Page 46 of Sawyer

“So, what about you?” Casey asked, interrupting my thoughts. “What was it like growing up with your pack?”

I leaned back in my chair, trying to figure out how to sum up the complicated history of our pack in a way that wouldn’t paint everything in black and white.

“Things were good when Cooper’s father was the lead alpha,” I began, my gaze drifting out the window for a moment as I thought back to those earlier days. “He was fair. Everyone respected him. There was this sense of unity, like we were all in it together, no matter what came our way. The pack was a family, you know?”

Casey nodded.

“But when Ryder became the leader…” I hesitated, the memory of those dark times creeping back into my mind. “Things went south pretty quickly. Ryder was… ruthless. He ruled by fear, and a lot of pack members either fell in line or got out of his way. Garth was one of Ryder’s supporters.”

Casey winced, a flicker of understanding crossing his face.

“I guess that explains why Garth is the way he is. But why is he still in the pack?” Casey asked.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

“Cooper believes in second chances,” I explained. “When Cooper took over, he wanted to give everyone a clean slate, a chance tostart fresh. Garth promised him he’d do better, that he’d turn over a new leaf, but…” I trailed off, shaking my head.

“It doesn’t seem that way. He’s still holding onto those old habits, those old grudges,” I added.

Casey frowned, his brows knitting together in concern.

“Do you think Cooper’s decision was the right one?” Casey asked.

I paused, considering my answer carefully.

“I think Cooper’s heart was in the right place. He wanted to bring the pack together, to heal the wounds that Ryder left behind. But Garth… he’s a different story. Some people don’t change, no matter how many chances you give them. And Garth, he’s always been more interested in power and control than in what’s best for the pack,” I said.

The frustration I felt toward Garth simmered beneath the surface, threatening to spill over.

Every time I saw him, I had to remind myself to keep my cool, to not let him get under my skin.

But it wasn’t easy, especially now that he was targeting Casey.

“Garth is a problem,” I continued, my voice lower now, tinged with the anger I was trying to keep in check. “He’s been pushing boundaries, testing how far he can go without getting kicked out. And with the way he’s been acting lately… I’m not sure how much longer we can let him stay.”

Casey reached across the table, his hand brushing against mine.

“I’m sorry you have to deal with all of that. It must be hard trying to balance everything,” Casey said.

I gave him a small smile, grateful for his understanding.

“It’s not easy, but it’s part of the job. Protecting the pack means making tough decisions, even when it comes to people you’ve known your whole life,” I said.

“And what about you?” Casey asked softly. “Do you think you can keep Garth in line?”

I met his gaze, the determination in his eyes bolstering my own resolve.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, Casey. You and the pack,” I told him.

Casey’s lips curved into a small, reassuring smile. “I know you will. Just remember, I’m here, too.”

His words hit me harder than I expected. It was strange having someone outside the pack offer their support so freely, so sincerely.

I wasn’t used to it, but I couldn’t deny how much it meant to me.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “That means a lot.”

Casey squeezed my hand gently before letting go, leaning back in his chair.