Page 53 of The Alpha Wolf's Pregnant Bride

“Flynn seems to think so,” I tell Simon.

“What do you think, Cyrus?” He raises a brow at me, and I know it’s because he really trusts me.

“I think we’re ready,” I reply, even if I’m not being entirely honest. With the loss of Cassandra, I haven’t been able to put my head in the game entirely.

The warrior werewolves from all six of the Oklahoma packs are ready, but the Alpha of the Moon Shine Pack hasn’t been able to kick himself into gear.

It’s something I can’t admit to the other leaders. I refuse to appear as an incapable Alpha who can’t get himself together. What’s worse is working so closely with the others and seeing both Flynn and Simon with their Lunas.

“My love…” Alpha Simon’s Luna, Emberly, slides her arm through his, then presses a kiss on his cheek. “It’s getting late. We should gather our wolves and head back home.”

Simon nods with a warm smile as he gazes at his mate. “We have a big night to prepare for,” he concedes. “You’re right.”

He turns to me and excuses himself to prepare his wolves for the journey back home. Watching the two together, a pang of longing seizes my heart. It has me going through the motions of bidding everyone farewell without paying much interest to anyone in particular.

Tomorrow is a big night for us, but I end up dragging my feet back home with sluggish steps.

Why am I thinking so much about Cassandra? Why can’t I stand to see the others with their mates, while I’ve never considered myself an Alpha destined for a Luna of my own?

Shivering inwardly, I find my way to the bar beside the kitchen, pouring myself a stiff drink laced with enough wolfsbane to knock me out for the night. I can’t stand another restless night, tossing and turning and wondering why Cassandra hasn’t shown up in Mysthaven.

It’s been two weeks, and she’s gone off the radar. Her phone’s off, and I haven’t been able to trace her. I’ve tried and failed.

Just as I’ve failed at making sense of her leaving again.

“How are things going with training?” Mother asks, surprising me when she appears at the doorway, tying the strap of her gown as she yawns and pads toward the bar.

I give my mother an update on things only because I owe her an explanation. As the Luna of this pack, she’s the only she-wolf who’s been aware of the impending threat of the roguesand Dorian’s capture since the very beginning. Since we decided to join forces with the Alpha Council, all members of the Moon Shine Pack have been made aware of the dangers that lurk outside. We’ve all collectively been on high alert.

With everyone in the pack on board, I should be feeling better. Yet, I’m victim to the clutches of one particular she-wolf who has decided to abandon us again, mourning her loss each night at the bottom of a liquor bottle.

“I’m happy to hear this,” Mother says, taking a seat behind the bar. “Your father would be proud of the decisions you’re making.”

That statement lingers cruelly, weighing as heavily on my shoulders as the responsibilities I’ve had to bear ever since my father died.

“I wish he was here to see it…” I murmur disheartened, tipping my drink to my lips.

“Sometimes I wish for the same,” Mother admits. “But you’re quite capable of leading this pack on your own.”

“On my own…” I echo her words reproachfully, a snide chuckle leaving my lips. For many years, I thought that being on my own would be sufficient for this pack.

I’ve come to realize that it’s not the case anymore.

“I thought that’s what you wanted, Cyrus.”

I lift my head to find my mother watching me through thoughtfully narrowed eyes. It’s almost as if she can see right through me, and the need for more alcohol dissipates as I’m filled with shame.

“I thought it was what I wanted, too,” I admit tersely, staring down into the empty glass that seems to mimic my current disposition.

“There’s no point in punishing yourself, Cyrus,” Mother continues. “I would very much like to retire as the Luna. Your pack will have more faith in you with a mate by your side.”

“They…” I look up, gulping hard. “They don’t have faith in me right now?”

Mother purses her lips apologetically, and I can see in her eyes that she didn’t mean to dishearten me. “You should have seen the look on her face when I told her. It was like she’d seen a ghost. Perhaps that’s why she left us again. A pack without a Luna isn’t as strong as its leader might believe.”

I frown. “Who are you talking about?”

“Cassandra, of course.”

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