The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 307

The Return-2

Caleb noticed too.

His jealousy was palpable, a dark cloud that hung over him for the rest of the afternoon. He was curt with the other pack members, short with the servants, and barely spoke to Iva on the drive back to the villa.

When they finally returned to their suite, Iva turned to him.

“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

Caleb’s jaw tightened.

“Nothing is wrong.”

“Liar.”

He looked at her, his amber eyes burning.

“The way he looked at you-”

“Alessandro?” Iva laughed. “He was just being charming. It’s part of his culture.”

“Charming,” Caleb repeated, his voice flat. “He was undressing you with his eyes.”

Iva’s laugh faded.

“Caleb-”

‘I don’t like it,” he said, his voice fierce. “I don’t like anyone looking at you like that.”

Iva crossed the room and took his hands.

“Caleb, look at me.”

He met her eyes.

“I am yours,” she said softly. “Only yours. No amount of Italian charm is going to change that.”

Caleb’s grip tightened.

“I know,” he said. “I know. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

Iva smiled.

“Then don’t like it,” she said. “But trust me.”

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Caleb pulled her into his arms.

“I trust you,” he said. “I trust you more than anyone.”

Iva pressed her face into his chest.

“Then stop worrying,” she said. “He’s just a prince. You’re my mate. There’s no comparison.”

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The Return 2

Galcb’s lips curved into a smile.

“You’re right,” he said. “There’s no comparison.”

He kissed her then, deep and possessive, a reminder of exactly who she belonged to.

And later that night, as they lay tangled in the sheets, Iva whispered in his ear.

“Now, about those knots you mentioned…

Caleb’s laugh was low, dark.

“Say no more.”

Claim

The days on Capri passed like a dream.

Iva woke each morning to the sound of waves and the warmth of Caleb’s arms wrapped around her.

But all dreams must end.

The morning of their departure arrived with a grey sky and a heavy heart. Iva stood at the terrace railing, watching the sea churn beneath the clouds. The wind whipped her hair across her face, and she shivered despite the warmth of her robe.

Caleb appeared behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist.

“Ready?” he asked softly.

Iva shook her head.

“No. Not even a little bit.”

Caleb pressed a kiss to her temple.

“Neither am I.”

They stood in silence, watching the waves crash against the rocks below. The island that had been their refuge was slowly disappearing into the mist, like a dream fading with the dawn.

Iva’s stomach churned with a familiar dread.

The stalker was waiting for her.

The letters, the roses, the constant fear-it would all come rushing back the moment they stepped foot on the mainland.

“You’re worried,” Caleb said, not a question.

“I’m terrified,” Iva admitted. “Being here, it was so easy to forget. To pretend that everything was fine. But now…” She trailed off, her throat tight.

Caleb turned her to face him, his hands cupping her face.

Listen to me,” he said, his voice fierce. “This time will be different. I promise you.”

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< The Return z

Iva’s eyes searched his.

“How can you be sure?”

Caleb’s jaw tightened.

Claim

“Because we’ve been preparing,” he said. “While we were here, my people have been working. The security measures around the academy have been increased. The surveillance has been expanded. And we’ve identified several potential suspects.”

Iva’s heart leaped.

“You found the stalker?”

Caleb’s expression flickered.

“Not yet. But we’ve narrowed it down. It’s only a matter of time.”

Iva’s hope dimmed.

“What if we can’t find them? What if they keep hiding? What if-”

Caleb kissed her, cutting off her spiral of fear.

“Then we keep fighting,” he said against her lips. “Together., Always.”

Iva melted into him, drawing strength from his warmth.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you too.”

The Academy looked the same as when they left.

The same stone pathways. The same ancient buildings. The same clusters of students hurrying between classes.

But Iva felt different.

Stronger. More determined.

The stalker was still out there. The fear was still real. But she refused to let it consume her.

She walked through the corridors with her head held high, her eyes sharp. She attended her classes, completed her duties as the Messenger, and continued her work identifying fated couples.

And every night, she fell asleep in Caleb’s arms, feeling safe and loved.

The stalker had taken so much from her.

But she was determined to take it back.