Chapter 6

Callahan

I stand at the edge of the driveway, heart hammering as Alex and Weston slide into the car. The engine idles, then growls to life. Headlights pierce the twilight, and they pull away—fading taillights marking the moment I realized I’d lost her. My chest tightens, legs shake. She’s not angry—she’s disappointed. Anger would’ve been easier.

I stumble back toward the house and press my back against the wall, breath ragged.

Darius steps out of the shadow behind Mom, his posture rigid with command. Not this time. I straighten my spine and lock eyes with him.

“I’m your son, not your weapon,” I say, voice steady despite the tremor in my throat.

Mom’s eyes widen.

“I wanted to be Alex’s friend when she arrived—” My voice cracks, but I force the words out. “She’d lost everything.”

Mom blinks in confusion. “Cal—”

“You threatened to kill me if I got close.”

Blood drains from Mom’s face. “Darius—”

He shrugs as if it’s noth