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Opening my eyes, I leaned back to see Roberto’s pure shock as he stared back at me with obvious disbelief. It made me smile because it was such a rare expression to witness on his face, that I felt like I’d accomplished something different.
Doing something that actually shocked Papa Dearest.
Rising up, I looked down at him and let my tears fall in appreciation.
“The hardest part of accepting your death was knowing that beyond those layers that begged the world to hate you was a powerful shifter with a heart that simply wanted to witness your pack’s survival,” I whispered. “It didn’t matter if every single person in your pack hated you. If the world despised you or your drive. If they disliked your business focus, or how ruthlessly powerful you were while executing your role as an Alpha. The world could turn against you, and it wouldn’t matter, because you simply wished to create an empire so great that when your heir took over, your reputation alone would ensure everyone was protected from the cruelty of this world.”
Taking a deep breath, I let it out and closed my eyes.
“I never felt so pathetic in my life until I lost you. I listened to the chaotic thoughts of your pack members who wondered how a weak woman like me could rule such a powerful pack. Honestly, I agreed with what they were saying because I wasn’t ready to be the Alpha of the pack you’ve run so wonderfully in this pitiful world, and despite being able to prove that I would sit in your position if necessary, I knew I wasn’t ready to make you proud in that department. At least not yet.”
Opening my eyes, I smiled in relief as I stared into his eyes, which began to grow glassy.
“Which is why I’ve decided that my Papa Dearest should continue to be the leader of this grand pack. At least until I’ve built my own forbidden reputation and enjoy the hate of the world who will despise my uprising. I have plenty of people still on a lengthy list that deserve to enjoy the wrath of my revenge, and I’m sure my mates have enemies that deserve to be put in place,” I reasoned. “With new life comes second chances, and I’m sure in the realms of death you briefly visited, you carried a bit of regret. I want you to confront that while you continue to be the ruthless mafia Alpha you are, but I also want to prove to the world that you aren’t a villain. At least, not anymore.”
Offering my hand to him, I made sure my words were clear as they were laced with immense authority.
“I, Willow Alundra Phoenix, formally known as Willow De Luca and the Alpha of De Luca Pack, have offered the Alpha position back to its former ruler, Roberto De Luca. As heir once more, I will return for his empire only on two occasions. Either when his heart stops beating, or when my Forbidden Pack wishes to create an alliance.”
He stared at me with a hint of a smile as he tried to act insulted by my words.
“Alliance my foot,” he muttered, and I actually laughed.
“Ya. That probably won’t happen, so I guess you have to die again,” I offered with far too much sarcasm. “I hear jumping off cliffs is the quickest way to death.”
“Yet you’ve failed at it twice,” he muttered, and I gasped in horror.
“I didn’t know you were keeping count.”
“Well, let’s not do that again so I don’t have to keep track,” he countered but reached out to place his hand in mine — his warm tight grip making me want to sob at the fact that he truly was alive.
“I, Roberto De Luca, accept the role of Alpha of De Luca Pack, making Willow Alundra Phoenix, formally known as Willow De Luca, the future heir of this pack. She’ll rise to her role when my heart permanently stops beating.”
“On one condition,” I offered and watched his eyebrow arch. I didn’t say anything and yet he groaned.
“No.”
“C’mon,” I whined. “You weren’t using him!”
“Why does he have a dagger sticking out of his fucking chest?”
That made me giggle far too manically, and I heard Amos chuckle.
“I guess they’re talking about you.”
“Why aren’t you dead?” Arthur asked.
“Hmm? I’m immune to shit like this,” Malachite revealed to them.
“Seriously?” multiple people commented.
“Yup. Which is why I’m perfectly fine standing here,” Malachite concluded. “We’ll take the blade out when we deliver it to those who will prove Aurelia’s innocence.”
“Oh right! We’re going on an adventure,” Arthur cheered.
“Didn’t you say we need to leave now?” Jayce acknowledged.
“Yup. At least if we want to make it back in time,” Malachite stressed.
