Chapter 22: Said in the Same Hall

Linnea's POV

The Gathering Hall was full by noon.

I stood at the back beside my father's chair, with Soren a half step behind me.

It was the same hall. The same scratched dais, the same long benches. I could still hear my own heels on the boards.

Dane walked in alone and went up the aisle.

Nobody made room for him, and nobody blocked him.

He climbed the two steps to the dais, in a plain shirt, with no ring on his hand.

He did not tap the microphone. He did not need it.

"Seven years ago I stood here," Dane said, "and told you all I would rather bond with a rogue than with Linnea Lindstrom."

"That was a lie."

The hall was very still.

"She was my true mate. I knew it the first time I touched her hand."

"I refused her because I was a coward."

"I made it a joke, so you would all laugh and I wouldn't have to feel it."

"I used Sydney Tibbetts to do it, and she let me."

"The harm that came after is mine as much as hers."

He turned and looked down the length of the hall at me.

"I'm sorry, Linnea. I don't say it to be forgiven."

"I'm saying it because you told me to say it where I'd said the other thing."

"I did," I said.

He nodded, slowly.

"My wolf is gone," he said to the pack. "I won't pretend to you again."

"I'll stay if the pack allows it, and take any work you give me."