Page 69

Samuel hesitates. “I don’t know.”

“Then figure that out first.”

Samuel laughs with everyone else.

Damian’s voice slips into my mind. Can I do that when I’m an Alpha?

I look down at him. You may never be an Alpha, Damian.

His brows pull together. Why?

Because we aren’t Alpha heirs anymore. We’re Silver Moon pack members now. Unless your mate is an Alpha, you take over another pack one day, or you’re assigned a pack to lead, you won’t become one.

Damian looks toward Rylan. So we’re not important anymore?

My wolf growls immediately. Wrong.

I squeeze Damian’s shoulder. We are just as important now as we were when we were Alpha heirs. Never confuse rank with worth, pup. A pack cannot function with only an Alpha and Luna. Every wolf has something to contribute. Every member matters.

Even Omegas?

Yes. Their contribution may be different, but different doesn’t mean less important.

Damian thinks about it. So I don’t have to be Alpha to help the pack.

No. Become the best wolf you can be and contribute wherever life places you.

My wolf settles proudly. And if leadership comes, be worthy of it.

Damian nods seriously.

22

Darian's POV

An older warrior raises his hand. “I’ve got another one.”

Rylan nods.

“Male wolves holding other male wolves accountable.”

A few groans rise from the gathering, followed by laughter.

The warrior points toward them. “That. Right there.”

Rylan looks over the group. “Explain.”

“We expect our mates to tell us when we’re doing something wrong, then complain that they’re nagging us. A shewolf calls her mate out, he gets irritated, comes around his friends later, tells them what happened, and everybody laughs about it.”

A male wolf calls out, “Depends on what she was nagging him about.”

“Holding you accountable isn’t always nagging,” Rylan says. “Your mate shouldn’t have to be the only wolf willing to tell you when you’re acting like an asshole. Your friends should be able to do it too.”

A younger male wolf raises his hand. “That’s easier said than done.”

“Why?”

“Because sometimes keeping your mouth shut is safer.”