Page 70 of The Wolf's Prince
A moment later, the curtain opened, revealing Botan’s somber face.
“Sorry to interrupt,” he said, “but we are in need of some decision-making.”
Already? Soren was genuinely surprised.
He extracted himself from Nikolai’s arms and sat up, watching his friend wearily.
“Why did you come to me for answers, Botan?” he asked. “I am not the pack alpha… Jin’s body is still warm. Must we replace him so quickly?”
Botan’s face crumpled at the emotion in Soren’s voice.
He shook his head.
“I’m sorry my friend,” Botan said, “but we cannot agree on whether to bring the prisoners. This concerns you and Nikolai the most…”
Soren shut his eyes.
Of course.
The burial of a pack alpha could only commence with the entirety of the pack.
“They are both still part of our pack,” he said finally. “They should be there.”
“But Soren—”
“Afterwards, whoever becomes the pack alpha will then decide on their final punishments.”
Botan nodded.
“You’re right,” he said. “I’ll take care of bringing them. But I hope you don’t fight me bringing them in their chains. It’s the least they deserve.”
Soren considered and then nodded.
If it would keep the pack happy, then that’s what they would do.
* * *
NIKOLAI
Nikolai's hearthad never hurt for someone else so much before. The pain was nearly physical, and he wished he could take it away from Soren and carry it all himself.
He'd been so foolish to be mad at him before. Soren was the type to sacrifice himself for those he loved, and he loved his pack and Nikolai. He didn't need to hear the words to know that. Soren had jumped off the side of a mountain for him, what other proof did Nikolai need?
Sighing softly, he watched Soren as Jin's body was prepared. He was sitting back with the other alphas, observing, his gaze so lost.
Jin had been moved to the village center and the omegas took great care washing and preparing his body. Nikolai had scarcely seen a dead body before. A great uncle and his grandmother, but both had been when he was just a child. He had been confused and creeped out. Today, with Jin's entire pack surrounding him, caring for him the last way that they could, Nikolai found it to be a beautiful thing.
When it was time to dress Jin in his final attire, Anzu caught his eye and waved him over.
Surprised, Nikolai approached.
“You're part of this pack too,” she said softly. “Would you like to help?”
Swallowing, Nikolai nodded.
Jin was already being dressed in fine clothing, the outfit nearly complete, but he went to his feet, taking the loose laces of his boot. Nikolai had never tied laces with so much care in his life. When both were done, they looked neat and perfect and for some reason, being able to do that last thing for the man who had raised Soren made Nikolai feel pride.
He swallowed and glanced over at the Alphas.
