Page 299 of Heart of Frost and Scars

I offer him a small, encouraging smile, telling him I’m here. We’re all here. He doesn’t have to face any of this alone.

His shoulders relax, and he gives me a subtle chin dip.

I blow him a kiss. He raises a hand, catches it, and puts it in his pocket.

Then, just as quickly as it came, the intensity in his gaze dissipates, and the playful smirk returns.

He says something to the blonde, making her giggle as he sips his drink, the flirtatious mask firmly back in place.

I turn back to Leo and Monty, my hand resting on Leo’s leg. “Wolf has come a long way, but he’s still struggling, even if he doesn’t show it.”

“He’s always been good at putting on a show,” Leo says quietly. “It’s his red flag.”

“We need to remind him he doesn’t have to pretend.” Monty traces small circles on my bare thigh. “Have you talked to him about his apprenticeship?”

“Yeah, we talked. He’s really into it.” Leo loosens a slow breath. “It’s a good way for him to express his art and the owner of the tattoo shop…What’s his name?”

“Declan,” Monty says.

“Declan won’t shut up about how crazy talented Wolf is. But…” Leo glances at me.

“You’re worried.” I squeeze his thigh. “Wolf’s still dealing with so much. The nightmares, the blackouts…It’s a lot.”

We all visit him regularly at the shop. He’s good when focused, but sometimes he checks out. Sometimes he stares at nothing like he’s not even there.

“We’ll get him through this.” Monty’s jaw tightens, his blue eyes narrowing with that protective intensity that never leaves him. “He’ll never be alone again.”

As we sit there, watching Wolf return to his playful banter with the women around him, I know his path ahead won’t be easy. But we’re a family, bound together by love, pain, and the ruthless ferocity to fight for a blinding bright future.

“Hey, Wolf.” Kody leans across the bar, ruffling Wolf’s hair.

Wolf swats him away, but there’s a smile on his face, a genuine smile that shines through the dark Goth makeup.

Kody says something to him, and Wolf stands. They stride off through the crowd.

Stopping in the center of the lounge, Kody shoves two fingers in his mouth and releases a sharp whistle that cuts through the clamor of the distillery.

The commanding sound instantly silences the room. Every head turns toward him, followed by the faint clinking of glasses as people lower their drinks, eyes wide with curiosity.

A devilish grin appears on Wolf’s face as he motions for Leo to join them. The crowd parts, and Leo rises, suspicion hardening his eyes as he makes his way toward Kody and Wolf.

Monty and I climb off the couch and follow him through the throng of people.

My pulse kicks up as curious gazes track our approach, and whispers of speculation ripple through the crowd.

When we reach Kody and Wolf, Kody throws an arm around Leo’s shoulders, pulling him close with a proud smile.

“Ladies and gentlemen.” Kody’s voice rings out, deep and confident. “This is my brother, Leonid Strakh.”

His brother. Not his nephew.

They were brothers first, and that’s what they’ll always be.

“I’m thrilled to announce that Leo just started his own float plane business, and it officially opens tomorrow. If you ever need a flight to anywhere, anytime, Leonid Strakh is your man.”

The room erupts in cheers and applause.

Happiness shines in Leo’s mismatched eyes as he looks at Monty, who gives him a nod, then at me, his gaze softening.

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