Read The Lost Pack (Paige) novel Chapter 134 Free

Ryder’s POV

The quiet after everyone leaves feels heavier than it should. The rain outside has slowed to a drizzle, barely making a sound against the windows. Outside, I can hear the buzz of pack life returning to normal. It’s strange how the world keeps moving when you’ve just balanced on the edge of death.

That’s the truth of it, though. If I’d died last night, the pack would have mourned, maybe lit a fire in my name, shared stories for a week or two. Then life would’ve gone on. Patrols would still run. The moon would still rise. The world wouldn’t stop spinning just because I wasn’t in it.

The thought hits harder than I expect. It’s humbling, and it’s terrifying. I’m not untouchable, no matter how much I’ve tried to pretend otherwise. One stupid mistake, and I almost left everything that mattered

behind. My brother. My friends. My mate. My son.

All because I got careless. I thought I was strong enough to handle anything.

The guilt sinks in deep. I should’ve known better. I should’ve been smarter. The idea that Callen might’ve had to tell Jax his dad wasn’t coming home, that Paige would’ve had to face that pain again, it makes my chest ache in a way no poison ever could.

My hand tightens around Paige’s. She hasn’t moved far, still perched on the edge of the bed beside me, her thumb tracing circles over my skin. The warmth of her touch feels like proof that I’m still here. That the darkness didn’t win.

I focus on the rhythm of her breathing. On the steady beat of my own heart. Both feel like a small miracle.

“Stop staring at me like I’m about to fall apart,” I say softly, trying to sound more like myself.

Paige gives me a look that’s half exasperation, half relief. “You almost did.”

She’s right, and we both know it. I should be dead. I shouldn’t be lying here, cracking jokes or watching the way she chews on her lip when she’s trying not to cry again.

“I’m fine,” I promise. “Or at least I will be.”

She gives me a weak smile and squeezes my hand once before standing. “Try to rest. I’m going to freshen up before Parker gets back.”

I let her go because I know she needs to move. Paige doesn’t do well sitting still when her emotions are running high. Watching her cross the small room settles something in me. She saved me. They all did, but it was her voice I heard in the dark. Her light that reached me when everything else disappeared, and I’ll never forget that.

I look over at Callen, who’s half asleep on the bed opposite mine. I know he gave too much, but I also know he’ll never admit just how much it’s affecting him. Ronnie sits in one of the chairs near the foot of my bed, his arms folded, watching the rain through the window.

Remy hasn’t said much since he gave us an ominous message, but I can feel his gaze on me from across. the room. It’s that Beta look, the assessing one that never misses a detail. I can tell he’s waiting, watching for any sign that I’m weaker than I’m pretending to be.

I meet his eyes. “You can stop analysing me; I’m still breathing.”

He nods once. “Just making sure you stay that way.”

“It’s appreciated,” I say, and I mean it. Even though his silence is unsettling.

Remy’s always been quiet and calm under pressure. But right now, there’s something new behind his eyes, something more than just concern. Ronnie shifts in his chair, breaking the tension. “Since we’re waiting for Parker anyway,” he says, leaning forward, “might as well get you caught up on what’s been happening while you were… taking your little nap.”

Callen snorts without opening his eyes. “Oh good, story time.”

I shoot him a look, but Ronnie just shakes his head, with a small smile. “Two of our females have

mate-matched with Midnight’s enforcers.”

That gets my attention. “Seriously?”

“Yep.” Ronnie nods. “Mara and Elsa, both unmated until now.”

“I guess that means we’ll be seeing a lot more of Midnight around here,” Callen murmurs.

“Looks that way,” Ronnie says. “The rest of their patrols went smoothly. No new hunter activity, and the Midnight wolves are settling in fine. No friction so far.”

That’s good news, but it doesn’t ease the tightness in my chest. I’ve seen enough temporary alliances fall apart over less. Still, if the Goddess is blessing these bonds, maybe it means we’re moving in the right direction. Maybe it means we’re not fighting this war alone anymore.

Remy still hasn’t spoken. He’s pacing near the far wall, his expression unreadable.

“You’re quiet,” I say.

He stops, exhales slowly, then looks over at me. “Because I’m trying to decide where to start.”

Callen cracks an eye open. “That bad?”

Remy hesitates long enough that I already know the answer. Then the door opens, saving him from answering right away.