His mouth tightened. “That bad?”
“It’s worse than what I knew,” I confessed, unable to keep my voice from cracking. “So much worse. I kind of feel like an asshole for bugging Mom to talk about it all these years.”
He nodded grimly and walked forward to grab my hands. “You’re not an asshole.” He kissed the tip of my nose before meeting my gaze seriously. “I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”
With the heels, I barely had to tip my head back to look in his eyes. “You think I don’t know that? Remy, the only thing I know right now is that you’re the person I can count on.”
“I love you,” he said gently, nudging my nose with his.
“So you keep telling me,” I replied, loving the way those three words lit up my soul.
“I don’t want you to forget,” he teased.
“Maybe I’ll get it tattooed on me,” I joked back. “Or get a tattoo to match yours.”
He gave me a curious expression and spun away from me. He went to the table beside his bedside and opened the top drawer before returning to my side. He lifted his hand and opened his palm.
The silver chain and pendant caught the light, and my heart stopped as I gasped.
“My necklace,” I whispered, reaching for it as tears sprung to my eyes.
He held it out of reach. “Turn around.”
I turned slowly, lifting my hair so he could fasten the chain around my throat. My fingers immediately traced the curve of the crescent moon and the tiny diamond chip star.
“Thank you,” I said, beyond grateful he had saved this.
His hands turned me back around, and his expression softened while his hands came up to settle on my waist. He leaned his forehead against mine.
I took a second to just breathe him in, feeling my anxiety levels slowly falling as I focused on the way he grounded me.
All of that newfound tranquility was shattered when a fist thumped against the door at my back.
I jumped and Remy muttered something about murder.
“I swear to God, Remington,” Kathy seethed on the other side of the door, “if you two are doing what I think you’re doing—”
I jerked the door open and arched a brow. “And what do you think we’re doing, Katherine?”
Katy glared at us both. “We need to leave now. Everyone is waiting outside.”
“Is Tate coming?” I asked, heading into the hallway. Guilt hit me hard that I hadn’t checked on her since coming back. But, to be fair, she had locked herself away with Dante and Ryder.
Katy nodded. “Yeah. She asked if we could have Luke cremated. When all of this is over, she wants to take his ashes back to Brooks Ridge and spread them out there.”
“We should have a memorial,” Remy murmured as we headed down the staircase at my back.
“Again, she wants to wait until all of this is over,” Katy replied, her tone clipped.
“Luke was family, and not just for Tate. I don’t give a shit what’s going on around us. He’s worth being remembered and honored,” Remy said firmly, his tone finite and exacting as he opened the front door for us.
I hesitated on the top step, looking down at the people waiting for us in front of two SUVs.
Tate, Dante, and Ryder stood in front of one. Tate looked up at me from the safety of Ryder’s arms and gave me a small smile.
Larkin and Rhodes waited with Will in front of the other SUV, and they all turned expectant faces to us.
This was it. This was my pack, my family.
“Okay,” Remy murmured behind me, his eyes meeting everyone’s one at a time before he gave a curt nod. “Let’s do this.”
“How many people were we expecting?” I asked as Remy pulled into the airstrip where we planned to meet the other packs.
We knew some of the packs were bringing members who wanted to utilize the safety Blackwater offered by living here temporarily, but this was …
Hundreds. There were hundreds of shifters, standing in groups. I could see a row of buses that had been used to drive them all in. Two massive tents had been set up towards the small building that served as the control center for the airstrip.
“We knew there would be last minute additions,” Katy remarked, leaning between our seats to look out the front window, “but this is more than we anticipated.”
“Do we have enough room for them all?” I whispered, not sure why I felt the need to keep myself quiet when they obviously couldn’t hear me.
“We’ll make the room,” Remy said, sheer determination in his voice as he pulled the car to a stop. “We have to.”
Katy sighed. “I wish Mom and Dad could see this.”
I turned in surprise. “Mallory isn’t coming?”
Remy shook his head. “I asked her to, but she and Dad don’t think there should be any confusion as to who the Alpha of the pack is.”
“It makes the most sense,” Will added from beside Katy. “These people are backing you, Remy. Not your dad.”
Remy turned, his brows pulled together. “These people are here for Blackwater. For what we can all do for them.”
I laid a hand on his forearm. “They’re here because they believe in you, babe. Just like the rest of us do.” I lowered my voice and lifted my hand to his jaw. “Just like I do. You’re our Alpha, and we’re all behind you.”
He turned his head and kissed the pulse point on the inside of my wrist before killing the ignition. “Let’s go.”
We all got out of the car, waiting until the others got out of the car behind us before we started walking forward.
“We should’ve gotten a stage,” Ryder said with a snort, eyeing the massive crowd. In addition to the newcomers, Blackwater pack members had turned out to welcome the new members and participate in the run after everything was formalized.
Remy grabbed my hand in his, keeping me close. I leaned into him, absorbing some of his strength.
“You’ve got this,” I said softly so only he could hear.
He nodded, flashing me a quick smile. “Just stay with me, okay?”
The flash of vulnerability made me ferociously protective. Yeah, Remy was an Alpha and could absolutely handle this. But he was still only eighteen. He was supposed to be finishing his senior year and focusing on college in the fall. Not handling a pack war and pulling bodies out of a bombing.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I swore, squeezing his hand.
The others joined the rest of the Blackwater council off to the side as Remy brought us up short in front of a group of men that included my father. He gave me a private smile before wiping it from his face, all business as he looked at Remy.
“Thank you all for coming,” Remy said, his tone even and calm. He made eye contact with each man.
“I apologize for coming last minute,” one man said, ducking his head. His bushy beard completely hid his lips as he spoke, and the sadness in his eyes before he lowered them was painful to see.
The man to his left, shorter and younger by an easy decade clapped a hand on his shoulder. “I told Kevin to come with us. He showed up with what was left of his pack a few hours before we came here.”
“What was left of them?” I hadn’t meant to speak up, but the announcement caught me off guard.
Kevin looked up at me. “Flatrock pack. We’re—I mean we were in Missouri. They came into our pack two days ago in the middle of the night. We didn’t have the numbers to hold them off. Our beta challenged Damien. I managed to get a group of us out while they were fighting. I heard last night that the beta died. What was left of the pack is now part of Norwood.”
His gaze turned desperate as he looked at Remy. “There’s only twenty-three of us, seventeen are females. They were my priority. We’ll help however we can to make ourselves useful, Alpha. Please don’t send us back.”
“Of course I’m not sending you back,” Remy told him. He lifted his voice. “Anyone who wants sanctuary can find it in Blackwater. I don’t care what pack you’re from. None of that ma
tters anymore. What matters is stopping Norwood and Damien Valois before they can kill anyone else.”
A wave of approval and even some clapping rippled through the crowd.
Another of the men looked up. “And it’s true you plan to let the packs reform when the threat is handled?”
“Yes,” Remy answered honestly. “I won’t keep anyone here by force, and I plan to help all the packs reestablish themselves if that’s what they want.”
“Thank you,” the man mumbled and fell back into line.
The oldest of them stepped forward, his chin lifted. “Alpha.”
“Alpha Kincade,” Remy said evenly.
My spine stiffened, realizing this was the Stone Valley Alpha. The man who had declared war on Long Mesa when my mom became pregnant with me.
His gaze moved to me. “And you must be his mate.”
Nikolai’s eyes narrowed into thin slits behind him.
“I am,” I replied coolly, lifting my chin.
“You and your mother caused many problems in my pack.”
A low, warning growl rumbled from Remy.
I squeezed his hand to hold him back. I had this.
“I promise whatever you dealt with was nothing compared to what we did. And we hate Long Mesa even more than you ever could,” I replied coldly. “But Remy told me you lost your son in the explosion and your wife recently. For that you have my condolences. But I hope you’re not focusing on a past neither of us can change to hurt your pack’s future.”
His mouth cracked a small smile. “You appear to be nothing like your uncle or your grandparents.”
“I can assure you that my daughter is not,” Nikolai seethed, his eyes flashing.
Kincade’s shoulders went rigid and he turned slowly. “So, you're the man who stole my son’s intended?”
“He didn’t steal anyone,” I cut in, vaguely worried that this might throw a wrench in the alliance Remy had worked out, but I wasn’t able to stop myself from defending my parents. Especially not after what I had learned today.
“They were as much a victim of Long Mesa as you were,” I added. “As we all were. And Long Mesa has made it pretty damn clear that they’re with Norwood.”
Warren was silent for a long moment before he turned back to me. His expression melted into something softer, something full of regret.
“I know,” he said quietly. “It’s taken me a long time to realize that. I let my pride lead me into choices I have often regretted. It was no secret what happened to your mother amongst the southern packs. Maybe we could have saved her then if we had been less stringent on our high protocols.”
His eyes slid to Remy as he told me, “I believe your mate may be the one who can find the balance I never could. Mercy and justice.”
“He absolutely can,” I said firmly. I knew it in my bones. Remy was the one who could lead us all now. The only one who could unite the packs enough to stand against Norwood.
“Then I am honored to cede my pack to him and his mate,” Warren finished. Slowly, he dropped to one knee in front us, bowing his head.
One by one, the others standing with him took a knee, bowing their heads in submission as they committed their packs to Blackwater. To Remy.
Nikolai was the last. He stood still, watching Remy carefully.
“I spoke with the Alphas of the European and Asian packs who are sending more to help,” he began quietly. “After a lengthy discussion, we’re not comfortable ceding our packs to your rule. You are a young, untried Alpha, and while I see great potential in you, the others are not as convinced.”
Remy was quiet for a long moment. “I understand.”
My stomach dropped, and I swallowed the urge to yell at Nikolai. But it wasn’t even Nikolai I was mad at; it was me.
I trusted him. I let myself buy into being his daughter. Into the Dashkov family.
I was an idiot.
Nikolai turned to me, and I braced myself for whatever he was about to say.
“We will, however, cede our packs to your mate.”
Everything seemed to freeze for a split-second.
“What?” I whispered, choking on the word.
“You are my daughter,” Nikolai went on solemnly. “You are a descendant of the first Alpha our world has ever known. You were born to be an Alpha, little wolf. You now have the command of all the European and Asian packs. How you and your mate choose to use them is up to the both of you.”
He dropped to a knee fluidly before me. A second later, the rest of the Dhaskov pack did the same, resting an arm across their bended knees and bowing their heads.
The other packs fell in line, dropping as well. Even our own pack, until Remy and I were the only ones left standing.
I looked over at him with wide eyes, stunned by the pride and love I saw reflected in his gaze as he watched me with a smile.
The air practically crackled with energy as my gaze swept the crowd. All of these people were here to support us. It was terrifying and humbling, but my wolf easily sifted through those human emotions and pressed her own into my heart.
Confidence.
She knew that my father was right; we were born for this moment. Maybe it was why we had bonded to an Alpha, and not just any Alpha, but Remy.
The one man who would see and treat us as an equal in every way.
“Thank you all,” Remy said, speaking for us both. His voice carried easily through the silent crowd. “Skye and I want to invite you all to join us on our first pack run together. As one, united pack.”
People slowly started to get up, and I was touched when I watched Nikolai help Warren to his feet. The old man’s legs shook with the effort to get back up off the ground and he clapped Nikolai on the shoulder with a tiny smile once he was upright.
“After the run, we’ll help you all settle into your new arrangements for those of you planning to stay in Blackwater,” Remy added. He waved Katy forward. “My sister, Katy, is heading the housing committee. They’ll help you all figure out your next steps in the far tent.”
He pointed to the large white tent off to the side, near the row of buses.
“If you’re comfortable shifting here, feel free. We have tents set up on either side. Women can follow my mate.” Remy gave me a warm smile that I easily returned.
It felt like a physical ache to let go of his hand, but I squared my shoulders to lead the women who wanted privacy to the tent to change.
Nikolai grabbed my hand, pulling me to a gentle stop.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized. “There wasn’t time to tell you the plan before the meeting. And truthfully, I was worried you would refuse.”
“I’m not an Alpha,” I said softly.
He sighed. “That’s exactly what you are, Skye, and now there is no denying it. With our allegiance, half the shifter population in the world recognizes you as such. The question is, will you run from it? Or will you embrace it?”
I covered his hand with mine. “Thank you. For your support.”
“You will always have my support,” he promised.
Emotion threatened to strangle me again. “Thanks,” I bit my lower lip, hesitating for a second, “Dad.”
His eyes flared wide, surprise quickly replaced by hope. “Skye.”
“Was that weird?” I asked quickly, suddenly unsure. “I didn’t mean to make things weird. Or weirder.”
“It was eighteen years in the making,” he replied gently. “And right on time.”
He let me go and headed back with the other men now following Remy to change despite some people stripping down in the middle of the field.
Seeing a lot of skin, I quickly turned and headed for the female tent.
The quiet hush as I stepped inside was unnerving.
“Keep getting undressed or she’ll make you do dishes,” Ainsley cracked, breaking the tension.
I rolled my eyes, but it did the trick. The women kept disrobing, some shifting.
Ainsley headed for me and wrapped her arms around m
e.
“Welcome home, Alpha,” she greeted warmly.
It was hard to believe I hated her a few months earlier as I returned the hug.
“Shut up,” I mumbled, ducking away with a blush and heading for Larkin, Tate, and Katy.
“How are you?” I asked Tate as I stopped in front of her.
She gave me a tight, but warm smile. “Better now. Being back helps. Dante and Ryder have been great.”
Katy hip-checked her lightly. “You have more people who love you than Dante and Ryder. Don’t forget it.”
Tate smirked, a spark of her feisty personality igniting. “Of course not. I have Skye, too.”
“Bitch,” Katy muttered, smiling.
Laughing, I stripped and shifted quickly, anxious to—
A contented sigh rumbled from my chest as I felt Remy in my head.
Hey, babe. His warm voice trickled through my thoughts.
I turned, heading out of the tent as fast as I could. I raced across the distance between us, my body colliding with his where we met in the middle.
The appreciative rumble in his chest vibrated through my fur and into my bones.
I was too absorbed in Remy, in letting our wolves reunite that I missed the others starting to join us.
We should get going, he told me reluctantly.
I couldn’t stop the plaintive whine that scraped up my throat. Fine.
We turned to face the rest of the pack, expecting them to be waiting for us, but only a handful were looking at us. And those stares were filled with worry.
More and more wolves started appearing in the open field, but a large amount of them looked stunned. A few whined, and then a chorus of howls split the air.
My hackles rose as I realized something wasn’t right.
I looked around, trying to figure out what was wrong, but things weren’t wrong. They were …
Remy? I whispered his name, shuffling so our sides were pressed together.
Holy fuck.
His hushed reply rang in my head like the crash of cymbals.
He was seeing exactly what I was seeing, which meant this was really happening.
Are they … I couldn’t finish the thought because there was no way.
Legacy (Blackwater Pack Book 3) Page 34
