8. Tristan
Chapter 8
Tristan
I arrive at Ethan’s birthday dinner, my chest heavy with dread. The whole Wolfe pack should be here at The Blake Lake Las Vegas, along with their spouses—Ethan and Ava, Fiona with Jonathan, and Devin and Maya. Even Zack and Bianca said they’d come.
I’m the only sibling who’s arriving alone. The isolation gnaws at me, making the vibrant chatter at the upscale restaurant feel loud and mocking.
Ethan strides across the lobby of the restaurant, his tailored Italian suit stressing his muscular frame. A wide, welcoming smile softens his sharp features as he claps a hand on my shoulder. “Tristan! There you are!”
After handing him a wrapped present, I give him a solid embrace. “Happy Birthday, brother.”
From outside on the veranda, Fiona’s bright smile catches my eye as she waves at me, her hand moving gracefully through the air.
The veranda is lit with twinkling lights and lanterns, creating a cozy, magical atmosphere. The lake glistens in the moonlight, reflecting the stars above.
Fiona is wearing a flowy floral dress, her hand holding tightly onto Jonathan’s as they stand close together. They look happy and inseparable. “Come join us!”
I force a smile, moving towards everyone. Part of me is happy to see them, but the other part would rather pull a blanket over my head.
How can I face my family after my failed trip? I feel like I’m coming back with my tail between my legs instead of providing a home for Willow and my daughter.
The atmosphere is warm with laughter and the soft clinking of glasses, but it doesn’t calm my nerves.
Ethan pulls out a chair for Ava, who’s already outside. She giggles and leans into him. Her growing belly looks slightly bigger than the last time I saw her.
As I stand with them, I struggle to make small talk. My questions lack creativity and enthusiasm. “So, when are you due?”
Ava holds her round belly and glances between me and Ethan. “December 2nd.”
I nod, trying to mask my discomfort with a forced smile. “Ah, a Christmas baby. How ideal.”
As I gaze at Ethan, a pang of envy hits me. He gets to experience the miracle of childbirth and be there for his child’s first breaths—something I never got to do. Averting my gaze, I hide any trace of pain.
Devin and Maya sit close together, their faces animated as they discuss their latest eco-project. Their eyes are bright with excitement and their hands are clasped together over a menu.
As I lean in towards my brother and his wife, I notice the way their hands are intertwined on the tablecloth, their fingers fitting together perfectly.
Devin’s navy-blue shirt fits snug against his muscular frame, and he looks happy and relaxed. It’s a rare sight for him. Maya’s expression is soft and full of adoration as she gazes at my brother like he’s the only person in existence.
My teeth grind together before I clear my throat. “Hey, brother. Hi Maya. How are you two doing?”
Devin pushes up from the chair and stands tall, his smile wide as he pulls me into a hug. “Never better. Good to see you!”
Maya’s eyes sparkle as she stands up to greet me too. “I hear you took a trip up north. Isn’t it gorgeous up there?”
A flush sweeps across my cheeks as my chin dips. “Yes, absolutely. It’s uh… great.”
I move on to greet Zack and Bianca, who are chatting about a wild night at one of their clubs, their faces glowing. Bianca’s red lipstick stands out against her tan skin, and Zack’s dark hair is slightly disheveled—perhaps from having fun all night. Their hand gestures and animated expressions add to the visual energy of their conversation.
Zack’s bright smile stretches across his face as he jumps up from his seat to greet me. His arms open wide. “Brother!”
We do a quick man-hug before Bianca, his new wife, laughs and pulls me into an embrace. “I’m so glad you came. I haven’t seen you in forever!”
Her smile is bright, revealing straight, pearly white teeth. Smoothing down her perfect hair, she lifts her chin and turns to the family members with poise. “Everyone has arrived. Let’s celebrate!”
I slip into my seat—the only empty one at the table—and try to immerse myself in the conversation, but it’s hard. Every laugh and every shared glance between couples reminds me of what I’m missing.
The tablecloth is a rich red, and the lighting casts a warm glow over the Wolfe pack as they continue to share more laughter and stories.
It’s ironic. I’m here, surrounded by family, but I’ve never felt more alone.
When the appetizers arrive, the dinner starts with the usual banter, but the conversation quickly shifts to me.
Zack leans back in his chair with a grin. “So, Tristan. What’s new with you? Still trying to go on a date with a mountain painting?”
Bianca laughs and hits him on the shoulder.
I shrug, trying to keep my tone light. “Yep. Just gotta figure out where to bring her.”
No one laughs at my attempt at humor, but luckily, the server distracts everyone with more food. The aroma of decadent cuisine fills my nostrils, comforting and familiar. But underneath, tension still lingers.
Ava exchanges a nervous glance with Ethan before leaning forward and raising her eyebrows. “Isn’t there anything more exciting going on?”
Before I can respond, Ethan chimes in, his expression turning serious as he glances at Zack. “We found Willow.”
The table falls silent, all eyes on me. My heart skips a beat as I try to gauge the reactions of my siblings.
It was me who found Willow, and I never shared that information with any of them. My brain races to understand as I manage to speak. “We?”
Ethan’s shoulders fall slightly. “We knew where she was all along. She’s been in the wilderness, living with her brother and her little girl. Your little girl.”
Pain shoots through the back of my neck. “If you knew all this, why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
Fiona clears her throat. “We thought it was best for you to find her on your own. We didn’t want to interfere like Dad did.”
Devin nods, focusing on me. “Dad was a jerk, Tristan. What he did to all of us… it wasn’t right.”
A chorus of agreement follows, the siblings all nodding. Once again, I’m reminded of the man our father was. Orchestrating people’s lives and making decisions that weren’t his to make—that was the name of his game.
Zack shakes his head. “Yeah. Dealing with the aftermath of what Dad did to all of us… let’s just say it’s taken a hell of a lot of therapy.”
Ethan sighs, rubbing his temples. “We all agree on that. Dad was a jackass, but we didn’t know how to fix this without making things worse.”
I swallow hard. “Are you fucking kidding me? I spent years thinking she didn’t want me. That she just left. I can’t believe you knew this whole time.”
Fiona reaches across the table, her hand covering mine. “Tristan, we’re sorry, and maybe we should have told you sooner. But it was up to you to find her and solve things. Not us.”
I yank my hand away. “So, you all just decided to walk behind my back and screw me over? You fucking saw how upset I was.”
Fiona sits up straighter and swallows. “We’re not matchmakers, Tristan. We decided it was best to protect her and respect her wishes. We always knew her heart would heal, and she’d reach out to you.”
Heat pours through my nostrils. “And what about me? Did anyone think about what I needed?”
Devin scrubs a hand over the stubble on his chin. “We did, Tristan. But sometimes, the hardest choices are the ones that hurt the most.”
They all had their reasons, their justifications, but it doesn’t make this pill easier to swallow. They kept this from me and watched me bleed my heart out while saying nothing. I crack my neck to the side, my fists tightening. I’ll never forget this.
Ethan leans forward, his gaze piercing. “We finally told you because the trajectory didn’t look good. You only looked more obsessed and depressed.”
Zack waves his hands back and forth before resting his forearms on the edge of the table. “Just for the record, I had no idea Willow was up there, and I definitely didn’t know about any baby.”
Devin arches an eyebrow in Zack’s direction. “Yeah, because you were out partying in Mexico with Bianca while we were trying to piece everything together.”
Zack bites the inside of his cheek before he lifts his chin. “Well, excuse the fuck out of me for going on a honeymoon.”
Fiona shakes her head and seems to reset herself as she focuses on me. “We also felt it was time. Not just for you and Willow, but for the little girl. Lana’s getting to the age where she understands things, and she deserves to have you in her life.”
A bitter laugh rises from my throat as I think of Hunter. “And what makes you think I can just walk back into their lives or that they’ll even want me there? I already went up there and her brother made it pretty damn clear they don’t need me.”
Ethan shrugs. “Who—Hunter? Why would you listen to a guy who believes hiding is a viable solution?”
My brain scrambles as I ponder Hunter’s retreat to the Sierra Nevada. Hmm. He was living in an enormous mansion in Vegas when I met Willow. What the hell is he doing up there in the mountains, anyway? Why did he leave town?
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.