Page 2 of Wolf Sacrificed

My mother’s bottom lip trembled, and she sniffled before that perfectly calm composure slipped over her features again.

I snapped my attention to the rest of the procession. The enforcers carried the casket. The rain beat against it, thumping so loudly that it deafened me.

They stopped next to the small stand and rested the coffin on top of it.

I sucked in a deep breath and blew it out as the rest of the pack filed in. I nibbled on my lower lip until the coppery tang of blood flooded my mouth.

I swiped my tongue over the cut. Probably not a good idea to do that again.

My mom gave my hand one last squeeze before she let go. “Everyone is here now,” she whispered.

I tilted my head up, taking everyone in. There were so many familiar faces, my pack mates in the front. I could trust them. That, I was sure of. It was the other packs who had come here I had to win over like my father had.

I pursed my lips and straightened my shoulders as I pulled away from Lincoln. I’d written a speech on a piece of notebook paper. Half the night I’d stared at the blank white paper, waiting for the right words to come. I fumbled in my pocket, my pants now soaked through, and the paper slipped between my fingers. Worse, it felt like it was dissolving.

Great. I’d have to wing it.

“Thank you for coming today.” My voice came out stronger than I would have thought possible.

I swallowed and pushed on. “Leading the pack was one of my father’s greatest achievements. He was a wonderful alpha, father, and husband. There wasn’t a single wolf or human he met who he wouldn’t help. I am grateful that I got to call him father and alpha. He will be greatly missed.”

I fisted my hands at my sides and then flexed them out again. All eyes stayed on me.

“Losing an alpha is never easy, especially when they are beloved, generous, and kind like Alpha David. We can all only hope to have as much love, kindness, and strength in our heart as he did.”

I licked my lips. “Today we lay him to rest and set him at peace in his eternal resting place.”

My voice cracked, and I cleared my throat.

Keep it together. You can do this.

I jutted my chin out. “Luna has a plan for us all. My father believed that, and I do too. His death will not be in vain. We will rally together against our oppressors. They have taken our alpha, our friends, and family, but we will not let them take our spirit. My father wholeheartedly believed that we have to fight for what we believe in and do what it takes to make it right.”

I curled my fingers into my palms, so hard that they dug into my skin, and I was sure I would draw blood. “He couldn’t have been more right. We honor him by carrying on his values and beliefs, by continuing to fight for what is not only right for us but for all packs.”

I met everyone’s eyes who had the courage to look at me. Willa gave me a small smile and a nod.

My heart warmed. I’d known her for years, but during these past weeks, she had become a trusted friend and sister. I was glad to have her here with me.

I planted my feet and stood taller. “We lost good men and women last night. Friends, family, those we love. Alpha Dane is a violent man who must be stopped. As your alpha, I promise you we will continue this fight until his pack is dismantled. Our alpha, our loved ones’ deaths, will not be in vain. I give you my word.”

I motioned to my right to the pack minister. I took a step back so he could stand up front and provide the eulogy.

A weight gripped me, pinning me down, and fresh tears burned my eyes as he spoke. Lincoln enveloped me with an arm around my waist as my mother reached for my hand, slipping her frigid fingers into mine again.

She flicked her attention to me for a moment. “You did good, my love.”

I hoped she was right. After losing an alpha was the perfect time to challenge when the pack was shaken and emotions were at an all-time high. We had several other packs here. Other alphas. They had submitted to my father, but not to me. Any of them, or anyone really, could decide I was unfit to lead.

Sawyer’s voice filled my head. Anyone who dares will meet your wrath. We won’t let you lose your position. Your father chose you for a reason. I know that.

Lincoln pulled me into him as he spoke to me through our link as well. Sawyer’s right. We won’t let you fail. You are stronger than you realize.

My father had said that to me too.

I gritted my teeth, my attention returning to the coffin. The rain had picked up as if Luna herself wept for the loss of my father.

Sawyer embraced me, his mouth against my ear. We are here with you, Sloane. You are not alone. I hope you know that.

---