Page 67 of The Wolf's Prince
“Go to him. Now.”
Nikolai was already on his feet.
“Andrey…”
“He will be okay now,” his father argued. “And once everything has settled, I expect a visit from the two of you. I need to get to know my new son.”
Nikolai went to his dad, embracing him.
“Thank you!”
He then went to his brother and mother to give them each a parting embrace.
“I will be back soon!”
And with that, he tore out the door.
CHAPTER15
SOREN
Soren sat with Jin tirelessly. The hours felt like days as they passed, but he would not leave his side.
Loss was a strange thing.
At first, when Soren had seen his grandfather's state, he had been powerless but to relive their lives together. The hard parts and the good, replayed in his mind. But now, days later, it had all gone blank.
Soren did not know if he could feel or think anything.
He simply sat, a hand over Jin's, waiting as the man grew colder, but did not yet let go.
Others came to see Jin. Over the course of the day, the entire pack visited. The only missing face was Kamon's and Eri’s but Soren did not know what the protocol was in this situation. Should they be allowed to see his passing pack leader and pay their respects? Soren thought maybe but was acutely aware, that all the big decisions in his life had been made by Jin. He was unsure and felt powerless.
How had he thought he could be the new pack alpha? That took a special type of shifter, someone strong in more than just muscle and size. Yes, Soren was the largest, especially in wolf form, but he was not the strongest of spirit. After all, he had allowed Kamon to hurt Andrey, and he had not had any solution to keep his own mate by his side. He should have gone with him, and Nikolai should not have left. Both of those felt like absolute truth and Soren was completely lost because of it.
He had not realized how much he leaned back on Alpha Jin throughout his life for support. He was his backbone.
This was a terrible time to realize it.
Alpha Jin took a shuddering breath, tension ran through his body, which now looked so frail. A frown marred his expression.
If he was in pain, then Soren hoped this would end soon. For his sake.
“Alpha Jin,” he whispered softly. “It's me, Soren. I'm here.”
For whatever reason, Soren was suddenly sure that his alpha could hear him. He struggled to find words, the last ones.
“Everything will be okay. You don't have to worry about anything. The pack will be safe and happy. I will make sure of it and...thank you. You did an amazing job, grandfather. You will be so missed. I will never forget you.”
Tears blurred Soren's vision. He blinked them away and when he could see clearly again, the frown had smoothed from Jin's face. He looked so peaceful suddenly and so far away.
A shudder ran through Soren and suddenly sunlight spilled over him.
He looked toward the door where the curtain had parted and a cool breeze blew inside, relieving the stifling heat of the fire.
For a moment, Soren was sure that the shape in the door was Nikolai. But that couldn't be...
He gasped, realizing it was true as Nikolai stepped into the cave.
