---- 17 Seeing that I wasn't talking, Garrett ended his questions about my romantic life and shifted topics. But his expression grew more serious. "That Ironwood Pack Alpha, Damon Blackwood, is my mortal enemy," he said, his voice hardening with each word. "He didn't give you any trouble, did he? If he bullied you at all, you must tell me. I'll tear him apart." Hearing Damon's name spoken with such hatred, my heart tightened like a fist. Fear shot through me- afraid Garrett might notice the way my breathing changed, the way my hands trembled slightly. I forced my voice to remain steady. "No trouble at all. I barely saw him during my time there." The lie tasted bitter on my tongue, but I couldn't tell Garrett the truth. Not about the five years. Not about the love. Not about the betrayal. "Good," Garrett said, his knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel. "That bastard has been. ---- my rival since we were teenagers. If he ever laida finger on you..." "He didn't," I said quickly, too quickly. Garrett glanced at me sharply, and for amoment I thought he might press further. But fortunately, he seemed to accept my answer. "Just know that if anyone ever hurts you, they'll answer to me," he said quietly. "You're the most important person in my world, Sage. I won't let anyone harm you." Something in his tone made my chest feel tight, but I couldn't examine why. After returning home, I found Mom and Dad waiting for me in the front room. The moment they saw me, relief flooded their faces. Mom immediately rushed over with tears streaming down her cheeks. "Sage, you're finally home. We missed you so much." Her embrace was warm and desperate, like she was ---- afraid I might disappear again. "T thought you might never come back," she whispered against my hair. "Five years, sweetheart. Five years without a word." Guilt crashed over me. "I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to worry you." Dad approached more slowly, but his eyes were red- rimmed with emotion. When he pulled me into his arms, his voice was rough. "My little girl," he murmured. "You're so thin. Haven't they been feeding you properly up north?" "I'm fine, Dad," I assured him, though his concern made my throat tight. "I'm home now." "And you're staying," Mom said firmly. 'No more running off to dangerous places." Inodded, meaning it completely. After everything with Damon, home felt like the only safe place in the world. Over the next few days, I was surrounded by an