Chapter 12: The New Pack
206 Words
Rebuild.
That was the word I kept coming back to as the moon rose over the pack house. Rebuild trust. Rebuild strength. Rebuild what Keal and I had broken five years ago.
The next morning, I called a gathering at the training grounds. Every wolf showed up. Even the elders who’d doubted me.
“I’m not here to rule alone,” I said. “I’m here to lead with you. Keal’s my Alpha, but this pack runs on all of us.”
Keal stepped up beside me. For once, he didn’t look like he wanted to be anywhere else.
Mira stepped forward first, kneeling. “For the pack.”
One by one, the others followed. Hands over hearts, heads bowed. Not out of fear. Out of choice.
By sunset, the borders were secure, the rogues driven back, and the pack house felt alive again. Laughter echoed in the halls. Pups ran through the courtyard. It felt like home.
Keal found me on the balcony later.
“You did it,” he said.
“We did it,” I corrected.
He smiled, small but real. “Partners.”
“Partners,” I agreed.
And for the first time in five years, I slept without planning for betrayal.
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