166

Alina’s POV

The hall was silent, the air heavy with tension as I sat at the head of the long table, my eyes locked on Dean. He stood before us, restrained by the pack sentinels, his once-confident demeanor reduced to a pale, trembling shadow of the man he used to be. He had no more lies to spin, no more manipulations to hide behind.

The elders murmured amongst themselves, their voices a low hum in the background. I kept my gaze fixed on Dean, my emotions a whirlwind of anger, regret, and determination. This was justice—not just for Finn, but for Lia, for the pack, and for myself.

“Dean,” I began, my voice steady and commanding, “your actions have brought nothing but pain and destruction to this pack. You murdered Finn, framed Lia, and deceived me at every turn. Your betrayal runs deep, and for that, you must face the consequences of your actions.”

He opened his mouth, perhaps to beg for mercy or spin another excuse, but I raised a hand to silence him. I couldn’t hear another word from him.

“The council has deliberated,” I continued, “and the sentence is death by hanging.”

Gasps filled the room, but I remained unmoved. This wasn’t a decision I made lightly, but it was necessary. Dean had not only betrayed me but also threatened the very fabric of our pack. He couldn’t be allowed to harm anyone else.

Dean’s face crumbled, and for a brief moment, I saw the man I once trusted, the man who had been part of my inner circle. But that man was gone, replaced by a monster who had betrayed us all.

The sentinels dragged him out of the hall, his protests echoing faintly down the corridor. I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I turned to the pack.

“With Dean’s judgment passed, it’s time for us to heal,” I said, my voice soft but resolute. “And I believe the best way to do that is by placing the clan in the hands of someone who has proven their strength, loyalty, and resilience.”

The murmurs started again, this time filled with curiosity and surprise.

“I’m stepping down as Alpha,” I announced, feeling the weight of my words. “Lia will take my place.”

Lia, standing in the back of the room, froze in shock. Her eyes widened as she processed my words.

“You’ve shown incredible courage, Lia,” I continued, looking directly at her. “You’ve endured more than anyone should, and you’ve come out stronger. The pack needs someone like you—someone with a heart that can lead them into a better future.”

“But Alina,” she started, her voice shaky, “you’re the Alpha. This is your pack.”

I smiled, a bittersweet feeling settling in my chest. “It’s time for me to find my own path, Lia. I’ve been the Alpha for years, and I’ve lost myself along the way. I need to step back, to rediscover who I am. The pack will be in good hands with you.”

The room erupted into applause, and I saw Lia’s hesitant smile turn into one of pride and acceptance. I knew she would do great things, and Luca would be there to support her.

\---

The engagement party was a vibrant celebration, the hall decorated with lights and flowers as the pack gathered to honor Lia and Luca’s union. I watched from the sidelines, a sense of peace washing over me. Lia and Luca deserved this moment of happiness after everything they’d been through.

As the night wore on, Jenny and Bianca found me sitting by myself.

“You’re really going through with this?” Bianca asked her tone a mix of sadness and understanding.

I nodded. “It’s time for me to go. I need to figure out who I am without the weight of the Alpha title.”

Jenny placed a hand on my shoulder. “We’re going to miss you, Alina. But we understand.”

\---

The next morning, Jenny and Bianca accompanied me to the airport. The three of us stood near the gate, a mix of emotions swirling between us.

“You’re sure about this?” Bianca asked, her voice soft.

I nodded a small smile on my lips. “It’s not goodbye forever. Just for now. Lia and Luca will lead the pack well. It’s their time.”

Jenny hugged me tightly, her voice breaking as she said, “Take care of yourself, Alina. And don’t forget to call.”

I laughed lightly, the sound bittersweet. “I won’t.”

As the final boarding call echoed through the terminal, I turned to them one last time. “Thank you for everything. I’ll see you again, someday.”

With one last wave, I walked toward the gate, my heart heavy but hopeful. For the first time in years, I was free to explore who I was, to find peace beyond the pack. And as I stepped onto the plane, I knew I was leaving them in capable hands. Lia would lead them into a brighter future, and I would finally be able to carve out a new path for myself.

___

Lia's POV

The evening sunlight filtered through the wide windows of the dining hall, casting a golden glow over the room. I stood by the table, arranging the final touches for dinner. A nervous excitement buzzed through me as I awaited Benedicta and Merlin’s arrival. It wasn’t every day I hosted someone who had played such a pivotal role in Luca’s life—and now, indirectly, in mine.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. I wiped my hands on a towel and hurried to answer. Standing there were Benedicta and Merlin, smiles lighting their faces. Merlin clung to Benedicta’s hand, his innocent gaze wandering curiously around the hall.

“Lia,” Benedicta greeted warmly, leaning in for a hug. “Thank you for inviting us.”

“Of course,” I replied, my voice genuine. “It’s about time we all sat down for a meal together.”

I crouched down to Merlin’s level, offering him a warm smile. “Hi, Merlin. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”

He smiled shyly, hiding partially behind Benedicta. “Hi.”

Luca appeared behind me, his presence a steadying comfort. “Come in, both of you. Dinner’s ready, and Lia’s been working hard to make it perfect.”

\---

The dining table was set with dishes ranging from roasted vegetables to Luca’s favorite lamb stew. Conversation flowed easily, with Benedicta sharing stories about Merlin’s mischievous antics and Luca recounting some of his childhood memories.

Merlin had warmed up quickly, his laughter filling the room as Luca playfully teased him about finishing his greens. I watched them interact, my heart swelling with affection. Seeing Luca like this—kind, attentive, and playful—was a side of him I cherished deeply.

After dinner, we moved to the living room, where Merlin busied himself with a puzzle Benedicta had brought along. Benedicta leaned back in her chair, her gaze warm and thoughtful as she looked at me.

“Lia,” she began, her tone sincere, “thank you for opening your home to us. Merlin has been through so much, and I can already see how much he feels at ease here. I know you’ll make an amazing stepmother to him.”

Her words caught me off guard, and a lump formed in my throat. I glanced at Merlin, who was focused on his puzzle, and then at Luca, who gave me an encouraging smile.

“It’s my pleasure,” I said softly, my voice thick with emotion. “He’s a wonderful boy, and I’m happy to have him here.”

Benedicta smiled, placing a gentle hand on mine. “I’ll be heading back soon, but Merlin will stay with you. I trust you and Luca to take care of him.”

Her words were a gift, one that carried the weight of trust and responsibility. I nodded, grateful for the chance to be a part of Merlin’s life.

\---

Later that evening, as Benedicta prepared to leave, Luca stood beside her at the door. I was helping Merlin settle into the guest room when I overheard their conversation.

“Benedicta,” Luca said, his tone tinged with excitement, “I wanted to tell you something. Lia and I are getting married in two weeks.”

I froze for a moment, my heart skipping a beat. I knew the wedding was imminent, but hearing it spoken out loud made it feel so much more real.

Benedicta’s delighted laugh followed. “That’s wonderful news, Luca! I couldn’t be happier for both of you. Merlin will be thrilled, too.”

When I returned to the living room, Benedicta hugged me tightly, her eyes shining with happiness. “Congratulations, Lia. I can’t wait to see you as a bride.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, overwhelmed by her warmth and sincerity.

After Benedicta left, Luca found me standing by the window, gazing out into the night. He wrapped his arms around me, resting his chin on my shoulder.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

I nodded, leaning into his embrace. “Just thinking about everything. It feels like life is finally falling into place.”

He pressed a kiss to my temple. “It is. And I can’t wait to spend the rest of it with you.”

\---

The days that followed were filled with preparations for the wedding. Merlin settled into his new routine quickly, his laughter bringing life to the house. Luca and I worked together to create a home that felt warm and welcoming, not just for ourselves but for Merlin, too.

Every now and then, I’d catch Merlin humming to himself as he played, his face lit with a smile that made my heart swell. It was in those moments I realized just how much our lives were intertwining, becoming a family in every sense of the word.

As the wedding drew closer, the anticipation grew, not just for the ceremony but for the life we were building together. And for the first time in a long time, I felt at peace, surrounded by love, trust, and the promise of a brighter future.