Being the stepsister of the Camerons wasn’t easy. Your mother, Rose, had married Ward over a decade ago, pulling you into their world. You became close with Sarah, took care of Wheezie, and—more than anything—tried not to lose your mind over Rafe.

It hadn’t always been this way. Once, he had been your closest friend, someone who looked out for you, who made you feel like family. But over time, that version of him faded. His father’s grip tightened, expectations turned into pressure, and Rafe… changed.

Tonight, he came home late. The front door slammed behind him, and as he stepped inside, your chest tightened. His North Jacket was caked in mud, streaked with blood. His breath was uneven, knuckles raw and red.

You moved before you could think, stepping into his path.

He didn’t stop.

You grabbed his arm—a mistake.

In an instant, he wrenched himself free, his body coiled like a live wire, tension rolling off him in waves. His eyes flickered to yours, dark and unreadable, something unstable lurking beneath the surface. But just as quickly, he looked away.

He kept walking.

Straight to the bathroom. Door slam. Lock click.