Three years had passed since our last encounter, and the prospect of spending time with my twin siblings filled me with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. Jazlyn, my spirited sister, couldn't contain her excitement about the upcoming visit. However, my mood took a nosedive as she mentioned West, the supposed guardian of our security during their stay.
"Yeah, okay, sure," I snorted in response to Jazlyn's attempt to downplay West's comments. "The guy doesn't even know me, and he's already talking s**t about me!" Jazlyn's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know that?" she questioned, lips twitching. "Uuuhhh, hheeelllooooo, you always talk to him on speaker; I hear you when you're talking to him," I revealed with a hint of frustration. "How can he talk so much s**t when he doesn't even know me? And he's supposed to be in charge of my security while visiting. That just brings me so much joy and confidence." I emphasized the sarcasm. "I already feel like I'm being a burden."
"Don't listen to my brother; he can be a real asshat," Axel chimed in, offering some reassurance. "Axel's right; we are going to have some fun. We have a few side trips set up, including a visit to some of the most beautiful beaches. We'll get an awesome tan and recharge our batteries so that we can kick some major ass when we get back out there," Jazlyn said excitedly. "Don't let him spoil this for you. He won't even be hanging around too much; he will assign someone to follow you. He's not going to do it himself."
"Oh geeeee, like that makes me feel ssssoogo much better," I chided, my skepticism evident. "I mean, every time either of you talks to him, I can hear the disdain in his voice when he talks about seeing me again." I furrowed my brows, recalling our last encounter. "Am I really that bad of a person?" Axel quickly reassured me, "No, of course not! I know you want everyone to like you, but honestly, West doesn't like anyone. Sometimes he doesn't even like himself," he chuckled. "Try not to worry about him; once he gets to know you, you'll have him wrapped around your little finger." He playfully wiggled his brows.
"I doubt that," I retorted, rolling my eyes. "So when is the big bad wolf supposed to be here?" My question triggered an unexpected reaction. Both Jazlyn and Axel snorted, and the juice they were drinking shot out of their noses and mouths. "What the hell! What is that all about?" I exclaimed, bewildered by their reaction.
"Sorry, it's just that others have referred to him like that also—some say he's a wolf in human clothing," Axel explained as Jazlyn tried to compose herself, wiping away the snorted juice. "You two are so weird; he's probably just as weird as you two."
Jazlyn, one of the lead guitarists, Axel on drums, Jasper as the other lead guitarist, and Faye on bass—each member of Ryven's Rose played a crucial role in the band, but it was the singer, Ryven Rose herself, who captivated West's heart. Three years had passed since their first meeting, an encounter that left an indelible mark on West. Despite the age difference—fifteen for her and twenty-one for him—the conviction that she was meant to be his lingered, fueled by the desire to reconnect and convince her of their undeniable connection.
As West prepared for the upcoming reunion, a call from his mother interrupted his thoughts. "Yes, mother, I will be on my best behavior. I will not do anything to embarrass you or the two little dipshits," West teased, using a term of endearment that showcased the familial banter they shared.
"West!" His mother scolded. "Language, young man!" A reminder of her distaste for foul language, though West was well aware that his little sister could rival him in that department.
"I'm kidding, I promise to be nice," West assured her, rolling his eyes. "I'll let you know when I am with your two babies. Love you, Mom. See you and Dad in a few weeks." He chuckled, anticipating the forthcoming family reunion.
"And you better be nice to Kira. She's been through a lot these past few months. I want her to feel safe," Mom instructed, emphasizing the importance of treating Ryven Rose with care and understanding.
"I know, Mom, Shadow's already with her," West reassured her, referring to the presence of Shadow, their pack's protector, accompanying Ryven.
"You still need to tell her," his mother reminded him, a hint of concern in her voice.
"I know, Mom, I'll figure it out. You better. I just know why you haven't done or said anything sooner." She sighed, expressing a mixture of frustration and worry. "She could already be here with us and not be in the situation she's in now," she scolded West gently.
"Yes, Mom. Again, I know. I'm an i***t," West admitted, acknowledging the weight of his actions and decisions over the past three years. The familial concern was palpable, and West felt the weight of everyone's expectations.
As the conversation continued, West sensed the tension in his relationship with Max, the pack alpha, who had distanced himself over time. "Well, take care of my daughter-in-law and bring her home safe," Mom urged, her voice reflecting both love and worry, highlighting the complex dynamics at play within the family and the responsibility West felt toward Ryven Rose.
"I will, Mom. Believe me, I've regretted every second of every week, of every day, of every year for the past three years," West reassured his mother with a heavy sigh, the weight of those years of separation evident in his voice. As he hung up, a sense of determination overcame him, prompting him to call together the team that would ensure Kira's private security during their upcoming journey.
"What's up, boss?" Moses, next in charge when West or Shadow weren't available, greeted him with a nod.
"Is everyone ready? We need to head to the airport," West instructed, a sense of urgency in his tone.
"Yep, they're all waiting by the cars, ready for you," Moses confirmed, understanding the gravity of the situation.
"Well, let's get going; we have a long flight," West declared, leading the way out of his office. As they walked, Moses couldn't help but address the elephant in the room, "So, are you going to calm our new Luna while we are there?"
"I need to tell her first. As far as I know, Jaz and Jy haven't told her anything about us," West admitted, acknowledging the delicate nature of the revelation he had yet to share with Ryven Rose.
"Dude, you should have just told her three years ago," Moses pointed out, echoing the sentiments of many around West.
"Uuuhhhhgggg! I know. I will regret that for the rest of my life!" West expressed his frustration, the consequences of his past decisions weighing heavily on him. The obsession of someone with Kira had complicated matters, reminding everyone of the choices made.
"Okay, sorry. I don't mean anything by it, just..." Moses started, sensing the tension.
"I know, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take out my frustration on you," West apologized, giving Moses a reassuring pat on the shoulder.