Chapter 4 - Jamal

“Dad, we can still stop all of this. You don’t have to give me the title yet. We’ve got another six months. Just finish out your term as best you can. I’ll be here to help,” Finnegan says as I work on his tie. As calm, organized, and brilliant as my son is, tying a tie has always been a bit beyond him.

“Son, we’ve talked about this. Your mother and I are done with our leadership roles. With Ba’s death…” I stop, the words catching in my throat. Tears blur my vision before I can finish the sentence.

“Dad.” Finnegan pulls me into his arms. “I know it’s hard. I’m not trying to force anything on you,” he whispers, holding me steady while I pull myself together. “I just don’t want your reign as Alpha to end in a way you’ll regret.”

I nod into his shoulder, then step back and wipe my eyes with thumb and forefinger. I told myself I wouldn’t let my grief over Gregory overshadow this day. Finnegan deserves better than that.

We all do.

“I’m finding no joy in being Alpha anymore, Finn. It’s something I have to do, not something I love to do. And I’ve always loved it—loved guiding our people. If it feels like a chore now, then... it’s time. It’s time for you to take over.”

“I’ll do anything to help you, Dad. You know that. I’m proud to step into the role. I just want to be sure this is what you really want.”

I smile at my son—my firstborn, my heir. “I want you to be happy. And I want your mom and me to finally have space to heal. To do that, I need to set this burden down. And I’m grateful you’re strong enough to pick it up. You’re a good son.”

The pride shining in his eyes almost lifts the weight from my chest entirely.

Gregory should be here. He should be standing beside me, watching our son become Alpha. He should be here when Freya takes the mantle of High Priestess in two weeks, on the Winter Solstice.

But railing at the injustice of his absence won’t change anything.

He’s not coming back.

All I can do now is focus on the good things still in front of me. And Finnegan taking his rightful place as Alpha is one of them.

I finish his tie, fold down his collar, and hold out his jacket for him to slip into. Clapping him on the shoulder, I say, “Let’s go complete your initiation.”

---

Meredith stands at the dais of the amphitheater, facing a crowd of wolves. All the alphas and many of the betas are present—just as they were for Rowen and Alexander’s initiations months ago. They were already here for the Council vote to approve Finnegan’s rise to Alpha, so they stayed for the ceremony.

Our friends and family fill the space, and everything is beautifully decorated for the celebration.

Raising her hands high, Meredith calls out, “My kindred wolves! We are here to welcome a new Alpha to the Moon Goddess Pack!”

The crowd erupts—cheers, howls, stomping feet. It echoes like a heartbeat across the amphitheater.

Meredith lets it go on for a while. I think she knows our family needs this. After everything we’ve been through—after everything the entire wolf community has endured—we need this moment of joy.

Eventually, she raises her hand, calming the crowd. “When Lycaon was born to our Mother, there were no others like him on Earth. Selene, in her wisdom, knew isolation would break him. So, she shaped two she-wolves into his mates. Together, they modeled our society after the natural hierarchy of wolves.

“The Alpha mates were to lead, teach, guide, and nurture their pack. Beta mates serve as trusted advisors. Gamma and Delta mates defend the pack and uphold justice.

“Today, a new Alpha rises. Finnegan Malik Agwag will take up the mantle from his father and join the ranks of our leaders. I have watched this young man grow from birth. We all know the strength, clarity, and compassion he brings to this role. I cannot wait to watch him reach his full potential.”

She turns to Bella and me. I reach for her hand, my palm aching with the familiar absence of Gregory. But then I see my children—our children—watching. Finnegan beside us, ready to lead. I let the ache pass through me.

Growth.

“Jamal Agwag and Bella Martin, along with your mate, Gregory Reva—you three have done so much for the wolves under your care. You pioneered an alliance between wolves and witches that changed the world. Hecate and Selene surely smile upon you. We honor your leadership, your sacrifices, and your legacy.

“And now, your child steps into your place. Because of the peace and unity you forged, he enters leadership in an era of acceptance and collaboration. We thank you. We honor you. And we release you from the burden of leadership.”

She hands me the ceremonial blade. I slice my palm and let three drops of blood fall into the chalice Meredith holds.

The moment the blood leaves me, I feel something lift. A weight I hadn’t fully realized I was still carrying. I’ve borne it for decades, since I was twenty-one. It’s been part of me for so long—but now that it’s gone, I feel taller. Lighter.

I’ll never stop being loyal to my people. I’ll always want what’s best for them. But I’m proud to step back and watch the next generation lead.

I pass the blade to Bella. She repeats the ritual. No, she’s not a wolf. But she was our Luna—and a damn good one.

When she finishes, she passes the blade back to Meredith. I take her hand and place our cuts together, letting our blood mingle. It’ll help her heal faster. We’ve done this countless times over the years.

Meredith speaks again. “Jamal Agwag and Bella Martin—we thank you. For your leadership, your guidance, your sacrifice, and the love with which you led us. Your service as Alpha and Luna is now complete.”

The amphitheater erupts again—cheers, howls, applause. The gratitude flowing from our people is overwhelming. Bella clutches my hand and smiles, and I wrap my arm around her.

We wave—our last farewell as Alpha and Luna. Then we take our seats.

Meredith continues. “Finnegan Agwag, firstborn of our former Alpha and Luna, destined to lead. Do you accept this role, to be our guide, our protector, and our father?”

“I do,” Finn says.

I can’t stop smiling.

Meredith hands him the knife. He slices his palm and drips three drops into the chalice.

Then she turns to the leadership.

“Beta Paula. Gamma James. Delta Roe. Today, your Alpha steps down, and his son rises. Do you swear your allegiance to Alpha Finnegan, to uphold Selene’s will, and to serve your pack with loyalty and honor?”

“We do,” they say together.

Meredith swirls the blood in the chalice and passes it to Finn. He drinks, then passes it down the line.

“This oath binds you to one another from this day until your last,” she says.

When they finish, Meredith turns to the crowd.

“Do you accept Finnegan Agwag as your Alpha?”

“WE DO!” comes the resounding cry.

Smiling, Meredith raises her voice. “Then with the full faith of the Goddess, I present to you—Alpha Finnegan Agwag!”