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They deserved better."
He held her closer and glanced over his shoulder. People stood waiting. The alpha was dead, and that meant he'd won. He was the new alpha.
It gave him a sense of pride and a new purpose in life. He could be what these people needed.
Opal wiped at her eyes and looked up at him. She looked away and at the people that had now started toward them.
She sighed and pulled her hand up to her mouth. "We won."
He smiled at her. "I told you we would."
After a moment of silence, they each helped the other up. He chugged a deep breath and turned to the crowd that had gathered.
He looked at Reba’s and Troy's bodies. Benton and Opal were now the leaders of the streak.
"This was a fight for the alpha title, and I won. I am your new alpha."
People looked at each other, and then they looked back at him. He could see the worry and the frustration. He saw anger and sadness. He didn't know where they stood.
"I am your alpha, and I want loyalty. I know you don't know me, but you know Opal." Everyone looked at her, and she swallowed.
It had been a while since she was last here, but there had to be people who knew who she was. They had to know what she did for a living.
"I know I don't deserve your loyalty, but I'm asking for it. Because from this day on, there are going to be changes. A lot of changes."
People still looked around, and everyone was looking at Opal. He looked at her, needing her to speak. After all, these were her people.
"Trust me," she said, giving them hopeful eyes. "This is good. We are here to make a difference. This reign of terror and the constant need to hide from Troy and Reba is over. You're safe."
An old man stepped forward, his eyes glued to Opal. He stood just short of five feet with a cane. He walked toward her.
Opal froze, and he stopped a few feet from her. "Opal …" he said her name gently. "I've waited a long time for you to come back." He smiled at Opal before turning to Benton. “You should ask if anyone challenges you.”
Benton glanced around the crowd. “Does anyone challenge me as your new alpha? If so, step forward.”
No one said anything, shaking their heads. The man turned back to Opal and him. "No challengers. That's always a good thing. Opal, may you bring this town the change that it needs."
Tears settled in her eyes as she nodded. "That's the plan."
He gave her a gentle smile and bent to his knee. He bowed at them, and like a wave, everyone followed until there was no one standing but them.
Opal pulled a hand up to her heart. Benton stood frozen, soaking the sight in. The streak trusted them.
TWENTY
OPAL
She was still processing everything when everyone around them started to chatter. She couldn't get her mind wrapped around everything.
They had defeated Troy and Reba. Benton was the new alpha which meant they were the leaders of the community now. It filled her with terror and excitement all at once.
Benton turned to her, leaning in close. He grabbed her chin, pulling her gaze up. "Breathe. You look about ready to pass out."
She took a deep breath in, feeling the tears from moments ago. The elder that spoke to them remembered her. She remembered him at a glance. He'd always been kind to her. He was a sweet man that gave her nothing but generous words. She'd wished him well. And to see him limping and on the verge of death scared her.
She nodded, giving him a smile. "I'm just overwhelmed." She was filled with so many emotions she was losing track. She was angry and happy. She was frustrated and relaxed.
Benton nodded, pulling her close. "I know."
