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What I told him is true—I will face it with dignity.
When the door opens and Jang stands there, his expression cold but eyes filled with pain, I know it is time. I get to my feet and meet him at the door. He cuffs my arm softly, reminding me he is here with me. We stop at the steps. “Remember, whatever happens, you are still my daughter.”
“It’s okay,” I say honestly, then I lean up and kiss his cheek. “You cannot always save me, Dad.”
He closes his eyes. “I’m supposed to.”
“Not this time,” I reply. “I love you, Dad. You have saved me so many times throughout the years. You gave me a happy life, and you gave me a family, a purpose, and a home when I had nothing. I don’t regret anything, nor would I change anything. Whatever is to happen, I am proud to be your daughter.”
He glances down, his eyes glassy. “And I’m proud to be your father.”
His arms wrap around me, and he squeezes me tightly. I soak in his warmth, comfort, and safety before pulling away. He cannot stop this any more than I can. He would if he could, Jang would fight the world for me, but I won’t let him.
Not this time.
“I love you, Dad,” I tell him as I face forward again. “That will never change. I’m ready.”
“If I told you to run, would you?” he asks.
“No,” I answer. “I will not run, not now, not ever.”
“My fearless, foolish girl,” he whispers. “You were always too special for this pack.” He leads me outside to the waiting betas.
I meet their eyes boldly, and they drop their gazes out of respect, one last showing. I will never be alpha now. I bow in return as they form a protective ring around us and lead us towards the gathered pack.
“Give them hell,” Jang whispers as he leans down. “Know I am with you,weare with you, my daughter. We will always beinside your heart. We are one. We are infinite.” Jang steps past me and onto the grassy hill, and the gathered crowd becomes silent. I blow out a deep breath.
“We have called a meeting,” Jang booms out. “I am betting by now you have all heard the rumours. Know that rumours can be dangerous, and we are only interested in the truth.” His voice is pained. “And we will always give you the truth. As your alpha, it is my duty to protect the well-being of the pack above all else.” He takes a deep breath. “Quinn has committed an act against the pack. She had her reasons, and we will get to that, but that’s the truth. She let the hunter go.” The crowd stirs, and shouts are thrown out, but he waits until they calm. “It is my duty to take your wants and deliver punishment, but in this, I cannot. I cannot be unbiased and do my duty.”
“Jang!” I gasp.
He stands taller. “I will happily stand down if that is what you wish, but I will not put my duties as alpha above my love for my daughter. The integrity and the heart of our pack has always been family, and Quinn is my family. She is my daughter no matter what she has done, and I cannot judge her as an alpha. I will take the punishment with her.”
My eyes burn as my heart thunders in my chest.
“No,” I hiss, stepping forward, but he doesn’t even look at me as he kneels.
The alpha is on his knees, a place he should never be, with his head bowed.
If I didn’t know how much Jang loved me before, I do now. I fall to my knees at his side, gripping his hand. “Stand, Jang. You don’t belong on your knees, not ever, not for anyone.”
“I would gladly die here for you, daughter,” he replies, meeting my gaze. “It is where I belong, at your side.”
Tears slide down my cheeks unchecked. “I made my choice!” I beg.
“As did I. You truly thought I could live if I didn’t stand with my daughter?” He smiles. “Foolish girl. I am your father above all else.”
“And my mate.” My mother drops to my other side, taking my hand. “The sin of one, as they say.” She winks and looks past me. “I love you,” she tells Jang.
“And I you, my mate,” he whispers.
“Silence!” White roars as the pack tumbles into chaos, and then he looks at us. As the oldest beta, it is his duty now, and he sags under the weight. “We are here to decide Quinn’s fate, Jang.”
“I know, and I accept it with her. I will also endure what is done to her.”
“As will I,” my mother says, and I have to bite back my sob.
I was ready to endure it all, knowing they were safe, but how could I now? They will suffer with me just because they love me.
