The kitchen echoed with muffled arguments, Kat’s soprano voice punctuating the tense atmosphere. Krystal’s mother’s venomous retorts barely contained her frustration, while Sebastian remained seated on the couch, absorbing the tumult as he processed everything I’d shared. Williams, beside him, couldn’t hide his broad grin, a stark contrast to his typically serious demeanor. He leaned forward eagerly, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“How’d you do it, kid? Did he beg?” Williams’s question jolted me, momentarily transporting me back to the scene of Maverick’s demise-blood, earth, and the eerie stillness of death.
Before I could fully respond, Ethan emerged from his father’s study, catching my attention with a knowing look. He settled beside me on the sectional, draping an arm around my shoulders, his concern palpable even in his silent support.
“Krystal will join us shortly,” Ethan reassured me quietly, his voice a comforting presence amid the escalating argument in the kitchen.
The voices there grew louder, Kat’s anger evident in every word she uttered, each syllable tasting of raw metal. The clash between her and Krystal’s mother escalated until Kat’s final, cutting words hung in the air.
“She’ll resent you forever if you can’t accept her,” Kat declared firmly.
Olivia’s response died on her tongue as Kat stormed out, her eyes scanning the room until they settled on Sebastian. I couldn’t suppress a chuckle as Kat arched an eyebrow challengingly at him, prompting Sebastian to respond diplomatically.
“No problem here,” Sebastian replied, his gaze shifting to Ethan and me, reflecting a newfound respect born of shared struggles.
Moments later, Kieran emerged with their parents, and I found myself enveloped by my twins, their protective presence grounding me amidst the familial turmoil.
“Now that you’re all about our happiness, Sebastian, I assume you won’t mind if I pass on leading your pack?” I teased lightly, enjoying Sebastian’s bewildered reaction.
“Absolutely not. The pack still needs a Luna,” Sebastian replied, his stern expression softening as he turned to Williams. “As for the High Table, Sophia, it’s your decision whether to retain your position.”
Williams interjected with a cautionary tone, emphasizing the weight of the decision ahead. Ethan and Kieran, holding my hands, conveyed their unwavering support.
“This is your call, sweetheart,” Kieran reassured me, his voice a steady anchor amidst the swirling uncertainties.
With resolve, I affirmed my decision, buoyed by the strength of those around me and the clarity that had emerged from recent trials.
“No, I have no intention of relinquishing my seat at the High Table,” I declared, meeting Williams and Sebastian’s eyes with determination. “I’ll see this through. Will you both stand with me?”
To my surprise, both uncles mirrored my enthusiasm, their expressions reflecting a shared commitment to guide and protect. Despite lingering memories, both bitter and sweet, I felt no fear. Surrounded by irreplaceable allies, I knew I wouldn’t face the challenges ahead alone.
Days later, we gathered to bid farewell to Carlos and his warriors. Zack, visibly exhausted yet liberated from his father’s shadow, joined us for the farewell. His attire-simple, yet elegant-spoke volumes about the changes unfolding within him.
“I guess you won’t mind if I stick around for a while, now that you’re the new Head,” Zack’s voice interrupted my thoughts, his gaze narrowed as if he could sense where my mind had wandered. Kat stood nearby, pretending not to listen, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her awareness. “I’d also like to speak with your other… associates, Alpha Peter and Luna Louis.”
Predictably, Zack Billford wasn’t known for his friendships. Maverick had never needed loyal allies, relying instead on fear and power. The twins, increasingly familiar with Zack, had mentioned the pivotal role of Alpha Peter and Luna Louis in the recent battles.
“What about your pack? There are still many wolves there,” I inquired, curious about the fate of those who had remained loyal to Maverick, now either deceased or fleeing as rogues through the forests. Some families had stayed behind, having served Maverick for generations.
“I’ve entrusted someone to oversee the pack for the next few months. It might be best if I keep a low profile for a while,” Zack replied, a hint of regret creeping through his usually composed demeanor. “Those who choose to stay will be supported with jobs, homes, and financial assistance to help their families settle elsewhere.”
“That’s incredibly generous of you,” I remarked genuinely, surprise evident on my face.
Zack shrugged nonchalantly, his eyes briefly flicking toward Kat before his hand found its way to the back of his neck. “Maverick had more money than he knew what to do with. Now it’s being put to use.”
As Carlos prepared to depart, having officially stepped down as Alpha but still overseeing the white wolves he had protected, he shared a light moment with me. His daughter, skipping around joyfully, intermittently disappeared and reappeared a few feet away.
“She’s been pestering me endlessly about you,” Carlos teased, watching his daughter with amusement. “Are you heading to your son’s pack?”
“Actually, I’m going to Zack’s pack to help out for a while,” Carlos replied with a grin, his eyes following his daughter’s playful antics. “I’m bringing along the white wolves I’ve been looking after. It’ll help reassure the others that they’re truly free now.”
Surprised, I raised an eyebrow. “So you’re the trusted friend?”
“He called me a friend, did he?” Carlos’s grin widened mischievously.
“Don’t tease,” I chuckled softly, lowering my voice. “You might be the only friend he has.”
“Hmm, perhaps not the only one,” Carlos mused, glancing over at Zack. “If he plays his cards right, that fiery redhead might become his friend sooner than he thinks.”
I followed his gaze and noticed once again the gravitational pull between Zack and Kat. Despite her lingering disdain, she couldn’t seem to stay away.
A realization dawned on me as I contemplated the coming months and the potential they held.
“Come here, princess. We’ve got to get going,” Carlos called to his daughter, scooping her up in his arms as she giggled.
An urgent question crossed my mind, prompted by a troubling news clip I had seen recently.
“Carlos!” I called out as he prepared to leave with his daughter. “I’ve been wondering-how did you manage to make thousands of white wolves disappear before Maverick could reach your pack? There was no trace of any of you.”
Carlos tilted his head, his daughter wriggling with joy in his embrace. A knowing grin spread across his face, his eyes twinkling with uncontainable delight.
“Just who says we ever left?” he replied cryptically, seconds before they both vanished from sight.