in my hands again

He hadn’t expected such words from Shaye, but she was preparing herself for the worst. He couldn’t say he blamed her, but that was supposed to be his job. He reached out to nose her shoulder supportively as she listed off the impending issues. But Rhyme was sure that she underestimated the heart of Abaven. Their wolves were going to pull together and help one another. They were going to get through it while leaning on one another’s shoulders. He didn’t expect for Shaye to doubt herself so heavily.

”There is no doubt in my mind you are the only wolf to lead Abaven. You steer us on the right path, you’ve kept me from making a huge mistake more than once.” His list didn’t end there, put he pulled his tired head up and tried to find her gaze in the darkness. ”You’re compassionate, and I know you love every wolf in this pack no matter how well you know them.” They had many new faces, but most of them were family. Abaven didn’t often turn from its own.

”Now is not the time to be doubting yourself, Shaye.” He told her a bit firmer than his previous words. She needed to be strong not only for herself, but for the pups, and for the pack.