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Warm hands squeezed my shoulders, and I glanced up to see my mom.
Tears shone in her eyes and had traced tracks down her dirty cheeks. Her face looked solemn and pale. “The pack is going to be looking for a leader, my love. You have to address them now. The fire is contained.”
She tugged on me, and I stood and turned, meeting her eyes.
She reached up and brushed her hand over my cheek. “Most of the alphas who came here with their packs joined knowing we were in charge. If we want their continued support, it is imperative to win them over now.”
She gave my cheek a gentle pat. “Your plan with the wolfsbane worked. Make sure you mention that. It prevented most of them from shifting and sent Pack Wolf Blood running.”
I sniffled and used the back of my hand to rub at my eye. “I’m not sure I know how to do this.”
She grasped my hands. “I know this night has been difficult. I know you’re hurting. We all are. But you have to do this, and you must do it now.”
Her gaze drifted away, and she looked around at the carnage. “Everyone is gathering. Get their attention.”
She gave my hands one last squeeze and then stepped away from me.
My ears rang, and my pulse roared. All I wanted to do was run away, hide somewhere so I could cry myself to sleep, and hopefully wake up from this nightmare.
Except this wasn’t a nightmare. It was my life.
I wrapped myself in a hug and rubbed my hands up and down my arms while I met Lincoln’s gaze.
My head buzzed as our link connected us.
Sloane, I’m right here with you. I love you.
I gritted my teeth and balled my hands into fists by my sides. I started to speak, but only a croak came out.
I cleared my throat and tried again. “Can I have your attention?”
My voice carried out sure and strong.
The chatter died down, and all eyes turned to me.
This was it.
I became lightheaded and too hot all at once. Nausea churned in my belly. A fine sheen of sweat beaded my brow.
I smoothed my clammy hands on my pants as I shifted on my feet.
“Alpha David, my father, was killed tonight during the attacks.” My voice cracked.
Tears pricked my eyes, and I opened and closed my mouth. “Before his passing, he appointed me as the next alpha.”
My heart lurched into my throat as chatter filled the air. The voices grew louder, like a roaring sound.
I inhaled a deep breath. Big mistake. Acidic smoke filled my nostrils, making me cough. My vision tunneled. Everyone looked around like they had no idea what to do.
If I didn’t rein them in now, I would lose control.
I stood straighter and blinked rapidly as I drew in another deep breath. “We suffered a great loss tonight, but so did Alpha Dane. The wolfsbane that I helped bring back here played a major part in Pack Wolf Blood’s retreat tonight.”
I held my head high and looked out at the crowd. “We must continue our fight and keep this tyrant on the run.”
The murmurs quieted down, and I cleared my throat. “I know things look bleak, but we are still here. We are still fighting, and we will continue to fight to preserve our freedom and sense of life.”
A man took a step forward and pointed at the burning house. “We’ve lost the house.”
