When Lewis heard the word funeral, his whole aura changed.
His expression darkened, and a heavy silence fell over him. He didn't answer right away he just sat there, frozen like his wolf had stopped breathing.
Then, slowly, he forced out one single word.
"Alright."
The way he said it…
It was like the word hurt his chest.
His hand tightened on the armrest of his wheelchair, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. I stood there quietly, watching him. For the first time since I came into his life, the calm and steady Alpha I knew looked like he was close to breaking.
His back was turned to me, but his voice was low and firm.
"You should go get ready."
"Okay," I whispered.
I took a few steps toward him, wanting to help him back into his chair, but he lifted his hand in a sharp, quiet gesture an Alpha's silent command.
"There's no need," he said. His tone was neutral, but I could feel the weight underneath. Pride. Pain. Maybe both. He didn't want me to see him struggle.
