Page 49 of Pack Nightmare

“Thank you, Daphne. Tell them all I really appreciate it.”

“Of course, miss.”

She bustles out, leaving the rolling cart out of the way, and I take a hesitant spoonful of soup.

It tastes exactly the same as what my mom made when I was little. I finish the entire bowl, splitting the individual oyster crackers open one at a time, just like I did as a kid.

And, sure enough, the special addition from Susan is her famous hot chocolate. The ceramic lid kept it hot, and a warm, glowy feeling fills my chest while I sip it.

Once again, I’m caught between my past and my new life. Soup from my childhood, cocoa and cookies from here.

And they’re both equally comforting. They both bring warm memories of being with someone who just wanted to take care of me. And I realize that the soup I associate with my mom is probably a family recipe handed down to her, from my grandmother. Or at least from the family chef before William.

So perhaps I need to set aside the selfishness that fueled my tears last night. Maybe what Shuya said is the best advice she could have given me: Life isn’t fair.

Being the alpha of Smoky Falls is a privilege, and it comes with a hell of a lot of responsibility. Despite the love and admiration of almost everyone in this town, I was desperately searching for a way to get out of it.

And because of that, because of me and my need to be selfish, someone is dead.

I finish the cocoa and check the time on my phone; I still have several more hours before I need to get up and start preparing myself for the ceremony tonight. From now on, I have to be the alpha this town needs, the leader they deserve. I can’t be an eighteen-year-old girl who only thinks of herself. The position comes with heavy responsibilities, but it also comes with support, in the form of my fated. They’re meant to help me carry the load. But it’s up to me to accept them. I have to stop thinking of myself as an island and start truly becoming part of the pack. I owe them the same respect and faithfulness they’ve shown me.

Derrek is gone, and the past is the past.

So I settle back into the warm bed and close my eyes, resolved to emerge from this cocoon of blankets like a butterfly.

Soon enough.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Layla

Nerves swim in my belly as I gaze out at thousands of solemn faces. My fated are on the stage with me, as is Roxanne, and Amber, Justin, his parents, and all the guys who were in the other car. I have their names on a piece of paper clutched in my hand—I still don’t know half of them.

Last night’s ceremony in the clearing had been different. We spoke Jeremy’s name, thanked his spirit for his sacrifice, and honored him for protecting me. And when we ran as a pack, there was no playful yipping, no side races or weaving through the trees. We ran as one, a single unit. We returned to the clearing all together and howled a long, mournful cry until the hour was up and we had to shift back.

Tonight, the festive atmosphere is at odds with the somber truth. The entire town square is filled with people, adorable fall market booths lining the sidewalks in every direction. But I need to do this. I need to show the entire pack that I understand my duties to them as an alpha, as protector of this town.

The words want to stick in my throat, so I clear it and force myself to begin. “Hi,” my voice is shaky and the microphone squeals. “For those of you who haven’t yet met me, I’m Lilliana Harridan. My family has been a part of this community since the founding of Smoky Falls.” I pull out the prepared speech and smooth the crumples I made in the paper before continuing. Roxanne stressed to me I needed to stick to the script, as there would be out-of-town visitors here for the festival.

But the pack could read between the lines.

“Even though my family has been here for generations, I’m relatively new to the area, and the dangers the wilderness presents. A couple of days ago, this group of my peers risked their lives to save mine. One paid the ultimate price.

“I know it’s an odd choice of timing, but I just wanted to express, in front of the entire town, my gratitude to Jeremy Westley for saving my life. His sacrifice can never be repaid, and I am forever grateful.” I pause as the crowd murmurs, the sounds of Jeremy’s mom sniffling behind me. “I must also thank everyone involved…” I run down the list carefully, pronouncing each name correctly and not giving any more emphasis to my fated than I do to anyone else. “I couldn’t ask for a more caring or generous community, and I hope to give back and honor you all for a very long time.”

Applause builds like a wave from the sea of people below the stage, and I smile brightly, then pass along the line of people behind me, shaking all of their hands and accepting a few hugs, before I’m able to descend the stairs. My fated follow me down, and when we’re finally out of view from the crowd, I accept their warm hugs of comfort.

“You did great, Layla,” Jared grins. He’s actually put on a button-down shirt for the occasion, although it’s worn open under his jacket and over the ubiquitous t-shirt.

“Perfect,” Landon agrees, his soulful eyes warm.

“I think we’ll make a politician of you yet, Lex.” Milo’s signature half-smile curls his lips. “Do we need to find some babies for you to kiss?”

“Ha ha, you’re hilarious,” I roll my eyes. “Roxanne said after the announcement, I’m free to enjoy the festival. Where should we start?” I look around the group expectantly.

“Well, Landon and I have somewhere to be, so you two go on.” Jared tips his chin at Milo before pulling me into another hug. “Just don’t do anything we wouldn’t do, gorgeous,” he whispers, planting a soft kiss on my lips that sends a warm reverberation straight to my core.

“Okay,” I reply, a little confused. I thought we were all spending the evening together.

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