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“How could I not, after hearing what you said,” the chief replied.

“We’ll take you to your campsite,” the guys who brought me up offered, so I climbed in the UTV with them, still keyed up after the confrontation.

When we reached he site, Tony rushed into my arms, buried his face against my chest and clung, while the rest of the band clustered around us, silently giving me a moment before I shared my tale.

“I love you,” Tony murmured, clinging but not in tears, which I’d feared I’d return to.

“I love you too, Little Wren.” I tipped his head up and planted the sweetest kiss on them, which my boy deepened until we earned a cheer from everyone else. When we stepped apart, I realized that more than just the band had formed a circle around us, my crew was here too, every last one of them.

It wasn’t just them being supportive…this was what a true family looked like.

Chapter Seventeen

Tony

Rocktoberfest

I’d been a fucking wreck since the mention of my sperm donor showing up. Means he’d been following me and knew I’d made it big so of course, he’d want money. Probably figured he’d beat it out of me like he used to do with my paychecks before I moved in with Bowie’s family.

Fucking piece of shit.

All my life I tried everything in my power to make him proud and get him to love me. Nothing worked. Now that I’d made it he wanted a piece of the action.

Fuck. That. Shit.

“Alright guys, time for your interview.” Pressley loaded up with us in one of their fancy, air-conditioned golf carts, first time I’d ever seen one of those, and drove us over to the press tent.

“You all right, Tony?” Bowie whispered beside me.

“Hell if I know, I’m just glad I didn’t have to see him.” Daddy held me all night as I tossed and turned. I felt bad keeping him up but was too selfish to let him go. Even if I told him he could sleep in his own bunk if he wanted to, I doubt he would’ve left me.

“I told my folks so they could keep an eye out for any shit stirring.”

“Thanks, man.” Bowie’s family would love to knock his dick in the dirt and talking shit about me while asking for money gave them the fuel to do it.

Yet somehow, guilt still managed to seep through.

The interview started, how we’d ended up sitting on the couch I hadn’t a clue. It was like walking through life on autopilot. I barely caught her introducing us as the camera’s rolled. If I didn’t snap out of this funk soon, I’d fuck up the show tonight. As though he sensed I called in a lifeline, Wolf entered the tent. His gaze met mine and it was like the weight of my world fell away. I could breathe again, and even better, remembered how to speak.

“Tony, we’re hearing great things about you taking control of the stage and that wicked scream of yours is breaking the internet.” Fuck, I’d already forgotten the chick’s name that was interviewing us.

“Thanks, I owe it all to Joey from Social. He’s been a great mentor and turned me onto vocal strengthening exercises. He’s been awesome.”

“That’s all on you, Tony!” Joey’s familiar voice shouted out. “Come check out Imminent Danger tonight. You won’t be disappointed.”

“Well, there you have it, fans. Straight from Joey’s mouth to your ears.” The guys were cracking up. “Up next, we’ll interview those infamous guys from Social Sinners.” Ah, that explained why they magically appeared. “Tony, Bowie, Tibby and Claude, thanks for joining us. I look forward to catching your show tonight.”

I headed straight for Daddy’s arms. Had I become far too dependent on him?

“I got here as soon as I could. You okay, Little Wren?”

“I am now, thank you. It’s like, you can read my mind and know when I need you.”

He kissed the top of my head. “Something like that. Call it Daddy’s intuition. Ready for lunch?”

The main dining tents weren’t far, so we all walked over together. Rhone and David were there, probably trying to help Jordan and Ely out, who were running around. Their intent may’ve been good, but it looked like their partners were about to kick them out.

“Hey!” Chase called out. We spotted him and his Daddy sitting with Seltzer and Jeremiah and they excitedly waved us over. I really wished we had time to destress and play before we hit the stage, but there wasn’t. “How’s it going?”