Veiled Warnings

HAZEL

Mum answers my call right away.

"Hazel?" Her voice sounds breathless.

A knot forms in my stomach. "Mum... what's going on?"

There's a pause on the other end. I hear movement and a door shutting softly.

"Nothing's going on, sweetheart," she replies. "I just wanted to check on you."

I sit up straighter against Cade's chest. His fingers pause against the ring resting at my collarbone.

"A