I wondered if they would find him in animal or human form.I hoped maybe he had run away, but that would never give me the closure I needed.He deserved to be buried, and I wanted him close so I could visit his grave.
A tear slipped out.
“I’m sorry,” I said, reeling back.“You should get some fresh air.This must be killing your nose.”
He dried my cheek.“Your pain is mine, female.”Lucian pulled me onto his lap.
“Your purr is like a sedative.”
“Good.”
I stroked the back of his hair.“You know that Charles Dickens line: ‘it was the best of times and the worst of times’?I finally understand.At least I’m not alone.Now I know why he wanted me to build a family.It wasn’t about having children or carrying on some role; he wanted me to have support and love.I can’t imagine going through this by myself.”
Footfalls overlapped across the outside deck before the back door opened and everyone eventually filed into the dining room.My stomach sank at their doleful expressions.
Steeling myself, I stood and gripped the back of Lucian’s chair while dreading the words that would change my life.
Tak’s long hair was unbound and free, and it slipped across his shoulders when he knelt and took my hand.“We found your father.Krys marked the spot where his spirit departed.He chose a beautiful place overlooking the river to be buried.”
Even though I had mentally prepared myself for the loss, the grief hit me hard and fast.Overcome with emotion, I sank to the floor and sobbed.
Tak stroked my back consolingly.“I asked Krys to bring his body back so we can prepare him for burial.He asked to be wrapped in ceremonial blankets.In fact, he was adamant against a coffin.Said something about claustrophobia.”
A laugh burst out of me, and I sat back on my heels.“Always cracking jokes even in the end.”A flood of tears ran down my cheeks at the thought that I would never again hear his laugh, never feel his arms around me, never see that twinkle in his eye when he told one of his stories.My chest constricted as hot tears welled in my eyes.
Tak gave a joyless grin.“We’ll give him an honorable burial at dawn.Salem and Lakota will prepare the gravesite.I’m not a spiritual leader, but I’ll bless the site before the ceremony.It was a privilege having him in our home.We had much in common, and I won’t forget his stories and what he gave to make this world better.Anything you need, let me know.Anything.”
I forced a nod.
“All right!”Virgil said through gritted teeth.“Give me a second, will you?”
Everyone turned around to look at Virgil, who was kicking off his sneakers with a sheepish grin.
“Small hiccup in the plans,” he announced.
Tak rose to his feet.“What’s this about?”
Virgil swaggered through the room and crossed his arms, his cheeks flushed and gaze fixed on the floor.“I’ve got an announcement.”
“Spit it out,” Archer said.“Just remember: this probably isn’t the right time or place.”
“Oh, it’s definitely the right time.”Virgil looked up and raked back his dirty-blond hair, his eyes filled with worry.“I can’t hide this secret about me anymore.”
Montana sighed.“We know.You like men.”
Robyn elbowed her mate in the ribs.
Virgil looked aghast.“I like women too!Virgil Nightingale does not discriminate.”
Tak stalked up to him.“Eden just lost her father?—”
“I’m not here to talk about my sexuality.Montana’s the one who brought it up.”
“If that wasn’t your big secret, what is?”
Virgil stepped to the side where I could see him.“I’m not exactly a full-blooded Shifter.I’m part Gravewalker.”
To say the room gasped would be an understatement.
