Page 3 of Wolf Sacrificed
I bowed my head. I know.
I didn’t know what I would do without them.
Sawyer kissed my cheek. Mikey’s death has bought you some time. My father is giving him a proper burial as well. It will be tomorrow.
My bottom lip trembled, and I tucked it between my teeth to steady it.
Lincoln exhaled. He doesn’t deserve a proper burial. Not after everything he has done.
Sawyer made a noise in the back of his throat. This isn’t about Mikey. We are here for Sloane today. He kissed my cheek again.
I put my hand over his and let it linger for a moment before dropping it back to my side. No one could see Sawyer except Lincoln and me. Only a select few knew about my bond with him. I was going to keep it that way, and since people were watching, I didn’t need anyone thinking I was crazy.
Sawyer exhaled and let his forehead fall onto my shoulder. I have to go now, Sloane. I am so sorry about your father. I’m glad I got to meet him.
My mouth went dry. Me too.
Sawyer pulled back. I love you. I’ll be back as soon as I can.
With that, he was gone as fast as he’d come.
I turned my attention back to the eulogy. The words echoed through the air, but I wasn’t really hearing them.
I shivered as an image of my father’s broken, bloody body came to mind. He’d struggled so hard to stay for me. He was one of the bravest men I knew.
I flicked my eyes back to the pack. I would not let him down.
The minister’s words pierced the air with a familiar prayer to Luna, and then he turned to me, offering me his hand. “Alpha Sloane, are you prepared to take on the role of alpha from Alpha David?”
My pulse roared as I took his hand. “I am.”
My fingers trembled, and he clasped them tightly in his as he narrowed his eyes, focusing his attention on the pack before addressing me again. “Do you promise to protect this pack and each member to the best of your abilities?”
“I do.” My voice caught in my throat, making it shake for a second.
“And do you promise to act in the interest of the pack at all times?”
“I do.” This time, it came out strong and determined.
He held up my hand. “I present to you your alpha, Alpha Sloane. Should anyone see any reason she should not be alpha, speak now...”
He peered out at the crowd.
Butterflies fluttered in my belly as my head spun. I stared out at the pack, holding my breath.
And then one alpha from another pack stepped forward.
Two
Sloane
My heart jumped into my throat.
I didn’t know the guy’s name. All I knew was that he was one of the alphas who had submitted to my father just a few weeks ago. He had no allegiance to me. I was every bit a stranger to him as he was to me.
I shouldn’t have spent so much time in my room when I got back from Alpha Dane’s. I couldn’t take it back now, though. I had to do damage control.
I narrowed my eyes, knowing that I should speak first.
