𝐕𝐄𝐗𝐄𝐃 ❷

𝟔𝟓. ✭ 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 ✭

I have never had a more 'fuck that' moment than when I'd watched Torey's son be picked up by Tristan. The way Wolfie had been so excited to see him, like he was his actual father, made my stomach roll in the worst of ways. Because I know if and when Torey sees it, it's going to slaughter him. In turn, he's going to want to slaughter the man himself and probably the entire world along with him.

Luke had looked like he felt much the same way. I'd catch his jaw ticking every now and again when Wolf would sit on Tristan's lap or be playful with him. Luke had been his father for the first year and a half of Wolf's life. It appears that having to share that title with someone else has ruffled his rather well-manicured feathers. Over protective doesn't even begin to be cover it when it comes to Luke, well, all three of them, really.

Speaking of which, Luke hadn't even wanted to hand Wolf over to Dani originally. Transitioning from a father to a grandfather I fear will sour Luke's mood exponentially, especially considering who she's married to. Tristan may be the son of someone he respected, but he's not Luke's son, Wolf's actual biological father.

The entire plane ride back Malyssa and Luke had told stories of Tristan and Braxton's father. They'd been captivated, hanging on their every word. Me, on the other hand, I couldn't really be bothered to give a shit. If Mal hadn't practically begged me to come 'home' I'd have happily stayed in New York, paid Evelyn a visit and figured out some semblance of a future for myself.

Because I can't have a future here in Las Vegas. No matter how much Malyssa wants me to. She may understand me like no singular other person has, become like a mother to me, but she can't expect me to stay. Not after everything that's happened. Not after Luke had insisted that Dani, Tristan, and Wolf stay with them; live with them. I understand why he had— because of Wolf. But there's no way in hell I can be around that and maintain a semblance of sanity.

"Hey man, can I ride with you?" Braxton's question has me lifting a brow as I pull myself out of my dreary thoughts. "I just..." He rocks on his heels slightly then continues, "they're all going together and I'm not really built to be in a vehicle with that many other people."

"No, no you really aren't." I let out a little chuckle as I eye his gargantuan frame, probably the first time I have semi-laughed in over a week. "So yeah, sure, no problem. I'll bring you back to the hellcat."

"That would be greatly appreciated."

As we walk over to my car, the one Luke had made sure was dropped off at the hanger for me, I ask, "how tall are you, anyway?" Because the man has a few inches on me in the height department but his size rivals Torey's, much like his brother's.

"Six-foot-five," he answers as we get into the vehicle. After I start the car and pull out of the parking space he adds, "you know I wanted to say this before but couldn't find the proper time; I'm really sorry about everything you're going through, man. It's really shitty what my brother did, I know. I tried to coach him in another direction but I don't know..." He shrugs in frustration. "Tristan does what he wants."

"Not your fault and it's not entirely your brother's fault either." And that fact has me gripping the steering wheel a tad harder.

Dani is extremely charming and the most beautiful woman I have ever set my eyes on. You'd have to be blind not to see that. Her parents smashing them together for months, well, not really a surprise they are where they are. I'd been there, done that. What was supposed to be a retirement job landed me right in her arms, in her bed.

"No, I know, but still. It's all just so fucked up." He's thoughtful for a moment before saying, "I don't understand why you're not more pissed off. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to beat the shit out of my brother. If it were me I'd want to. I'd be so fucking pissed."