Page 231 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

“Damon, why not? I think-”

“No, Liam. You made me Alpha; you have always respected me and treated me like your equal, and I’m saying this here, now, because I knew otherwise you wouldn’t accept it. I don’t want to stay on as Alpha after you.”

Dad nods, wanting to argue, but respecting his decision, stops himself from debating it further. “Then… Asher? He’s still young, Damon.”

Uncle laughs lightly. “Asher would make a good Beta, and ideally, I’d hope one day he earns that title for himself and is chosen for that. But no, I want to hand my title over to someone else. Tonight, when you pass your Alpha power over to Jayce, the Blue Moon will by default be left without an Alpha, and when that happens, I want Ares to take the title and become the new Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack.”

Dad looks at Uncle Damon, frowning deeply. “Damon…”

“No, Liam… We’ve done our time; let’s relax a little. We’ve earned it, man. You and me, like old times, going on missions, mind-linking… You gave me status and a pack, but I just want my brother back. My family and I will join the Blood Moon again, if Jayce allows it.” He smiles wryly, and I shake my head.

“Sure, anything.”

Dad exhales. “Damon, what does Robyn think?”

“She’s all for it; in fact, she wants to be here for Jayce’s pup once it’s born, too. Let us be there for you now. My time as Alpha was great, but I think it’s time to come home.”

Dad doesn’t reply; then he embraces Uncle, patting his back. I look down, my heart clenching as I remember the stories of their past, how times have changed, how their lives have changed, and yet, despite the pain, the grief, the memories, they live on, shaped and changed by life itself.

“If that’s what you want, we’ll be honoured,” Dad says quietly. Uncle Damon nods, patting Dad on the arm.

“I do. So…” He steps back, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Who’s breaking the news to Ares?”

I smirk at that. “I think you should, Uncle, or… we just throw it at him at the ceremony.”

Dad shakes his head. “That would be a bit unfair.”

“Na, I think for Ares, it might be better. He could still say no if he wants, but I think he’ll accept it, and we’ll be saved from his temper,” Uncle Damon agrees.

“Then it’s sorted,” I say, turning back to the mirror.

Now, this will be entertaining.

The evening has only just begun, and I’m already struggling to remain patient. I feel restless; each moment Sienna isn’t here feels like a fucking hour.

She arrived ten minutes ago. I sensed her before I was even told, and I mind-linked her.

Welcome home.

She had replied, saying she missed me, and yet for some reason, she still hasn’t come outside. Everyone else has, aside from her, Heaven and Alessandra.

I rake a hand through my hair, glancing towards the open doors of the mansion again.

The gardens have been transformed for tonight. Warm fairy lights are wrapped around the trees and sweep overhead in glowing strands. Arrangements of deep-red and ivory flowers cover the tables and spill from tall glass vases, while more have been woven around the ceremonial arch near the centre of the lawn. Lanterns line the pathways, their flames flickering against the surrounding darkness, and the familiar grounds feel almost unrecognisable beneath the decor.

Aunty Kiara headed the decorations. She showed up two days ago and settled into full mother mode… I know she’s trying to fill the void Mom left behind, and she did well… Along with Azura, Kat, Sky and their families, they made the last few days feel pretty good, each day ending in laughter, hearty meals, and plenty of banter. It felt good. I just wished Mom could have been here.

I look away, refusing to let my mind go there, and look around the garden. Aunty Kiara has done an exceptional job; something tells me Sienna will be in red, the flowers giving that away. Under her guidance, Dad and the pack members have spent days making sure everything is ready.

The guests have arrived, too. Leo, who hadn’t come early due to work, along with the Ardens, several allied alphas and lunas, and more than a few familiar faces from the Academy, arrived today.

Renji stands near one of the flower-covered tables, talking to Shahira, smiling far too much for someone who probably isn’t listening to half of what she’s saying, wearing that idiotic look of a man in love on his face. Carter remains beneath one of the trees, a glass in hand as he quietly watches everyone around him. Ares is kicking a ball back and forth with one of the younger children, looking as grumpy as usual despite the effort he’s made tonight.

He’s wearing a formal grey shirt, still paired with dark denim trousers, but it’s something.

“Stop looking at the doors,” he remarks, catching the ball beneath his shoe.

“I’m not.”