\[William’s POV\]
The next day, I stand between Jose and Charlie while members of Rosco’s pack work to prepare pallets for Elise and Uncle Hamilton. Once they’re in place, Rosco comes forward with a torch in hand. He doesn’t speak as he begins to set the pallets ablaze.
As Elise’s body goes up in flame, I feel the last remaining pieces of my heart begin to shatter. This was it; there was no continuing to trick myself into believing that she would magically come back to life.
I fix my gaze on Elise’s face as flames surround her body and lick at it, slowly burning away her clothes so they can begin on her skin, muscles, and bones.
Swallowing the yell that wants to escape me, I watch on. As she disappears, it feels like a piece of me disappears with her, and when she is finally gone, I feel empty.
“I’m sorry, man.” Charlie murmurs, clamping a hand on my shoulder. “I know you…”
“Don’t,” I say slowly. “Just don’t say anything.”
Although I know that he means well, I know that if I let him continue, there was a good chance I was going to break down. I couldn't—not here, not now. I knew even Elise herself wouldn’t want me to cry at her funeral; she wasn’t the type.
Shaking his hand off, I turn and begin to make my way through the small crowd that is gathered to watch the two who were lost be sent off to the Goddess.
Once I’m through, I look toward Emerald Moon’s packhouse and consider going there, but then turn in the direction of Crystal Fang.
“What are you planning?” Rosco’s voice is somber, and there is a hint of pain in it, which I assume is because of Uncle Hamilton being among those that were sent off as he speaks. “You aren’t planning on just disappearing, are you?”
For a moment, I don’t speak as I consider what he is saying. Wouldn’t it be easy to just disappear entirely? But doing so wouldn’t erase the pain I was feeling. And there was something that I needed to complete.
“No,” I respond, turning and meeting Rosco’s gaze. “I’m heading back to Crystal Fang.”
At my words, a look of understanding flashes across Rosco’s face, but it is replaced with confusion.
“Didn’t Charlie and Jose say there was nothing left of Crystal Fang?”
“That’s right.” I confirm. “Hard to believe, right? But that doesn’t mean that it can’t be rebuilt.”
As far as I knew, only those who resided in the packhouse were corrupted, so there were still honest and loyal members. I just needed to go through the motions of my coronation as alpha and then have them swear their loyalty. It was going to be a long process and a huge pain, but I couldn’t just let Crystal Fang disappear from existence.
“Take care of your family.” I say now, forcing a smile. “All of this was to make sure that your daughter is able to grow up in a peaceful environment.”
“I know.” Rosco says, his annoyance flaring. “I can’t thank you and the others enough for everything you’ve done. If ever there is a time in the future that you need my help, don’t hesitate to say so.”
“Yeah.”
Lifting a hand, I give a wave and then begin to move. Only when I reach the forest line do I shift and begin to move, heading toward my future and my distraction from the pain that is swirling. Since the only thing I had to live for now was my pack, I intended to put all my energy into becoming the best alpha I could be.
\[Rosco’s POV\]
I watch William as he disappears, and only when he is out of sight do I turn and head back to where Denali and Serenity are waiting. When I reach her, Denali gives me a look of pity and opens up her free arm.
Not speaking, I move forward and let her embrace me. Sighing, I bury my face in the crook of her neck, enjoying her warmth and the way it seems to instantly calm me.
“How is he?” She asks quietly.
“He’ll be alright.” I assure her.
Although I wasn’t sure if she would actually be, I didn’t want to stress her any further. After this was finished, we had to attend to Roger's execution. Maybe it was too quick, but we couldn’t risk a repeat of what happened with him previously.
“How are you?” I say now, lifting my gaze to Denali’s. “Are you sure you’re up for facing him?”
“Yeah,” she responds evenly. “Let’s end all of this permanently.”
Together, we walk back to the packhouse and then head toward the infirmary, where the remaining warriors who were infected by the nue sit up, talking quietly. Honestly, it is a relief that so many managed to survive, given the gruesome deaths of the others. Once they were fully healed, I would be sure to give them a proper thank-you for everything they did. Hell, I would do that with the entire pack after everything we went through.
Tearing my gaze from them, I look to Olga and Maria, who sit watching the whole thing. Beside me, Denali lets out a sigh of relief, and I’m sure it is because of the scene in front of her.
Continuing to move, she makes her way to Maria and then stops.
“Would you mind watching Serenity for me?” She asks.
“Of course,” Maria responds. “It would be my pleasure.”
Smiling, Denali stands up straight and takes in Marai as she cuddles Serenity against her chest.
“We’ll be back soon.” She says slowly. “Thank you.”
“It’s no issue.”
Once we are sure that Serenity will be well taken care of, we head out of the infirmary and head straight for the small room where Roger’s trial will be taking place. This time I was the executioner and I was going to make sure he got what he deserved.
“Ready?” I ask Denali when we reach our destination.
“Ready.” She responds. “Let’s end this, shall we?”
Sucking in a breath, she reaches out and pushes the door open so Roger, who sits alone, can be seen.
As we enter, his eyes come to rest on us, and a look of amusement crosses his features.
“Welcome, daughter.” He beams. “I’ve been expecting you. Have you come to finally end me?”
Instead of responding, Denali pulls a pistol out of her pocket and presses the barrel between Roger’s eyes.
“I have.” She responds, pressing her finger against the trigger.
“Aw,” Roger chuckles, not scared at all. “Are you not going to give me a fair trial?”
“You don’t deserve one.” I say. “The jury has already determined that you are guilty of each and every crime that you have committed. As punishment, you will be executed.”
Finished speaking, I watch as Denali takes a breath and then pulls the trigger, ending the man in front of us once and for all.