“Okay we’ll call you as soon as we have something.”
CHAPTER NINE
Tristan
I’ve spent the last few days getting to know Lily. Every new thing I learn about her makes me want to be with her even more. I’ve never thought I was the cuddling type. But with Lily? I love it. We spend time before we head to bed just sitting together in front of her fireplace. Sure the guys are here too, but having her in my arms has become my favorite thing.
“Do you think that whoever was sending the texts has given up?” Lily asks.
“I don’t think so. I think they’re just waiting. We’ve seen this too many times.” Apollo answers.
“You’ve dealt with situations like this before?”
“We’ve dealt with different situations. But yes, some are similar to yours. Stalkers that text are some of the worst ones. They hide behind texting and act like they’re justified for it. I feel like telling them to just come out and show themselves. That way we can take care of them.” Armando sighs.
“When you’ve dealt with other stalking cases, have they turned out okay?”
“Yes. We’ve always been able to find them. But it’s never a smooth path to the end. You just have to be conscious of what’s going on around you.” Eros adds.
“Also know that if you’re taken or confronted, try not to panic. That’s the one thing that could make things worse. And I know that’s not easy. But they’re looking for you to be scared, that’s what they want. Always remember that we will come for you. No matter what.” I say to her as I hold her tighter.
“Have you all had to rescue a lot of people?” Lily asks as she frowns.
“We’ve had our fair share of it, it comes with being a part of the family.” Apollo tells her.
I haven’t told her about our Lake Renegade family. And I’m not sure how much I can tell her. I mean it’s not a secret as to who everyone is, so I suppose I could tell her. But I look at my brothers and wait for them to start that conversation.
“I think there’s a few things you should know about us and our families. Now keep in mind that this isn’t something that will affect you in any way. But we’re also not blind and we can see how you and Tristan feel about each other. So we talked to our papà’s and asked permission to talk to you.” Apollo says to her.
“But the first thing you need to do is tell us how you feel about being with Tristan. We need to know that what we see is what you want.” Eros adds.
Lily look up at me and smiles. “I would love to see where this goes. But the hard part is that we live so far apart. And I’m not sure I’m the type of person that can do long distance relationships.”
“You could come to Lake Renegade. I know you love it here, but I know that you’d love it there too. And you’d have a family there.”
“But that’s your family.”
“There’s one thing I’m one hundred percent sure of. Even if you decided you didn’t want to be with me, but stayed in Lake Renegade? They would love you. Once you’re family, that’s forever.”
“Well…there is one way you might be disowned.” Eros says as he looks at us.
“How’s that?” I ask.
“If one of you cheated on the other. That’s not something the mamas condone. I mean they’d be there if you needed them. But if it were just a daily hello? Probably not.”
“I can understand that. And I can honestly say that I’d never cheat on someone. That’s just not something I could ever do.” Lily says as she looks at me.
“Me either. I feel that if you don’t want to be with someone, no matter how much it hurts, you have to leave.”
“Okay, well that’s good for me, I just want to know if you’re ready for story time.” Armando chuckles.
“Should we have snacks first?” I laugh.
“I think we need snacks.” Apollo says.
“Of course you do.” Keegan laughs.
We all get up and make snacks, while Armando throws more wood on the fire. I’m a little nervous for Lily and her friends to learn about our family. It’s not anything I’m ashamed of, but when people hear mafia…sometimes it scares them. Then you add in the MC and shifters. It’s a lot for anyone to take in.
