Page 123 of Villainous Fate

“Some of you will celebrate a change in Alpha. Others will dissent over the loss. Either way, it won’t happen tonight. There is no victory in this win. Get this body out of here,” I order, pointing to Giovanni. “And prepare the funeral pyre. We mourn my brother’s death at dawn,” I finish before walking off the platform and heading from the arena.

Before I make it to the exit, the gentle tendrils dance in my mind, letting me know Alexander is back.

He believed you could lead them.

The words come through, but the message confuses me.

What?

Your brother knew you were the more powerful wolf, but he also believed you could lead them, which is why he chose to intervene.

They were never mine to lead. They needed him.

Then it’s unfortunate that The Fates disagreed.

Fuck. The. Fates.

Not a fan of the path they have given you, little Alpha?

He says with a laugh that irritates me as I walk into the pack house.

I no longer allow anyone to choose my path.

It’s a shame your escape plan didn’t pan out. Shall I inform the LLC that you will be running the Northern Nevada Pack?

His question lingers in my mind as I figure out my response.

No. Tell them Deacon Marlo runs the Reno Pack. The Northern Nevada Pack belonged to Luca. It dies with him.

As you wish.

He says before leaving my mind with a subtle caress.

I pause when I reach the stairs, not knowing where I’m going.

Do I go to the Alpha quarters?

My room?

My brothers?

At the thought, my feet begin their march to the third floor.

Tonight, I stay with Luca. Tomorrow, I take over the pack I was never meant to lead. One day at a time until I know what I’m doing.

After a shower, I fall onto Luca’s bed, wishing he was still here to guide and help me through this transition I’m utterly unprepared for. For a moment, I think of Frank—my father. Even now, I know that the term will take some time. He was always trying to make me better, teach me what he knew about enforcing, and teach me how to defend myself, even from Giovanni.

I pull against the threads connecting me to him before sending a message.

Deacon: Meet me in the conference room at 7:30 am. Don’t be late.

The order goes through, and I feel him receive it. Guilt and something else flow through the bond, but I don’t have time to unravel it before he responds.

Frank: Yes, Alpha.

Deacon: And tell Marcus I need to see him before he leaves tomorrow.

Frank: Of course.

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