Page 48 of Griffin

“He’s not trying to push me into something dangerous on purpose. He just... doesn’t know.” I sighed. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you. You were just looking out for me. And—” Ipaused, forcing myself to meet his eyes. “I want you two to get along. Todd’s been in my life a long time, and he’s important to me. But so are you.”

Something flickered in Griffin’s expression, but he masked it quickly, giving a small nod for me to go on.

“I was thinking,” I said carefully, “I have to head to Cinderfield in a few days to sign some contracts. Maybe... you could come with me? You’d get a chance to meet him, and?—”

Griffin’s jaw tightened. “You want to go back there?”

I nodded slowly, bracing myself. “It’ll just be for a day or two. I’ll get in and out. And with you there, I’ll be fine.”

He didn’t reply right away. His gaze dropped to the table before meeting mine again, concern clear in his eyes. “Michael, what if that stalker’s still?—”

“I know,” I interrupted, keeping my voice steady. I reached across the table and gently placed my hand on his, squeezing lightly. “But didn’t you promise Casey and Sawyer you’d look after me?” I tried for a small, encouraging smile.

He exhaled sharply, running his free hand through his hair. “You’re not playing fair.”

My smile softened, but I didn’t let go. For a moment, neither of us spoke. Griffin’s expression was conflicted—protective yet hesitant.

Inside, my thoughts spun. I couldn’t shake the fragile hope that maybe this could work.

Todd and Griffin both meant so much to me, in completely different ways. I didn’t want to keep them at odds, and I didn’t want either of them to misunderstand the other because of me.

Griffin leaned forward slightly, his grip tightening on my hand. His voice softened. “Alright. I’ll go.”

Relief flooded through me, and I nodded, offering him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” he muttered, though the faintest smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Chapter 12

Griffin

Isat down in my office chair, the faint hum of the bar’s cooling system filling the silence. My conversation with Michael lingered in my mind.

I could still see the look in his eyes when he spoke about Todd—a blend of loyalty and trust that made my wolf restless.

I knew I couldn’t let my feelings about Todd—whatever they were—jeopardize what was growing between Michael and me.

Shaking my head, I pulled out my phone. When I tried calling Cooper earlier, the line had been busy. I decided to try again, so I scrolled to his number and pressed dial.

The line barely rang before Cooper answered.

“Griffin,” Cooper drawled. “Took you long enough to call me back.”

I tensed, my grip on the phone tightening. My wolf bristled at the tone, a flicker of unease curling in my chest.

Cooper’s words reminded me too much of Ryder’s old tactics—passive-aggressive digs designed to keep us on edge.

“You shouldn’t keep your lead alpha waiting, Griffin,” Cooper added, his voice dropping just enough to make me second-guess myself.

I opened my mouth, unsure whether to defend myself or just apologize, but before I could say anything, Cooper chuckled.

“Relax, I’m kidding. You’re wound tighter than a spring.”

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding, leaning back in my chair.

“Damn it, Cooper,” I muttered. “You’re going to give me a heart attack.”

“That’s the goal,” he replied, laughing again.

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