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I push deeper, slower, savoring it. Your warmth swallows me inch by inch until I’m fully inside you. I stop there for a moment, breathing hard, suspended in the feeling.

Then I move. Pulling out and sliding back in.

Your body answers mine, lowering yourself onto me with smooth, deliberate control. My hands search blindly until you catch my wrists, guiding them above my head, pinning me there.

I let you. I always will.

Your pace quickens and my body tightens in response. Every nerve in my body is alive, every thought gone—except you.

“Fuck… slow down,” I manage, my voice breaking.

But neither of us stop.

My hips drive upward, deeper, chasing the inevitable. The tension coils tight in my spine, and I give in. I bury myself fully inside, filling you.

My breaths come in short desperate gasps as my body relaxes.

The dream, the mission, the demon—melting away as your indescribable scent and presence surround me.

CHAPTER 4 CALLISTO

I plop down on the living room couch and sigh. I did not intend to say all that to Cade… but I’m glad I did, except for calling out about the ghost. At least now I don’t need to tiptoe and keep up with all the lies. The guilt would have eaten me alive, and I can’t stand that. Especially after everything that happened… Cade could have died. I’ve barely processed that he’s home, safe.

I rub my temples for comfort. It’s fine. He’ll be fine. He didn’t overreact or tell me to send him away, so it’s okay. I feel Karma rub up against my leg, and I look down, smiling at her.

“You won’t judge me, will you, girl?” I pick her up and set her on my lap. She purrs and headbutts my chin, resting herself on my chest as she makes biscuits on my shirt.

“Why does your love hurt?” I ask, scratching her chin.

I look around the room and notice I’m alone. All the people in this house, and not a single soul in sight… Sometimes I forget how big this house is. It always felt so lonely when I was younger, when Jack and Cade were always so busy making plans.

I love that there are more people here, like Gen.

My stomach tightens at the thought of her. I wonder if she is avoiding me. I would understand. It’s been so long, she’s not the same person I knew.

I hear soft footsteps coming down the stairs. I turn my neck to see a small woman with bright red hair.

“Genni?” I jump to my feet, dropping Karma down on the couch.

“Cal? Oh my Gods!” She runs to me and wraps her hands around my body. “You’re so tall!”

I look down at her freckled face and realize how much we have both grown. But those big green eyes are the same as when we were kids.

“Are you okay? Can I get you anything?” I look her over, noticing she’s wearing the hoodie and sweats I had in the dryer. She’s so tiny, literally drowning in them. She’s kind of like a doll.

I see her expression shift.

“Can we talk?” She looks behind her. “Somewhere private?” she whispers.

“Yeah, c’mon.” I grab her hand, walking her up the stairs to my room. Praying Alabaster isn’t occupying my bed.

I open the door and find the room empty. I sit down on my bed, patting my burgundy comforter before Genni carefully seats herself next to me. Her eyes land on my large bookshelf in the corner, before gazing out my glass doors overlooking the forest. There is a moment of silence between us. It’s been so long. Too much to cover. I feel the weight of the years between us, recognizing that this person in front of me may as well be a stranger. She clearly catches my discomfort and saves me by speaking up.

“Thank you for letting me stay here, though it wasn’t exactly a warm welcome with your brother.” Her voice is the same as I remember.

Gen was always so polite, and she had a way of speaking that made you feel safe. Like you could tell her anything and you know she won’t judge you. When we were kids, I was convinced it was a superpower. I was always going on and on about my deepest, darkest fears. She was the only person I told about my fate in the Covenant. I had sat with that pain for two years, too afraid to say the words out loud. I knew I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone, but one day I finally broke. Gen stayed with me for hours—just sitting in silence with me. We both knew there was nothing we could do. Until Cade found out.

“Cade has a soft spot for people who need help, though I wouldn’t go so far as to call him soft, as I’m sure you’ve already gathered.” I continue, “If I’m being honest, I’m just happy to see you again, despite the circumstances…” My words trail off as I look away, realizing she didn’t come here by choice. The last time—that day I told her about my role in the Order—I gave away too many secrets. My parents found us in my room. I was crying on her shoulder as she held me. I remember my mom grabbing her hand and dragging Genni out of the room; she didn’t fight it, she didn’t say a word. I never saw her again after that day. I was only eight years old, and I had lost my only friend.