Page 57 of The Patron Saint of Timber Hollow

The lingering aura of danger lingers over the forest in a way I've never felt before.

I'm grateful, at least, to have the Pack with me tonight. Jay and Saint. I know Jay has to lead the Pack, but that at least means that we will be at the front. I won't have to linger behind.

After Saint brings me another snack, I get dressed for the gathering. Black thermal leggings, a waffle knit long sleeve under one of the boys' t-shirts, I honestly don't know which- and I don't care. I quickly slap a little makeup on my face, throwing my hair into a couple of loose braids. Before I leave my room, I grab my fleece flannel for the top layer; the boots I want are downstairs. The forecast for the aptly namedCold Moonis going to befucking freezing.

Saint is dressed in dark jeans and a long-sleeved shirt pushed up to his elbows, the gold chains around his neck disappearing underneath. There's a look in his eye that I don't know how to define.

My wolf whines, her claws echoing in my skull as she paces. She is too close. How long will I be able tohangout at the Packhouse? I want to run already.

I almost ask Saint to run there with me instead, opening my mouth to do just that when he asks, "Are you ready?"

"Yep," I answer instead, giving him a tight smile. On my way to the garage, I nearly bumped into him.

Instead, though, he grabs my waist, pulling me to his chest roughly.

As abruptly as he pulls me to him, Saint puts a hand around my jaw, tilting my face towards his. He kisses me harshly, almost angrily, before saying, "Stay with the Pack tonight, please?"

I almost argue, the words rising in my mouth before I remember that Saint's Pack kicked him out. He probably is just nervous. Wants the comfort of his Pack on a stressful night like this.

Still, I can't read his eyes when I answer softly. "Okay."

Saint's smile is small, almost sad, as he pulls away and leads me out into his orange SUV.

Without any preamble, he takes me to the Packhouse. Saint sings and whistles along with the radio, but I don't. I'm too tense. About the Whites and about the kisses Saint keeps giving me. I don't mind, but I'm starting to feel guilty about them.

Once inside the hulking brick building, I immediately find Jay, filling him in on what I've pieced together. I have hisraptattention while I speak. Jay's jaw flexes as he looks at me from under lowered brows.

Jay merely presses a kiss to my forehead and says, "Don't worry, I'll take it from here," when I'm done spilling my guts in front of him.

And then, he's off doing just that, I presume. Spotting Sam and Aggie over on the side of the room, I gravitate towards them.

Despite Saint's absence at the Packhouse earlier today, snacks are abundant, and tables laden with food are strewn throughout the large gathering hall. Either Saint pre-made a bunch of this earlier this week, or someone ordered catering.

When I pass one of the tables, I snag a pastry and take a big bite.

I close my eyes as the flavor bursts across my tongue. Definitely Saint's cooking.

Jay has been standing with Magnus for the better part of the night. The metaphorical passing of the crown to Jay is as simple as Magnus relinquishing control. And Jay has to accept it.

After tonight, with Jay leading the Pack through the Full Moon, he will become Alpha. When we were kids, it had always been a joke to call him Alpha, and I'd always pushed against his logic when he tried to use that leverage against me.

Now, though, my heart soars, watching him take charge of our Pack. He looks so natural there, surrounded by Dante, Saint,Nero, and other enforcers. Nero will still be the Pack's lawyer, even if he is no longer Beta.

I'm beyond ready to get started with the run. And, feeling Jay's eyes on me from across the room, I suspect he is also aware.

As if I'd spoken the thought aloud, Magnus gathers the Pack's attention by stepping into the center of the room. A quiet hush replaces the gentle hum of conversation.

"Thank you all for coming to tonight's Full Moon gathering. The Cold Moon, and my beloved Indie's birthday. I know everyone is tense with the Hunters this year, and I assure you, tonight is cause for celebration. I would like to proudly say that I am no longer your Alpha."

The Pack gasps like this was not expected. Anyone with eyes can see that Jay has been positioned to take over for quite some time now.

"My son, Jay, is stepping up to take my place-" Magnus's speech goes on, and I don't think I've ever heard him gush like this about anything.

I wonder if Alex and Helena know he's Alpha now. If Magnus asked Alex if he wanted thebirthrightcurrently being thrust upon Jay.

Then, for a moment, I let myself worry about whether Jay wants kids. If my decisions when I was young will splinter us apart in the future.Idon't want kids. I never have. But a small part of mewonders if that will be the eventual cause of Jay and I splitting up. As quickly as the thought comes to me, I shove it away. I can't think about that. Not right now. Maybe, not ever.

"Tonight, I ask, let us run withourAlpha and think of my Indie while you bathe in the Moon's light. She would be so proud of you, Son. As I am," Magnus finishes, holding an arm out, inviting Jay to step into the spotlight.