Chapter 6. Echoes of Her Absence

Jax’s POV

“You heard me. You’re running from your feelings and from her. You’re trying to avoid something real because it scares you.”

“Oh, come on. And you’re suddenly a hero now?” I shot back, defensive.

Ty raised a brow. “I’m not the one who tried to compel his mate. Or booking flights to flee the moment things get complicated.”

“I’m tired, Ty. Just… tired,” I said, my voice hollow.

I was. My body felt like lead, my mind a storm. I needed space to breathe, to think—to survive the chaos of my own heart.

“Don’t go,” Ty said softly, his earlier sarcasm gone.

“I’ll come back,” I promised. “On her birthday.”

He sighed. “Good. But when you return, I want you to stop running. She’ll be eightee