Page 235 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

Soon, all of that responsibility will belong to me. The thought should feel heavier than it does, but with Sienna beside me, it settles differently.

Dad steps onto the dais before turning towards those gathered around. Grandad and Grandma stand a short distance behind him; the pride in their eyes is impossible to miss.

Sienna gives my hand a gentle squeeze before stepping towards them.

You got this, Handsome.

Our eyes meet before I turn to Dad and step up beside him. The entire garden is silent, and even the children seem to realise something important is about to happen.

Dad looks out across the garden; for a few moments, he says nothing. His gaze travels over the pack, lingering on familiar faces as if he’s remembering every year he has stood before them as their Alpha, every victory, every loss and every person who should have been here tonight but isn’t.

Like Mom.

The thought strikes hard, and judging by the brief flicker in Dad’s eyes, I know he’s thinking about her, too.

“We are gathered tonight to witness one of the most important moments in the history of the Blood Moon Pack,” he begins, his voice carrying clearly through the garden. “A change in leadership is not simply the passing of a title. It is the passing of every life, every promise, and every responsibility that comes with this pack.”

The silence deepens as everyone listens. My brothers and sister stand in the front row. Ares is listening intently, Carter has a smirk of approval, Renji is smiling, and Katara’s smile is soft, too, like she’s set aside all her anger. I just wish Theo was here as well…

“For many years, I have had the honour of standing before you as your Alpha. I have watched this pack grow, endured losses with you, and witnessed the strength that exists within every family gathered here tonight.” His eyes move across the crowd once more before settling on me. “But no Alpha is meant to hold his position forever.”

My jaw tightens slightly. Neither Dad nor I are that vocal about our emotions, but I can see the emotions in his eyes.

“Tonight, I pass that responsibility to my son.”

A pressure builds in my chest, and I swallow. There was a time I didn’t think I’d take this position, but no matter what the war expects of me, this is my duty and honour first and foremost.

“Jayce has never followed the easy path,” Dad continues. “He has faced trials that would have broken many others, and although there were times he doubted the man he was becoming, I never doubted the leader within him.”

Fuck.

My eyes flick towards Sienna.

She’s watching me with a softness that makes the pressure inside my chest grow worse, her red eyes shining beneath the lights as she gives me the faintest smile.

Dad steps closer.

“He has made difficult decisions, carried consequences that were never easy to bear, and stood between those he loves and dangers most could not begin to understand. He has already fought for this pack, protected this family and proven that being a leader is not about never making mistakes. It is about having the strength to face them, learn from them, and continue standing when others need you.”

His voice remains steady, but I hear the slight roughness beneath it. “I wish your mother were here tonight.” The words almost fucking undo me. Around us, the silence becomes absolute. Dad’s eyes glisten, but he doesn’t look away. “She believed in you long before you learned to believe in yourself. She knew the kind of man you would become, and I know that if she were standing here, she would be prouder than anyone else.”

I swallow, forcing air into lungs that suddenly don’t seem to work properly. Reaching up, I brush my thumb along the chain I always wear, the one that reminds me of her.

Dad places his hand on my shoulder.

“I am proud to call you my son,” he says quietly, no longer speaking only to the pack. “And I am proud to place the Blood Moon Pack in your hands.”

Emotion tightens my throat, leaving me with none of the arrogant comments I usually use when something hits too close.

“Thanks, Dad,” I manage quietly.

His hand tightens briefly before he steps back, and there’s an understanding between us that doesn’t need anything more.

Grandad approaches, carrying the ceremonial dagger that has been used by the Westwood Alphas for generations. Its dark handle bears the crest of the Blood Moon Pack, the silver blade catching the light as Dad accepts it from him.

“This blade has drawn the blood of every Alpha who has led our pack,” Dad says, holding it between us. “Blood freely given binds the Alpha to his people, and the people to their Alpha. The title grants authority, but the oath demands service.”

“Jayce Westwood, do you stand before your pack willingly, knowing that their lives, their safety, and their futures will become your responsibility?”