Chapter 28
“So, with a heavy heart, I need to ask to resign,” Willow typed, the words sounding hollow and redundant as she typed them. “I won't be able to travel as much, so I won't be able to keep up reviewing resorts. If you'd like to keep me on as a telecommuting editor I can do that. Otherwise, please consider this my notice,” she finished off.
She hated that she had to quit like this, but there was no way that she was going any distance from the pack. Not after she just found them, finally found a place where she was wanted and belonged.
“How's it going?” Carter asked, bringing her a coffee from his kitchen.
That weekend, she'd moved into his place.
It wasn't for a permanent stay. She wanted them to have separate places for at least the first six months they were together, but it was exciting all the same. She loved getting to wake up and know he was beside her, getting to reach out and feel him on the other side of the bed.
“It's all right,” she answered, closing out of the email after she sent it. The other tab popped up on her screen, the national missing person's page.
“Are there any more?” he asked, leaning over her shoulder. A running document on her computer kept track of anybody that looked similar to her going missing. She'd found hundreds, several other entire families wiped out or vanished. It was an epidemic of crimes against her bloodline.
She wondered how many who were missing had just gone into hiding.
“It sucks that I found out I have thousands of relatives, and yet they're scattered in the wind,” she sighed, closing her computer. “I wish I could just hunt them down by last name, but that's not going to work.” She leaned forward and rested her head against Carter's stomach.
“Are you ready? They'll be arriving during the next half hour,” he said softly, handing her the coffee he'd brought.
“Yeah,” she nodded, sipping the drink slowly.
“Have you figured out what you'll say?” he asked.
“No, but I'll get there,” she shrugged. “Are you sure you don't wanna just take over being Alpha and solve all of this for me?” she asked, pouting slightly.
“It wouldn't be right,” he shook his head. “Now people would think I just got the role because you're in a relationship with me,” he joked.
***
The backyard was full of the pack.
Willow felt like a terrible hostess, like she should have made drinks or food for everyone. She pushed that thought aside.
“Hi, everyone. How are you?” she addressed them, not needing an introduction this time.
There was a pleasant murmuring response that reminded her of a class being asked by a teacher how their summer vacation was.
“I just have a couple things on the table to clear off, and then you can go ahead and get on with your week,” she explained. “Firstly, I'd like to thank every single one of you who helped with the investigation and the police,” she said, starting a round of applause for them. Everyone else filled in, nodding. “Second, I've heard that James Keech has been moved to a prison about an hour north of the casino,” she continued on. “I understand that it can be hard for him to be gone, even if he turned out to be a liar. I know a lot of you were close to him. I've spoken with Sacred Wing Hospital and they've agreed to offer free counseling on this subject for anyone who needs it,” she added.
“For the biggest problem on the plate,” she went on. It sounded thought out and planned, but she was just saying what she knew would be important for them to know. “I am not going to stay on as this pack's Alpha,” she explained. The murmuring in the crowd rose loudly. A couple voices sounded angry.
She wasn't going to let this get out of town.
Stepping forward on the stage, just one look caused the crowd to draw silent.
“We should vote for this. Honestly, I'll hold the role for the next month or two while we figure out a more permanent replacement,” she explained. “I am extremely thankful for all of the generosity all of you have extended to me. I look forward to getting to know each of you better, since I'm now a permanent resident of Grand Valley,” she smiled. There was a cheer and a round of applause. That went easier than she expected.
“What's the pack name for now, then?” one voice at the back of the crowd asked. This caught her off guard. Willow glanced over at Carter who smiled encouragingly to her.
She hadn't considered this.
“We're the Dark Sky Pack until further notice,” she said, the idea surprising her. They'd be named after a starless night. A pack that wasn't led by people just because of the mark on their necks. There was a murmuring of agreement, and a bit of clapping here or there from those who really approved.
“That will be the end of the official announcements. If you have any questions you can stay, and I'll be answering those in just a few minutes,” she offered, nodding to the crowd. The crowd burst into chatter, dismissed for a few minutes. A couple dozen people went off to the front of the house for their cars.
Carter pulled her aside and tugged her into an embrace.
“That was excellent,” he said, backing away to look her in the eyes. “Are you sure you don't want to be the Alpha? You seem to be filling the role really well,” he said.
“Well, I have a great teacher,” she smiled up at him, in love with every centimeter of his face.
“Hmm, and who is this?” he teased. “Should I be jealous?” he asked, pulling her closer to him.
“Well, don't go fighting any mirrors,” she teased, kissing him and giggling.
“What if they put you up as a candidate?” he asked.
“I don't doubt they will, but then I'll have to run against you,” she smiled, happy to hold him.
“That will be interesting,” he sighed, glancing out as more people shuffled from the backyard to the front.
“I'm looking forward to it,” she sighed, leaning her head against his chest.
Whatever could come, she felt completely ready to take it on.
THE END