I woke to the sound of my Mum crying in the hallway. Today was the day we had dreaded. The funeral. Yesterday we spent the day together as a family. Looking through so many pictures and videos of Grandpa... sharing our memories of him. I lost count of the times I had cried. But, I have to say it was nice. We all had so many good memories of him; and today was going to be difficult.Thankfully, spending time solely with my family, at my Grandparents' home, meant I could avoid everyone... or one person in particular. And, to a degree, I could keep distracted... so, I had avoided all talk of Landon, and all thought too. Kai had known not to mention him, and had been chatting to Dad many times, about what I was unsure. I could only hope it had not been me, and my sorry mess.Hearing the pain in my Mum's sobs, I slid from my bed, and opened the bedroom door, wondering if my Mum needed someone to talk to. But, as I stepped out of the room, I found my Mum already wrapped in the arms of my D
It was the day of the funeral. One we had been talking of since we had heard of Uncle Trent passing away. He may not have been blood family to us, but through Aunt Lilah he had become like family. And, of course, he was the father-in-law to my Uncle, Knox. I could not begin to imagine the pain they must be in right now. The thought of losing any of my grandparents on my mother’s or my father’s side was devastating… family was everything to us.The long line of cars had been speeding along. Following one another since we left our pack. It had been a long time since I had been to River Ash, I have to say. We used to come together all the time when we were young children, visiting often with our mothers, spending time with Aunt Lilah’s family here, and seeing Landon too. All the children enjoying time together in the many open spaces they had here. But as our teen years came, those visits dwindled, and we all tended to want to do different things.I sat silently looking out of the windo
Today had been hectic. Well, in all fairness, the past few days had been hectic, but today was on a whole other level. Today was the day we would say goodbye to Beta Trent. A difficult day for so many, but also a day where we knew the pack could be at risk of attack, so we, as warriors, had been warned to be on high alert. I liked to think nobody would sink that low, but as we have trained, you always have to expect the worst, and should always be prepared. But, right now, we are in the role of herding everyone, so to speak, to the correct locations, so the pack remains secure.Thankfully, I had been paired with Milo, one of my closest friends since we were kids, and also someone who had been through warrior training with me. His Dad was one of my Dad’s closest friends, so we were always bound to be close, I guess. This was one of our first major responsibilities since we were officially given our warrior roles. The task sounded simple enough, but fuck, when it came to keeping people
We were all at River Ash Pack. Here to say our goodbyes to Uncle Trent, and, of course, to represent our pack, as well as being there for our friends. Uncle Trent was not blood related to the majority of us, but through Aunt Lilah he had become like an additional Grandpa, and spoiled us all on our many visits to River Ash over the years.Aria was heartbroken. Her Mum was incredibly close to Aunt Lilah’s family, so she spent a lot of time with Uncle Trent and Aunt Sadie over the years, so I knew this was hurting her, especially today, and I knew I wanted to be there for her. Almost like a test for me of being a good mate, I suppose... And, the moment we had stepped out of our family cars, I had found her. She fell into my embrace the instant she saw me, and her Dad smiled on affectionately as she did.The two of us had barely been apart since the day she had told me the news we were mates, and now our close family knew, and had not been shocked nor reacted in a negative way at all. If
I knew Isabella’s Grandpa, Mateo, was quite old-fashioned. And very blunt in his words. In fact, on many occasions, I have to say I had found him quite amusing, especially after he had had a few drinks. Uncle Gabe was nothing like his Dad in that regard, I don’t think. Maybe in the way that they both had a seriously unique sense of humor, but anything more than that, then no. But right now, I was not finding Mateo funny. Far from it. His words were cutting. Harsh. And I could see the fear in Isabella’s eyes. Not to mention the pain and the upset. This was exactly what she had been fearing, and despite all my reassurances, it was happening...I was lucky when it came to my family. I knew that. They were incredibly open and understanding. And when I spoke to them about my sexuality they had not so much raised an eyebrow. They simply smiled, and told me whatever made me happy was good with them. That was what my Mum and Dad were like. My grandparents too. Don’t get me wrong, while they
I walked out of the packhouse with a sense of dread. I had already delayed leaving the room I had been allocated, knowing today was going to be difficult for us all. But, I knew more than anything it would be hard for Cleo. I had reached out to her numerous times, but had heard nothing, and that made my heart ache. There was not a day that had gone by in recent years when the two of us had not messaged, and usually spent time chatting of an evening. It had become a part of my routine almost, and I assumed a part of hers. So it pained me she was avoiding me and my calls and messages. That in itself told me something was wrong, and when she would not even answer my mindlink attempts, it concerned me...I tried everything I could to think logically, but my mind was working overtime. This was not like Cleo at all and I knew something was not right. A small part of me could not help but question if it was to do with Landon. Of course I did, but, then, at the same time, I knew her family ne
My head had not been right since leaving Lunar River. I hated that Bella would not consider all that I could offer. But it seemed she deemed herself trapped. Trapped to make a commitment to the Alpha there, and that commitment meant I would lose my fated. I had done my best since arriving back at River Ash to be there for my family as we made the final preparations for my Grandpa’s funeral. But as terrible as it sounds, my heart was not in it, and neither was my head. I was there in person but not in mind or soul.I had taken my Dad to one side, and explained my situation. He, understandably, was shocked, and I could see the pain he felt for me just by the look within his eyes. But, as much as I wanted him to be ready to throw everything down to fight for me... to go and get me my fated mate, he had smiled sadly at me, and told me I could not force a she-wolf to be with me if she did not want it. And as much as it hurt to admit, I knew that he was right.My Dad knew what he was talkin
I stood by my Grandpa and Grandma, next to the casket of our former pack Beta, and the loss hit me hard. I had already said my goodbye when I had visited him in the hospital, but this made it all seem more real. The pack was hectic, filled with our own pack members and visiting members from other packs here to celebrate the life of Trent Patterson. A truly wonderful man. And, the thing that struck me the most was this man was of the same age as my grandfather. Time was promised to no one.It hurts to think that their lives could so easily end. Nobody had expected the loss of Uncle Trent, despite him being ill, we had assumed he would heal... I guess I was naive to think of them all as being indestructible, even at my age. But this had made me realize that they weren't. That we had to let them go at some point, which terrified me. Of course, I had lost my parents, but I did not know either of them, so had never truly felt their loss. But this, this man, was like family to me, and it w
She was here. Back by my side, and my heart was racing right out of my chest. The way those beautiful eyes looked at me made me feel weak. I had thought my heart was going to explode with happiness the moment Milo mindlinked to say he had found her, and he believed she was looking for me. I had not felt happier…And now she had admitted she was looking for me! I saw the color flushing her cheeks, and I don’t think I ever wanted to let her go! This was my mate. My fated mate. My wolf was pushing forward just at her presence, and I needed her close to me. This was a stronger pull than I ever expected, but her touch… her scent… everything about her drew me to her…“I think I may have.” She whispered, like she was afraid to admit she wanted me. I think we may need to work upon that. I didn’t want her to be afraid to want me, I wanted her to want me. Be proud to want me. Be confident too…“Well, maybe y
I had been desperately searching for the handsome warrior since earlier. From the moment he had escorted us to our seats and then left us to continue his duties, my eyes had darted around the field in search of him. The man I now knew was my fated mate. I had found my fated mate. Today had been so much bigger than I had ever imagined it would be...But, I was trying so hard to act like all was normal, and that nothing untoward was happening, because I did not want to explain to my parents about this right now. I did not want to disrespect the funeral of someone so many people loved greatly, by making this about me. But, the excitement that was buzzing through me was difficult to fight, and the urge to find him was strong. Yet, unfortunately, I had seen nothing of him since the moment he smiled coyly at me before leaving us at our seats. A knowing twinkle in his eyes. A secret between us both.But he had to leave. I knew he was on duty today, and I kne
It was killing me. Pure and simple. I wanted Cleo. She may not be my fated mate, not the way the moon goddess planned for us as werewolves, but there was a bond there. A connection there. One that I am sure is stronger. One that I think would outlast any matebond given to us. But, despite her feeling the connection too, she still clings to the matebond she has been given, despite him openly declaring his plans to reject her.I had walked away from them to give them the chance to talk, hoping that with Kai there too he would back up Cleo and not allow Landon to mess her around. He would not force Landon to take a mate he did not want. If anything, he would ensure the rejection was to happen, wouldn’t he? He would not want his younger sister to be with a mate who did not truly want her. He would not want her with someone that was forced to be with her. For that would simply spell disaster for her, right?But, I had heard no updates, and anytime I tried to ask Kai for anything, he had di
I had somehow managed to get lumbered with my grandfather and my Uncle Javier after the memorial service, and both were now beginning to drink. A combination of whiskey and rum, I believe, like they so often did at events, be it parties, celebrations or memorials… any excuse to drink together. They were quite amusing when they were drinking, but it meant I would likely have to referee as their insults to one another got worse.“So, no mate then?” Grandpa said to me with narrowed eyes.“No Grandpapi, not yet.” I shook my head, I hated this, every time they saw us, they asked, like they expected something to change. Dad said his grandparents had been the same, and it was just something I would have to get used to until I found a chosen mate unless I was blessed with a second chance mate. The thing was, I was in no major rush. She would come when she came. Just like the mates for my parents and my aunts and uncles all arrived when the time was right.I did not want to rush this time. No
After everything, the memorial ceremony had given me a welcome moment of peace. An escape, I suppose you could say, which is a terrible disrespect to the man we were here to say goodbye to. My grandfather’s response to seeing me with Aria had crushed my spirit, and my heart. I had wanted to be anywhere but surrounded by the people closest to me right now. But, there was no real escape. Any which way I looked, there were people I knew, and I did not know the pack well enough to disappear for any time.While sitting listening to the many memories people shared of Beta Trent, I tried my hardest to stay focused upon their words. Listening to the wonderful man that he was. A man of my grandfather’s age, and a man I had spent time with many times in my frequent visits to the River Ash Pack along with my friends and family. Guilt unexpectedly twisted at my heart that he had gone, and if he could so easily have left this earth, then so too could my own grandfather. The ve
Having to go to another pack Beta’s funeral had not been the way I had expected to spend my returning day home, but my Dad had insisted. He too a Beta, but of Silver Creek Pack, a few counties south of here, had trained alongside Beta Trent over the years and they had remained lifelong friends, so there was no way he was going to miss this, regardless of me returning home today, nor would I have expected him to. I just didn't expect to have to attend alongside him and my Mum.But, spending time with the guys I was now sitting with, all making me laugh, despite not having any real clue who they were, had brightened my day. My parents had wandered off to socialize as they so often did at any inter-pack event, leaving me to my own devices, but the thing was I generally avoided these events, so did not really know anyone, especially when I had left the pack a couple of years ago to study.My studies were now complete, and the time had come to return to pack. Being the loyal and devoted Be
So, Landon was asking Daxton and I to take two of the most important roles in his pack. Be the two men alongside him to help run his pack. I mean, in recent years we were a close-knit friendship group. Landon had struggled a lot. And Daxton and I had helped as best we could, to get him through those battles. But, never had I imagined this.And, going off the expression upon Daxton’s face, I don’t think he did either. But, right now, we were at my Grandpa’s funeral. I don’t think talking to my parents about this was the right thing to do, and making this decision without their input didn’t seem like the right thing to do either, despite the buzz of excitement rushing through my body. I could inherit my grandfather's title…“Look, Lan, as amazing as it is that you want us to take these titles… “ I began.“Don’t worry about it, I understand, moving packs is a big ask.” He interrupted, with a heavy sigh. I could only guess he was assuming I was about to decline his offer, going from the d
This was one weird but wonderful conversation. I mean, we have had many of them over the years, the three of us, but this one, I think, may take the biscuit. One minute, we had been ready to kick Landon's ass in order to defend Cleo, and the next minute Landon was asking us if we wanted to be his Beta and Gamma. And, I don't even mean he built up to that question either, he was so casual he may as well have been asking us if we wanted another damn beer! My head turned so bloody fast to look at him, it hurt, and Kaleb did the same, the pair of us now both looking at Landon in shock. He had to be joking, right? That was not something I had expected him to say.We have been friends since we were kids. All of us. Both Kaleb and my mum were from River Ash, and, therefore, we spent a lot of time here growing up, and because of the closeness between Uncle Trent and Uncle Grayson, and Aunt Lilah’s determination for Landon to be included with our families, we spent many hours with him too. Bu
The service had ended and people were now mingling. Grandpa’s casket was laid where we had placed it within the gazebo, so he was able to join in with one last party with his pack, though not in the sense we would have liked, of course. But, this was a party in his memory, and remembering him was exactly what everyone was doing. Hearing so many stories of him only left me smiling as I stood with my family.Cleo was acting all coy, and avoiding any conversation with me, especially now Landon seemed to have vanished into thin air. I would get to the bottom of their weirdness. I swear if I found that he had hit on my sister, upcoming Alpha or not, I would kick his sorry ass… I may have to get my brother to help, but I would make sure he regretted going near Cleo. I had Alpha blood, but I was still likely no match for Landon. That guy was a beast. I had trained with him enough to know that.Daxton had strolled over from his family to join me, and I was glad of someone to talk to, as conv