Chapter 60

18 YEARS LATER….

RYLEIGH

You could say a lot has happened and some for better and some for the worse. We lost a lot and gained so much more. I knew things weren’t always going to be sunshine and rainbows, but Alizac really stuck to his words. He became the father I wanted for my kids and even more so for our son we had together.

We ended up getting pregnant not too long after and I was a devil. I told myself no more kids, but this man enjoyed not pulling out after having a taste of it. We had two more children after our son. But he was active and loving and it was amazing. I think deep down he enjoyed being a father more than he put on.

“Zakai! Where are you?” I yelled. My now 18-year-old son was taking over his father’s place as King as soon as he became of age.

“Coming mom.” He came through the door with his tie all crooked.

“Come here, let me fix it.”

It was originally supposed to go to Dylan, but the elders wouldn’t allow a non-blood of Alizac's to take the throne. He fought it but we had no control over that.

“You looked so good sweetie, are you ready?” I asked. When he found out he was about to become King he really worked for it. Studied hard in school and trained day and night with his father.

“More than ever. But I don’t think Dad is happy about retiring.” We both laughed because he was right. Alizac loved being King, but it is tradition to step down when your child is of age. He felt bad that he went above his older brother, so he made him his Beta.

“Listen, you may be king, but I am still your mother, and I will whoop your ass in front of everyone if you start acting up. I am old but don’t fuck with me.” He looked at me kind of worried, as he should be.

“Let’s get you that crown.” He held out his elbow for me to grab, allowing me to escort him.

The music started playing and we walked towards the front where Alizac was already waiting. He held my hand out for Alizac to grab it and he pulled me towards him. Everyone was clapping but Alizac signaled for them to stop.

“What a great day it is. You know never did I think I’d be here giving my son my crown as my father did to me. Zakai has proven he is worthy of it as he trained day in and day out with his brother Dylan who will be our Royal Beta. As you know 18 years ago we lost one of the best ones which was my brother Jax. Today I will be stepping down and giving my sons the royal key. They will take responsibility and I do not doubt that they will leave us proud.”

I watched him continue to talk and I just admired the man that Alizac has come to be. Together we created a beautiful life. It was rushed but I wouldn’t change it for anything. We took a family of 4 and became a family of 7. You could say that we live happily ever after. My father had forgiven my mother and even he had moved on and found a new mate. But truth be told, I spoke with Athena and begged for her to give him a shot of happiness again. She wasn’t so bad after all, and her mates were just amazing.

“Ryleigh, will you do the honors?”

Alizac woke me from my daydream. He pointed to his crown. It was tradition for the Queen to pass it on so now I felt all kinds of pressure. I have taken the crown from Alizac’s head and turned to face Zakai.

“Zakai, you’ve made me proud, and I love you so much for working so hard to be where you are today. Today, you become king and every single wolf is in your hands. Take this with honor and never keep fighting. As law, I remain, Queen, until you find your mate, but I know I’d never be needed because you and Dylan are a great team.”

He knelt in front of me and just like that I placed the crown on his head.

“Zakai, you made your vows and that is sealed.”

He stood up and grabbed the knife on the pillow and handed it to Alizac. Alizac proceeded to cut his palm and handed the knife to Zakai who did the same thing. They shook a blood bond making it official. Their wounds had healed which sealed his fate. Alizac hugged him and Dylan, and if anything, he was made to be a dad.

“Is it time to get drunk yet?” I joked which earned me an eye roll. And that’s what we all did. Drink and party all night to celebrate the new king.

“Ryleigh.” I looked around trying to see who called me. “Ryleigh, come here.”

I finally caught a glimpse as to who was talking to me. My eyes were deceiving me. I walked towards the trees that led into the forest and I couldn’t decide if it was the fact, I was half in the bottle or it’s who I thought it was. This can’t be real.

“Ryleigh, something bad has happened. Zakai is in trouble, we need your help.”

There, right in front of me, stood Jax. But he’s dead… Standing right next to him was Anthony too. But with one blink they were gone…Did that mean Zakai was in trouble?