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“Janice Greystone.” Rex could be a very casual man, but when he performed his duties, he took on a stern and somber attitude. He now stood tall and proud in front of his equal. “I, as Alpha of the Glenwoods, do humbly accept your offer and extend the same. We ask that you dine with us to solidify this alliance.”
“We accept.”
With a nod from each of them, it was official. Glenwoods and Greystones filtered in from all directions to eat, drink, and finally get to know each other.
Janice, however, came to speak with her daughter, a small dog following along at her heels. She gave Max a smile, but her face softened entirely when she looked at Sarah. “Hello, my dear.”
“Mom.” Sarah wrapped the older woman in her arms and rested her head on her shoulder. “Isn’t this incredible?”
“Yes, it is. And so are you, my dear.” Janice pulled back to hold her daughter at arm’s length, looking her all over. “I can see that this is working out wonderfully for you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so happy.”
“That’s because I haven’t been.” Sarah looked at Max, her face sweet and content. “This is how it was always meant to be.”
“Yes, I know.” Janice’s mouth trembled a bit as she let go of Sarah and looked at Max. “While I know the official reason for our visit here tonight is to create an alliance with your pack, I’ve also come on a personal mission. I owe you both an apology. Max, I’d first like to apologize to you. My husband didn’t like the idea of Sarah being with someone he thought had a contaminated bloodline. It was a ridiculous notion and one that I never agreed with. I should have stood up for you all those years ago when I could see just how much you meant to Sarah and that the two of you were destined to be together. I can’t even begin to tell you how much it saddens me to know that I was the least bit involved in keeping the two of you apart.”
Max saw all the pain behind her words. Her inaction had caused a lot of similar pain in himself, in Sarah, and in their children, but he knew it was only due to her fear of Edward. It was time to move forward with their lives. “You’re forgiven.”
She clasped his hand and squeezed it tightly. “Thank you.”
“Of course.”
“And Sarah. Oh, my dear, sweet Sarah. I can’t even begin to tell you all of my regrets.” Janice turned back to her daughter, holding back tears.
“Mom, you don’t have to,” Sarah replied. “I know what it was like. I lived through it just as you did.”
“That’s kind of you, but you’re wrong. Your father is a horrible man, and he never treated you the way he should have. I was afraid of him for the longest time, and I let that fear keep me from doing what was right. I know that a thousand apologies will never be enough to make it up to you, but I hope that at least we can find a way to move on from here. I still want to be a part of your life, Sarah, and to know you and your family.” She studied her daughter with concern and fear in her eyes.
“Mom, I know how he is. I understand. I always understood, and I knew that, in many ways, you were just as much of a prisoner as I was. You just had the illusion of freedom, even if it wasn’t a reality.” Sarah slipped her fingers into Max’s and pressed hard, making her knuckles dig into his. “Can I ask what’s been done with him?”
Janice nodded. “The only fitting punishment I saw was to make him live the same sort of life he forced you into for so long. He’s very well guarded, and I can say that he’s starting to see some of the errors of his ways.”
“And there hasn’t been any trouble with the rest of the pack?” Sarah asked carefully.
Max had been wondering about this as well. He’d been hopeful about Janice taking over as Alpha, but it’d been rather unexpected. The Greystones needed a strong leader, and they certainly deserved one.
This brought a small smile to Janice’s face. “No, actually. The ones most loyal to him fought to their death in the battle. Those that remained were only following him out of fear, and there were far more of them than I ever would’ve realized. I knew that taking over the pack was a desperate act, but it’s one I’m very grateful for.”
“So are we,” Max replied genuinely.
“Dad, can we start a bonfire?” Ava asked as she came over. “We found a whole bunch of marshmallows in the pantry, and Hunter said we have to try them over a fire. Oh, hi Grandma!”
“Ava.” Janice pulled Ava close. “I’m so happy to see you. I’m so sorry you were hurt, but I’m glad you’re all right now.”
“Oh, yeah,” Ava replied dismissively. “I’m completely fine.”
“What a pretty necklace.” Janice admired the moonstone at Ava’s neck.
“Thanks. Grandma Joan gave it to me, and she said it’ll give me blessings and protection from Selene. Do you know who that is?” Ava looked happy and excited to share her experience.
“I’m not too familiar with her, so you’ll have to tell me more later.” The little dog at Janice’s feet darted forward, wagging his tail excitedly as he danced his front paws on Ava’s feet.
“Gina’s dog! You kept him! I was wondering what might’ve happened to him after we left!” Ava scooped him up and held him, wiggling against her. “I never did find out what his name was.”
“I don’t think Gina ever actually named him, either. I’ve been debating it myself. Do you have any ideas?”
“Um.” She wrinkled her nose as the dog licked her chin. “I’ve been reading a lot about ancient Greek gods and goddesses lately. How about Argos?”
“Argos it is,” Janice agreed immediately. “You can come and see him any time, or I’ll be happy to bring him here.”
