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I’d only been trying to poke fun at him. We get on each other’s nerves, but deep down, I really enjoy the insulting jabs Primal and I trade. It’s a workout for my mind.

“It wasn’t like I was stalking her or anything. I just went to ensure she wasn’t passed out on the floor, and then I left,” Primal says in defense.

“I’m sure he only did it to stay ahead of the order. I’m not that far from you guys.” I shrug, trying to downplay what’s going on. He would have a lot to explain if they knew that Primal had camped outside my house for hours.

“So, how many of your night runs have you been going over there?” Corbin asks, his voice filled with curiosity.

“Just once. It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Yeah, no big deal,” I say once more.

Corbin crosses his arms over his chest. "Told you not to do anything stupid."

“I didn’t." Primal grunts. "Went for a run, stuck around to make sure she wasn’t dead, then left. Nothing stupid about it. If I’d known she’d make a big deal out of it, I would have completely bypassed her place and gone on my way.”

I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from scoffing. He didn’t just poke his head in to look at me, he was watching me. There was more to the story, but I didn’t need to know what it was yet.

“Corbin, it wasn’t a big deal. It actually felt good to know you guys were looking out for me.” I smiled at the man and watched him melt a little. Not that I knew it was them until I caught Primal’s scent.

“Of course, we’re looking out for you.”

I nod. “I appreciate it.”

With that, everyone groans and begins talking among themselves again. The tension is gone.

“Now, let me go check on Arely.” I walk out of the main area, doing my best not to meet Primal’s gaze. I’m sure he’s angry with me, but I don’t want to deal with it right now. I want to check on Arely.

Zavier is in the room with her when I get inside. He’s always with her or nearby. I don’t think he even goes out for runs much anymore.

It’s heartbreaking.

“Hey, we’ve missed you.” He stands and walks over to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and squeezing me. “You feeling okay?”

“Yeah, I’m perfect.” It’s a lie. I’m not perfect, but I’m better than I was when I sat at home alone.

“That’s good. I don’t know what we’d do if anything happened to you.”

“Don’t worry. Nothing is going to happen to me. I’m right here. Besides, I’m older than all of you put together. It takes a hell of a lot to take me on.” I smile up at him. “How’s she been?” I ask, gesturing toward Arley.

“The same. No change.” He sighs and looks back at her.

“I’m sorry. I wish there were more I could do.” But we both know what has to be done for her to wake up, and he’s going to have to be ready for it.

“I know. Your visit is more than enough.”

With that, he turns and walks out of the room, leaving her and me to have our private time.

I download everything that’s been happening over the past several days, which, unfortunately, hasn’t been much. Then I start to tell her about the paranoia I’ve been feeling. For that, I lower my voice, and even then, I make sure I don’t say Primal’s name.

I know the guys will respect my privacy, but they might be tempted to eavesdrop if they hear me talking about Primal in here.

“I don’t know why he’s been snooping. If it’s just some backward loyalty thing, I wish he would just stop. It makes me feel weird. I’m not a child who needs to be looked after. I’ve seen more in this life than any of them can imagine. I don’t need a protector,” I confide in Arely, knowing she can’t actually hear me, which kind of works for me. She doesn’t know me like this, and that lack of knowing lets me vent to her without judgment.

I suddenly stop mid-sentence and look at the door as I hear someone on the other side. I reach out and gently squeeze Arley’s hand. “I’ll talk to you soon,” I whisper.

I reach the door and pull it open. My breath catches in my lungs. My heart stutters a beat. I blink at the sight before me. I find myself taken aback when I don’t see Zavier standing there as I expected. Instead, it’s Primal waiting, intense eyes meeting mine.

“I know you’re not a child, and I’m not treating you like one. What I can’t understand is why you won’t stop acting like one.”