Not helping

"Why are you being so stubborn?" Bram's voice rose with frustration.

Dahlia clenched her fists. "Because if I tell you..." She paused, then exploded, "You'll tear them apart!"

Todd pushed his sleep mask up onto his forehead. Through bleary eyes, he saw Dahlia standing in the aisle near the bathroom, facing off with Bram.

"Dahlia, for this to work, whether you choose me or not, we need honesty between us," Bram said, his tone softening.

"I am being honest! I haven't lied about..." She hesitated. "Well, mostly. Just give me space!" Her voice echoed through the cabin.

Jason bolted upright. "What the hell is going on?"

Todd stepped between them, hands raised. "Bram, please return to your seat."

Bram held Dahlia's gaze for a long moment before turning away.

Todd turned to Dahlia. "Deep breath. What happened?"

"I remembered who gave me this scar, and he..." Her hands trembled visibly. "He wants to know."

"Breathe," Todd said gently. She exhaled slowly. "Why don't you sketch something on your iPad? I'll get your earbuds so you can listen to music."

He settled her across the aisle where she curled her legs beneath her. As music flowed through her earbuds, her stylus moved across the screen. She glanced up to see Todd speaking quietly to Bram, gesturing calmly. The men looked her way, and Jason offered a reassuring smile.

Todd sat across from her and glanced at the iPad. He gently pulled one earbud from her ear.

"That's incredible," he said. "Which character is this one?"

Dahlia's eyes drifted toward Bram.

Todd sighed. "Oh. I see. It's beautiful work, but... is there something I should know?"

"I'm furious, Todd," she whispered. "Having this... this brute as my bodyguard is driving me insane."

Jason and Todd exchanged meaningful glances.

"He rented you a two-bedroom apartment next to your workplace," Todd said quietly. "And he took a part-time position at a free clinic nearby while you're working."

Dahlia's expression softened. "He did?" Then her jaw tightened again. "I'm still angry."

Bram watched her intently from across the aisle.

"Go talk to him," Todd said, covering his eyes with his sleep mask. "You've both cooled down, and I need some rest."

Dahlia kissed his cheek before moving to the seat beside Bram.

"May I?" Bram asked, gesturing to the iPad.

She handed it over. He studied the sketch, then scrolled through the others.

"Dahlia, these are extraordinary. You're so talented." He took her hand. "I'm sorry."

"Yeah, I would have torn them apart."

She laughed softly. "I know. Trust me, once I remember everything, you'll know too."

"Why do you still want to work there?" Bram asked, running a hand through his hair. "You’ve got a company to run, finances to manage, hell, it’s hard enough for me to keep up with everything."

"I like it," Dahlia said simply, leaning back. "It’s normal. Mundane, even. The rush, the stress…" She exhaled sharply. "I’m sorry you’re stuck handling all this. What do you even get out of it, Bram?"

"It’s my pack," he said, his voice steady. "It’s where I grew up. Where your uncle called me son."

Dahlia’s eyes welled up. "Your mom never told you your father’s name?"

"No," Bram replied, his jaw tightening. "She refused. Said he’d regret not seeing me grow up. I still don’t know what that means."

Dahlia reached for his hand. "You know what? Now you’re a powerful alpha with a family who loves you. I wouldn’t change a thing."

"But Bram," she added, her voice quieter, "I need to sort out my own emotions. Alone."

"Yeah, I get that," he said, his tone softening. "And I’m sorry for how I acted. It’s just… protecting you is second nature to me. I’ve done it my whole life."

"Come on," he said, lowering her seat and draping a blanket over her. "Get some sleep."

She looked up at him, her eyes heavy, as she drifted off. Bram glanced at her sketches, a flood of memories bringing a faint smile to his face. He brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, pressed a light kiss to her temple, and leaned back.

Dahlia had a lot of anger bottled up. She needed to let it out.

The steward announced their descent as he distributed espresso cups to everyone. At the airport, a car waited to take them first to Todd and Jason's apartment. Inside, while gathering her belongings, Dahlia suddenly kicked her bag across the room with a scream that brought Todd running. He wrapped his arms around her trembling shoulders.

"Shh, it's okay," he whispered as she sobbed against his chest. "Let it all out."

"I love you both," Dahlia said between ragged breaths, "but this is just temporary. You're still my family, Todd."

"Girl, don't you dare forget about us," Todd said, squeezing her hand. "Wednesday dinners here, Friday dinners at your place. Non-negotiable."

"Deal," she agreed with a watery smile. When Bram appeared in the doorway, he gently brushed tears from her cheeks.

"I came for the bags," he said, eyeing her small suitcase. "I'll wait outside."

Dahlia embraced Todd and Jason one last time. "I'll call tomorrow."

"Anytime," Jason reminded her. "Day or night."

As soon as the door clicked shut, Todd hurried into the bedroom and burst into tears. Jason exhaled heavily.

"Come here," Jason said, opening his arms. Todd stumbled over, sobbing.

"My baby girl’s gone, Jason. I’m hurting," Todd choked out.

"Yeah, the house is going to feel weird for a while," Jason replied, trying to lighten the mood.

Todd smacked his chest. "Not helping"

Dahlia stared out the window, her mind racing. She turned to Bram. "Why did Heidi kill my parents? I mean, besides the obvious, money. Want to know the real reason? She wanted Ganh to be the alpha and her to control the finances."

Bram frowned. "But your parents made legal arrangements way before they died.

His voice dropped to a whisper. "Heidi wanted me gone too…