Excited voices rang through the call as the triplets exclaimed, “It’s snowing! Come look!” They ran toward the window, urging the adults to join them.
Lanky followed them with the phone, and the screen showed the triplets running outside to play in the fresh snow—the first snowfall of the season. Their laughter and joy filled the room, and Luke noticed the tension melting from Matt, Nina, and Dani as they watched the children’s excitement.
For the first time since he arrived, the room felt lighter. The triplets were safe and happy, and Luke could see that this small glimpse of their well-being had reassured Bella’s human family.
Luke held out his hand for his phone. “May I?” Matt hesitated but handed it back. Luke watched the triplets on the screen for a moment, his heart warming at the sight of their joy. They looked so happy, so at ease within the pack. It filled him with pride and relief that they seemed to already feel at home. Even Maddis purred quietly in the back of his mind, content and eager to see them soon.
“Lanky,” Luke said into the phone, “bring them back inside. It’s too cold out there, and I want to speak with them myself for a moment.”
Lanky called the children back indoors, guiding them to sit on the couch once more. Luke couldn’t help but smile as he saw them settling in, their bright, curious faces lighting up the screen. Maddis stirred happily again, clearly as moved as Luke was.
“Hello,” Luke greeted them warmly. “I’m Luke. I thought you might like it if Dani came for a visit right away.”
The triplets’ faces lit up, and they all shouted an enthusiastic, “Yes!” Their excitement made him chuckle—a sound that came naturally, surprising even himself. It wasn’t the introduction he had envisioned, but hearing their cheerful voices and seeing their happiness brought both him and Maddis an undeniable sense of joy.
Though he didn’t want to end the call, Luke knew he had to. There was much to do, and he needed to get back to the pack. He turned his attention back to Matt and Nina, who were now staring at him with guarded expressions. Their distrust was evident, especially after hearing what he’d said to the triplets. They clearly weren’t ready to let Bella—and by extension, the triplets—move so far away with a man they didn’t trust.
Luke leaned forward slightly, his tone calm and measured. “If Dani is willing,” he said, addressing both of them, “I’d like her to accompany Robyn and my family back to the pack. That way, Bella will have someone she trusts completely by her side, and you both can call Dani for updates anytime you like. I’m sure your daughter wouldn’t lie to you. This should also give you some peace of mind that I mean Bella no harm.”
Matt and Nina exchanged a look, clearly thinking it over. Dani, on the other hand, was visibly excited at the idea. “Can I?” she asked eagerly, her eyes darting between her parents.
Matt’s expression tightened. “And when will we be invited?” he asked, his tone sharp.
Luke inclined his head slightly. “I’d like a few days to sort things out with Bella first. After that, anytime you like. I’ll have her call you to make the arrangements. Would that suit you?”
Matt still looked skeptical. “If you think she’ll stay,” he said, disbelief coloring his voice. “She has a whole life here… and a boyfriend.”
Luke’s frown deepened. “I’m confident I can work everything out. And as for Chris Johnson…” He let the man’s name hang in the air, ensuring they understood that he was well aware of who they were referring to. “I don’t think she’s serious about him.”
He shifted the conversation back. “About Dani?” he prompted, glancing at her. “I’d like to get back and ensure Bella has everything she needs.”
Dani was nervously biting her lower lip, her body practically vibrating with anticipation. Though she was technically old enough to make the decision on her own, it was clear she wanted her parents’ approval. She shifted slightly, bouncing on the balls of her feet.
“Mom, Dad… can I please go and see where Robyn lives?” she pleaded, her voice brimming with excitement.
Nina was the first to cave, nodding her agreement. Matt sighed heavily, glancing at his wife before relenting. He nodded as well. Luke noted the dynamic—Matt seemed to defer to Nina’s judgment. A useful observation for the future.
Dani squealed in delight, her excitement bubbling over. She dashed out of the room, calling over her shoulder about packing a suitcase.
Luke watched her go, a small smile tugging at his lips. One step closer to earning their trust, one step closer to fixing the fractured bonds between him, Bella, and her family.
As soon as Dani left the room, Nina’s eyes locked onto Luke with a sharp, unyielding intensity. They were hard and devoid of all emotion, her voice cutting through the air like steel. “I will call randomly. If either of my girls doesn’t pick up, I will come for them. And that will be the end of it. Do you understand me? Am I making myself perfectly clear?”
Her tone left no room for argument, the implied threat clear—if anything went wrong, she would remove both Dani and Bella, and neither Luke nor Robyn would see them again. Little did she know, that would never happen.
Luke couldn’t help but like her. He saw exactly where Dani got her guts from. Nina appeared to be a refined, well-mannered woman, but underneath, she was a fierce warrior. It wasn’t surprising, considering her background. She likely didn’t have to assert her authority often, but when she did, it was undeniable—she wasn’t a woman to be trifled with.
“Agreed,” Luke said, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Will you bring your father’s goons with you?” He chuckled softly, unable to resist the jab.
Matt frowned, his voice dry as he replied, “Yes, we will. A whole platoon of them.”
Luke’s smile widened. He rose to his feet, signaling that he was ready to leave. Both of his parents stood as well, following his lead. “We’ll wait outside for Dani,” he said with a polite nod, still amused by the exchange.
