Page 35 of Love, A Curvy Girl's Guide

Haley staggered back, the air knocked out of her lungs. She gripped Frank’s arm, her panic bubbling over. “Ian isn’t ready for that! He’s new to this world—he doesn’t have the experience or control. Garrick would tear him apart!”

Frank’s jaw tightened, and he looked away. “That’s the idea,” he said quietly. “I’m sorry, Haley. I know this couldn’t come at a worse time. But Ian’s in real danger, and he needs someone in his corner. I won’t tell you what to do, but as his father, I had to let you know. He trusts you, Haley. He needs you. But he would never ask you to leave your father at a time like this. I know it’s selfish of me, but he’s my son.”

Haley’s chest ached as tears welled in her eyes. She turned away, pressing a hand to her mouth to stifle the sob that threatened to escape. “I can’t do this,” she choked out. “My dad... he’s dying. How can I leave him? But if I don’t help Ian...” Her voice broke, and the tears came, hot and uncontrollable.

Frank stepped closer, his presence steady and reassuring. “Haley, I know you’re torn in two right now. But you’re not failing anyone. Loving someone doesn’t mean you have to be everywhere at once. It means letting that person know how you feel and doing your best to be there for them. Life isn’t easy, andthe choices we are forced to make can be brutal. Listen to your gut, I’ve found that’s the best way, and give yourself some grace.”

Haley shook her head, her shoulders trembling. “I feel like I’m letting them both down. My dad needs me here. Ian needs me there. No matter what I do, it feels like I’m choosing one over the other.”

Frank reached out, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. “Your dad’s a good man, Haley. I know he’s proud of the woman you’ve become. And I know he’d tell you the same thing I am—follow your heart. Don’t let fear decide for you. Love with your whole heart. Show up as much as you can, and trust in yourself. Love will take care of the rest.”

Haley let out a shuddering breath, her father’s words from earlier echoing in her mind:“The hardest fights are the ones worth having.”She wiped at her tears, her chest still tight, but her resolve slowly hardening.

“What if I go to Ian and I’m too late?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Frank’s gaze softened, and he smiled faintly. “Then at least he’ll know you fought for him. And that makes all the difference in the world.”

Haley nodded, her heart still heavy but no longer paralyzed by indecision. She took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. “Thank you, Mr. J. I don’t know how I’m going to fix this, but I can’t just sit here and do nothing.”

Frank’s lips curved into a small, approving smile. “That’s the Haley I know. Go on, now. You’ve got a wolf to save.”

Haley swallowed hard and turned toward the parking lot, her heart pounding. The weight of the choice still pressed down on her. But the thought of Ian facing everything alone gutted her.

She didn’t know what waited for her on the other side of this, but she was done letting fear hold her back. It was time to fight.She only prayed that her dad’s health would hold on until she returned.

TWENTY-ONE

Finally arriving at the Iron Claw guest quarters, Haley opened the door with so much force that it ricocheted off the wall, the sound echoing in the small space. Ian was by the window, his broad shoulders taut and his hands braced against the wooden frame as if it were the only thing keeping him steady. At the sound of the door, he turned sharply, his piercing blue eyes locking on to hers.

For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. Ian stood frozen, his usually confident expression unreadable, but there was something raw in his gaze—something that pulled her toward him like a magnet.

“Haley,” he said, her name rough on his lips, like he’d been holding it in for too long.

She didn’t wait for him to say anything else. She crossed the room in a heartbeat, throwing herself into his arms. Her hands clutched his shirt, and his arms wrapped around her immediately, strong and unyielding, holding her like a lifeline. The solid weight of him, the warmth of his body, melted the ice that had been gripping her chest since she left the hospital.

“I thought I wouldn’t see you again,” she gasped, her words tumbling out in a rush. “I thought—” Her voice cracked, and the tears she’d been holding back came flooding out.

Ian’s arms tightened around her, and he buried his face in her hair. “Shh, it’s okay,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m here, Hales. I’m not going anywhere.”

Haley pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at him. Her tear-streaked face was a storm of emotions—relief, fear, love, and something more profound that had been building for far too long. “I love you,” she blurted, her voice trembling. “I love you so much. I’ve been so stupid, running from this, from us. But I can’t anymore. You mean everything to me.”

Ian stared at her, stunned. His mouth opened as if to respond, but no words came. Instead, he cupped her face in his large hands and kissed her. It wasn’t soft or tentative—it was fierce and consuming, like he was pouring every unspoken word, every pent-up emotion, into that one moment. Haley melted into him, her hands fisting in his shirt as if afraid he might disappear.

When they finally broke apart, Ian rested his forehead against hers, his breathing ragged. “I love you too,” he said, his voice low and raw. “God, Haley, I’ve loved you since we were kids. Even when I didn’t know what the hell to do about it, it’s always been you. You’re everything.”

Haley let out a shaky laugh, her tears falling again, but this time they felt lighter, like a release. “Then we’ll figure this out,” she whispered. “I can’t do this without you.”

Before Ian could respond, the door burst open behind them. Bentley, Garrick’s Beta and Ian’s mentor, strode in, his face as grim as ever. “I hate to interrupt,” he said, his voice heavy. “The Alpha’s called a meeting. He wants to see you both.”

Ian turned toward his mentor, his arm instinctively pulling Haley closer. “Now?”

Bentley nodded. “Now. The pack’s restless, Ian. Garrick’s not happy, and if you don’t get ahead of this, it’s going to spiral out of control.”

Ian’s jaw clenched, and he looked down at Haley. “Are you ready for this?”

Haley’s stomach churned, but she met his gaze with quiet determination. “I’m with you,” she said. “No matter what.”

The lodge was packed,the tension in the air so thick it was almost suffocating. Haley’s hand was wrapped tightly in Ian’s as they stood before the Alpha. Garrick sat at the head of the long table, his presence commanding, his dark eyes scanning them with a mix of judgment and curiosity. The pack members lined the walls, their murmurs a low hum that quieted the moment Garrick raised a hand.

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