Caleb frowns. “Anything that you make? I’ll love it regardless.”
“Biased,” I snort.
“So, what?”
Before I can say anything more, he dives in for seconds like a starved man, and I can’t help but laugh softly. Okay, maybe they weren’t so bad after all.
When we finish eating, we clean up together.
“Do you usually keep your kitchen so quiet?” I ask.
It’s different compared to Jaxon’s. It’s always chaotic with two babies, three couples, and Phia and Grace coming in when they please.
“I like keeping my quarters of the house quiet so I can focus, but I also made sure it was extra quiet for when you moved in,” he admits. “The more people there are around, the more likely that someone is going to talk.”
I purse my lips. “Right.”
“I know I keep saying it, but it’s what’s best for us.”
“I believe you,” I whisper. “I’d rather stay under the radar anyway with my recovery. It’s nice not to be in the limelight, you know?”
Caleb hums. “How have you been feeling?”
“Okay.” I nod.
“Dark thoughts?”
“No…” I trail off. “The medication helps regulate my emotions, and with all the therapy and stuff, it’s given me a clearer head. Just taking everything bit by bit.”
“It’s not a race,” he says soothingly. “And I know you’re gonna get there.”
My chest vibrates with sudden warmth from our bond. “Me, too.”
46
EVAN
Today, Caleb and Jaxon’s pack decided to train together, meaning it’s going to be the first time I’ve seen them since I left. It’s been a weird few weeks, but it’s been needed and necessary. I might not be healed, but I feel different already.
Like I belong somewhere for the first time in my life.
When we meet in our usual spot, I’m swarmed by Ava and Lucy. It fills me with joy to see how happy they are to see me, and reminds me that I am loved, even if I can’t love myself—not yet anyway.
“How are you?” Ava asks with a big grin.
I nod genuinely. “I’m doing good.”
“Caleb treating you well?”
“Yeah.” I smile. “He’s great, Ava. He’s really great.”
“Good. Come over soon, yeah? We miss you.”
“I miss you all, too.”
When we start running, I find it a lot easier since I’ve been training one-on-one with Caleb. Not only have we focused on my stamina, but we've also been boosting my energy, strength, and defence.
It might be training with my mate that helps me to perform better, or the fact I trust him and feel absolutely no judgement whatsoever, but it works, and even I’m impressed with myself.
