Chapter 58

Daniel.

While Eric and Emily were off on their honeymoon, I spent a lot of time wandering among the streets, listening to people as they walked by, trying to get a feel for how they thought. As the days rolled by, more and more chatter was about my sister. Word was spreading like wildfire. Words about her background, how my father and I had mistreated her, and how she came out stronger and kinder. Words about her job as Eric's assistant, and how she did such an amazing job in such a short time. Words about how she stood up to Dylon and was brave enough to fight him and get away before his inevitable death.

They no longer saw her as the prize she initially had been, but instead as a true leader. So many had come to respect and even admire her. I heard stories of how Emily's own unwavering spirit and strength inspired some to face their own struggles they had been putting off.

She inspired people left and right. I knew the pack would be overall stronger because of her resilience and strength. I had even made a trip over to Enforcer territory to scope out how they were reacting to the merger. Their streets were also filled with whispers of their new Luna.

“Anyone who can stand up to Dylon and fight back is alright in my book,” I heard one pack member say. I grinned. With such positive words for my sister, I became so incredibly proud of her. I knew I still had a lot of work to do to make up for the many years I treated her so horribly, but I promised myself I would never give up - she deserved justice.

When I got back to Commando territory, I tracked down Tyler to tell him the good news - not only was the merger going smoothly and the people's loyalty lay with Eric, but also that they truly saw Emily as their Luna. I told him how everyone had accepted her so fully and looked up to her.

“That's great news! Amazing news! This is going so much better than I expected.”

“What else do you want me to do? Did you want me to visit Ravensworth?”

Tyler shook his head. “No, they might have an adverse reaction to your return. I'll go and check it out myself.”

I nodded. He had a point. I hadn't been the best example, nor the most liked.

“Any update on my father? Has anyone seen him?” I asked even though I should just let it go. Good riddance is the only thing that should be floating through my mind. But it wasn't, and I didn't know why.

Tyler pursed his lips and shook his head. “No. It's like he just disappeared, turned into smoke.” He shrugged and I could see in his eyes he was sorry he didn't have more news.

I just nodded. “Okay then.” And I turned and left, walking away slowly, lost in thought.

It had been quite a shock when I heard about my mother's betrayal and subsequent death. I never would have thought she'd fight so hard to get Emily back to Dylon. I'm glad I wasn't there when it happened - I'm not sure how I would have reacted, but I know it wouldn't have been good.

It felt odd to mourn her as we hadn't been that close, but with both my parents gone, I found myself struggling not to shed tears over them. They weren't the best parents, but they had always been there.

I found myself drawn to the bar. I knew I shouldn't go in. I knew my old habits would die hard if I did. But I needed something to get my mind off these depressing thoughts.

I was about to pull in the door handle when I heard a voice beside me, “You sure that's a good idea?”

How did I not know he had followed me?

“Tyler?” I asked dumbfounded.

He was leaning against the wall, one foot on the ground and the other propped against the side of the establishment. His arms were folded across his chest.

“You didn't answer my question.”

“What?”

“Are you sure that's a good idea?”

I looked down at my hand still curled around the handle. No, it wasn't a good idea, but it was the only one I had. It took a second, but I finally released the door and stepped back. I saw Tyler smile.

“Good choice. I know how hard you're working to turn your life around.”

“Why did you follow me? How did you know where I'd go?”

“Because that look you had is one I've had before, too many times,” Tyler said, pushing off the wall. “Take a walk with me.”

I shrugged. *Why not?*

“Let me guess. You're conflicted because of the complicated history between you and your father, and I'm guessing you have similar thoughts about your mother's death. You're tied by blood, and that's all, so it shouldn't matter, right? But somehow it does. It's unexplainable. And it hurts. It hurts like Hell. And that's why you went to drink - to not have to deal with all of that. But the thing is that it's not going away - you're going to have to face it sometime, sooner or later.”

We walked in silence for a bit.

“How?” My voice was swallowed by the night, and I wasn't sure if Tyler even heard me.

But then, after a moment's pause, he answered, “It's different for every person. For me, months and months of therapy and one really great friend.”

I looked up. “Eric?” I asked, already knowing the answer, but I needed the reassurance.

He nodded. “Uh-huh. He stuck by me through thick and thin, never letting me touch a drink. It started out with him refusing to let me drink, but over time, he eased up and waited for me to make the right move first. He earned a lot of respect from me that way.”

I bobbed my head in understanding.

“So, what? You're here to be my Eric?” I asked with a laugh.

He chuckled. “Something like that.” He kicked a rock and we continued down the street, ending at the Pack House. I hadn't even realized that was the direction we were heading.

“It's late,” he continued. “You should get some rest. I hear Eric and Emily are coming back tomorrow. They're going to want our whole report, and they'll need our support.”

I nodded. “Thanks,” I said, holding out my hand.

He took it with a grin. “None needed. But promise me you'll call me the next time you think you need a drink?”

An appreciative grin slid up my face and I nodded. “Sure thing.” I turned away and walked inside, ready to hit the hay.