I sat frozen in my chair. My Pa’s words were ringing in my ears like a loud bell.
Coward.
It was the worst thing anyone has ever called me. I wanted to be angry. I wanted to scream at him and tell him he was wrong. I wanted to tell him that I was a warrior, an alpha, a Luna, a leader. But I couldn't. I couldn't say anything because, deep down in my heart, I was terrified that he was right.
Tears blurred my vision.
But Pa didn't stop there. He wasn't done teaching me this hard lesson. He saw my tears, but he didn't rush to wipe them away or console me.
"Faith," he said, his voice dropping to a lower, gentler tone, but still very serious. "You think love is just butterflies and happiness? You think it's just kisses and sunny days? No. Love is painful. Love is work.
He reached across t
