36. That's Final (Luke POV)

I pulled on my shirt, relishing the feeling of sobriety that coursed through me. Six days clean, and the world seemed vivid for the first time in a long while—each color brighter, each emotion sharper.

A voice within me questioned whether I was fit to be a Beta, whether I could live up to the responsibilities. But then I thought of Lexi, and how agreeing to this would keep her in my life.

It seemed like a fair trade. A fantastic one, actually.

The bitter memories of my ousting from the pack crept in, the wound still fresh despite the years that had passed. The day my father turned his back on me still stung, and the sting became a burn when Trevor, my younger brother, stepped up to be the Alpha. My own blood, replacing me. The shame and betrayal from that event dragged me down a spiral, and I was just now clawing out.

The car's engine purred to life as Clay settled into the driver's seat, pulling me from my thoughts. Lexi settled beside me, her presence alone a salve on my hidde