Chapter 49
Chapter 49: A End to a Beginning
*Riley*
I know it is normal for children to bury their parents but even though my father and I weren’t close, I wasn’t prepared for the pain in my chest. Seeing his bodied, lifeless, and pale would be burned into my memory forever. I was thankful to have Nicolas there by my side.
My brother, sister and I didn’t want this funeral to be long, especially since there was so much more to do and the growing amount of injuries seemed to be increasing.
One by one our names were called. My siblings had both gone up and dropped their flowers off the pyre that would drift off in flames down
the river.
It was now my turn. Nicolas gave me a little shove as I was reluctant to go. Not because I didn’t want to honor my father but it was still odd being me in this place. Here I wasn’t seen as the Luna to the alpha king, I was just Riley, the wolf-less daughter of the alpha’s beta.
I exhaled and squared my shoulders, I was no longer that girl. Thanks to Nicolas, Vera, Knox, and everyone I’ve met at the palace, I was born
anew.
I placed my flower next to Ava’s and bowed my head to pay my last respects. I was sad he wouldn’t see who I became.
Chapter 49 A End to a Bloggering
After the funeral, Noah had called for everyone to meet in the main square. I looked to Nicolas but he shook his head unaware of what Noah had in mind.
We were in the front of the pack and watched as Noah stood on a table Liam and another wolf dragged forward.
Noah looked out at his people, he scanned them before glancing at me. He gave me a nod as if I said something to him then looked away. Beside me, I heard Nicolas huff. I smiled to myself finding his jealousy
cute.
“Evermane, times have been hard here lately. Perhaps we have lost our way, which is why our king had removed his protective eye from us. Perhaps we needed to fall to see that we weren’t behaving as a united pack. I will accept my part in this, I may be the new alpha and still have much to learn, but when I saw wrong I looked the other way. Using the excuse that this is how it has always been, I was blinded to the disconnect of our pack,” he said loudly.
His followers were eating this up, nodding when he spoke of unity or their lack of it..
“When the hunters attacked, we crumbled before them, divided we stood but together we fell, that is not how it should be! Our brothers and sisters died because we thought of our well-being instead of us as a whole, Evermane, this will never happen again! We will no longer stand divided! We will no longer perish alone! We are the wolves of Evermane and will fight arm and arm with our brothers and sister!” he egged the people on. He shifted his gaze towards me. “We will never
say who is weak among us, because together everyone adds to our strength. Everyone is linked together,” he said.
He finally looked away from me and continued how they would be bonded by this tragedy but I got distracted when Nicolas’ voice filled my head.
“Getting lost in his eyes? Feeling yourself long for the past?” he said. Though his tone was dead serious, I couldn’t help but chuckle at his
words.
“Longing for the past?” I laughed.
“Mmm, it is improper for my Luna to stare at her former lover,” he said. through the link.
I shifted beside him and leaned against him.
“I’m sure it is. Good thing I only have one lover, and he’s not great at giving speeches,” I teased. I felt his laughter rumble through my body. He grabbed my waist and held me close to him. I toned back into Noah.
“And with this, I want to welcome my new beta, the one who shares. my vision of change and unity,” he said then waved his hand to the
side to welcome Liam to his table.
“Whoaaaa,” I cheered for my brother.
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Chapter 49. A. End to a Beginning
“Beta Liam!” Noah introduced him. The members of the Evermane
cheered and roared their approval of not just Liam but the future that Noah promised them.
Noah stepped down and was quickly surrounded by his members who patted his back and shook his hand.
“Seems he has won them over,” I said to Nicolas.
“Yes, but it only took a slaughter for it to happen,” he pointed out. Always the king, I thought.
I was about to chastise him when Noah asked to speak to me. Nicolas didn’t want to release me, but I reminded him where my heart lay through the link.
“Great Speech,” I said once Nicolas finally gave in.
“Thanks to you. I know I hurt you, and I didn’t protect you from the bullies and everyone. It is a shame I will carry with me always. As I should, but know I’m only able to stand here today because you have found peace and love, and as I’ve always known, you are forever kind. We did not deserve you, we did not see you, but I promise this will never happen again,” he said, his tone serious.
I exhaled and smiled up at him.
“You will lead well, I always knew you’d be a good alpha,” I said.
Chapter 4 End to B
a Beginning
Suddenly, I felt a chill run through me. I glanced back at Nicolas and saw that his eyes were white as he stood in a mindlock.
“Excuse me,” I said without looking back. By the time I reached him, he had returned but his face was grim.
“What happened? Something at the palace?” I asked, feeling his unrest.
“That was Vera, she has news about the hunters. She says it’s urgent,” he said.
“Then go,” I ordered.
“I will not leave you here,” he refused.
“I’m safe here, plus thanks to Vera I’m no longer a weak defenseless girl. These hunters must be stopped,” I said, playing towards the hunter in him instead of his role as my mate. He grimaced knowing I was right. He yanked me forward and kissed me quick and rough.
“I will return by tomorrow. I will leave Prik and Kayla here for added protection. Please don’t do anything I would not approve of,” he teased.
I pouted teasingly but agreed to be on my best behavior. I watched him speak with Prik and Kayla then he departed. It was only going to be a day apart, but I already missed him