Page 51 of Griffin

Michael deserved more than hesitation or half-measures. If I wanted him in my life, I had to be all in.

That started with Todd. With making sure Michael was safe, no matter what.

The drive to Cinderfield wasn’t just about Michael’s work or his past. It was about proving—to him and to myself—that I could be the partner he needed. Someone he could rely on.

My wolf growled in approval. For once, I didn’t argue.

The soft hum of my truck’s engine filled the driveway as I parked and made my way into the house.

My duffel bag sat open on the couch, half-packed, waiting for me to finish preparing for the trip to Cinderfield.

I tossed in a few more essentials: a couple of shirts, my favorite worn jeans, toiletries.

I paused, running a hand over my stubbled jaw, debating if I should bring anything extra for Michael.

Yeah, I’d probably overpacked already, but it never hurt to be prepared. Finally, I zipped the bag shut and slung it over my shoulder.

Packing hadn’t taken long, but it left me restless. My wolf stirred uneasily.

Michael was on my mind, of course, but so was the upcoming pack summit. Everything felt like it was piling up, and I needed to clear my head.

That’s when it hit me—visiting Dad might help. It always did, even if he couldn’t respond.

The drive to the hospital was quick, familiar. The receptionist at the front desk greeted me with a soft smile as I entered.

“Good evening, Griffin,” she said.

“Evening,” I replied. “Any changes in his condition?”

Her expression remained kind but steady, the same as always.

“No changes. He’s stable, but still the same,” she said.

I nodded, my chest tightening as I thanked her and headed toward my dad’s room. Inside, the room was quiet save for the gentle beeping of machines.

My father lay there, as still as ever, his strong frame looking too small against the hospital sheets. Seeing him like this never got easier.

I sank into the chair beside him, leaning forward to rest my elbows on my knees.

“Hey, Dad,” I said softly, my voice breaking the stillness.

For a moment, I just sat there, staring at him, searching for any sign of change. But as always, there was nothing. Still, I talked.

“So, the regional pack summit’s coming up,” I began, my voice casual, like he could respond.

I went on, “The pack is hosting it this year. Can you believe that? Ryder would’ve refused to host anything and probably screwed it all up, but Cooper’s got it handled. The guy’s solid, nothing like Ryder. I think we’ll pull it off, even if it’s going to take a lot of work.”

I paused, glancing at the machines monitoring his vitals, the steady rhythm grounding me.

“And then there’s Michael,” I added, leaning back in my chair. “He’s... different. Special. When I’m with him, pack issues, you being here—it all feels lighter.”

I rubbed a hand over my face, sighing.

“But it’s getting serious. I didn’t expect that. Didn’t think I’d find someone who’d make me feel this way. And honestly? It scares the hell out of me. What if I mess this up? What if I can’t give him what he needs? You’d know what to say if you were here. You always did.”

My throat tightened, and I swallowed hard, willing the emotion back down.

“Anyway,” I said, forcing a small smile, “I’m heading to Cinderfield with him tomorrow. I’m finally going to meet this manager of his—Todd. I don’t trust the guy, but Michael does, and that’s what matters, right? I’ll figure it out. I just…wish you could tell me if I’m doing this right.”

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