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I busy myself with a button so he can’t see my face. Becoming Alpha of the Nightwing Pack has been my destiny since birth. I’ve trained for it, accepted it, and grown to love the responsibility that I will soon carry.

For years, I fought the lack of choices, but I understand now what being Alpha means. My role demands that I take care of and lead every member of my pack, but choosing my role means that I want to do that. And I do.

In the years since Yelena left, I threw myself into learning everything I could about how our pack functions. I sat in on events with my mother, the Luna, to better understand theneeds of our female pack members. I even spent some time in the nursery, caring for our pups.

I feel ready to lead. Just not with Sylvie. The thought of her bound to me as my mate, serving my pack as their Luna, makes me recoil. She’s the opposite of what a good Luna should be, and I feel nothing but apathy and distaste when I try to look at her as a mate.

We’re not a match.

I know my father has worked hard to negotiate the Peace Accord. He’s proud of the fact that he’s turning the pack over to me during a time of hard-won peace. To turn my back on these agreements could not only risk going to war again with the Highland Pack, it could tarnish my father’s legacy.

Lives could be lost. It could be years before we get another opportunity like this to find peace.

And yet…

The Moon Goddess gifted me a Fated Mate for a reason. I have to believe She has a plan for me, for my mate, and for my pack. It is my greatest regret that I questioned Her plan all those years ago. Because of my actions, Yelena left, and I had to watch her disappear from my life. Now that she’s back, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her here. Whatever it takes.

It will work out the way it should. I know it.

Once I end things with Sylvie and get Yelena back, I’ll be back on the right path. I will be able to stand proudly in front of my family and my pack with the right Luna by my side, and if my suspicions are correct, be able to present my daughter as well.

It’s the future I was supposed to have in the first place.

“Time to go, my love,” my mother says, joining my father. She steps forward, straightening my collar for me. “We’re so very proud of you, Austin. You will lead this pack well.”

I smile at her and then nod to my father. It’s time to do this.

We step out of the Alpha’s cottage, nowmycottage, and into the crowd of our pack. The excitement for the day is palpable, and I can’t help but smile.

They follow us to the sacred clearing and form a circle around us. The Elder Council motions for my father and I to stand before them.

“An auspicious day,” Elder Peter says, greeting me with a smile.

Our ceremony is short—a formality of sorts—but the tradition is much beloved by our pack. Father and I stand, side by side, as the Elders circle around us in their shifted form. Only Elder Peter remains in his human form.

He sprinkles moon water on us, chanting the words from the Old Days. I feel the shiver of power hovering over my skin and then settling in.

Alpha.

The pack is getting rowdy, and my wolf itches to run and celebrate our new role.

“Patience,” my father whispers with a smile. “It’s almost complete.”

I smile back and close my eyes, letting the power wash over me. It’s almost euphoric.

“And so, by the power vested in us by the Moon Goddess and in accordance with the traditions of the Ancients, we pass on the power of Alpha from old to new. Alpha Malakai, your time as leader of the Nightwing Pack has been one of abundance. We thank you for your service and honor you.”

The pack howls in agreement and I watch as my father waves to them. I scan the crowd, noting that Yelena is in the very back. I, too, wave, looking at her first before smiling to the rest of the pack.

“Alpha Austin, your era has begun. Please, take your spot as our leader.”

The shift comes over me almost instantly. I spring forward, my black wolf leaping into the clearing. I howl, calling my pack to me.

Everyone around me shifts, and the bays, howls, and yips of wolves fill the clearing. Tradition states one of two things can happen: either I claim my Luna immediately, or I take the pack on a hunt.

I look over at Sylvie and her tawny brown wolf. She’s pushing past my packmates in her eagerness to get to me.

I won’t be claiming her today, or maybe ever. I don’t want my pack to see her with me anymore. And, if I’m being truthful, I don’t want Yelena to see her with me.