Chapter 18

I sit on the floor of my empty bedroom and look around with a deep ragged sigh, listening to the bustle of the rest of the apartment being emptied.

I hug myself, still able to feel all of Mom’s strength and love through the embrace she gave me before she got into the SUV.

I think about Dad’s last words to me. “I know you're going to do great. Just because your mother and I won’t be here doesn’t mean you’re in this alone. Lean on the pack. Use the resources at your disposal to your advantage. If you have to outsource, don’t forget to go through MasonCo and get a purchase order.”

I shake my head with a chuckle. He always has the pack on his mind, even in retirement.

Thinking about Bronx picking Mom up into one of his crushing hugs and hearing her laugh at him makes me choke back tears.

His last few words to Dad. “I hear it’s summer in Australia and there’s plenty of room for Mace and Dahlia to run in the outback.”

Watching the SUVs make their way down the snowy drive. The pack me