JAXSON
As soon as I walked into the house, I saw my father and Ryder coming down the stairs.
They both froze when their eyes landed on me. My father’s face hardened instantly, his jaw tightening as he said, “Where have you been, you bastard?”
I didn’t bother to answer. I just kept walking toward the stairs.
Ryder’s voice came next, rough with concern. “We’ve been looking for you, Jaxson. Everyone’s been worried—”
His words faded the moment I walked past them without saying a word and climbed up the stairs.
“Stop right there!” My father’s voice boomed through the house, deep and sharp enough to rattle the walls.
But I didn’t stop. I kept walking, my boots echoing in the hall as I reached my room. His voice followed me, growling my name like an angry wolf, but I didn’t turn back.
Ins
