The Council moved quickly. Within a week, Garrett was formally charged with attempted murder, abuse of pack members, and the death of the previous investigator. The evidence was overwhelming. The recordings, witness testimony, and years of documented cruelty.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment. His pack was placed under temporary Council oversight while they searched for new leadership.
Thomas was offered the Alpha position. He declined.
“I’m not ready. Maybe someday, but not now.” He looked at me with gratitude. “But I want to help choose who leads us. Make sure it’s someone good. Someone fair.”
The Council agreed. For the first time, pack members would have a voice in selecting their Alpha. It was a small step toward the kind of system my parents had envisioned.
During the weeks
