Page 41 of Wolf's Whisper

I cover my face with my hand, clearly trying to stifle my laughter. "She's not wrong," I manage to say, my voice muffled.

"Well, thanks for the life lesson, kid," Rumble says, sitting up and giving Chloe a mock salute. "I’ll make sure to keep my spicy fingers in check from now on."

"You better," Chloe says with all the seriousness a five-year-old could muster.

"All right, all right," Onyx interrupts, straightening up and releasing Tank with an exaggerated groan. "This is turning into more of a circus than I signed up for. Let’s get you out of here big guy.”

Tank moves and stand up from the vehicle, and Wolf helps him limp over to the group. “Now how am I supposed to get home because I am not riding on the back of anyone’s bikes.”

“Well besides Tank, we have to get home too.” I look at Onyx.

“Don’t worry Janelle. Pres is on his way with a van to pick up our precious cargo.” Hatchet tells us.

Onyx tilts her head, a sly grin forming on her face. "Precious cargo, huh? Tank, you finally got yourself a nickname that fits."

Tank groans, rubbing the back of his neck. "If you start calling me 'Precious,' I swear I’m stealing your bike and painting it pink."

"Please," Onyx shoots back with a smirk. "Like you could reach the pedals."

The kids giggle uncontrollably, and even laugh softly beside her. Onyx’s laughter is like music to my ears; it’s been too long since I’d heard it without a trace of worry. I felt peace for once.

Chapter Sixteen

Wolf

Luckily, Tank didn't suffer any major injuries, so we can begin the process of getting Janelle and the kids back home. The idea of them being far away from me makes me feel physically ill.

I know that they need to start their new life not under the fear of Jack showing up, but I want to be in their life. As I help Janelle buckle Chloe into her car seat, the thought hit me like a punch to the gut. What would their life look like without me hovering nearby? Would they be safe? Would Janelle still laugh like she did earlier, that soft sound that felt like sunlight breaking through the clouds?

"You're awfully quiet, Wolf," Janelle said as she leans against the car door, watching me fuss over the straps. "Everything okay?"

I straighten up quickly, brushing my hands off on my jeans. "Yeah, just...thinking."

"About?"

I glance at her, noting the way her brows furrow slightly in concern. She was beautiful when she wasn’t worrying about her safety every second of the day. "Just logistics," I lied smoothly. "Making sure everything's in place for you guys to settle in."

Her lips twitch upward in a knowing smirk. She didn't buy it for a second. "Wolf, you've been nothing but honest with me since the day we met. Don’t start lying to me now.” Her voice is soft but firm, like she was giving me an out while also daring me to take it.

I rub the back of my neck and sigh. "All right, fine. I was just wondering… what happens when you don’t need me anymore?"

Her expression softens, and for a moment, I saw something in her eyes that looked like hope. She steps closer, her hand brushing against mine as she took Chloe’s backpack from the car seat and set it on the floorboard. "Wolf, you’ve done more for me and my kids than anyone ever has. But needing someone and wanting them around are two different things."

I blink at her, caught off guard by the honesty in her words. "What are you saying?"

"I’m saying," she began, her voice steady but filled with emotion, "that just because I’m starting over doesn’t mean there isn't room for you in that new beginning. You don’t have to hover, Wolf. But you don’t have to disappear either."

My throat feels tight, and I swallow hard to process her words. Before I could say anything, Chloe chimes in from her car seat, her little voice cutting through the moment like a ray of sunshine. "Wolf’s coming with us, right? She's not going anywhere!"

Janelle turns and gives Chloe a soft smile. "Wolf has her own life too, sweetie."

"But I like her in our life," Chloe pouts, crossing her tiny arms.

"Well," I say, crouching down to look Chloe in the eyes, "I like being in your life too, kiddo."

Chloe beams at me like I'd just promised her a lifetime supply of candy. "So you're staying?"

"I… we'll see," I say cautiously. It wasn’t a promise I could make lightly.

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