Elena’s POV
Miller appeared at my office doorway, his expression curious but respectful.
"You wanted to see , Alpha?"
I gestured for him to enter. "Co in and shut the door behind you."
He settled into the chair across from my desk, waiting patiently for to speak. The weight of what I needed to discuss pressed heavily on my shoulders.
"I’m sure word has traveled fast about our departure today," I began, studying his reaction carefully.
"There’s been talk," he confird, his tone neutral but alert.
"We’re leaving within hours. The packing is already underway, but I have critical business to handle first." I leaned forward, my hands clasped on the desk surface. "This pack needs new leadership in my absence. I need to appoint a Beta I can actually trust."
Confusion flickered across Miller’s features as he processed my words.
"What about Beta Hugo?"
"Hugo served Marcus, not . My distrust of him isn’t exactly hidden knowledge around here." The bitter truth tasted sharp on my tongue. "You, however, have proven yourself repeatedly. This past year, when everything fell apart, you stepped forward without being asked. You’ve handled responsibilities that weren’t technically yours, demonstrated loyalty when others wavered, and shown judgnt I can rely on."
Miller’s eyes widened as realization dawned. "Are you offering the Beta position?"
"I am." My voice carried absolute certainty. "You’ve earned it through action, not politics."
He sat in stunned silence for several heartbeats, clearly overwheld by the magnitude of what I was proposing.
"I need an answer, Miller. I won’t leave this pack in uncertain hands, and you’re the only person I trust completely for this role. If you need support, I’m always reachable."
His posture straightened, resolve replacing shock. "It would be my honor to serve as your Beta."
Relief flooded through as I stood and moved around the desk. Miller rose to et , understanding the gravity of the mont. I retrieved the letter opener from my desk drawer, the silver blade gleaming under the office lights. Without hesitation, I drew it across my wrist, allowing my blood to well up as I spoke the ancient words that would bind Miller to his new position.
He accepted the oath without flinching, and I watched as the power transfer took effect. His eyes brightened with newfound strength, his shoulders squaring as the Beta authority settled into his bones. The connection between us solidified, creating the pack bond that would allow him to lead in my stead.
Almost imdiately, raised voices erupted from the front of the packhouse. Damien’s sharp tone carried clearly, followed by another voice I recognized all too well.
Miller and I exchanged glances before heading toward the commotion.
"What the hell do you think you’re doing?" Hugo’s furious shout echoed through the main hall as we approached.
"Say hello to your new Beta," I announced calmly, positioning myself beside Miller. "Miller will be running things from now on."
Hugo’s face contorted with rage, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. "I’ll never submit to him. This is outrageous."
"Then you know where the territory boundaries are," I replied with icy composure. "Submit to your new Beta or leave as a rogue. Those are your only options."
The silence stretched taut between us. Hugo searched my expression for any hint of bluff or uncertainty, but found none. My decision was final, and everyone present understood that challenging further would be futile.
Damien handled Hugo’s removal efficiently, escorting the forr Beta off the property with minimal additional drama. I used the remaining ti to conduct a final sweep of the packhouse, ensuring nothing important would be left behind.
My footsteps carried to the bedroom where everything had changed a year ago. The empty corner where Briar’s crib once stood seed to pulse with phantom mories. I could almost hear her delighted giggles when she’d wake from afternoon naps, see her tiny hands reaching up whenever I entered the room. She had been pure sunshine, radiating joy even in her sleep.
Damien found there, his arms encircling from behind as we both stared at the vacant space. The absence felt as heavy as a physical presence, a void that no amount of ti seed capable of healing.
Eventually, I turned in his embrace and nodded once. We had lingered long enough. Taking his hand firmly in mine, I walked with him from the room and down the stairs, leaving the house that held so many precious and painful mories.
A crowd had gathered outside to witness our departure. Pack mbers clustered in small groups, their faces reflecting various emotions as they processed the leadership transition. Miller stood prominently among them, already commanding respect in his new role. Several wolves approached him with questions or concerns, and I noted with satisfaction how naturally he handled each interaction.
I made sure my voice carried to every person present as I addressed them one final ti.
"Miller is your Beta now. He speaks with my authority, and his decisions are final. Anyone who challenges his leadership or fails to follow his direction will answer to personally upon my return. That’s not a request or suggestion."
The seriousness in my tone left no room for misinterpretation. This past year had stripped away any pretense of gentleness from my leadership style. Every mber of this pack understood that my threats were promises, and my promises were kept without exception.
Damien, Caleb, and I climbed into the waiting vehicle while pack mbers offered final farewells. As we pulled away from the property, I forced myself to stare straight ahead rather than glance back at the packhouse through the rear window. That building represented the last place I had held my daughter, the final location where her laughter had filled the air.
Looking backward would accomplish nothing now. A full year had passed since her disappearance. Search teams continued their efforts across multiple territories, but hope dimd with each passing day. Deep in my heart, I knew the likelihood of finding her alive grew smaller with every sunset. The admission remained locked inside , too devastating to voice aloud, but its weight pressed constantly against my chest like a stone that would never dissolve.
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