“We have each other. We have to be strong for Bella and Ellie. They need you more than ever.”
He nodded his head as he wiped the tears from my face with his thumb and I did the same with his. “My pack and my sisters need me. And I will be there. But you, I need you. I need you to stay with me.”
“Forever, Riley. Always. I will be with you.”
BETA DOMINIC.
The Alpha didn’t want to prolong the burial for his mother and stepfather, and he wanted to keep the ceremony private.
After an hour, Zahra and Leandro’s bodies were burned, and the ashes would be buried in the cemetery assigned to the Alpha family. He chose to bury Zahra beside his father’s grave and Leandro’s beside Zahra.
Alpha Vesmont and Luna Graciella arrived, as well as their sons. Trent and Dawson immediately attended to their mates. And later, Alba arrived with her mate, Beta Paul. Alba informed me that Alpha Caspian wanted to come, but they respected Riley’s decision to keep the burial just for the family.
“... What the Moon blessed us with, the Moon will take back in time. May the memories of Leandro and Zahra Grayson forever live in our hearts as we surrender their souls back to the Moon...” Elder Rufus was stating his final honor to Zahra and Leandro, while my eyes scanned the cemetery grounds.
The pack was notified of the casualties and who they were and was informed that they were not required to be present at the burial. But there was a big crowd outside the gate of the private cemetery. They were in mourning alongside their Alpha.
Alpha Riley was summoned by Elder Rufus to say his final goodbye to his mother and stepfather. The Alpha nodded his head and took the Luna’s hand before they stood in front of the couple’s grave.
The Alpha let go of holding the Luna and slid his hand into his pocket, taking out the pack dagger that was only used during pack ceremonies.
He sliced his palm as he began speaking, “I, Alpha Riley Adams of the Silver Moon Pack, accept you, Zahra...” His voice broke, but he was fighting his tears from falling while the Luna was trying her best to stifle her sobs beside him. “... and Leandro Grayson as members and part of the Silver Moon Pack. I vow to protect your memories and the people you love tothe best of my ability. I swear this oath to the Goddess and to the wolves present today...”
He let his blood drop on the graves of Zahra and Leandro, and when he was satisfied, the Luna assisted him and wrapped his hand with a white cloth as the crowd gave him solemn applause.
THEODORE.
The packhouse was quiet, but it was not empty. It was in mourning.
The flag on the outer post was drawn midway. And the curtains were changed to black. The flowers decorating the house were now all white.
After the burial, Alpha Riley and Nadia requested time to mourn alone, so they retreated to their room. The twins were with their own mates. Gamma Sebastian was busy rounding up the patrol team and taking charge of the security around the pack, while Beta Dominic was left to receive the condolences coming in through the phone lines or from the pack members who visited the packhouse. Riley’s aunt, Luna Graciella, was helping him out.
I placed the glass of whiskey to my lips as I sipped the drink gently. My eyes were focused on the grounds outside. The sun was still up, and despite the presence of a few pack members who came in and out of the packhouse, the place felt hollow and empty.
“It was a surprise to see you here, Theo.”
I turned toward the voice and saw Vesmont approaching. I smirked at him before taking an empty glass and pouring whisky into it. I handed the glass to him before responding to his words. “It’s been a long time, Vesmont.”
Vesmont and I went to the same Alpha camp when we were younger. It was he, Marco, Jason, and I who built a tight friendship then. But after I was thrown out of my own pack and off my title, I didn’t bother to approach them anymore.
“It’s a small world, isn’t it? My nephew to your daughter.” He raised his glass and I did the same before we drank to it.
“Small world, indeed. How are you?” I asked.
“I should be the one asking you. Where have you been? I couldn’t believe you just gave up and threw away everything you worked hard for.”
“Sometimes you need to know where youneed to raise a white flag.”
He smiled, but I could see the pain in his eyes, and my gaze followed his line of sight. He was looking out the window. His youngest daughter, Alba, was standing beside her mate and was speaking to Luna Graciella.
“You have wonderful kids. All grown up.”
“I do.”
“If I haven’t met Nadia, I’d say I envy you. But you’re lucky to have many. I hope they’re worth all the trouble.” I chuckled.
“Not an easy bunch to raise. But somehow, they turn out well, far better than I am.”
