Page 18 of Chosen Destiny

My heart constricted further. The more people who knew about Bodey’s abduction, the weaker I would appear, but that wasn’t the real problem. I needed him by my side. With each passing moment, functioning became harder.

Samuel’s words hit their mark, and Lynerd’s face switched from anger to concern.

The man I recognized as Lynerd’s beta stepped forward. His hair was shaggier than the last time I saw him, and a shade darker than his copper beard. His eyes narrowed, and he laughed bitterly. “This is fucking great. We might as well hand ourselves over to her with a twat like him”—he pointed at Zeke—“in charge and our community half as strong without Sybil.”

I looked behind me at Zeke, who scowled deeply. Theo glanced at his father and cleared his throat. “Dad’s injured, so maybe it’s time for him to hand off the pack and royal advisor responsibilities.”

My throat closed. This wasnothow I’d wanted to have this conversation. I’d hoped to talk to Theo and Lynerd alone before making anything official. Theo was showing initiative at the worst possible time.

“Are you fucking serious?” Zeke snarled at Theo, his upper lip curling. “Now isn’t the time to take the position from me. Things are too volatile.”

Theo flinched, which further strengthened my decision, but I wanted to handle the change of advisor positions respectfully. Lynerd and Theo deserved that. I opened my mouth to take control of the conversation again and stay focused on Sybil’s death.

Jack snickered. “Didn’t you promise Theo you’d relinquish the position after the crowning, and then you said that, since Theo wasinjured,you should remain in charge?”

Leave it to Jack not to let it go, especially when I needed him to with what I had planned.

Zeke spat, “That is none of your business,” drawing their attention away.

“That’s the thing.” Lucas placed his hands on his hips and glared at Zeke. “It’sallof our business, and after—”

We didn’t need to argue among ourselves, especially not when the coven needed to pay their respects to Sybil. There was only one way to handle this.

I’m sorry, Theo. I meant to talk to you before this in private,I linked to him.Please know this has nothing to do with you.Then I spoke out loud, “Zeke will no longer be the royal advisor or in charge of his pack,” I said, mustering as much authority as I could in my voice. “After kidnapping me and colluding with the queen, he’s lucky to be breathing. None of us can trust him to continue inanysort of alpha or advisory role.”

Zeke’s jaw clenched, but he remained silent.

That’s a wise decision,Michael linked, and I was surprised by how much I needed to hear that.Instead of hiding everything so there is less turmoil, you’re taking the more challenging path. Your father would be proud.

With Bodey not here, Michael’s words were a lifeline for me. Though having his support wasn’t the same as having Bodey at my side, it was enough to keep me going.

Chest puffing, Theo smiled sadly at me and nodded. “I agree wholeheartedly.” He then linked,I understand that you don’t want him to serve. I get it.

My heart clenched.That’s not what I had been referring to when I’d said this had nothing to do with you. It’s the next part I was referencing.

Zeke’s jaw clenched. “You need me. Just wait. You’ll come begging.”

I’d rather die than take any advice from him. The next words would hurt to say. Theo had been one of my few friends over the past seventeen years, but my memories had revealed that friendship had a way of persuading a person to make horrible decisions, ones that could result in death… maybe even my own.And I’m sorry.

“You’re dumber than I realized, thinking you’d still hold any position with influence”—Jack lifted his hands and stared at Zeke as if he had two heads—“after betraying us.”

“What do you mean, betraying us?” Lynerd asked through gritted teeth.

Jack, be quiet,Miles linked, his frustration bleeding through.Let Callie handle this.

I straightened, wanting to look as strong as possible since I didn’t feel that way. “He was working with Queen Kel, which led to Sybil’s death and my fated mate’s capture.” I wanted to put Bodey first because his absence felt like the most important piece in everything that had happened, but Lynerd wouldn’t see it that way, and I was trying to relate to him. He would take Sybil’s loss hardest. “Which is why I’m replacing Zeke with you as the royal advisor of Oregon. Theo will still be the alpha of his pack.”

“What?” Theo rasped, his voice full of hurt, while Lynerd’s jaw dropped.

I didn’t trust Zeke, and Theo was too influenced by his father. Hell, he’d even assumed we would keep Zeke in an advisory role.

“You wantmeto be the Oregon royal advisor?” Lynerd’s pupils dilated.

“It was what my parents were going to do before their untimely death.” I glanced at Zeke, who had the intelligence to avert his eyes. “You and your pack are strong—the strongest in Oregon, from what I can tell. It makes sense to offer the position to you.”

And to screw me,Theo replied, his hurt surging between us.You know I grew up expecting to step into this position. Is this your way of getting back at me for not helping you sooner?

A lump formed in my throat, and I tried to swallow around it. I hadn’t meant to hurt him.Theo, it isn’t personal. Your father killed my parents, and your pack mistreated me until a few weeks ago when I was crowned queen. That history and your dad’s imprisonment won’t go over well. It’s not an insult, I swear, and I’ll find a way to make this right for you too.

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