Page 44 of Alpha's Heir

Turning to Weston, I saw a similar conflict in his eyes. He was torn between relief that the battle was over and concern for what lay ahead. The responsibility of uniting these packs weighed heavily on us, more now in this moment of fragile peace.

Weston met my gaze, and in his eyes, I saw the question he was grappling with. How do we bring these packs together, truly together, when so much has driven them apart?

I stepped closer to him, placing a hand on his arm. The physical connection between us was a source of strength, a silent affirmation that we were in this together. "Weston," I began, my voice steady despite the churn of emotions inside me. "What should we do?"

His gaze was unwavering, the depth of his commitment clear in his eyes. This was the man I had chosen as my mate, the father of our child, the Alpha of our pack. Together, we faced a future uncertain and fraught with challenges.

But that future also held promise. The promise of healing, of unity, and of a new beginning for our packs. Weston and I, along with the Guardian and every member of these packs, stood at the threshold of a new era. And while the path ahead was uncharted and daunting, we would walk it together.

Not as three packs. Not as two. But as one, united, and stronger than ever.

As long as we were together.

Chapter twenty-two

Weston

AsIstoodthere,my gaze shifting between the tense faces surrounding us, a heavy uncertainty settled in my chest. I shared a look with Cora, her eyes mirroring my apprehension. "I'm not sure what to do," I admitted, my voice barely more than a whisper. "How can we trust any of them after everything that's happened?"

Cora's hand tightened around mine, her expression fraught with concern. The silence that followed was palpable, everyone seemingly holding their breath, waiting for our next move.

It was the Guardian who broke the silence. His voice, deep and resonant, cut through the tension. "I can see into their hearts," he said, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "I can tell you which ones among the uncursed can be trusted."

The offer hung in the air, heavy with implications. Trust was a fragile thing, especially now, when the lines between friend and foe had been blurred by dark magic and betrayal. Cora and I exchanged a look, a silent conversation passing between us.

"Can we really rely on that?" I asked, turning to the Guardian. "How can you be sure?"

The Guardian's eyes met mine, unwavering. "The forest's magic grants me insights beyond the ordinary. I can sense the true nature of those who stand before us. It is a gift, and a burden."

I felt Cora's grip tighten further, her presence a constant source of strength. We were at a crossroads, and the decision we made now could shape the future of our packs.

"Okay," I finally said, the weight of leadership pressing down on me. "We'll trust your judgment. Show us who we can trust."

The Guardian nodded solemnly, stepping forward. The crowd shifted uneasily, a mix of fear and anticipation rippling through them. As the Guardian began to move among the former members of the Unseen Pack, his presence commanding and serene, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety.

Cora leaned in close, her voice soft. "We're doing the right thing," she murmured, her breath warm against my ear. I nodded, not entirely convinced but willing to take this leap of faith.

"Remember, not all who wander are lost, and not all who are lost want to be found," the Guardian murmured as he approached the first wolf. His hand hovered over the wolf's chest, and there was a moment of stillness that seemed to stretch for eternity.

I watched closely, trying to read any sign on the Guardian's face. The first wolf passed the test; relief washed over his features, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He moved to the next one, his expression turning solemn again.

"Pure of heart," the Guardian announced after a pause, and another wolf stepped back, joining the group of those deemed trustworthy.

I exchanged a glance with Cora. Her eyes were wide, reflecting the gravity of the situation. We were rebuilding our pack, piece by piece, but the tension of not knowing who could still be a threat hung heavily in the air.

As the Guardian continued, a pattern emerged. Most of the wolves were found to be free of the dark influence that had controlled them. Each confirmation brought a collective sigh of relief, and our group of trusted wolves grew.

But not everyone was deemed pure. A few shifted uncomfortably under the Guardian's scrutiny, their eyes darting around, looking for an escape. When the Guardian's hand paused over one wolf's heart, his expression darkened.

"Corrupted," he declared, his voice laced with sorrow. Immediately, two of our strongest wolves stepped forward, their bodies language firm but not aggressive, as they restrained the corrupted wolf.

The scene repeated a few more times. Each time a wolf was deemed untrustworthy, tension spiked through the crowd, a stark reminder of the betrayal and manipulation we had all endured.

With only a handful of wolves left to be assessed, I could feel the anxious energy of the pack. We were close to ending this chapter of uncertainty, but the fear of what lay ahead lingered.

I noticed Cora's hand resting protectively over her belly, her other hand gripping mine. Her strength and resolve were a beacon for me in the midst of chaos.

As the Guardian moved to the next wolf, his face remained impassive, giving nothing away. The wolf before him stood still, eyes locked on the Guardian, waiting for the verdict.

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