My mother smiled and patted my cheek. “We’re proud of you, Liza. Just remember, we’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I said, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. With my loved ones around me, and Ty’s presence by my side, I was filled with a newfound strength. We’d make it through whatever challenges lay ahead.
A soft breeze drifted through the open window, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass and distant flowers. The sunlight danced across the living room floor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that somehow made me ache even more. I wished we could all just enjoy this rare moment of peace, but the events of late had marred any enjoyment.
“Listen,” Ty said, addressing my brothers. “I understand your concerns, and I want you to know I’m taking them seriously. I’ve got someone keeping tabs on Liam when he’s not with Liza or me.”
Michael snorted, his expression unimpressed. “Oh, great. So while you’re busy playing bodyguard, someone else is babysitting the real threat? That’s supposed to make us feel better?”
“Michael!” I shot him a pointed look. He might have been my older brother, but I wasn’t about to let him disrespect Ty like that.
“Sorry,” he said, not sorry at all. Just as stubborn as ever, my brothers refused to budge on their opinions about Liam, even if it meant doubting Ty in the process.
“Look,” Ty said, unfazed by Michael’s outburst. “I get it. You don’t trust Liam, and you have every right to be cautious. But I need you to trust me. I won’t let anything happen to Liza, I promise.”
Mason rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he studied Ty. “We want to believe you, man. We really do. But you can’t blame us for being skeptical when he hurt our mother and kidnapped our sister.”
“Of course not, but I swear to you I’m doing everything in my power to keep her safe.”
As much as I wanted to be angry with my brothers for casting doubts over Ty’s loyalty, I couldn’t entirely fault them. Their fierce protectiveness were deeply ingrained in them, and they’d do anything to keep me from harm. Still, I wished they could look past their own prejudices and accept that Ty was on our side.
“Guys, please,” I implored. “I need you to trust Ty. He’s been nothing but supportive since this whole mess started, and I truly believe Liam has my best interests at heart.”
Michael and Mason exchanged uneasy glances. Finally, Michael sighed and nodded reluctantly. “All right, Liza. We’ll try to give him the benefit of the doubt. But know this,” he added, fixing Ty with a steely stare. “If anything happens to her again because of Liam, we won’t hesitate to hold you responsible.”
“Understood. But I assure you, it won’t come to that.”
The conversation concluded, leaving me with a strange blend of gratitude and frustration. While I appreciated my brothers’ unwavering commitment to my safety, I wished they could be more open-minded about the people in my life. Deep down, no matter how much they doubted Ty or Liam, they would nevertruly understand what it meant to be a part of this world of danger and hidden darkness lurking beneath the surface, because they had been sheltered from all of this before fate had intervened in my life.
As much as I loved them, sometimes I wondered if that ignorance would be our undoing.
The shrill ring of my phone interrupted the tense atmosphere, making everyone in the room jolt. Dread pooled in my stomach like molten lead, and my pulse quickened as I glanced at the screen. Unknown number.
My heart sank.
Castro.
“Should I take this?” I asked my brothers, Ty, and my parents. The last thing I wanted was to give him any more power over me or my family. But we were all aware that if his call went unanswered, it would likely lead to something bad. Something disastrous.
“Put it on speaker,” Ty instructed.
With a sigh, I pressed the button and held the phone out so everyone could hear.
“Hello?”
“Ah.” Castro’s oily tone came over the tone, his words lingering in the air like a foul smell. “How nice of you to answer my call. How are you and your… family?”
“Cut the crap, Castro. What do you want?” I snapped.
“Feisty. I like that.” He chuckled darkly. “I’m just checking in. I find myself enjoying keeping tabs on my favorite wolf and her wellbeing.”
“Leave her alone.” Michael growled, clenching his fists. “She doesn’t belong to you,”
“Michael, let me handle this.” I tried to remain calm despite the rage boiling beneath the surface.
“Very well,” Castro said. “I simply wanted you to appreciate that I’m watching you, Liza. I must say, I’m not impressed with the company you’re keeping these days.”
“Are you talking about Liam?” I asked, my heart pounding. “What do you have against him?”
