Truths Collide (WolfGirl 2)

Chapter 25: Dad

(Scarlet James)

When Tristan comes to see me in the morning, I have no idea what he's going to do. I don't know if he's going to stay or leave. He said he was getting ready to head out, something about meeting with the Royals.

"Honey, Tristan didn't stay for breakfast?" Mom asks me, showing deep concern.

I take my seat and start spreading a bagel with cream cheese, "No, he has a few things to take care of before he leaves."

Mom clears her throat, "So because of everything that's happened, I think it'd be nice if we had a family dinner tonight."

"That sounds great, Mom," Damon smiles at her. He's been staying here to hang out with me. Diana isn't so thrilled about that, but he doesn't seem to care. Apparently sister trumps snobby wife, I think smugly.

"I've invited the Ashers and Coxes as well," Mom adds, then looks at Damon pointedly, "Make sure that wife of yours doesn't say anything out of line...I've heard about how she's treated Scarlet over the years."

"Honestly I don't know what her problem is with Scarlet," Damon sighs heavily and addresses me, "I'm sorry about that."

"I'm sorry you made her a part of this family. She doesn't fit in," I shrug, silently thanking God that Keith's mate is someone I love.

Damon doesn't reply because he knows what I said is true. But on the other hand, it's kind of the same situation with me and the Ashers. I will never fit in with that family. Not ever since Bethany died. In a way, Tristan having a rough relationship with his family works in our favor.

After breakfast, Mom gets to cooking for dinner tonight while Keith and I hang out in the kitchen. Mom won't let me help, so I sit at the bar and read. It's nice to be home and spend time with Mom and Keith like the old days.

My phone starts ringing and I pick up because it's Tristan. I smile, "Hey."

"Hi, how are you?"

"I'm as good as you had left me a couple hours ago?" I laugh.

Mom looks over at me and says, "Tell him he's not going anywhere before dinner."

"You're coming over for dinner right?" I ask.

"Of course. I just have a few things to get done, and I'll be over as soon as I can," he promises, "your mom cornered me before I left and made me promise to come."

"That sounds like my mother," I agree, "well I'm glad you're coming, it'll make it a little bearable."

"Tell me about it," I imagine him rolling his eyes, "I love you."

"I love you too," I reply, smiling a little.

"I'll see you soon, baby."

"Yup, see you soon," I say before we hang up.

I shake my head and go back to my book.

Dinner's at seven so I start getting ready at five. Anna comes over and it's fun having this girl time with her again. I catch her watching me from time to time, as if I'm going to collapse or something any moment. I ignore it. She was at my side the entire time these past few weeks and I don't blame her for being so protective. I love her for that.

"How are things between you and Tristan? I was surprised that he had let Caius be there with us the entire time. That was really kind of Tristan," she says, curling her hair.

"Things got a little heated but...I think we'll be okay. We have to be," I tell her honestly as I slip into a navy blue dress Tristan bought for me when we went to New York last summer. Earlier, I straightened my long blond hair to let it fall around me. Then I strap on the red heels I picked out.