I watched my Dad walk forward. The pack was gathered together in front of the packhouse, crowding the lawn, while we stood waiting on the steps. My gaze roamed over them all, over the many faces I knew. A poignant sadness pervaded the air, a weight that hung over us all. My insides twisted when I realized just how many familiar faces should have been in the crowd, but weren't. . . and never would be again.
Dad took a deep breath. "Thank you all for coming. We are terribly sorry to pull you away from your grieving, yet what I need to say this morning impacts the future of us all."
He took another deep breath before continuing. I wanted so much to go to him, to offer him even a little bit of comfort.
"As your Beta, it has fallen on me to decide the best future for this pack, and for you a
