Skye’s POV
One Month Later
I lounged on the couch in Adrian’s office, scrolling through Venus’s latest partnership proposals while Adrian paced back and forth, his phone pressed to his ear. His deep chuckle filled the room as he listened to whoever was on the other end.
“So Logan’s building a coalition now?” Adrian asked, amusement coloring his tone. “Tell me more, Xavier.
I glanced up, momentarily distracted from my work. Alpha King Xavier had become a frequent caller since Adrian’s impressive showing at the election. Though Adrian hadn’t won, he’d earned respect across the country, and Xavier apparently valued his counsel.
“Playing nice with every Alpha from coast to coast?” Adrian shook his head. “Classic Logan move.”
I returned my attention to the tablet, but kept listening. Politics never stopped in our world, even after a hard–won peace.
“He tried to get Leon on board too?” Adrian asked, his voice rising slightly. “And?”
The mention of Leon’s name barely registered anymore. A month ago, it might have sent a spike of pain through my chest. Now, it was just another name, another Alpha from another pack. The mating bond that once tormented me had finally gone quiet, replaced by something deeper, more certain with Adrian.
Adrian nodded as he listened. “I see,” he responded to whatever Xavier was saying. “So Leon turned him down?”
After a pause, Adrian smiled. “Well, that’s something. I used to think Leon was just another entitled pack prince,” Xavier was saying, “especially after how he behaved during the first trial, stealing coins with no regard for other Alphas‘ safety. But I’ll give him this much: at least he’s a principled jerk.”
I couldn’t help but smile at that assessment. It wasn’t wrong.
Adrian’s expression grew serious. “If we want to break Logan’s monopoly on medical services, we need to support new werewolf healthcare companies.”
They launched into a detailed discussion about funding structures and regulatory challenges.
My phone buzzed with an incoming call. The name on the screen surprised me: Jessie. I hadn’t spoken to her in months, not since… not since
Nadia.
I stepped out onto the balcony and answered, “Jessie? Hey.”
Skye! Thank god.” Her familiar voice brought back memories of the Watering Hole, of simpler days. “I thought maybe you changed your number. I tried calling a couple times.”
“Sorry about that, I said, guilt washing over me. “The past few months have been crazy.”
“I bet,” she said, her tone softening. “How are you doing? How’s… everything?”
“I’m good,” I said. “How about you?”
“Managing,” she replied. “Working more shifts than ever. But that’s not why I called.”
I heard her take a deep breath.
“It’s Buck,” she said finally. “He passed away yesterday.”
Chapter 231
The news hit me with unexpected force. Buck, with his gruff voice and surprisingly kind heart, gone.
“What happened?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Alcohol poisoning, Jessie said with a sad laugh. “Fitting, right? The funeral’s day after tomorrow at the Watering Hole.
“At the bar?”
“Where else would he want it?” She had a point. “I was hoping you might come. I know it’s probably a long trip for you now, but…
“I’ll be there,” I said without hesitation. “Just me the details.”
After ending the call, I stood on the balcony, watching the desert sunset paint the sky in brilliant oranges and purples. So much had changed
in a year.
When I returned inside, Adrian looked up from his desk,
“Everything okay?” he asked, immediately noting my expression.
“Buck died,” I said simply. “The funeral’s in Boring. Day after tomorrow.”
Adrian nodded, understanding immediately. “We’ll leave tomorrow morning.”
No questions, no hesitation. Just another reason why I loved him.
The Watering Hole looked exactly as I remembered it: the blue–painted wooden door, the neon beer signs, the worn pool table in the corner.
But today, black ribbons adorned the entrance, and Buck’s photo sat prominently on the bar, surrounded by flowers and bottles of his favorite whiskey.
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