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“They?”
“Yes.” He chokes up a bit then. It takes him a minute, but Cain manages to gather his control. The person looking back at me now is a regarded warrior and someone I consider family. Mum adored him. That last one stings. Past tense. “We were able to capture one of the two males. Grady has him, along with the two guards who had patrol duties on this side of the property.”
“Bring him. I’ll deal with the guards after.”
“Yes, Alpha.” Not the first time someone’s called me that, but there’s a different connotation this time. The weight comes from the realization that my father will be unable to lead and protect; I’m who they’ll come to in times of need, and I’ll bear the brunt of the weight without complaint.
This is the least I can do for him while he mourns, and when he’s ready, I’ll step aside and wait to take the mantle after finding my mate. There’s never been a king without a queen. To lead, you must have balance.
I’ll deliver the head of this man and anyone else involved on a platter.
That’s all that matters.
Vengeance calls to me. Darkness blooms within, and it demands payment.
As Cain leaves, I turn toward the gathered group awaiting instructions. Their attention’s already on me. “Everyone, please head home. I’ll—”
“Son.” That one word stops me, and my head snaps in my father’s direction. I also take notice of how his legs shake—of the utter pain in his eyes, and the way he covered Mum’s body with the blanket Cain offered. “Please come closer.”
I do so without question. There are only a few feet of space between us while my werewolf traits retract—all except for my hands. “Let me take care of everything.”
“You make us so proud, Xadiel,” he says, voice breaking while his hand rises between us. His nails become claws, tearing the cuticle area. There’s also a beat of absolute silence as understanding dawns across our people. No one so much as breathes, but I’m still surprised when he cuts across his chest, fingers digging into the wound before smearing the blood there. “You’re going to be the greatest king our people will ever see. So much more than I was, and my father before me.”
“Now’s not the time. I’ll handle everything just the same.”
“It is.” Again, he swallows hard. “Now kneel.”
Every member of our pack falls into position, those in their human skin placing a closed fist over their heart while the wolves lower their faces to rest over their paws.
A show of respect. Acceptance.
I drop to one knee as well. My eyes are on my father; his watery ones are pure black with the presence of his beast.
“I’m ready.”
Swallowing hard, my father nods. “Caring for werewolves is what our family was born to do, Xadiel, and I can no longer do that.” For a moment he moves his gaze toward those in attendance, an unneeded apology in his expression, before refocusing on me. “I’m unable to think past the pain ripping me apart, my son. My world ended today, and a king always puts his people before himself.”
With swiftness, he slashes across my pectorals, mixing his sanguine drops with mine. Our combined blood feeds the grass beneath our feet, and the earth shifts a bit as I breathe through the sudden piercing burst of pain and then the power that now flows through my veins.
A vicious growl builds in my chest as little pinpricks rise across my limbs. There’s a new consciousness, the awareness of the lives I’ll be forever entwined with and responsible for.
Every pack.
Every member and sector leader.
All the lives under my rule.
They’re all there. Now a part of my DNA.
“Stand, Xadiel. Rise as the king you were born to be.”
3
XADIEL
Howls reverberate throughout the forest and the mental link that connects me to all wolves. It’s loud—their cadence full of joy and loyalty—yet there’s no evading the heavy undercurrent of pain laced within. Of the heavy grief I’m currently gritting my teeth through as my father tucks the cotton tighter under my mum’s body before lifting her into his arms.
He’s crumbling before me; his movements are slow while his anguish strikes me with the strength of a whip. I feel it. Everyone. And yet, I swallow my own emotions back while not an ounce of the man who’s fought, killed, and ruled our people for centuries remains.
