Bryce didn’t speak right away. He stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall like he was holding himself back. From what, Tristan wasn’t sure.
Tristan’s skin prickled with unease. He didn’t know whether to brace for a fight or an interrogation, and this quiet was worse than either. Unable to take the silence anymore, he said, “You’re mad.”
“That’s one word for it.”
Tristan waited, his pulse thudding. Bryce’s disapproval was rarely aimed at him, and it hadneverbeen like this before. This felt like there was an uncrossable chasm between them.
Bryce’s voice was quiet and measured, like he was carefully controlling himself. “You were supposed to help Sam at the diner this afternoon.”
“I know,” Tristan said, immediately. “I texted her. Explained—”
“Explained what?” Bryce asked, too calm. “That time with your mate mattered more than the people counting on you?”
Tristan recoiled like he’d been slapped. “It’s not like that.”
“Then explain it to me,” Bryce said. “Because I’ve got a kid I’ve looked out for since he was fourteen, who was smart, kind, and determined, and I’m watching him throw everything away for someone he’s known a handful of days.”
Tristan’s fists clenched. “He’s not just someone.”
“No. He’s yourmate. I know. Believe me, I know.” Bryce’s voice was clipped and sharp. “But that doesn’t make this okay.You’re skipping classes. You let Sam down. And I’m sorry, but looking that happy while you’re not meeting your commitments? That’s not right, Tris.”
“It’s not like that,” Tristan said again, softer this time. “I’m not blowing everything off. It’s just, I needed a bit of time to make sure he’s okay before I leave him alone.”
“That’s what worries me.”
Tristan frowned, caught off guard. He’d thought he understood where Bryce was coming from—but this? This didn’t make sense. “What?” he asked, grasping for something solid.
“You’re all heart, kid. You always have been. You give and give and give, and it’s beautiful. But when someone like Colby walks in, damaged and desperate for connection, it’d be easy to want to be the one who saves him, even if heweren’tyour mate.”
“I’m not trying to save him.”
“No?” Bryce’s eyes sharpened. “Then why does it look like you’re trying to be his whole world?”
Tristan looked away, throat tight. That was too close to the truth, and he hated that Bryce could see it so clearly. Almost as much as he hated the fact he knew he was doing it and hadn’t stopped himself. Because maybe Colby wouldn’t want him if he didn’t need him.
“Maybe he doesn’t mean to lean so heavy. But that doesn’t mean he’sreadyto be anyone’s mate. This is what I’m saying, if you carry all the weight for both of you, it’ll crush you.”
“Heisready,” Tristan said fiercely. “He’s stronger than you think.”
“Then let him prove it,” Bryce said quietly. “Without you holding him up.”
They stood in silence. Tristan’s heart was hammering.
Eventually, Bryce sighed. Rubbed a hand over his face. “I’m not trying to be the bad guy, Tris. But you missed another day ofcollege. You missed your shift at the diner, when you know Sam was relying on you. That’s not you. And it scares me that it mightbecomeyou, if you don’t wake up to what’s going on here.”
“I just—” Tristan’s voice cracked. “I didn’t want to leave him.”
And he’d thought that after everything that had happened, people would understand he needed time to adjust. ThatBrycewould understand. Unaccountably, he felt betrayed.
“I get it,” Bryce said. “I really do. But you don’t get to let other people down just because he needs something. You don’t get to letyourselfdown.”
That hit harder than anything else. Tristan nodded, throat too tight to speak.
Bryce touched his shoulder briefly before returning to the kitchen. His touch didn’t feel like forgiveness, but the care in it was unmistakable. Maybe that was why it hurt so much.
Chapter Twenty-six
COLBY
