Page 54 of Sage Haven

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Like a fucking prayer or a goddamn curse.

It slammed into me harder than I expected.

A muscle ticked in my jaw. I clenched my fists at my sides, grounding myself. Then, rougher I responded— “You too, Sage.”

I let her go and her eyes widened, and for a second, something passed between us.

Something raw and undeniable.

And then— she broke.

Her face crumbled as she turned and ran.

Her footsteps quick and light as they faded into the darkness.

I stood there, breathing hard as I rubbed a hand down my face.

This wasn’t how I planned it.

I wanted control and strategy.

Not this.

Not her slipping through my fingers before I was ready.

I stared at the ground where she’d stood.

At the flowers she’d dropped, that were scattered like offerings, or perhaps, warnings.

Did she really not know this was private property?

Did she really not understand what she’d walked into?

I wanted to believe her. I wanted to trust what sounded like honesty in her voice and the purity she somehow portrayed in those green eyes, but I couldn’t.

Not with Klay still out there, and not with her name tied to his.

I turned back toward the trees.

Forcing my breathing to even out.

One way or another, she would be under my roof soon enough.

And when that time came— Iwould get my answers.

But for now?

I needed to send a stronger message.

Something that would break her spirit just enough to keep her away, until I was ready to claim her.

Because when I did… there would be no running.

13

SAGE

“Please, Klay... just takeme home.”

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