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RAVEN
“Say something,” Brody murmured. “They’re waiting to hear from you.”
Both of the men stepped behind me, giving me an unfettered view of the hundreds of shifters that had gathered to lay eyes on me. They wanted me to say something? Like a fucking speech? My spine locked up as I slid my hands into my back pockets. I held my head high despite the trembling in my knees, and as I drew in a deep breath, I knew exactly what I wanted to say.
Almost as if my soul already knew what was coming.
“I know I’m not my father,” I said as I slowly turned around to address the entire crowd. “I know that I wasn’t raised here, and that there are things about my parent’s relationship and marriage that I still don’t understand. But one thing you can always expect from me is honesty, no matter how brutal or consequential. And the truth of the matter is that I’m just as wary as you guys are. I’m just as worried that I’m not what this pack needs. But since my father apparently felt differently, I owe it to the wonderful memories I have of this place to make sure every single one of you is taken care of to the best of my ability. And you have my word that it will be done until such time as a more appropriate alpha is appointed.”
I didn’t feel the need to say anything more, so I simply nodded my head. It was the truth, my truth, and it was all I had for them. Wind whipped through the trees, swirling around us as leaves tumbled into the black paved road.
And one by one, the shifters raised their faces to the sky only to let out a shattering howl that shook the ground beneath me.
“Aw-aw-aw-aaaoooooooow! Aw-aw-aw-aaaoooooow! Aw-aw-aw-aaaoooooow!”
The sound was so powerful and so monumental that it sprung tears to my eyes. I swallowed hard, blinking them back so that I could keep up the facade of strength I had successfully painted upon my entire body. I closed my eyes, allowing the reverberations of their cacophonous sound to resonate through my entire body. It rattled my ribcage. It slammed my heart against my sternum. My hands trembled and my knees locked out, forcing my body to stay upright. So many memories bombarded my mind. Bonfires and battles. Hunts and haunts. Frolicking in the river half of a mile into the woods and racing around in the middle of the night catching fireflies with my hands.
The howling wrapped around me like a weighted blanket, and as it died down, I found myself empty without it.
“Dismiss them,” Brody whispered.
I cleared my throat and held my hand up in the air. “Go and enjoy your days, everyone. Take time to process. But know that the house my father used to dwell in is where I’m staying, and it’s open to you should you need it.”
“Perfect,” Dean murmured.
“Need a walking buddy to get you home?” Levi asked as he walked up behind us.
I didn’t really like the tone of voice he took with me. It was sharp, with an edge that would have sliced through glass, given the chance. But, I turned to face him as everyone made their way back into their homes, anyway. “I’m okay, but thank you.”
“Hell of a speech,” Hudson said as he sauntered up with his hands in his pockets. “I’d vote for you.”
I couldn’t help but giggle. “I appreciate that, Hudson. But, I don’t think things are up for a vote.”
“You sure you don’t want anyone taking you back to the house?” Brody asked.
I drew in a deep breath. “I’m sure. I need some time to think, as does most everyone, I’m sure.”
Let me out. Show me to them.
I curled my fingernails against my palms and Dean’s gaze dropped to my fists. “Is your wolf talking at you?”
I scoffed. “That’s one way to put it.”
“Why don’t you let her out?” Brody asked.
I shook my head. “No.”
Hudson shrugged. “If she’s ready, she should make an appearance. I know that it would make everyone else feel better.”
I shot him a look. “My entire life has been about everyone else and what they want. So, for once? This part of my life is about me.”
Levi shook his head. “Not anymore. You’ve stepped into one of the most selfless roles—”
I charged through them. “And this is why I don’t want anyone walking me home.”
“Raven!” Brody exclaimed.
I waved my hand in the air. “See you guys tomorrow! Leave me alone until then.”
