Gods.
What if that happens to me?
11
ROWEN
The Cedar Ridge pack house sits at the top of a sloping hill, its dark timbers glowing gold in the flood of string lights that crisscross the yard. Laughter and low conversation carry through the crisp night air, brushing against the edges of grief that still hang here like fog.
I take it all in as I step up onto the porch—the hum of voices, the scent of pine smoke and roasted meat, the faint notes of guitar drifting through the open door. Ainsley or Harper must be playing. The girls are phenomenal musicians.
Justice was too. I will miss his piano solos.
The house itself is massive—three stories with a second-tier balcony and over twenty bedrooms. Meant to hold a pack of thirty or more. Wide windows on the bottom floor let in natural light during the day, and people can easily get lost in the long hallways. Each level has its own living area along with its own laundry room. Humble earth tones decorate everything.
Every time I come here, I’m blown away by the size and elegance of their house. But to be a leader of a pack this size… I honestly shudder to think of the responsibility.
Children’s laughter rings through the air as they dart between legs, wild and carefree. Adults gather in quiet circles, sharing stories and drinks.Beyond the porch, the yard stretches into the trees, and groups cluster around burning metal trash cans, trying to thaw their fingers.
Around one hundred fifty people are here tonight for the ceremony, from four packs. A few humans traveled from Prodigy as well.
But underneath their happy stories and cheerful melodies is an ache that will stretch on for decades.
This is our fourth Remembrance in less than six months. Nine shifters across all the packs. Seven of them were victims of the coven. That’s so much death in such a short time. So much loss and heartbreak.
So much anger.
Emotions are high everywhere tonight.
I tap Red’s hand to get his attention and whisper, “Were you able to track Rip with the bracelet?”
He presses his lips together. “No. I’m sorry.”
My heart sinks, even though I was prepared for the news. I’d hoped, after everything we’ve been through, that we’d find a break and this would lead us to the coven. But Red’s mage gifts focus on healing, not tracking.
We need to find them before they hurt anyone else—or before they come for Jericho and Tobias.
“Well, it was worth a shot.”
“How’s Tobias?” Red asks.
Tobias has barely spoken to anyone since Red broke the news he might be a half-blood, but he isn’t locking himself away in the room either.
“I don’t know.”
Red touches my arm. “He trusts you the most, Ro. Just keep being there for him.”
“I’m trying.”
Bronson is near the back doors, shaking hands and clapping shoulders with his guests. He’s lost some weight since I last saw him, but that’s to beexpected after losing a mate, son, and beloved elder from their pack in such a short time.
When he sees me, he smiles faintly and nods. “Rowen. Glad you came.”
“Wouldn’t miss it. Justice was a dear friend.”
Bronson’s eyes soften. “Yes, he was so fond of you and your sister.”
I don’t know what else to say, so I give him a firm squeeze on the shoulder and step aside, allowing Grant and Neal to pay their respects as well. One by one, we honor the alpha.
