Part Ninety-Two

It was nearing dusk and pack members were piling into the house, the driveway was stacked with cars. Malachi had welcomed everyone and we all stood with a drink in our hands. Robert and Malika stood to one side and I could only smile at the reaction on his face as he realized exactly who our pack members were.

“Robert, it’s nice to have you in the inner circle.” Richard smiled at him and Robert’s eyes couldn’t be wider.

“Evening Judge Gardner.”

Robert was introduced to Carl and Frank who thanked him profusely for his role in the warehouse fire after I had killed Adrian. He seemed a bit more relaxed as everyone settled down.

“Welcome everyone. This year I wanted to do our celebration a little differently. We’ve all suffered extreme losses this year. I propose a toast to our loved ones before we go down to the clearing. Take a few minutes to remember them as we salute their lives.”

We stood in silence for ten minutes and I emptied my tumbler, not wanting to think of everyone that we’d l