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The fruit of the Spirit, I think.

My wolf rumbles. Yes.

I glance down at Damian. Strength without self control can make a wolf dangerous to the very pack he’s supposed to protect.

So being strong isn’t enough.

Pride warms my chest. No, pup. It never was.

Rylan looks across the gathering. “I want Silver Moon to be a pack where you’re proud to bring your mate. Where your mate wants to build a life. Where your pups are safe. Where male wolves don’t need to become assholes to prove they’re strong.”

A few wolves laugh.

“I’m serious. If your friend is hurting his mate, stop him. If he’s bullying an Omega because somebody stronger embarrassed him, call him on it. If he’s teaching his son that strength means hurting weaker wolves, correct him.”

His gaze shifts toward the pups sitting with their fathers.

“They’re watching us.”

I follow his gaze.

“They watch how we treat their mothers. How we handle anger. How we treat wolves who can’t challenge us physically. How we behave when our friends are wrong. You can tell your son all day what kind of wolf he should become, but eventually he’s going to notice what kind of wolf you are.”

Damian leans against my side.

Dad?

Yes?

You help Mom.

My chest tightens. I try.

And you protect us.

Always.

His hand squeezes mine. I want to be like you and Alpha Rylan.

My wolf goes quiet.

Then learn from both of us.

Rylan looks over the gathering again. “One day, some of you will find mates outside Silver Moon. Some of you may leave this pack to join theirs, just like Elias did. If you do, carry these values with you. Stand for what’s right there too. And if doing that ever puts you in danger, remember where you came from.”

His Alpha aura spreads through the gathering.

“Once a Silver Moon pack member, always a Silver Moon pack member.”

The male wolves grow still.

“I don’t care if you’re the weakest Omega in Silver Moon or the strongest warrior standing in front of me. You’re mine. My pack. Mine to protect.”

His power builds around us, pressing into every corner of the gathering.

“And I will go to war for every damn one of you.”

Growls erupt around us.