Chapter 33

Not everyone has chosen to witness former Alpha Greg’s execution, which includes Gypsy. My father and the guards drag him through the tunnel to our old territory. We chose to have his execution here because it’s out of the way, and there’s nothing here for anything to get out of control.

I look around the somber woods of my childhood, and my heart breaks. Not even the river survived. There is a trickle padding through the dry bed, which gives me an ounce of hope that it will one day be restored, but not likely until my grandchildren are grown. It’s such a travesty. He not only destroyed the forests, but also the shelter, safety, and resources found within them.

Father brings Greg forward, his hands tied behind his back. Greg holds his head proud without any remorse for what he’s done. Malcolm ties the man to the pole surrounded by wood. I take a step forward. “As Alpha, it is my job to bring justice to our pack. You are being executed for your crimes against your own kind, your own people, and your own pack. In burning the forests, you not only destroyed our homes, but also our safety and livelihoods. Countless people lost their lives in the fires.” I nod to Malcolm, and he and father set the piles of wood ablaze. I link Gypsy. “The fire is lit.”

***

I take a deep breath then let it out. Madeline and I attend Ciara as the execution takes place. I nod to the doctor to inject her with a mild sedative, so she doesn’t feel the pain of her mate dying. If she chooses to live afterward, it’s her decision. She grips my hand. “Luna, I’m sor…” I nibble my lip as she passes out.

“I will stay with her, Luna. Once the sedative wears off, she’ll be brokenhearted, but she shouldn’t be in physical pain.” I nod to the doctor and then Madeline and I leave the hospital.

Madeline holds my hand. “So you and Ashton mated. I’m so happy.” She gives me a big hug.

“Yes. I’m glad you and Maddox are supportive. After being apart for so long, we couldn’t bear the thought of ever being parted again. Although I don’t understand why the two of you were so willing to allow us to be the Alpha pair.”

She chuckles as we make our way to my cabin. “We were planning on stepping down anyway, but it was never up to us. The pack chose you. You stepped up, and they accepted you. I’m so proud of Ashton and you. Now I get to look forward to grandbabies.”

My cheeks color. “Not quite yet, but they are definitely in the future.” She beams at me with a beautiful smile.

We settle in to the couches, and she introduces me to the wonderful world of rom-coms. We’re halfway through the movie when Ashton links me. “It’s done. Greg is dead.” I let out deep breaths. I don’t know how to feel right now. The man that ruined my childhood, beat me, and turned me into a slave is gone. He is the reason that I never had a connection to anyone; he’s the reason my wolf was so weak, and I was so alone. “What’s wrong, my love?” Ashton links me.

It’s weird feeling another person’s emotions, but even more strange that he can feel mine. “I’m sorry. I just don’t know how I should feel. I’m not happy, but I’m not sad either. I guess I’m relieved?”

Ashton’s love for me fills me up and brings me comfort. “You’re allowed to feel however is right. He put you through hell, but you’re such a kindhearted person that death isn’t something that will bring you peace of mind. Whatever you feel is the right emotion for you.” I sniff and wipe my tears away.

Madeline hands me a tissue. “Don’t worry, they always have a happy ending.” I look at her confused by her comment. Her eyes are still glued to the television screen.

I give her a soft smile. “Just like me.”

The movie ends and Ashton pulls me off the couch. He takes my place then pulls me into his lap. His arms engulf me, and I feel absolute comfort. I lean into his chest and inhale his calming scent. He kisses my head and then leans into the couch getting more comfortable. We’re shortly joined by Maddox and my dad. The guys pick out another movie, and we make a night of it with popcorn, pizza, and ice cream. It’s the most fun I’ve had, I think ever.

We discuss things that our pack needs to be successful and how to implement the ideas. My dad informs me he’s going to be gone tomorrow to handle his diner but will be back for the dinner service. I plan on running the kitchen one last time while he’s away. Ashton volunteers to help me. Maddox and Madeline will begin training females in the morning. Students will begin school and pack life should return to as normal as possible.

I tell Holly to join me in the kitchen. She’s been avoiding everyone, and I need to find out if she has any information on Hunter. Her eyes are red as she walks through the door. She bites her lip as she waits for my instruction. “I need you to start on the French toast, please.” She nods and then looks around, not knowing what to do. “The brioche loafs are over there and the eggs are in the fridge. Five dozen should be enough.” She walks toward the refrigerator. “How are you?” I ask her.

She looks over her shoulder at me. “Peachy.”

I turn to look at her, my arms across my chest. Ashton grumbles, but I hold my hand up, stopping him from intimidating her. “Holly. I can command you to submit to me, but I’m not going to unless I absolutely have to. I’m not like that. I genuinely care about each and every member of the pack, which includes you. You and Hunter were mates, and he’s run off with another woman. That’s not a very comfortable sensation. I know; I’ve been there.” I add that last part to remind her that Hunter was intended to be my mate, but he ditched me for her, not that I ever cared about him.

Holly stands in front of the refrigerator and wipes her eyes. “He did leave me, but we never mated. He never intended to; he only said that to get under your skin. I loved him. I thought he cared about me, but every time I wanted to even talk about marking him, he would leave. I never knew about that other bitch. He played me even more than he played you.”

Ashton mind-links me. “He’ll turn up, and when he does, we'll all be ready for him. In the meantime, we’ll have the best border patrol possible. Don’t worry about him, my love.” He squeezes my hand.

I lead Holly to a seat then hand her a paper towel and pat her shoulder. “I know it seems hopeless now, but you still have a mate somewhere. You’ve been hiding away since all this went down. Who knows, he could be in our pack now. We’ve had twelve new mates since the packs combined. There’s still hope for you.”

I remember my dad’s words to me. Don’t give up. There’s always hope. Ashton holds me to him, and I feel his emotions. Looking up at him and everything around us we’ve accomplished, I truly believe in hope.