15

15
ALICIA
Kayla and I have dinner with Dad that night. Kayla cooks, which isn’t the norm-at least, it’s not the way things were when I was young. Dad’s always been an amazing cook, and it’s a little hard to see him just sitting and watching while Kay does it. He looks kind of sad about it, too, like he’s aware that this ought to be his job, but I know Kayla’s trying to get him into the habit of accepting someone else in the kitchen. We can’t have him doing things like forgetting to turn off the oven.
She brings a big bowl of spaghetti to the table for us and we all help ourselves. Once everyone is served, Dad clears his throat.
“I’d like to talk to you girls about something,” he says. Kay and I exchange glances. “What’s up?” she asks.
“I’ve been thinking it’s time for me to step down,” he says quietly. “As alpha.”
Even though I don’t disagree, the words shake me to my core. I’m so used to my father being the leader of the Greystone Pack. He’s always taken pride
in his position, and he’s always been a great leader. I never thought I’d see the day he stepped aside.
Kayla sets her fork down slowly. “Are you sure about this, Dad?” she asks. “Because, you know, once you abdicate, you can’t take it back.”
“I know,” Dad says. “We all knew this time was going to come. I don’t want to be one of those sad old alphas who hangs on so long that eventually the pack has to depose him. That’s not fair to the rest of you. I wouldn’t want you girls to have to go through that, and I certainly wouldn’t want Lonnie to have to go through that.”
I get what he means. Deposing a sitting alpha involves his successor challenging him to a duel, and Dad’s in no shape for that. For a moment, I wonder if Lonnie would actually do such a thing. He’s a bastard, but could he kill his own father?
I have to admit, I don’t know the answer. And that’s terrifying. “You’re sure it’s time?” I ask him.
He sighs. “I don’t want to do it,” he admits.
“I’m sure it must be hard to think of giving up a position you’ve had for such a long time,” Kayla says.
“It isn’t just that,” Dad says. “I’ve been thinking about Lonnie.” “What about Lonnie?”
“Well, obviously he’ll be alpha once I step down,” Dad says. “But do you think he’ll be good for the pack? I used to think so, but I’m not so sure anymore.”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Is my father finally seeing his son clearly, after all these years?
Kayla looks at me, and then looks back at Dad. “He’s going to come to power anyway,” she points out. “He’s next in the chain of command, and
there aren’t any potential challengers who could take him on. Even if we all agree he’s not a great candidate, there isn’t anyone else.”
“What about David?” Dad asks.
“David’s been clear about the fact that he doesn’t want to do it,” Kayla says.
I nod. Even I know that. He and Pat were teenage sweethearts, and even though he’s mated into the bloodline, David’s never been interested in being alpha. He doesn’t have the right personality. He’s not even dominant over my sister. He definitely couldn’t control the pack.
Actually, sometimes he kind of reminds me of human men.
“I could order him,” Dad says. “I’m sure he cares about the well-being of this pack. If he knew we needed someone to step up, maybe he would prove himself capable.”
“Do you really think so?” Kayla asks dubiously.
“I don’t think he would be any better than Lonnie, anyway,” I speak up. “David might not be into random cruelty and pushing people around, but he’s too soft to make life-and-death decisions. We’d be no better off.”
Dad sighs. “Honestly, one of you two would be the best pick for pack leader. You’re both so strong-willed and determined. It’s too bad I can’t have one of you do it.”
I laugh. “Sure you could. Name Kayla as a she-alpha.”
“The pack would revolt,” Kayla says. “I wouldn’t be able to give commands. Only a properly chosen alpha gets the loyalty of the pack.”
“Yeah, I know,” Dad sighs. “It was just an errant fantasy.”
My heart aches for my father. He loves this pack, and he’s put the best years of his life into making it great. I can see that he’s worrying about his legacy.
I wish there was more I could do.
Dad looks from Kayla to me. “If one of you had a mate,” he said, “that person would be able to challenge for the alpha seat.”
Kayla shakes her head. “Dad, you can’t ask that of us.”
“I know,” he says. “I know. I’m not asking you to be with someone just for this. You know I won’t. But if there’s anyone you’ve been considering, anyone you like, even as a close friend, anyone who would be willing… You’ve got to at least think about it.”
My mind goes straight to Brandon. How could it not? But I’ve already made this decision so many times. I’m not going to be with him. If circumstances were different, I might actually consider it for my father’s sake. But I can’t.
“I’ve got Emmy, Dad,” I say. “I have to put her first. Before the pack.
Before myself, even.”
Dad frowns. “You do owe something to this pack, you know. Even though you decided to leave us. I won’t force you, but you should include us in your decisions.”
He looks so lost. It must be awful to know that you’re declining, to know that your mind is slipping, and to worry about what’s going to happen to the pack you’ve cared for all your life.
There must be a way. Maybe I can help him find it.