And after that confrontation we had with him less than forty-eight hours ago, it was only a matter of time before he found another way to strike back.
Who else would have this much hatred festering inside them for a woman who’s just trying to live her life?
Who else would see Noelle’s happiness as a personal insult?
Her words still echo in my mind.
Eli isn’t even his.
Even now, it doesn’t feel real.
One of ours.
I’m not sure if I’m surprised or relieved about the news, but I’m certainly notunhappy.
The only thing we need to worry about now is the mother of our child is being hunted by a vindictive bastard who’s gone from harassment to breaking and entering. And if he isn’t stopped soon…it’ll escalate again to something much worse.
The thought of Jared laying a single hand on her or Eli sets off an anger I’ve never felt before.
I feel it rising like wildfire, burning from my gut to the back of my throat until all I can see is red.
My grip tightens around the edge of the display case, wood biting into my palms.
I want to hurt him.
I want to make himunderstandwhat it means to mess with the woman and child I care about most.
A loud clatter breaks through my thoughts.
I blink, and when I look up Callum’s broom has slipped from his hand and hit the floor.
He’s staring at me across the room, his brow furrowed as that sixth sense of his works overtime.
He doesn’t say anything for a moment, just studies me, taking in the way my fists are clenched and the way my breath’s coming out of me too harshly.
Then in that calm, unshakable voice of his, he says, “We’ll find him.”
“You’re serious?” Dean asks.
Callum doesn’t hesitate. “We’ll find him.Tonight. Wherever the hell he’s staying. We’ll get him to come outside and make sure he knows what it means to mess with her like this.”
Dean exhales slowly, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “You planning to talk to him? Or put him through the wall?”
Callum’s mouth twitches, but it isn’t a smile. “Depends on how cooperative he feels.”
For a second, no one speaks.
I meet Callum’s gaze across the wreckage, and the unspoken understanding between us clicks into place.
This isn’t about anger anymore, it’s about protection.
Whatever Jared thought he could get away with, whatever twisted game he thinks he’s playing, it ends now.
“Count me in,” I say quietly, the words leaving no room for argument.
Dean’s eyes flick between us again, and after a beat, he gives a grim nod. “Guess that makes three of us.”
Callum bends to pick up the broom again. “Then it’s settled.”
