"It's time to go," he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion.
"Alright," I replied, my heart twisting with grief as we left the sanctuary of the room. We climbed into Beck's car, the atmosphere heavy and oppressive. As the vehicle started, I gazed out the window, watching the familiar landscape pass by. The drive to the service was emotional, but quiet, each of us lost in our own memories and pain. My thoughts wandered back nineteen years, to when I had lost my parents. It felt like a lifetime ago, yet the ache of their absence never truly faded. A deep sadness settled over me as I considered how much they had missed, and all the things I wished I could share with them. Tears pricked at my eyes, but I stubbornly blinked them away, focusing instead on the here and now.
We arrived at the service, and I took a shaky breath before stepping out of the car. The attendants were a mix of werewolves and humans, some in the know, but some not. Becca approached me with a warm smile despite her red-rimmed eyes. Even in her grief, she looked beautiful, wearing a tailored black dress and simple black heels. Her almost white blond hair was loose around her shoulders and her blue eyes sparkled from unshed tears. She looked so fragile. I wanted to rush to her and protect her from the pain that I could only imagine she was feeling. As my father was originally the Gamma, it was his job to protect the Luna and Alpha Pups, a role that would normally be passed on to the Gamma’s son. I knew I wasn’t a male wolf, and didn’t even have access to my wolf, but I trained to ensure that I could take the position when the time came. As Imogen and Beck were born human, then technically the responsibility didn’t cover them, but that would not stop me.
“I’m so sorry my Luna,” I whispered as Becca pulled me into a hug. She pulled away and shook her head.
“You don’t need to call me that anymore.” She smiled at me.
“What?” I was confused.
“My dear, sweet Erica,” she said. “I am no longer Luna of this pack. Right now, other than you and Marshall, there isn’t really a pack left.” I was shocked. I knew that as a human, she technically couldn’t hold the title any more but she had been my Luna and caregiver all my life and I wasn’t going to accept anything else.
“I don’t care about the rules,” I said defiantly. She laughed, although it was a sad laugh.
“Oh Erica, you beautiful girl, if only you knew.” She pulled me into a hug and whispered, “It has and always will be a pleasure to serve you.”
"Thank you, Becca" I managed, touched by her words. But there was something about her tone that confused me, as if there were a secret hidden beneath her praise. I couldn't dwell on it, though, as Beta Marshall appeared beside us, his presence grounding and reassuring.
"Erica," he murmured, pulling me into a tight hug. "He’s in heaven now, with your parents, Amy and Christian." My chest tightened at the mention of their names, the weight of our losses nearly unbearable. “He can finally tell them how proud he is of them and how much of an amazing woman you have grown into.” I could only nod and hug him tighter as I tried to hold back the tears. I released him and moved to gently hug his wife Charlene too before moving aside to allow the twins to greet Beta Marshall and Charlene.
The service began, and as we honoured Trenton's life, I couldn't help but feel the pain of all those we had lost along the way. Each name, each memory, a fresh wound in my heart that never seemed to fully heal. But amidst the grief, there was a fierce determination, an unbreakable bond between us forged through hardship and loss. We were a family, bound by loyalty and love, and no matter what darkness lay ahead, we would face it together. The Officiant stood at the front, his voice steady as he recounted Trenton's life.
"Trenton was a man who loved hiking and all things nature." A soft chuckle rippled through the crowd, those in the know sharing a knowing glance. The irony of a werewolf loving nature wasn't lost on us.
"His love for his family knew no bounds," the Officiant continued. "Nineteen years ago, we suffered the tragic loss of his son, Christian, as well as his brother Nathaniel and sisters-in-law Andrianna and Amy." He paused, allowing the heavy weight of their names to settle over the gathered mourners.
"Though not brothers by blood, Trenton and Nathaniel shared an unbreakable bond that brought our community together." I stared at the ground, my heart aching with the pain of loss and guilt. I missed my parents deeply, and the knowledge that Christian had died protecting me was a burden I couldn't escape. I felt so alone, despite being surrounded by the people who mattered most to me.
"Let us remember the love they shared and the memories they left behind," the Officiant concluded, his words echoing through the solemn air.
The service finally ended, and one by one, werewolves approached the casket to say a last goodbye. I waited until the end, not trusting my emotions enough to join the procession. Marshall appeared at my side, his solid presence a comfort.
"It's time, little one." Little one. A term of endearment he hadn't used in decades. I peered up at him but he remained implacable. With a fortifying breath, I approached the casket and placed a hand on it.
"Thank you," I whispered. "For everything." A single tear slid down my cheek as I turned away. The finality of this moment carved a hole inside me, one that would never quite heal. I only hoped Trenton could finally rest, free of the demons that had haunted him in life.
After the service we began the sombre journey back to the house for the informal wake. As we arrived, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over me. The house was filled with people, some familiar and others less so. My instincts screamed at me to be on guard, to watch for any hint of danger lurking in the shadows.
"Erica," Marshall murmured, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You should try to relax a little. We're among friends here."
"I know, but I can't help it," I admitted, my gaze darting around the room, searching for any sign of threat. "I feel like there's danger nearby. I can't let my guard down."
"Trust your instincts," he advised, his eyes softening with understanding. "But remember, we're here for you, and we'll face whatever comes our way together."
"Thank you, Marshall," I whispered, grateful for his unwavering support. But the unease continued to gnaw at me, a dark cloud hovering over what should have been a time of shared grief and remembrance. I knew that I couldn't ignore this feeling for long, but for now, I had to focus on honouring Trenton and the family we had lost. As the wake continued, I tried my best to mingle and accept condolences graciously. But beneath the surface, my heart raced, and my senses remained alert, ever vigilant against the shadows that seemed to close in around us.
The time for the ritual last run approached, and my nerves frayed as werewolves began to file outside. The scent of their excitement was palpable, a mixture of anticipation and grief. Despite the sombre occasion, they would honour Trenton's memory by running together one last time in his name. My heart ached with the longing to join them, but I knew that wasn't an option, not when my secret threatened to be exposed.
"Erica, are you alright?" Imogen asked softly, her blue eyes filled with concern.
"Fine," I lied, feigning a smile. "Just… a little overwhelmed."
"Let's step outside for some fresh air then," she suggested, guiding me toward the door.
As we emerged onto the porch, I attempted to slip away from the crowd under the guise of seeking solitude. But fate had other plans.
"Oof!" I collided with a solid mass of muscle and stumbled back. The scent hit me before I could even process the sight in front of me,a powerful Alpha, his presence commanding the space around him.
