I nced over at Jer as we stepped out of the office. "Did your dad mention when


    he wants us to leave?" I asked, curiosity tugging at me.


    Jeremiah nodded. “He said the morning of our birthday. That way, we''ll get there just


    in time for dinner and surprise Ken. Why do you ask?"


    He trailed behind me, Rayna close by, pretending not to eavesdrop on our conversation. Honestly, I didn''t mind her listening; if she weren''t here, Jer would have told her anyway.


    "I need to check in with Junior and ra," I admitted, my voice low. "They don''t have the same resources we do, and I worry the support around them is fragile at best. Richard is doing his job, but I don''t trust the Delta and Gamma at ck w. Something feels off about them—I just can''t put my finger on it. Maybe they don''t want a female Alpha, but I suspect there''s more beneath the surface. Luna Sam is pushing herself to the brink, too. They''ve got warriors, but their leadership is practically nonexistent. I''m nning to head to ck w first, check on them, then swing by Red Fang to see Luna Sam and Junior. They need to know what we''re doing in case they need to step in while we''re gone. They should also know who to contact. It shouldn''t take more than a day."


    Rayna''s soft voice came from just behind Jeremiah. "What are you going to do, Ben?"


    I stopped and turned toward her. "Do you mean about Luna?"


    She nced around cautiously, but by then we were in the hallway leading to our bedrooms, far from any prying ears. "I know ra is your mate. I can feel it. But it''s clear neither of you have made any progress with the bond. What''s your n?"


    I hesitated, the weight of the question pressing down on me. "Honestly, I don''t know."


    Jeremiah''s face tightened with concern, maybe even frustration. "What do you mean you don''t know? She''s your mate, man.”


    I let out a slow breath. "I''m a Beta. She''s an Alpha. She''s fought her entire life to be the best Alpha she can be. All the men around her are waiting for her mate toe along and be the ''true'' Alpha, the one who ims her as his Luna. But she''s not a Luna—not to me, and no offense, Rayna, but I won''t be part of that dynamic. Besides, I''m needed here right now. What happens if I choose her? Do I be her Beta? How does that even work? And where does that leave you? I don''t have younger brothers ready to take my ce. I''ve seen what her pack and Junior''s pack are going through without solid leadership. I can''t just abandon you like that."


    Rayna''s tone remained gentle, her concern evident. "Are you sure that''s the whole story?"


    I shook my head slowly. "Rayna, she doesn''t want me. I''m just a Beta; that''s not enough for her. And I don''t know if I''m ready. I still love her, but I don''t know how to move on." My voice dropped to a whisper, the admission raw and new. Ten months she''s been gone, and I''ve never said those words out loud. Closing my eyes tightly, I let the vulnerability slip free, knowing this would be the only time I allowed myself to be weak. Now, I could put on the mask again.


    As if sensing my turmoil, Rayna pulled me into aforting embrace. The scent of fresh flowers surrounded us, calming my restless mind. I''m not usually one for disys of affection, but with her, it felt grounding. “We''re going to Dark Moon,” she said quietly. "You''re going to have to face her. I know it hasn''t been ideal, but she and my brother needed to work through some things between them. She is his Luna, and he intends to im her fully. He''s bringing her into his pack and ns to mark her. Beth doesn''t know yet, but I wanted you to be prepared.”


    I nced at Jeremiah over her shoulder. "You''re okay with that? With everything that could happen to her?"


    Jeremiah shrugged, a hint of resignation in his smile. "It''s not up to me. Ryker knows what we fear, but he''s choosing to try, and that''s something Ken deserves. Can you imagine telling her not to, if it''s truly what she wants?" His smile was weak, but genuine. I just exhaled sharply through my nose. He wasn''t wrong, but it still stung. I wasn''t sure I could watch someone else im her.


    “I need to go,” I said, stepping back from Rayna''s embrace. “I''ll be back by the end of tomorrow."


    She nodded, understanding. I turned toward my room. After Kennedy left, Jeremiah had moved me here. He said it was to help with the transition, but I suspect it was so they could keep a closer eye on me—both him and Rayna. The early days of my depression were dark and heavy. Neither of them followed me now to force conversation, and the house was quiet as I loaded the SUV for my trip. This would probably be my first solo visit to the other packs. The thought made my chest tighten, but I pushed forward, determined to do what needed to be done.