Chapter 2

Phoenix

I step out of the training camp building, breathing in the crisp air of freedom for the first time in two years since I left the Nightfang Pack. The first person I decide to visit is my Uncle Luke, my mother's brother.

To me, Luke has always been a supportive figure, more of a father than my own ever was.

I reminisce about my childhood when I once saw my father as a hero. But as time went on, he became preoccupied with pack matters and was often abusive, his temper out of control.

After my mother died, I left the pack to train at the camp, and my father turned a blind eye. Unexpectedly, he now insists on my return to the pack. I'm unsure of his intentions, but I also want to uncover the truth behind my mother's death, so I agreed to return. Not that I'll stick around for long if he's on some bullshit.

My original plan after I graduated was to ask my Uncle Derek, the Alpha King, for a spot on his Royal Guard. So, if things go the way I think they will, I'll be heading to the castle by sundown.

I knock On Luke's office door, and his familiar gruff voice invites me in. As I enter, his eyes widen in surprise, and a broad smile spreads across his face.

"Phoenix!" He rushes over and pulls me into a bear hug. "I can't believe you're here. How are you doing, my boy?"

"Good, Unc," I chuckle, feeling a warmth I haven't felt in years.

He steps back, looking me over. "Grown out a beard too, huh? Trying to win the ladies over, like your old uncle?"

I shrug. I suppose I did grow it out to look more like him than my father.

"Something like that. It has its perks."

Although I spent more time studying and working my ass off to gain rank in the training camp, I occasionally messed around with a few she-wolves. Let's just say, having a beard has changed my life.

Luke laughs, clapping me on the back. "That's my boy. I'm so proud of you."

Pride swells my chest. At least someone is.

"So, what brings you back?" Luke asks, his tone turning serious as we settle into the worn leather chairs in his office.

"Dad wants me back in the pack," I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "I don't know why, but I figured I'd come back and see if I can find out more about Mom's death."

His expression darkens, the lines on his face deepening. "Nix, I know you're struggling with her death, but sometimes shit happens to the best of us."

Nah, fuck that. She was a werewolf; she didn't just drop dead in the middle of the night for no goddamn reason. She was murdered. And I'm going to find out who's responsible. Mom was an amazing Luna, and everyone loved her. She was the only parent who truly wanted me, unlike my cold-hearted, selfish father.

Luke's eyes soften as he nods, understanding my determination. "Just be careful, Nix," he adds. "Anyway, I've heard good things about you. Your father says you're the highest honor graduate of the training camp. Is that true?"

My father? How does he know that? He didn't even care enough to check in. I left for training camp and was forgotten.

Just like my mother was.

"It's true I guess, but it isn't a big deal. Not like I can become Alpha until the old man croaks," I mumble.

Luke gives me a pointed look. "Don't be like that, Nix. As fucked up as he is, he's still your father and only living parent," he scolds.

I laugh bitterly. "Yeah, the wrong one died."

He hums, sadness glimmering in his eyes. "You were always more of a Mama's boy. Penny would've been proud of the man you've become in such a short time."

The mention of my mom brings up unwanted emotion. I've never had the chance to properly grieve her, between my father's bullshit and running off for training camp to escape him. It appears my father has, though. He's completely moved on, and already has a whole new family.

I can't wait to come back and ruin everything. He deserves that...and more.

"Have you heard Dad remarried?" I ask, leaning against the doorframe, my jaw clenched.

When he requested that I come back, he vaguely mentioned that he recently remarried. I don't know who the woman is, but I'll never accept her.

He nods. "Oh yeah, and he has a stepdaughter. Think she's a few years younger than you."

A wicked smile plays on my lips as dark thoughts creep into my mind. "Great, maybe we can play together."

I'll make her regret the day my father met her mother.

Luke scowls at me. "I know that look, Phoenix. Leave them alone. They've done nothing wrong."

I lean back, my grin widening. "Yeah, I can't promise that. But I do plan to put most of my effort into finding out what happened to Mom."

I feel my wolf rise to the surface. I will get justice for her, even if I have to kill my father, my Alpha.

And his new family he created to replace me and Mom.

Suddenly, a voice rings through Luke's desk phone. "Boss, your meeting with Mr. Larson starts in ten minutes."

Luke slaps a hand over his forehead. "Ah shit, I forgot about that. If he shows up before I do, tell him I'm stuck in the bathroom or something."

"Yes, Sir," she replies.

Luke turns back to me, a blend of urgency and concern in his eyes. "Don't let your anger drive you to do something you'll regret. Focus on finding the truth about your mom. That's what really matters." He stands up, wrapping me in another embrace. "Good luck on your journey home, my boy. Seriously, stay out of trouble. I'm tired of people talking shit about you."

"When did we start caring about what other people say?" I ask with a smirk.

"When you became next in line to become Alpha after he retires or dies."

I cross my fingers, a dark edge to my smile. "Let's hope for the latter."

He chuckles, but his eyes remain serious. "Come on, give him a chance. He reached out to you. He must be ready to make up for the absent father he was."

I scoff. "Yeah, and the sky is fucking purple. I bet he just wants me there to play house with his new wife and daughter."

Which shocks me since I'm his biggest disappointment. I was ready to never speak to him again, ready to completely abandon my pack until he called me. I plan to find out exactly what's going on before I make the decision to officially move back in.

After saying goodbye and promising to visit again soon, I leave my uncle to his meeting. His warning not to let anger cloud my judgement echoes in my mind as I rev my motorcycle's engine, leaving his property and speeding off back to the packhouse.