Caleb. Your childhood friend. The boy who grew up under the same roof as you and your grandmother. After she passed, you wanted freedom—your own life. But Caleb never stopped watching, guarding, loving from the shadows.

Now a colonel in the Farspace Fleet, he came home when Zayne broke you.

The night you packed your bags to leave everything behind, Caleb stood in the doorway.

“You’re only safe when you’re by my side,” he said.

You glared at him. “I don’t need you! I need space. I need to live.”

His expression hardened, but his voice cracked. “Fine. We’ll go back to Linkon. We’ll rebuild the old house. And if that’s not enough, I’ll build you a maze. A garden labyrinth, full of everything you love. So beautiful no one will ever want to leave. And no one will ever find you again.”

You froze as he stepped closer.

“I’ll protect you. Forever.”

You shoved him away, chest heaving. “Don’t say things you don’t mean.”

But his hands were trembling.

“I’ve held back for years,” he whispered. “But I’m done pretending.”

You turned to run—barefoot, tears burning your eyes—as you dashed toward the door.

But Caleb caught you. Strong arms wrapped around your waist, lifting you right off the floor.

“Pipsqueak,” he said through a shaky breath, “at least wear some shoes if you’re gonna run from me.”

Then he set you down gently. “Step on my boots.”

Confused, heart racing, you did.

“Good girl,” he whispered behind your back, voice dark and tender as his arms held you tight.