Chapter Nine

Circe's words kept repeating over and over through his mind. He couldn't shake the look of betrayal on her face. All he thought about was her on the entire trip home to Shadowhide. Leaving Circe was one of the hardest things to do, but he needed a moment to think everything through.

He had a plan, but he needed to be sure it was what he wanted.

Seeing her again, how had he survived fifteen years without her? It wasn't something he wanted to repeat. His wolf wanted her, and it prowled in the back of his mind, angry at him because he left her. Seemed like he was disappointing everyone these days.

When he made it home, there was a sense of familiarity. Everything smelled the same. Everything looked the same. He, however, wasn't the same at all. Fifteen years ago, he had made the decision to put Circe second, and that had cost him dearly.

Miles parked his car and stepped out, taking a moment to stretch out his stiff muscles. A moment later, another vehicle pulled into his driveway and came to a stop. The engine cut off and his cousin, Grady, stepped out.

"You're back."

Miles gave him a droll look. "Miss me?"

"Absolutely not," Grady replied cheerfully.

Miles grinned. He and Grady had a great relationship, acting more like brothers than cousins. He had a big heart but could fight down and dirty if there was a need, and Miles relied on him to help lead the pack. When they had been kids, Grady, him, and Zade were inseparable, with Circe following them around like a little puppy. He called her names, and she broke his nose. Tit for tat, he supposed. Wasn't long after that when he realized he loved her.

It always came back to Circe. It would always come back to her.

Now, he not only had to let go of the self-blame he harbored for his role in almost destroying their bond, but the guilt of what came next.

Miles knew with absolute certainty what path he needed to follow.

"I have to abdicate," he told Grady.

His cousin laughed. "Good one."

"I'm not joking."

Slowly, Grady's humor fizzled. "Wait. You're serious? Why?"

"I found Circe."

Grady blinked. "Ididn't expect you to say that name. Wow, what a blast from the past. But why does finding her mean you have to abdicate?"

"Because she is my everything." He gave a crooked smile. "She means more to me than anything in this world. Even more than the pack."

Grady ran a hand down his face. "Are you sure this is what you really want to do?

"I never wanted the alpha mantle. It was always supposed to be Zade's cross to bear."

"You're a good alpha, Miles."

"And you'll be a good one, too." He ran a hand over his face. "My priorities have changed and I can't concentrate on leading the pack if my mind is somewhere else. You are next in line and a natural-born alpha. I know I can walk away and leave the pack in your capable hands."

Grady took a few steps away, thinking. "And you're sure?"

"Positive."

"All right," he said, turning back around. "How are we going to do this?"

"We'll call a pack assembly tonight," Miles replied. "They all know you so I expect it'll be a peaceful transition."

"Okay." Grady placed his hand on Miles's shoulder. "You're my brother, you know that? If you ever need me, just ask."

"Thanks. I'll bring Circe back after our mating ceremony. I'm sure she's missed you. Now, I have to pack up. Wanna help?"

"Sure."

****

That night, Miles stood on the raised dais with Grady next to him, watching as the pack members filed into the meeting lodge. When as many people as possible had squeezed into the room, Miles lifted his hand and all the chatter ceased.

"Thank you for arriving at this last-minute meeting," he said. "I come to all of you with a heavy heart. Many of you remember Circe Tolliver, and many know she is my moon-fated mate. For those of you who don't remember, fifteen years ago, when a ceasefire was called between us and the Pale Claw Pack, a marriage agreement was made between us and them. I was to marry the alpha's daughter. Obviously, that didn't happen but what did happen was Circe left."

He cleared his throat and a low murmur swept through the room.

"Last week, I found her and one thing became very clear." He looked around the room. "I have a second chance to make it up to her. To do that, though, I can't be Alpha here and love her there."

The murmur increased to a roar of protest. Miles held up a hand to quiet them.

"Why can't she come back here?" someone demanded and many people agreed.

"She is a teacher with the Sheridan Pack in Colorado." He placed his hands on his hips. "Listen, when my older brother was killed in the fighting, I had to rise quickly as the alpha heir. I made the choice to sacrifice Circe's love for the betterment of the pack. But I can't do that again."

The room fell silent.

"I've asked Grady to be Alpha, and he's agreed. He's strong enough to lead and cares deeply for this pack." He glanced at each male, tensing. "Does anyone object? Any challengers for the title?"

No one said anything .

"Very well. It has been an honor to be your alpha." Miles turned to his cousin. "I, Miles Kenneally, relinquish my alpha title to Grady Kenneally. Grady, do you accept in front of all these witnesses?"

"I do accept, as long as the pack accepts."

The two men hugged and one by one, each pack member raised their face to the ceiling and howled their acceptance.

"Thank you," he whispered to Grady.

"I'll take good care of them."

They pulled back and smiled at each other.

"You both are always welcome here."

"Thanks, Grady." Miles turned to the pack. "I love you all. I'll be back to visit, with my mate."