Strength As A Parent Novels & Stories

The alliance with Silverfang—one of the most important pieces of my father’s leadership—began to fray. Reading through his old journals and listening to the stories from the pack’s long-time assistant, I began to see something I hadn’t understood before. Strength isn’t just physical. It isn’t just about force or intimidation. It’s also about love. Compassion. Charity. My father, though he had failed in many ways, was also a deeply emotional man. His strength came from a place of love—for his pack, for my mother. But when she was gone, he lost that guiding force.

"Then you'll learn from your mistakes and do better." "What if I'm not strong enough?" "You're the strongest person I know." "I don't feel strong." "Strength isn't about feeling strong. It's about doing what needs to be done even when you feel weak." I set the baby book down and leaned against Victoria's shoulder. "Victoria, I don't want to raise this child in bitterness." "What do you mean?" "I don't want my baby to grow up knowing that their parents hate each other. I don't want them to feel caught in the middle of a war."

I walk out the door not wanting to listen to any more of her nonsense. The car ride back to the house is totally silent. I press my head against the window glass and think of my father. My father used to say ruling wasn’t about being liked. It was about being feared just enough that people listened, and respected just enough that they stayed. I don’t have fear yet. I don’t have respect yet. What I have is a name, a letter, and a husband who sticks by me. That has to be enough. I hold onto my stomach and rub it. I have to be strong for my baby. Even though I’m terrified of what is to come, having him or her with me gives me strength.

Everyone keeps talking about balance like it’s the most important thing in the world. But nobody explains it properly. “Then why are they attacking him?” I asked. “If they can’t kill him, why are they chasing him?” Before my mother could answer, the door behind us opened. My father walked in. His presence always filled the room instantly. Tall, calm, powerful in a way that didn’t need to be loud to be noticed. He looked between my mother and me for a moment before speaking. “They are trying to know his strength.” My brows furrowed immediately.

"That’s why you’ll never possess true strength, Luna." He moved closer, his presence suffocating. "Rule number two for being strong: When you desire something, you take it—at any cost. If you want to meet your father, you go meet him, regardless of the consequences. That’s how you obtain what you want. That’s how strength is achieved." I shook my head. "That isn’t strength, Steven. That’s a lack of compassion." He shrugged, apathetic. "To me, it’s the same."

I howl and point to the floor where my drawing is “No, Mama! Daddy needs my picture!” “Leni, now’s not the time for tears, honey. Now’s the time for strength.” Mama hugs me tight and carries me up the stairs. “One day, those nasty old worthless assholes are going to see how strong you are and they’re going to regret treating you that way. I promise.”

The room was quiet, attentive to each word she spoke. “My mother showed me that true strength isn't solely about combat—it's also about advocating for what is right, even when faced with challenges.” And that is what this organization will accomplish. We will stand up for those who are unable to stand up for themselves. We will defend the truth. "And we'll demonstrate that even in the most bleak times, there's always a path ahead."

Lila should be mine. Blood doesn’t make a father, Bastien. I state firmly, settling beside him. Being a parent is about showing up and putting in the work. It’s about providing love and support over a lifetime, giving a pup structure and discipline – and everything else necessary to raise strong, independent adults.

“But if you don’t go to school Mom will be sad. Mom will think you’re getting lazy. Or that you’re being naughty. And Mom will feel like it’s her fault.” He lowered his head again, this time more slowly. His hands clenched into small fists in his lap. I added, “Your Mom needs you to be strong. And being strong isn’t only staying by Mom’s side. Being strong is doing the right thing even when it feels hard.” Maximilian let out a long breath. “Am I still allowed to see Mom later?” “Of course.” I smiled, even though part of my heart felt cracked. “Dad promises. As long as Mom is healthy and strong, you can see Mom anytime Mom wants.”

"Undercurrents aren't scary. What's scary is your mindset, crying for your parents the moment something goes wrong." I clenched my jaw so hard it hurt. "He can't swim. He's only been learning for one day..." "That's exactly why he needs to learn. If he can handle the current today, he'll be able to handle any hardship in life later on." "If you save him once, you'll ruin him for the rest of his life." "Dad!" "Stop shouting. Calm yourself down, learn how to tread water properly, and go pull your brother back." Then he hung up.