The Alpha and The Enforcer [TATE]

Chapter 21

Jacob's P.O.V continued

The ceremonial doors opened to a sea of eyes and hushed reverence. My future lay just beyond the threshold — lined in gold, draped in legacy, and echoing with generations of Alpha vows.

But I didn't feel proud.
I didn't feel strong.
I felt hollow.

And I didn't want to take another step.

I was about to stop again — caught between duty and grief — when I saw her as I looked over my shoulder.

Ellie.

She was already there, standing quietly on the steps with the others, her posture straight, hands behind her back. Watching me.

Like everyone else.

But unlike everyone else... she noticed.

She saw right through me.

And before I could pretend to be okay again, before I could build up the walls I'm supposed to—she moved.

No hesitation. No permission asked.

Ellie stepped forward.

She walked past the other leaders, up the podium steps, and came to me — right there at the heart of the stage, in front of the whole pack.

The gasps came, the tension stirred, but she didn't care.

She stopped beside me and leaned in just slightly, her voice low so only I could hear.

"You're not alone, Jacob."

I looked at her, stunned.

She met my gaze head-on — no pity, no performance. Just quiet strength.

"She's not here," Ellie continued, "but you are. And you're still standing."

My chest tightened.

"You've already made it through the worst part," Ellie said gently. "Don't let this moment scare you. You were born to lead them. Even if it hurts today."

I swallowed hard, blinking fast.

"And I'll be here," she added, more quietly now. "Not just for this. For whatever comes after."

That last part... it almost undid me.

Not because of the words.
Because of who they were coming from.

Ellie, the unshakable.
Ellie, who rarely let anyone close.
Ellie, who once looked like a storm but now... feels like a lighthouse.

She stepped back then, with the same quiet poise, and took her place among the leaders again.

But everything had changed.

I turned back to the open doors.

And this time, I walked through them with my head high.

Because she was right.

Emily is not here. No matter how much I wish she was. But her memory lives on and I will forever cherish each and every one til my last breath. But they shouldn't be holding me down or holding me back. 

Emily is not here but I am. 

Ellie just reminded that I am not alone. And she's right. 

Ellie's P.O.V

He walked through the doors.

Not just because it was his duty.
Not because the elders were watching.
But because he chose to.