“Why don’t you go ask him? He just told me we’re family. I don’t think he’ll turn you down.”
“You think so?”
Alistaire smiled. “Yeah, I’m sure.”
Ava ran off to find Scott, and Alistaire sat on the gazebo steps watching the party get started—feeling a bit lost in his thoughts.
“So, about that job?”
Alistaire looked to his left to see Dilen sitting next to him.Fuck, I need to stop spacing out so damn much.
“What about it?”
“If you’re serious about taking it and me being your second in command, I’ll take it.”
Alistaire hadn’t thought about the job offer since he had walked out of Fox’s hospital room.
“Is this your way of telling me you think I should take it?”
“I guess, but it’s more than that.” Dilen reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope. He handed the envelope over to Alistaire, who took it. “I told you that if you hurt him, Euan would be the least of your worries. You better thank the gods he begged me not to kick your ass. Not only that, I like you. While others back down from threats Zev and I send their way, you laugh it off. Fix it, Boss.”
Dilen stood and walked away. Alistaire turned the envelope around, noticing something bulging out of it. He quickly opened the letter, and the ring he’d placed on Fox’s finger fell out—falling to the ground. Slowly reaching down, he picked it up, feeling a pain in his chest he hadn’t felt before.
Alistaire pulled out the letter inside of the envelope and started to read it.
I promised myself I would never take it off, but I realized far too late it was a promise I could never keep. I understand you’re angry with me, and I know you can never forgive me. But I will say it once more. I’m sorry I hurt you, Alistaire. I’m sorry for the pain and confusion I caused you. I understand now that we can never be together. So, I release you. I no longer hold a claim on you. I know it will take time for our bond to wither away, but I hope you will find the love you truly deserve. Thank you for the time we spent together.
I wish you all the best,
Crevan Hannigan
Alistaire crumbled the paper in his hand as tears welled in his eyes. His heart ached, and he realized he didn’t want to be released. He didn’t want Fox to give up on them. They’d promised to build a life together, and he didn’t plan on doing that with anyone else but the one who held his heart. Drying his eyes, Alistaire stood and looked around the tent—spotting Dilen. He hurried over to the other man and grabbed him by his arm, pulling him away from prying eyes.
“Where is he?” Alistaire growled.
“He’s at home.” Alistaire turned to walk away but stumbled at Dilen’s next word. “In Valleywood.”
“What?” He whirled around.
“He moved to Valleywood a week ago.”
Alistaire looked up when he heard another voice. It was the guy he’d met on Christmas Day.
What was his name again? Na..something...Nafri! That’s it.
“A week ago, but he met with Ava yesterday.”
“He’s able to travel back and forth easily now.” Nafri stared at Alistaire as if trying to tell him something he should be able to understand.
“He comes back to see the family and to spend time with Ava,” Dilen added.
“What’s his address?” Alistaire demanded.
“I’m not telling you unless you assure me you’re going there and staying there for good.”
“Tell him,” Nafri ordered.
“Are you sure about this?” Dilen asked.
