Page 18 of Forbidden Bliss
I draw in a shallow breath. Well, whatever his reasoning is, he convinced Willow that running away to Northern Nevada was somehow a good idea.
Ethan’s voice breaks through my thoughts, steady and determined. “It’s up to you now, Tristan. We’re here to support you, but you have to take the first step.”
Fiona’s green eyes soften. “You’re their family, Tristan. And family is worth fighting for.”
The resolve shows in each of my siblings’ eyes. As complicated as they are, they’re offering me a lifeline. It’s up to me to grab it.
Leaning back in my chair, I nod. The truth is out, and the path forward is uncertain, but one thing is clear. I’m a Wolfe, dammit. It’s time for me to face my problems and make things right.
As my family continues to talk, their voices blend with the soft clinking of cutlery and the gentle hum of the surrounding restaurant.
Each of the Wolfes, in their own way, has found someone who complements them and brings out the best in them. There’s a certain magic in seeing my siblings so happy and so complete, as if the missing pieces of their lives have finally clicked into place.
A pang of longing hits me. I want that. I want a family with Willow and my daughter.
Fiona stops chatting to Ava and turns her attention back to me. “So, uh … Tristan, are you gonna get her back?”
I stand abruptly, my thighs hitting the table with a jolt, causing the silverware to rattle and glasses to clink. “Hell yes.”
Zack does a silent belly laugh, his shoulders shaking. “That’s the spirit. But, hey, try not to knock her over when you go all alpha on her, okay?”
Devin’s eyes crinkle with amusement. “Yeah, and maybe don’t scare the kid with that intense look of yours.”
I smirk, shaking my head at my clever siblings. “Thanks for the advice, Dr. Phils.”
Ethan raises his glass. “To Tristan. Go get your girl.”
The laughter and the toasts feel good, like a balm on a wound that’s been open too long. I grasp the moment to soak it all in. And as I sit back down, a part of me feels lighter, ready to fight for what I lost.
I’m done with being the lone Wolfe. Change is here, and I’m going to get everything I want.
Chapter 9
Tristan
Familyiseverything.Ineed to create a stable home for Willow and Lana. The realization hits me hard.
I decide to travel by helicopter to meet Willow at Hunter’s house, but there’s something I have to do first. As I sit down at the desk in my home office, I dial Hunter’s phone number.
His deep voice replies. “This is Hunter.”
I hesitate before I greet him. “Hunter.”
“Tristan.” His voice is surprisingly calm. “I was wondering when I would hear from you.”
“I appreciate all you’ve done for Willow and my daughter, but I want you to know… I’m coming to get them, regardless of whether you agree with it.” The words rush out of my mouth before I halt and brace myself for impact.
Hunter sighs. “Okay.”
My brain scrambles. I’d hardly expected an agreeable response like that coming from someone who wanted to rip my limbs off a few days ago. I push the phone harder into my ear. “What?”
He chuckles. “I’ve done what I can. I’ve given them a home and a safe place to heal, but they’re ready for the next stage in their lives. They need you, Tristan.”
A sudden release of tension makes my shoulders relax. I swallow the lump that had been clogging my esophagus all morning. “Yes. They do.”
“My sister is a strong woman,” Hunter replies, his voice softening. “She’s had to be. And Lana… she’s an amazing kid. But they need more than just safety now. They need a complete family.”
I let out a long exhale. “Thank you, Hunter. Thank you for everything you’ve done, and for taking care of them all these years.”