Page 82 of Rejected Wolf's Secret Baby (Rejected Moons 4)

“I’m more ready than I’ve ever been,” Brandon says. “I can lead this pack, Vern.”

“I know you can,” Dad says. “And you’re right, Alicia. It’s time. We can have the alpha ceremony tomorrow. I can have the pack organized by then and be ready to transfer leadership to you, Brandon.”

Brandon nods solemnly. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

My heart is racing. I can’t believe this is actually happening. My father has been alpha all my life, but now he’s stepping down—and he’s handing off power to my mate.

My mate.

Everything is working out so much better than I could have hoped it would. Lonnie will be out of power. The pack will be a safe place for me and Emmy, and Brandon loves us and wants us both and will never try to take her from me. I’ve spent so much time being afraid of what would happen if he learned the truth. This was a possibility I simply never imagined.

Kayla clears her throat. “Not to bring down the mood,” she says, “but what are we going to do with Lonnie?”

Dad and Brandon look at each other.

“You don’t have to do anything,” Brandon says. “He’s your son. I know how hard it would be for you. Wait a day, keep him locked up, and then I’ll deal with him.”

But Dad shakes his head. “No,” he says. “You shouldn’t have to. You’re right. Heismy son. He’s my responsibility. Dealing with Lonnie will be my last act as the alpha of this pack before my abdication.”

“What will you do?” I ask.

“I’ll exile him,” Dad says heavily.

The kitchen is silent for a moment.

“Dad,” I whisper. I agree with the decision. It’s right for Lonnie to be exiled. I couldn’t stay here with him around. But for Dad to have to be the one to do it…

“I’m going to do the right thing,” Dad says firmly. “I want that to be my legacy. I’m going to do right by my family, Alicia. Lonnie has lost the right to be considered a part of that family. He forfeited that when he attacked us in our sleep.”

I nod. It feels so good to have my father on my side, for the first time in so long, that I can’t bring myself to keep arguing. He says he can do this, and I won’t put up a fight.

“I’ll have him escorted out tomorrow morning,” Dad says. “We can have the alpha ceremony in the afternoon.”

“That sounds perfect,” Brandon says.

“In the meantime,” Dad says, “you kids should get some rest. You didn’t get a full night’s sleep, and tomorrow is a big day.”

I nod. I can’t wait to get back to bed. “Thanks, Dad,” I say. “For everything.”

He reaches out and squeezes my hand. It’s the most protected I’ve felt by my father since I was a child. And even though he’s gotten old, and our roles in each other’s lives are reversing, it’s nice to know that this is still possible.

49

ALICIA

BythetimeIwake up the next morning, the sunlight is already pouring into my bedroom. The place on my bed where Brandon slept is warm but empty, and I can tell he was here not long ago.

I sit up and stretch, slowly letting the awareness of the bruises on my biceps filter in. Lonnie really grabbed me hard last night.

I’m so glad he’s going to be gone after today.

I go over to the playpen and look down at Emmy. She’s still asleep. I want her close to me, but I don’t want to disturb her—she went through a lot last night. I know she’s a heavy sleeper at this age, and she’ll probably get a lot of rest if I just leave her to it.

The door opens, and Brandon comes in with a cup of coffee. He perches on the edge of the bed, hands it to me, and I drink gratefully.

“How are things going?” I ask.

“Lonnie is already gone,” he says.

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