Page 122 of Wolf's Endgame

I left her house feeling grouchier than when I went in, and I still had a list of unanswered questions.

The highlight of my day came when Cannon woke me, slow and sure, from an unintended nap. He covered my body completely with such possessiveness that I was beginning to think it didn’t matter if the bond was broken, but I knew that it did. I wanted my mate to be my mate.

I wanted the silvery mark on his collarbone to tell everyone he was mine. He wasn’t the only possessive one in our relationship.

Later, we were in the kitchen, having coffee, having just come back from a run. I’d shifted to my wolf for the first time knowing there was no danger of Moonstar coming forward, and I hated to admit it, but it was liberating.

The shaman greeted us as he came in and handed a rather intricate-looking envelope over to Cannon.

“What’s that?” I asked as I ate a handful of nuts.

“A letter for the alpha, from the Pack Council.”

CHAPTER 31

Kezia

Nerves swirled in my belly as Cannon took the letter, opened it, and read it. I saw his frown deepen, and then he seemed to read it again.

“Kezia, get Kris.”

“Fuck off, tell me what the letter says.”

He gave me a look of exasperation, which was so familiar I grinned. “Get your brother.”

At the bottom of the stairs, I shouted for Kris. I ignored all the protests that sounded when I shouted for Landon to come down too.

In the kitchen, we gathered, spilling over into the dining area, and when Royce came running into the house, it was only then that Cannon read the letter, by which time I had already threatened him with violence.

“Alpha Cannon and Alpha Kris,” he began reading aloud.

I saw the look of shock on Kris’s face.

“While your investigations into the Anterrio Pack have uncovered some unsightly and worrying facts, and we are aware of your efforts to clean the corruption from the pack by the removal of the pack leader and his loyal followers, we, the Pack Council, have also had the opportunity to conduct our own investigation.”

Cannon cleared his throat before he continued.

“We find that corruption and greed can be uncovered anywhere. After much reflection, debate, and contemplation, we have considered the crimes of the Blackridge Peak Pack and pass the following.” Cannon looked at us all. “You ready?”

I think we all nodded at once.

“Kezia of the Anterrio Pack is absolved of any crimes and violations of pack law while residing with the humans. All pack are entitled to defend themselves, and we find her actions that of self-defense. Should Kezia of the Anterrio Pack wish to be recognized as the bonded mate of Alpha Cannon, an official mating ceremony will be performed by a shaman of their choosing.”

I was sure my brother was holding me up—my knees had left me as my relief was so overwhelming.

“Alpha Kris of the Anterrio Pack will take the Anterrio Pack as his own. His hard work, dedication, and loyalty to the pack puts him in the best position to take the pack forward. Should he wish to rename the pack, his submission should be made to the Pack Council in writing after achieving a unanimous vote from the Anterrio Pack.”

“What if I don’t want them?” he muttered as he shared a look with the shaman.

“I don’t think you get a choice,” the shaman answered solemnly.

Cannon continued. “Should Alpha Kris of the Anterrio Pack wish to be recognized as bonded mate of Cassandra of the Anterrio Pack, an official mating ceremony will be performed by a shaman of their choosing.”

Cass looked at me and winked. “Double wedding?”

Landon’s snort was ignored by everyone but Cannon, who shot him a look of warning. “Shaman of the Anterrio Pack, your counsel is necessary to aid Alpha Kris; you will remain with the Anterrio Pack.” The shaman shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal, but I felt like crying. “Landon of the Anterrio Pack, you will report directly to the Pack Council and provide a detailed and thorough account of your father, Bale, Pack Leader of the Anterrio Pack, until we are satisfied with your account.”

“What does that mean?” Landon asked warily.

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