, tucked into his chest likeshe belongs there, because she does. His arm wrapped around her protectively, his posture calm but alert.

Callen looks up first. His eyes meet mine, and something settles deep in my bones. He’s changed too. His usual cocky grin is gone, replaced by something else, something

-Like awe.

Paige turns next, her gaze lifting to mine, and for a split second I forget how to breathe. Her eyes are brighter, not glowing or burning, just aware. Like she’s seeing more than what’s in front of her.

“You felt it,” she says softly.

1 nod. “The second I stepped inside.”

Parker appears behind me, leaning against the doorframe.

“The bond feels… cleaner.”

“Sharper,” Remy adds.

Paige exhales slowly. “Anchored.”

Callen’s arm tightens around her automatically, his thumb brushing slow circles against her side. He doesn’t look at her when he speaks; his gaze stays locked on me.

“She knows things,” he says.

My jaw tightens. “What things?”

Paige shifts slightly, sitting up just enough to meet my eyes fully. There’s no fear there, no hesitation.”The hunters are coming.”

The words land like a punch, but strangely, there’s no panic, just acceptance.

“How far?” I ask immediately.

“Way beyond our patrols,” she answers. “I can’t see them yet, but I feel the corruption they carry. It’s like a pressure moving through the land.”

Remy’s lips curl. “Finally, an early warning system that gives us time to really prepare.”

Parker shoots him a look. “She’s not a tool.”

“I know,” Remy replies calmly. “I’m saying it’s a gift.”

Paige nods. “I can sense their intent, even from a distance.” Her eyes go glassy, as if she is looking at something none of us can see. “I don’t think it will be today, but soon.”

That gets my full attention.

“You’re sure?” I ask.

“Yes,” she says with a confidence I can’t ignore.

Callen finally looks down at her then, his voice low but steady. “How many?”

“I don’t know yet,” she admits. “But I will. Before they reach us.”Silence settles over the room, but it’s not fear; it’s calculation.

“I guess it’s time for you two to get dressed,” Parker says slowly. “We have a lot to talk about, and planning to do.”

We leave Paige and Callen to shower and dress, and I head downstairs to make coffee and sandwiches for lunch, just to keep my hands busy. I hate that they didn’t get more time to bask in the newly completed bond, but her gifts

“I didn’t want to wait, which means there’s a reason for it.

Paige and Callen come down together a few minutes later.

She’s changed into soft leggings and one of Callen’s T-shirts, the hem hitting her thighs. Her hair is still damp from the shower, loose curls falling down her back, and the scent of soap and something uniquely her drifts through the room as she steps into the kitchen. Callen’s hand stays at her lower back, steady and protective, like it belongs there now.

The bond tightens when they join us, settling into a deeper rhythm, and I feel the shift in all of us as the structure locks into place again.

Parker hands Paige a cup of tea without comment. She takes it with a grateful smile, wrapping both hands around its warmth.

“So,” Remy says carefully, leaning back against the counter. “If what you’re sensing is accurate, and I’m not doubting that it is, then we need to start preparing to put an end to this.””Ronnie had a suggestion, and I think now is the perfect time to implement it if we all agree,” I say, keeping my voice calm, “We can’t afford to have every decision funnel through us when things start moving fast. Ronnie thinks we should appoint a Gamma to handle the pack whilst we focus on us, and what we can do.”

“Makes sense,” Callen nods slowly. “We need someone who can act without waiting for approval.”

“Someone the pack already trusts,” Parker adds.

Paige looks between us, thoughtful. “You’re talking about giving up your positions?”

1 don’t miss the way her shoulders tense just slightly.

“No, just bringing in a third in command to keep things running and keep the pack directed whilst we focus on other things.”

Paige shoots me a look. “You mean me?”

“Yes,” I confirm. “Because that’s our role, that’s how we best protect the pack.”

Her shoulders relax a little at that, now that she doesn’t feel she is taking more from the pack than she is giving.

Remy crosses his arms. “Possibly two; we can’t expect anyone to take a role that was previously split between the four of us.”

Callen’s jaw tightens. “Hayden would have been the obvious choice.

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