The Following Day

Near the cabin, looking over the pack’s land, I place a bouquet of white calla lilies at the base of the wooden cross that now marks the final resting place of Dad and his mate, Teresa. Tears stream down my face as I think back to the ceremony we held for them this morning, and I kiss my hand and place it on the cross.

“Love you, Dad. I hope you’ve found peace with your mate. Tell Daddy I love him,” I cry.

I the tears from my face as I stand and turn to look out over the Blood-Moon territory. I wrap my arms around myself, trying to keep warm from the cold and take a deep breath as I try to calm down. So much has happened in the last few months, and I haven’t had time to sit back and process any of it properly.

I’m Alpha, and this is my territory to protect now. It still feels surreal.