Asher’s POV
“Thank you for being here,” I murmured, offering a small, tight smile as Grayson gave my shoulder a supportive pat.
“Of course, Alpha,” he replied with a knowing look, his tone edged with humor.
I chuckled softly, shaking my head as I tugged at my collar, loosening it. “I told you to call me Asher—you never learn,” I teased, stepping over to the other side of my desk.
Leaves crunched beneath our feet as we walked side by side, her arms gently wrapped around mine. The path to the river was silent except for that soft, steady sound, and as the cyan-blue water came into view, so did the group waiting for us. Jacob, Genevieve, Dawn, and my mom stood by the familiar boulders—the same spot where Elena and I once spoke about my father. Everyone was dressed in black. Even Grayson and his mate were standing with them, offering silent support.
Some members of the pack stood slightly apart, forming a respectful distance. All eyes followed us as we walked closer to the river’s edge.
I
