Chapter Four- Alpha Send-Off

Megan

It has been a couple of days since I woke. I have been wandering and exploring the Packhouse of the Blue Lake Pack. Julie has been great and keeping me company. She is the only one I know who seems to understand what I am going through. I have seen the Alpha around, but I have been trying to avoid him. I just don’t understand that the same day my mate is killed that I find my second chance mate. It is unheard of.

Julie informs me the bodies of my mate and pup have been brought here and that Alpha Nathan plans an Alpha send-off for my family. I still cry myself to sleep at night and it is tough getting up in the mornings but with Julie encouraging me I get up.

Today is the day of the send-off and I am grateful that there were clothes and dresses in the closet of my room. I also discovered I am on the fourth floor the Alpha floor of the packhouse. I guess that was Alpha Nathan’s doing. I bathed and changed into a simple black dress and black pumps with my hair down. Julie comes by also dressed in black to be with me at the send-off. We walk down together as people watched me with sorrow in their eyes. I cannot help but wonder if Nathan told them I was his mate?

We head over to where the send-off will be held, and I just about fall when I see a pyre with my mate and son’s bodies. They were dressed in royal robes for great Alphas and tears fell from my eyes. Julie helped to hold me up for support as my legs felt weak. There were so many pack members that never knew my mate but is here to give him an alpha’s send-off. I see Nathan standing close to the pyre and as our eyes meet, I feel my heart skip a beat. I can feel the bond falling in place and I catch my breath as I see his blue eyes turn gold with his wolf.

I quickly look away and up at the bodies of my family with a heavy heart. Alpha Nathan was patiently waiting until all who plan to show up finished arriving. I see a few last-minute wolves show up and Nathan nods and begins the service.

“We gather here tonight by the light of a full moon to celebrate the life of a brave Alpha and his son.” Even though O was listening to his words, it was his voice that brought me comfort. “Alpha Jason McQueen and his son Gabriel are survived by their mate and mother, Megan. Alpha Jason from the evidence we discovered died an honorable death by defending not only his family but his Pack as well.”

I didn’t know that, but I should have known. That sounds like Jason. And what Nathan is saying about him warms my heart. I look at my mate and son and the tears kept falling. I miss them so damn much it hurts.

“So, we stand here today to offer this great man and his son up to the Moon Goddess herself. May they always be together and be the proud warrior he deserves.” Nathan continues, “He was such a brave man, one I would have called a friend. As of today, with the Luna of The Running River Pack, I declare a union of our two packs as one. We will find the rogues that killed off the entire pack and show them no mercy for what they have done.”

Okay, this surprised me. Nathan looks toward me, and I slowly nod my agreement. After all, The Running River Pack’s territory would be ram-sacked if he didn’t lay claim to the territory. I would rather it belong to the Blue Lake Pack. Nathan acknowledged my nod and finished his speech.

“We will begin our hunt early morning and avenge The Running River Pack. Now we bow our heads in silence for the fallen pack and send off our brother and his son to the sky with the Moon goddess Selene.”

Everyone bowed their heads and Nathen walked over to the lit torch and placed it on the pyre as we watched it catch fire sending the souls of my loved ones to Selene the Moon goddess. I begin to hear the sad howls of wolves sending up their prayer to the goddess as the fire burned hot. I closed my eyes as tears fell and my knees gave out as suddenly everything went black, I could have sworn I felt a pair of strong arms catch me before the darkness enveloped me.

I woke up in the room I was given and found Julie sitting next to the bed,

“I am glad to see you awake. The Alpha was concerned as he caught you before you hit the ground. He sat here for a while until he got called away. I offered to stay with you.”

“Thank you,” I say with a dry throat.

Julie stood and picked up a glass, filled it with water, and handed it to me. I drank my fill and lay back against the pillow.

“I did the same thing at my mate and pups send-off. I know exactly how you feel.”

I take her hand in mine, “I know you do. I am thankful you are here.”

She gives me a sad smile and squeezes my hand. “I am glad I can be here for you too.”

 She then looks down at our joined hands in contemplation, “You will survive this, Megan. You are strong. I am only an omega and if I can survive, you can too.”

She looks up at me and smiles. I look back at my new friend. I know she is right, But for now, it hurts. I smile and nod at her as her smile widens.