Not What's Expected [Pack Meeting!]

Two more left. The more the woman spoke, Sparrow- surprisingly- didn't think she was lying. It almost made the whole situation hurt worse. Her father had to have gone crazy like Ashmedai had said his father did. Maybe it wasn't the sickness that made Valentine crazy... Maybe it was the continued stress of long alphaships. Sparrow looked to Lark for support. What would he say? Would he say anything?

Vali said she didn't want this and that she truly didn't know she was the only one Bass told. She said she assumed Bass had talked to all of his kids. Sparrow shook her head, "He told us nothing. Neither did Finch."

Vali paused for a moment, and Sparrow did too.

"If you want the pack, Sparrow, Vali said. "It's yours. If any of your siblings want it, it's theirs to hold on to until Bass comes back."

Sparrow's eyes widened. She looked back to Lark again, then to Vali. What would Lark say?

Sparrow stepped forward, "Maybe it's not what's expected, but I accept your offer if Lark won't. I think Lark would have been Dad's first choice if he was thinking properly." Personally she didn't think Vali had any more experience leading than her or Lark.

The small woman turned to address the pack, "I was raised in this pack under my father's leadership. I have some learning to do, but if he doesn't return before next season, then I'll take Vali up on the offer. If you'll have me."

She appealed to the pack. If Vali was serious and this wasn't just a trick to manipulate them into believing her, then she'd be forced to accept. Part of that was relieving, but the possibility of what it meant made her feel sick to her stomach.