Chapter 186

Chapter 186
Layla's POV

I stood there, Soulrend still warm in my hand, Alex's blood dripping from the blade. The battlefield had gone silent except for the heavy breathing of the survivors. My body ached, but the pain couldn't compete with the storm of emotions raging inside me.

"It's really over," I whispered, staring at Alex's lifeless body.

Kael pulled me against his chest, his heartbeat strong under my ear. "You did it, Layla. You avenged your parents."

His words broke something inside me. I collapsed against him, my legs giving out as sobs tore through my body. The sword clattered to the ground as I clung to him.

"I want to see my dad," I cried, my voice breaking. "I need to see him."

Thor approached, now dressed in hastily borrowed clothes. His face was solemn, eyes filled with understanding. "We'll take you to him, Layla."

Griffin joined us, his silver-gray hair matted with blood and dirt. "I'll organize a cleanup crew here. The remaining zombie wolves have disintegrated, but we should make sure there are no surprises left."

Kael nodded. "Thank you, Griffin."

The journey back to Rainier Shadow Pack territory felt endless. Every step reminded me that I was heading toward a reality I wasn't ready to face – a world without my father. By the time we reached the stone clearing where I'd last seen him alive, the sun had begun to set, casting long shadows across the ground.

My father's body remained where he had fallen, now covered with a simple white sheet someone had placed over him. Several pack members stood guard, their expressions solemn as we approached.

"Leave us," I said, my voice barely audible.

The guards nodded and stepped away, giving us privacy. With trembling hands, I pulled back the sheet covering my father's face. He looked peaceful, almost as if he were sleeping. The lines of worry that had marked his face in life seemed smoothed away in death.

"Dad," I whispered, touching his cold cheek. "I'm so sorry."

Kael knelt beside me, his arm around my shoulders. "He died protecting you. There's no greater honor for a father."

"I never got to tell him I forgave him," I said, tears flowing freely. "He'll never know how much I loved him despite everything."

"He knew," Thor said quietly. "A parent always knows."

We sat with my father's body as night fell, sharing stories and memories. Kael held me as I cried, never rushing me, never telling me to be strong. He just let me grieve, and for that, I loved him more than ever.

Three days later, we gathered for my father's funeral. The entire Rainier Shadow Pack came to pay their respects to their fallen Alpha. Even members from Stormhowl Pack and Soulless Pack attended, standing in respectful silence as we prepared to say goodbye.

My father's body had been prepared according to wolf tradition, wrapped in a shroud embroidered with the symbols of our pack. As his only living relative, it fell to me to speak first.

I stood before the assembled wolves, my heart pounding. "My father, Damian Knight, wasn't perfect. He made mistakes – terrible ones that hurt many of you." My voice cracked, but I forced myself to continue. "He lived with secrets and regrets that consumed him. But in the end, he died trying to protect what he loved most."

Several pack members nodded, their expressions somber.

"To those he wronged, I offer my deepest apologies. I know words can't undo the pain he caused." I looked directly at the older members of the pack, those who had suffered most under my father's leadership. "I don't ask for your forgiveness. I only ask for the chance to prove that I can be different – that I can lead with honor and transparency."

An elderly woman stepped forward, her silver hair gleaming in the sunlight. Linda spoke with a voice that carried across the clearing.

"Your father made mistakes, yes. But he also protected this pack for decades. We remember both his failings and his strengths." She looked at me with kind eyes. "And we see his strength in you, child."

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd. Chef Anton nodded vigorously, tears in his eyes. "The pack stands with you, Miss Layla."

"Thank you," I said, fighting back tears. "I promise I won't let you down."

After the funeral rites were completed and my father's body was committed to the sacred fire as tradition dictated, people came to offer condolences. Kael stayed by my side, his presence a silent comfort.

Maxine approached with red-rimmed eyes. "My father served yours for thirty years. He always said despite his flaws, Alpha Damian loved this pack with his whole heart."

"Thank you for telling me that," I said, squeezing her hand.

Griffin approached next, looking uncomfortable in formal attire. "The Soulless Pack offers its alliance and support during this transition, Alpha Layla."

The title startled me. "I'm not—"

"You are," he interrupted gently. "By blood and by right. This pack is yours now."

The weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders like a physical burden. I looked around at the faces watching me – expectant, hopeful, wary. They were all waiting to see what kind of Alpha I would be.

"I don't know the first thing about running a pack," I admitted to Kael later that night as we sat in my father's – no, my – study.

Kael sat across from me, his green eyes serious. "You don't have to do it alone."

"But this is my responsibility. My burden."

"No." He leaned forward, taking my hands in his. "That's not how this works. I'm your mate. Your problems are my problems. Your pack is my pack."

Thor knocked on the door frame, interrupting our conversation. "Sorry to intrude, but there are some pack matters that need immediate attention."

I sighed, gesturing for him to enter. "What now?"

"Border patrols need reorganizing. After Alex's attack, security has been compromised in several areas." Thor set a map on the desk between us. "Also, three families from outer territories have requested asylum. They were under Alex's control and fear reprisals from his remaining allies."

"We can't turn them away," I said immediately.

Kael nodded in agreement. "We'll need to vet them carefully, but if they're legitimate, they deserve protection."

Thor smiled slightly. "I thought you'd say that. I've already set up temporary housing for them in the east quarter."

I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on. "What else?"

"Pack finances need reviewing. Supply chains for the winter. Training schedules for young wolves. Oh, and the council of Elders has requested a formal meeting to officially recognize your status."

"When do they sleep?" I groaned.

Kael laughed, the sound warming something inside me. "Welcome to leadership, love."

The days blurred together as I settled into my role as Alpha. Every morning brought new challenges, every night left me exhausted. If not for Kael and Thor, I might have crumbled under the pressure.

Kael divided his time between Soulless Pack and Rainier Shadow Pack, often leaving Griffin and Jasper in charge of his own territories so he could support me. Thor provided invaluable advice on pack politics and traditions I knew nothing about.

I spent nights reading my father's writings, learning about his struggles, his regrets, and his hopes for me. It helped me understand him better, even if it couldn't bring him back.

One morning, as I sat reviewing border patrol reports, Ruby called.

"Layla!" Her voice bubbled with excitement. "I have news!"

Despite my exhaustion, I smiled. Ruby's enthusiasm was always contagious. "What's up?"

"Hunter proposed! We're getting married in two weeks!"

I nearly dropped the phone. "Two weeks? That's so soon!"

"I know, but we don't want to wait. After everything that happened with Alex, life seems too short, you know?" Her voice softened. "Plus, Hunter says if we wait for things to calm down in pack politics, we'll be waiting forever."

She had a point there. "I'm so happy for you, Ruby. Really."

"You'll come, right? You and Kael? It wouldn't be right without you there."

I looked at the mountain of work on my desk, thinking of all the responsibilities waiting for my attention. Then I thought of Ruby, who had stood by me through everything.

"Of course we'll be there. Wild wolves couldn't keep us away."