Erasmus gives a sharp nod. “That is your choice. I do wish you well and a long life, Leonard.”
We clasp hands. He knows a pack of one is no threat at all, but he also knows I will be free to join another pack.
I hesitate. “I will not be leaving.”
He blinks a few times, and his brow furrows. “Whatever do you mean? Ah, you mean your title, your land. Your holdings as the Duke of Whitehampton. You will be in close proximity to us.”
“Indeed.”
He flashes his teeth, not to threaten me. He does not show his fangs. Instead, I can tell he is contemplating this revelation that I suspected he had not thought of previously.
“Might you come with me?” he asks.
“You wish for me to announce my departure from the pack?” I am shocked. I thought he would tell the others so I could be spared of the joy they would undoubtedly express at my egress.
“Do you trust me?”
I hesitate. I do, and I do not, but I follow him back to the pack. They all remain where we left them, as if they knew there would be an announcement.
Erasmus stands before the pack, and I stand beside him, as his beta should. I do not desire to be his beta, but a part of me does wonder if I am making the right decision.
“Leonard has something he wishes to tell you,” Erasmus says.
The eyes of my pack stare straight through me. At one time, I would have died for any of them, but I fear even now that, if given the chance, they would turn on me and kill me. Does Erasmus have control over them? Will they heed his word and not attack me for daring to wish to leave the pack? I doubt they want me to remain with them, yet they could very well see my leaving as a form of betrayal.
I clear my throat. “I am leaving the Fierce Growlers.”
Gasps of dismay and disbelief echo throughout the small clearing. They shuffle about. Some look relieved while others appear angry.
Then Erasmus raises his hand for silence. “Do not be alarmed,” he continues, his voice strong and powerful. “Leonard believes this is the best course of action for himself, and I, for once, accept his decision. I do not wish to see him go, but there are times when the heart does not always know best, and the mind must be one’s driving force. I hope you will all join me in wishing Leonard well.”
“Good riddance!” someone calls.
Erasmus lets out a warning growl. “What was that?” he snarls.
All of the Fierce Growlers, all two hundred of them, are as silent as can be.
“Leonard has been nothing but loyal,” Erasmus says firmly. “He will always remain a friend of the pack, even if he is leaving us. Do not consider him a foe, for if you do, then you will be a foe of mine. Do you all understand?”
The werewolves nod or else voice their assent. Some look at me a bit more favorably now, and there are a few among their number who even looks a bit wistful, as if they are sorry to see me go.
“I will maintain my rank as duke and as such, I will remain on my land,” I add.
“Given that,” Erasmus says loudly, his voice carrying on the still night air, “I think it is best that we migrate.”
My eyes widen in shock, as does the rest of the pack’s. I did not expect him to do such a thing, and to announce it so bluntly! Then again, this is Erasmus we are talking about. He wastes no time on pleasantries or propriety.
My heart soars as my former pack mates start to whisper amongst themselves. Whether or not they are happy with this new development, I cannot tell, but I am beyond pleased. This means I will not have to worry about Erasmus seeking out and killing more nobles. They will be safe.
I will be safe.
Flora, if she chooses, will be safe with me.
We could form a new pack, just the two of us.
A smile crosses my face, and I turn to Erasmus. “You will prosper wherever you go. Doubtless, you will be able to grow and expand and find a new land for yourselves, a place where you can have more than enough land for yourselves to be able to roam freely and allow your wolves the chance to stretch their legs.”
“That is my hope,” Erasmus says solemnly. “I do not wish to lose another to his wolf as had been the case with your father, and I will keep our existence a secret from the humans.”
I beam at him. It is my hope that he will not forget himself and kill another human in such a fashion, but if life is good, he will never have to commit such an act again.
The pack begins to stir. Some look relieved, some curious, some doubtful, and others are still angry. Some look resigned while others appear to be filled with a strange kind of excitement. Regardless of their feelings, the Fierce Growlers will heed their alpha’s word. They will follow him and make a new home for themselves wherever he may lead them.
They whisper and murmur amongst themselves, their eyes darting from Erasmus to me and back again.
“This is what I want for you all,” Erasmus says finally. “I ask that you do not hold the fact that Leonard wishes to leave against him. He has been a loyal member of our pack, and going forward, let us not begrudge him for his choice but rather wish him well on his journey.”
At this, the Fierce Growlers erupt into cheers and applause. I am taken aback by the sudden show of support and appreciation. It is heartwarming to see them come together in such a manner, even if they do not fully agree with my choice.
Erasmus steps forward and places his hands on my shoulders. “Be safe, Leonard,” he says with a nod before turning to the pack. “Let us make haste!” he calls out.
And just like that, the Fierce Growlers chase after their alpha, leaving the outskirts of London.
Leaving me.
Alone.
Without a pack.
Despite any fear I might have, I can feel the energy in the air, and I know that this is right.