*Ryland’s POV*

And yeah, there might've been a handful of times when that option seemed appealing. But I couldn't do that to River. It's not his fault he got stuck being my wolf, or dragged into this mess I know call my existence.

'I'm still so sorry, River,' I say to him through our personal mind link. He responds with an animalistic snarl, which doesn't surprise me in the least. 'Somehow, I knew you'd say that.'

"Okay, enough with the morbid jokes," Lyn sits up and announces, making me blink as I refocus on my friends. "Leon's coronation is in two weeks. I've been given permission to invite a few guests and... I would really love it if you two would come."

Lyn smiles hopefully, while Ronnie and I gape back at her. "You want us to attend Leon's coronation?" I question in disbelief.

"Of course," Lyn says with a quizzical smile, her head tilted to the side. "Why wouldn't I?"

"Because we're not exactly 'high society'," Ronnie reminds her, using finger quotes to exaggerate her point. "Those big events are usually just for the higher ranking wolves, and respected families."

"Well, you are both my family, and I respect you," Lyn grins widely. "Come on! It would mean a lot to me!"

"It wouldn't be fair to Kai," I point out in an attempt to get out of attending.

"He can come to!" Lyn nods her head excessively. "He'll love it! There will be so much food, and he'll get to meet the members of my new pack. He would have a great time; you all would!"

"Kai is an Omega," I remind her. "Your new pack probably won't take kindly to you bringing along a low ranked wolf."

Lyn opens her mouth to refute that, but as if on cue, a knock is heard at my bedroom door. I roll off the bed and open the door. Kai is standing there, his big brown puppy dog eyes wide with surprise. Kai is fairly small — several inches shorter than me — so he has to tilt his head to look up at me.

"What is it, Kai?" I sigh. I'm not frustrated with him; it's more that I'm exhausted with this situation. If I go to the coronation, I'll be surrounded by higher ranking wolves who will most likely ask questions I don't want to answer. Questions such as do you have a mate, or why are you wearing a collar like an animal. Lyn means well by inviting me, but I don't think she's thought about how difficult it would make things for me.

And then there's the issue with Kai being an omega. He's my little brother, and I want to protect him with my entire being. I would never forgive myself for bringing him out somewhere like that, and risk him being attacked by a couple punk-ass wolves. Kai insists that, because he's eighteen-years-old, he can take care of himself. The last thing I need is him running around trying to prove how tough he is.

"I heard you guys saying my name from downstairs," Kai grins.

I raise an eyebrow at him. "You were eavesdropping?" I ask, making Kai flush dark red. "What did you hear?"

"Just my name!" Kai quickly reassures. "I swear, I didn't hear anything else! Just... what were you guys talking about?"

Nothing, I want to say. Unfortunately, Lyn beats me to it by opening her big mouth.

"I'm being introduced as Luna of the Silver Woods Pack in two weeks, at Leon's coronation. The three of you are invited to attend as my special guests."

Kai's round almond eyes widen, and he smiles excitedly. "Really?!" He turns to me, nearly leaping with glee. "Can we go?? Please??"

Lyn and Kai stare at me with expectant smiles; Kai's excited, but Lyn's sly. She knows what she did by telling Kai about the coronation. There's no way I can deny my brother when he's staring at me like that.

I sigh in resignation, listening to the shrill sounds of Kai and Lyn squealing excitedly. Ronnie gives me a droll stare; one that I return with a defeated shrug.

Well, shit.