CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Telling Wolf that things were over between them for good was probably the hardest thing Ethan ever had to do. The bus pulled into Oklahoma City about an hour ago and everyone went to their respective hotel rooms. Ethan paced, phone in hand, because he couldn’t put off talking to Wolf for another day. He swore he’d do it the moment he got back from seeing Tyler, but he got swept away to a meet and greet and then soundcheck and then the show. He thought about telling Wolf as soon as they got on the bus, but he didn’t want to have that conversation in front of Harris and Marshall. Some things were still private.
ETHAN: Can you come to my room?
WOLF:
Ethan sighed because the winky face meant Wolf had the wrong idea.
ETHAN: I need to tell you something important
A few seconds passed as Ethan watched the small dots bouncing on his screen. They disappeared, and then reappeared.
WOLF: I’ll be there in a few
Great. He threw his phone on the couch and plopped down next to it, feeling as if there were a brick in his stomach. He reminded himself that Wolf deserved better. He loved Wolf, but he was never in love with the guy. He’d been foolish and oblivious not to realize that Wolf’s feelings were deeper, and it cut him to think that he was going to break his best friend’s heart.
When he heard the knock on the door, he squeezed his eyes closed briefly in order to ready himself for the conversation before answering the door. But it wasn’t Wolf. It was Ruby, and she looked pissed.
She marched into Ethan’s room clutching her ever-present tablet to her chest and spun around. “Are you reading the posts on social media? The fans are livid. They hate that you’re with someone else. They want you to be with Wolf.”
“I don’t care what they want.” He screwed his face up and looked at her as if she were crazy. Because she was. “It’s my life. They can’t tell me who to date. Neither can you.” He was fed up with Ruby and her agenda. He knew she was only doing her job, but enough was enough. It was fine when there wasn’t a significant other in his life or just random guys, but he wasn’t going to jeopardize his relationship with Tyler by propagating the idea that he and Wolf were a couple.
“I’m not telling you to break it off with him, Ethan. I’m just telling you to play into the dynamic with Wolf. You two lost that since you’ve been with Tyler, and the fans see it. They miss it. There’s barely any chemistry on stage between you and Wolf anymore and the fans feel it. Don’t you care what they think? What they want?” She pressed her tablet to her chest. “Without them, you don’t have a career.”
The remark infuriated him because first and foremost, the fans were there because they loved Wolf Pack’s music, not to play into a romance. “It’s about the music, not who I’m sleeping with or who I’m rubbing up against on stage. By the way, if it’s any of your business, I’m not just fucking around with Tyler. It’s serious. So, do whatever you have to do. Wave your magic wand. Get on the phone and issue a statement. Or don’t. But I’m not going to disrespect Tyler by acting like there’s something between me and Wolf. Because there’s not. It’s over. God!” he huffed in frustration, throwing his hands up. “It wasn’t even a big deal to begin with! We were just fooling around! It was nothing!”
“Nothing?” a familiar deep voice asked. “Wasn’t a big deal? So, I never meant anything to you? And that’s it? It’s over? And you don’t even have the decency to tell me to my face?”
Ethan swung around, and his heart plummeted at the sight of Wolf standing in the doorway. But it was the hurt and sadness in the guy’s voice that did him in. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant that it wasn’t anything serious. You know that. We were just messing around because it was fun.”
“So, I was just a convenience? Someone to fuck when you were horny and one of your boy toys weren’t around?” Although Wolf sounded angry, his voice wavered, and the pain that showed on his face was palpable. “Let me make this perfectly clear. When this guy moves on—because they all move on—don’t come running back to me and think you can jump in my bed. I’m not your fucking doormat. This isn’t the way you treat someone you’ve known practically your whole life. That’s not a best friend. That’s a tool. You’re a tool, Ethan. I’m done. Stay the fuck away from me. On and off stage.” With that, Wolf turned and sprinted down the hallway, leaving Ethan and Ruby staring after him with their mouths hanging open.
“Fuck! Wolf! Wait!” Ethan ran after his friend, heart pounding. He needed to make things right. He couldn’t lose Wolf. “None of that’s true! Of course, I care about you!” He caught Wolf by the arm and the guy spun around so fast Ethan almost plowed into him.
“What the fuck else do you want to say to me? Do you want to tell me I’m a lousy fuck too? Just take the knife and plunge it into my heart, why don’t you?” Wolf twisted his upper body to the side. “You can take it out of my back first.”
“I’m sorry.” Ethan’s chest deflated, like someone let the air out of a balloon, and his heart ached for his best friend. “You’re taking everything the wrong way. I understand why you’re upset. But you have to know that none of what you said is true.” He took Wolf’s hand and held it between his palms. “Of course, I care about you. I know you know I care about you. You know me better than anyone. You’re my best friend. We’ve known each other forever. We’ve shared every milestone, every hurdle, all the ups and downs. I was always there for you. When you had no one, I was there. I’m still here.”
“So, I was just a burden all these years?” Wolf pulled his hand away. “I don’t need your pity. I’m not that scared little kid anymore. I’m a big boy now. You don’t need to take care of me.”
Wolf turned and walked briskly down the hall, but Ethan followed, desperate to make things right.
“Of course you weren’t a burden. You’re my best friend. How many times do I need to tell you that? I need you, Wolf!”
Wolf stopped and turned around, his eyes glistening and his lips turned downward, but his voice was ice cold. “No. You don’t. You don’t need me at all.”
“Of course, I do!” Ethan shouted. “You’re like my right arm. It was always you and me, since we were kids.”
Wolf stared at Ethan with narrowed eyes and his arms folded across his chest, assessing Ethan’s declarations. Finally, he said, “You’ve changed since you met that twink.”
Wolf’s attitude, not just right now, but since Ethan started seeing Tyler, began to piss him off. “You’re the one who’s changed. Instead of being my crazy and fun best friend, you’re angry and hostile and fucking rude. Tyler tried to be your friend. He was nice and cordial when you guys met, but you were an asshole to him. And you’re being an asshole to me right now.”
“That’s because you are an asshole.”
Exasperated, Ethan let out a huff of air. “Why am I the asshole? I’m trying to talk to you. To have a conversation. And you won’t listen to me.”
“Because you let that twink get in the middle of a 20-year friendship. You’re so fucking infatuated with him you can’t think clearly. Did it ever occur to you that he’s only along for the ride? That he’s trying to get whatever he can from you? Like exposure for his own benefit. And when that happens, he’ll be done with you. Just like the rest. But I’m not going to be here to pick up the pieces anymore. You’re not going to crawl back into my bed ever again.”
Ethan started to connect the dots, and his brows pinched together. “You think Tyler is using me for my connections in LA in order to build his clientele? You think he doesn’t really care about me?”
“I think he’s a gold digger. I think he’s phony AF.”
The thought almost cut Ethan’s heart in half, but Wolf was wrong. Dead fucking wrong. Tyler was the most blunt and honest person he ever met. “That’s so fucking untrue. If you ever took the time to get to know him, you’d see that.” The accusation began to sink in and not only made him defensive, but a little angry too, and he poked his finger in Wolf’s direction. “You couldn’t be more wrong. What me and Tyler have is real. We’re in love.”
Wolf recoiled as if slapped in the face. The fire in his eyes extinguished like water on a flame, and pain painted them an agonizing color. “You’re in love with him?”
“Yes.” Ethan tugged on the roots of his hair. They were still in the hallway, and everyone was listening, but he didn’t care. “Fuck! I didn’t want to tell you like this. Can we please go to your room so we can have some privacy?” He glanced at a few of the security guards, and they immediately looked away.
Wolf slowly shook his head, and when he spoke, his voice was barely a whisper. “I don’t want you in my room.”
“I was going to tell you today. Right now.” Ethan flung his arm toward his hotel room. “That’s why I said I had something important to tell you. I hoped you’d be happy that I found someone I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
“The rest of your life?” Wolf raised his voice with shock. “Are you fucking serious right now?”
“I’ve never been more serious about anything.” Ethan’s tone softened, because he didn’t want to argue anymore. He wanted his best friend back. “Tyler makes me really happy, Wolf. I’ve never met anyone like him. From the minute I met him, I can’t stop thinking about him. I didn’t know he felt the same way. But he does. We’re in love. I thought you’d be at least a little bit happy for me.”
Wolf grunted and his brows shot up. “Happy? You expect me to be happy that after 20 years you’re just going to cast me aside?”
“I’m not casting you aside.” With a heavy heart, Ethan tried to cup Wolf’s face in his hand to soothe his best friend, but Wolf slapped it away. “You’re still my best friend, Wolf. Nothing’s going to change that. But me and Tyler want to be exclusive now. We kept saying it was casual, but things got serious, so we want to take the next step.”
“You’re getting married?” Wolf exclaimed, his eyebrows and voice skyrocketing.
“No.” Ethan smiled. “We’re not getting married. Not yet. Maybe in the future.”
“Oh my God!” Wolf paced and threw his hands up to the ceiling. “Who the fuck are you?”
“Why can’t you be happy for me?” Ethan’s brows pinched together, and he shook his head. He understood this was hard for Wolf, but if the situation were reversed, he’d be happy for his friend.
“Because everything changed so fast and you’re cutting me out of your life!” Wolf shouted.
“I’m not cutting you out of my life. When did I ever say or act like I don’t want you around?”
Wolf snorted. “Whenever he’s here! Which is all the time! You just said you don’t want me anymore!”
“I did not. I only said that me and Tyler are in love and in an exclusive relationship now. I was only clarifying that me and you are just going to be friends. Without benefits.”
Wolf took a deep breath, pressed his lips together firmly, and nodded. “Fine. It’s better that way, anyway. We should have ended it a long time ago, so we could both move on. I’m happy for you.” But his voice was filled with anger and vehemence. “Good luck.” Then he turned and walked into his room and shut the door. The sound of the lock clicking was the only noise in the otherwise quiet hallway.
Ethan stared at the closed door and considered knocking but decided against it. Instead, he went back to his room and came face to face with Ruby standing in the open doorway. He forgot she was there. Why was she still here listening to everything? Why didn’t she just leave? “I don’t want to hear it,” he said walking past her. “I just want to be alone, so if you don’t mind . . .”
“I’m so sorry that happened, Ethan. That was awful. I want you to know two things, and then I’ll leave you alone. One, security has an ironclad NDA, and the only other people on the floor are Harris, Marshall, and Paul. No staff or anyone else. Not a word of this is going to be leaked. Second, I want you to know that after what I just witnessed, I’m going to ease up regarding your personal life and let things simmer for a while.”
Like she had a choice. Wolf probably wouldn’t even speak to him anymore. There wasn’t a chance in hell they’d play up their chemistry on stage.
“You know where to reach me if you need me.”
Ethan collapsed onto the couch as soon as Ruby shut the door behind her. This morning, he’d been happier than he’d ever been in his life. Now, his life was a mess. Wolf would come around, he told himself. The guy only needed to calm down and see things clearly.
But what if he didn’t? Ethan could lose his lifelong friend. He couldn’t handle that. He didn’t know how to fix this. Suddenly overcome, he covered his face with his hands and did something he hadn’t done in years. He cried. Sobbed. His chest ached and his stomach felt like he’d just been punched.
When someone knocked, he shot to his feet and ran to the door, his heart racing so fast he felt a rush in the center of his chest. But it was only Marshall, not Wolf.
“Mind if I come in?” Marshall asked.
Ethan quickly wiped his eyes, nodded, and sat back down on the couch.
Marshall sat next to him and rested his hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “That was fucking brutal, dude.”
“Did you check on Wolf? Is he OK?”
“Harris is with him.”
“Good. I don’t want him to be alone.”
“Things are going to be OK. You guys have had your ups and downs before. It’ll work out in the end. It always does.”
“I hope so. But I’m not so sure this time. I’m worried. Fucking petrified.” Ethan hung his head, never feeling lower. “I hurt him. It’s the last thing I ever wanted to do.”
“Once we get on stage tonight, everything will calm down. The music will take over. Emotions will settle. You’ll see.” Marshall patted Ethan’s knee. “It’s going to be OK.”
After Marshall left, Ethan stayed sitting on the couch too exhausted to move. His mind kept going back to all he and Wolf had been through in their lives, especially when they were younger.
16 years old
Ethan woke with a jolt and immediately turned to look at Wolf in the bed next to him. His friend was having another bad dream.
Wolf wasn’t screaming, but he was whimpering and mumbling loudly while thrashing back and forth, kicking at the covers which were tangled around his legs. They’d been sharing a room for a year already, and Wolf was still having trouble sleeping through the night.
“Wolf,” Ethan whispered. “Wake up. It’s OK. You’re just having a bad dream.” When Wolf didn’t wake, Ethan sat on the edge of his friend’s bed and rested his hand on Wolf’s shoulder. “Wolf. Wake up.”
Wolf jumped and gasped, recoiling at the touch, then let out and exhausted breath. Tears filled his eyes and spilled over as he met Ethan’s gaze, and he wiped at his face, embarrassed. “I’m . . . I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry.” Ethan had no idea what happened to Wolf to cause the bad dreams or what they were about, because Wolf would never talk about them. “Was it bad?” he asked.
Wolf nodded.
“You’re OK now. You can go back to sleep. No one’s going to hurt you here.”
Wolf nodded again.
As Ethan headed back to his own bed, he stopped to look at his best friend. Wolf was curled into himself, shaking slightly, and hugging the pillow as if it were a lifeline. Ethan’s heart fell to the floor, pulverized, at the sight. “Do you need anything? Water?” He sat back on Wolf’s bed, wishing he knew what to do.
Wolf looked up at Ethan, and he looked like a scared little boy instead of a 16-year-old teenager. “Can you lie down in bed with me? Just until I fall back to sleep?”
It was such a simple request that Ethan couldn’t believe he hadn’t thought of it. “Yeah. Of course.”
Relief covered Wolf’s face, and he scooted over so Ethan could climb into the bed. Ethan put his arm around Wolf, and Wolf breathed out a long sigh as he rested his head on Ethan’s shoulder fisting the sheets to his chest. A few minutes later, Wolf’s breath deepened, and he fell asleep.
The next day, everything was back to normal. They woke up, ate breakfast, and went to school without talking about the late-night incident, just like always.
Most of the stuff going on in Wolf’s head was a mystery. Wolf kept his feelings locked up inside him and had insecurity issues, but he didn’t know how strong he was. He was the strongest person Ethan knew. He had the courage to have a boyfriend when he knew his parents would freak out, and the strength to confess his sexuality to Ethan’s mom and dad. He was even brave enough to continue his relationship with Bobby after everything hit the fan. And when they broke up, Wolf had the fortitude to pick himself up and date again.
As Ethan and Wolf sat on the floor of their room and played Grand Theft Auto, Ethan started to wonder about something that had been stirring inside him for a while. “Can I ask you a question?”
“What is it?” Wolf asked, without shifting his gaze from the video game on the TV.
Ethan couldn’t believe he was about to ask this out loud, but he needed to find out the answer, and Wolf was the perfect person to ask. If Wolf could be open about it, so could he. “Did you ever kiss a girl?”
“No. I don’t like girls. Never did.”
Ethan had kissed many girls but never did much more than that. It always bothered him that he wasn’t interested in pursuing a sexual relationship with them, because most of his other friends bragged about their accomplishments. Granted, a lot of the stories were probably embellished, but Ethan had no desire to brag about something like that. “What does it feel like to kiss a guy?”
Wolf put down his controller, and a loud crash came from the TV as his avatar was destroyed. He stared at Ethan, blankly, and finally asked. “Why? Do you want to kiss a guy?”
Ethan smiled sheepishly and nodded. “Yeah. I just don’t know anyone who would want to kiss me back. I’m pretty sure the guys I have my eye on are all straight.”
Wolf chewed his lip for a moment while his eyes shifted back and forth. “You could kiss me. If you want. To see what it’s like.”
Ethan would be lying if he said he never thought about kissing Wolf, but Wolf was his best friend, and that could be really weird and ruin everything between them. That’s the last thing he ever wanted to happen. Wolf had lost so much in his life. There was no way Ethan wanted to risk their friendship, not just for Wolf’s sake, but for his own as well.
“It wouldn’t mean anything,” Wolf added. “Whatever. It was just an idea.” He picked up his controller and turned back to the video game.
“No. I mean, yeah,” Ethan quickly replied. “I want to. I do. To try it. Like you said.”
An enthusiastic smile spread across Wolf’s cheeks, and he tossed his controller aside. “Cool.”
Nerves made Ethan’s heart flutter and his palms sweaty. He smiled apprehensively, not sure what the hell to do, but Wolf took the lead. As soon as Wolf’s hand cupped Ethan’s jaw, he sucked in a breath and his eyes lowered to Wolf’s lips. He never noticed how full they were before, and he really wanted to kiss them. Slowly, he moved closer, and Wolf did the same. Their lips pressed together, softly, and stayed that way, making Ethan’s heartrate speed up and his internal thermometer spike.
Wolf pulled away, a millimeter at a time, just so there was barely an inch between them. His eyes were still lowered, and a smile permeated his lips. “Do you want more?” he whispered.
“Yeah.” Ethan definitely wanted more.
Their lips met again, this time with more force, and parted at the same time. Eagerly they both tasted the other with impatience, as if this was something they’d both been waiting to happen for a long time. It was exhilarating and sent tingles all throughout Ethan’s body. It was so new and different, and so fucking amazing. He couldn’t believe what he’d been missing out on for so long. Kissing girls was fun, but kissing a guy—or maybe just Wolf in particular—felt like the best thing in the world, and he wondered if all guys kissed this way.
“Did you like it?” Wolf asked.
“Hell yeah.”
“Do you . . . maybe want to try more? At some point. We don’t have to do anything more right now.”
Of course, Ethan wanted to try more. Wolf seemed like the perfect person to do it with, but again, he didn’t know if that was a good idea. He didn’t want to jeopardize their friendship, and moving past just friendship is exactly where this seemed to be going. That kiss certainly made him look at Wolf in a whole new light. “Have you done more?” Ethan wondered.
Wolf shook his head. “Not really. Just hand jobs. But I want to do more.”
“Is that going to make it weird between us? We’re best friends. I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize that.”
“It won’t. Not if we’re clear about what we both want.”
“OK.” Ethan nodded. “What do you want?”
“I want us to still be best friends.”
“Best friends don’t make out and . . . do more.”
Wolf smiled. “We can be best friends with benefits. That’s it. It doesn’t have to be more than that. Is that OK with you?”
Ethan contemplated the idea, and it sounded perfect. “Yeah.” He nodded, smiling and feeling heat and excitement rush through his chest.
“Cool.” Wolf picked up his controller, nudged his shoulder against Ethan’s, and displayed a wide grin before he restarted the game.
Now
A loud knock on the door brought Ethan back to the present. It was Paul, letting him know they were ready to leave for soundcheck. As they headed down the hallway, Wolf was up ahead waiting by the elevator with Marshall and Harris. Ethan immediately started walking faster, but Paul stopped him. “Just give him space. Don’t start a fight before the show.”
“I just want to talk to him and make sure he’s OK.”
“He’s . . . he’ll be fine. Just play it cool, and let’s get through the show tonight. I don’t want any mishaps or fights on stage. Let him be.”
Ethan hurried over to the elevator, unsure of how to act or what to say or not say. He wanted to give Wolf space, but he couldn’t do nothing. He cared about the guy too much, and that flashback he just had reinforced how much he cared about this guy.
He watched Wolf stare straight ahead at the elevator doors as if no one else were in the hallway. Ethan hesitated, wondering if Paul was right. Seeking some kind of sign indicating what he should do, he made eye contact with Harris and Marshall. Both looked on edge, as if the slightest movement would set off an explosion.
Harris slowly shook his head.
Ethan stayed quiet, and they all rode the elevator in silence and entered the waiting SUV without saying a word. It was the most uncomfortable car ride in the world.
When the car stopped at the back entrance, Wolf sprinted out of the car and into the venue. Ethan was about to chase after him, but both Harris and Marshall said, “Don’t,” at the same time.
“I can’t ignore him,” Ethan replied.
“Just for now,” Harris said.
“For tonight,” Marshall added. “Talk to him tomorrow.”
Frustration had Ethan’s stomach in knots, but he didn’t know what else to do so he took everyone’s advice and gave Wolf space.
Soundcheck went on as usual, but Wolf kept his head down and never made eye contact with anyone, and then everyone returned to their respective dressing rooms until it was time for the show.
As they all walked to the stage, the energy level seemed to have picked up. Harris was twirling his sticks and playing a beat on the walls of the corridor. Marshall had a bounce in his step, and Wolf was leading the pack with his head held high. It felt normal.
When they reached the curtain, without hesitation they all formed a circle and placed their hands in the middle. Marshall’s hand was separating Ethan and Wolf’s hands, but the bond was there. They all felt it. That hadn’t changed, and Ethan began to feel better, like everything was going to be OK.
Ethan went on to say his usual pre-show ritual, giving thanks to the universe and each other, but added a couple of sentences. “I love you guys. My life wouldn’t be the same without any one of you.” He said it about all three of his bandmates, but it was directed at Wolf, and he kept his eyes on his best friend as he said it.
They pumped their hands in unison and broke the stack. At the last second, Wolf finally met Ethan’s eyes. Just for a brief moment. If Ethan blinked, he would have missed it. But he didn’t. Their gaze met for an instant. So much passed in that fraction of a second, and it said everything.
They ran on stage to a screaming crowd. The adrenaline was contagious, and lightness filled Ethan’s core, obliterating the tension and turmoil of the day. He stood at the apron and leaned forward, projecting his vocals at the fans in the first few rows.
Hands reached for him.
Girls wailed.
Guys pumped their fists.
Marshall came up beside him, and they pressed their backs together, chins jutted toward the ceiling. Ethan ran to the back of the stage jumped on the drum riser, singing directly to Harris now. Harris twirled a drumstick through is fingers, pointed it at Ethan, then resumed the assault on his toms.
Normally, Wolf would be the next stop on stage, but Ethan was afraid to push his friend too far too soon. So, he played it cool, just like Paul said, and sauntered back to the apron. He inched in Wolf’s direction and hoped Wolf would meet him halfway, but Wolf stayed in his corner. Fuck this. Ethan marched straight up to Wolf and projected the vocals at his best friend. Wolf never raised his eyes, so Ethan sang louder, with more grit in his voice and leaned forward, his arms flying wildly to punctuate the lyrics and get Wolf’s attention.
It was barely there, but Ethan saw it. The corner of Wolf’s mouth curled the tiniest bit on one side. Then Wolf dipped his knees, circled Ethan while plucking his bass, and ran to the other end of the stage.
The rest of the show was pretty much the same with Ethan baiting Wolf for a reaction, and Wolf mostly ignoring him. There were very subtle hints that Wolf was teasing Ethan, like the brief eye contact and that half second of facing Ethan before turning and sprinting in the opposite direction. And the crowd loved it.
Things were going to be OK. But Ethan needed to be sure. Once they were on the bus and on the road, he took a seat next to Wolf on the couch. Harris and Marshall looked apprehensive, and exchanged nervous glances, then both retreated to the dining area, far enough away not to eavesdrop, but close enough to intervene if needed.
“Are you alright?” Ethan asked Wolf, concern heavy in his voice. He wanted to put an arm around his friend, but thought the contact wouldn’t be welcome.
Wolf leaned forward, rested his elbows on his knees, and let out a long sigh. He turned his face toward Ethan. “I knew this was going to happen. I saw it coming. For a long time, not just since you met Tyler. I knew you were looking to settle down.”
“I wasn’t,” Ethan protested. “I swear. This thing with Tyler just blossomed unexpectedly.”
Wolf looked down at the floor of the bus, as if studying it, and didn’t say anything else.
Ethan’s heart ached for his friend. The guy was always a loner. Before the band, Ethan had been his only friend. Even now, with fame and wealth, Harris and Marshall were Wolf’s only other friends. They were his pack. That’s why Wolf wanted to name the band Wolf Pack. The four of them had a special bond, and Wolf had no one outside his pack.
The guy had major trust issues and was more sensitive than he let on. Ethan knew that. He just didn’t expect Wolf to take their breakup so hard. It hit Ethan hard too. Wolf was always there. Always available, and always there when Ethan didn’t want to be alone. He realized he relied on that too much. Maybe even took it for granted. But that was their dynamic and had been their whole lives. It was hard to see that Wolf was more vested in their relationship, emotionally, because Wolf didn’t open up. The guy was a closed book and kept his feelings to himself.
They sat quietly for a long time both internalizing their thoughts. Finally, Wolf spoke. “I know he makes you happy. Anyone can see that.”
It wasn’t much. Wolf didn’t say he was happy that Ethan was happy. He didn’t say he was OK with the relationship or would be nicer to Tyler, but those two tiny sentences and the empathy in Wolf’s voice settled Ethan’s galloping anxiety and the ache in his stomach. “Thank you,” he said, because he knew Wolf’s remark conveyed a heavier sentiment. He slung his arm over Wolf’s shoulder and gave him a side hug. “Love ya, bruh.”
Wolf leaned into Ethan, but kept his gaze lowered. “Love you too.”