I'm sorry that I need you so

Theory couldn't disguise the hurt in her eyes at Shaye's words. She had been thinking long and carefully about her answer since the volcano had erupted and she had foisted the mantle of alpha upon her in the midst of disaster. That night she had discovered Shaye drunk (or poisoned?) underneath the tree, the older alpha had said that Theory was chosen for her passion for change. To have Shaye push back hurt her more than she could say.

"I am not motivated by fear," she said carefully, trying to maintain her composure. Theory was still so young. Navigating a tense discussion like this without losing her cool was a challenge, but she tried to channel everything she had learned so far. "You said that you chose me because I had a passion for change. I remember my roots, my mother is buried there..." she choked. Damn it. She had been so close to remaining totally cool and collected.

The older alpha spoke so cavalierly of dying that it surprised her. Theory's eyes widened and she shook her head quickly. Shaye wouldn't pass - she couldn't. There was still so much that she felt she needed to learn. As she spoke of the pack to the south, Thalia's face danced in her head. The younger girl was a spitfire, but malicious? Theo wasn't so sure. This was the first time she'd heard the name Malleus at all. "I am trying to be ready," Theory said softly. It was all so much to bear. "I love you. You've been a leader and a mother to me, but I am not you. As much as I wish I could be," she laughed quietly, leaning affectionately on Shaye's shoulder to try and dispel some of the tension that the younger girl was feeling. "I just wish I could see the future."