84. Death

OMG I HATE THIS APP!!!

I HAD 12,000 WORDS WRITTEN AND THE ENTIRE THING FROZE ANS DIDN'T SAVE BUT 8,000!!!! IM SO FREAKING MAAAAD!!!!!!!!!!!!

I HAVE TO WRITE THAT ENTIRE CRAP ALL OVER AGAIN!!!!!

so we are having an extra chapter added to the end. Laugh! I know you want to! Ole chapter adding Chilee...

Here ya go.

Even though the past 2 hours of work was for NOTHING!!!

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Nova

Waking up to a warm body against my side, an arm carelessy thrown over my stomach, I felt light and happy. The tingles from Zaryn's skin on my skin were pleasing and I could see myself waking up like this every morning. His touch made the pain much bearable and I had been in a lot of pain lately.

Of course i would be in pain. Getting speared through the chest isnt exactly painless.. but i did find myself lying to Zaryn about exactly how much I had been hurting. But i forgot.. he can sense when I'm in pain. Thankfully this morning, the pain wasn't as bad as it had been yesterday.  Tomorrow i should be healed with just the remaining sensitive scar tissue but I was thankful to have my mate in times like these. It made healing go so much quicker when they were skin to skin with you.

Rubbing my eyes, i tried my best to stay still so i wouldn't jostle him. His sleeping form next to me, so content. He looked so young and peaceful like this.. his long lashes cast shadows under his eyes.. no frown lines could be seen. His full lips were parted and so pink i just wanted to lean over and kiss them but he would surely wake up to that.

Sighing, i just stared while my wolf pushed me to kiss him awake. She wanted some attention.

My wolf had finally woken and perked back up with the lessening of the pain medication I was under and I could feel her more. The changes in her.. they were forming. My conversation with the Moon, or rather Deacon, had also affected the wolf. She felt a sole responsibility and dedication now.. she felt like a mother to all wolves and now she was going to be a mother to her own pup eventually. Her maturity was progressing, as is mine. Everyday i sense new feelings from her thay differ from before but one thing that is always consisten is her need to be with our mate. He was her rock. As he is mine.

Zaryn.. i felt so bad for him.. but he got the closure he needed yesterday in that letter. We havent talked about it yet and i had no idea what it would say but he let me read it. Only he didnt want to discuss it.. he just wanted to forget about everything for a while and just be with me. Besides, with all the visitors we had yesterday, we hardly got a chance.

I read the letter.. its contents still playing on my mind..

It had read:

Zaryn,

Its me. Deacon. I know you have heard a lot through Nova and i wish there was some way i could make things right between us.. some way i could see you.. talk to you.. explain things. Because hearing them from Nova isnt the same as hearing them from me.

Thankfully, the Moon is so good, she allowed me this last right. To send my words to you on paper.. the Moon is almighty afterall and yes.. shes a vengeful moon but shes also a forgiving one.

Death for me.. It wasnt like death for all other wolves because of my illness.

And i want you to know i dont blame you for what you did. I want you to know that im sorry.. for everything that i did. I wasn't in my rigjt mind and well, now i am. Now the sickness is no longer with me as it was apart of my body and not my soul.

My soul is free of it.

But i was forced to watch and live through every horrid moment i was apart of. A day there is a very long time here. Years here i have spent living my sins. But the Moon has finally forgiven me. She knows that who i was there wasnt who i really am. I never wanted to do any of those things. And im so sorry.

Sorry will never be enough though.

I want you to know i love you. You are my brother and i love you. I hope you can forgive me .. i know you've come to terms with everything.. but You still haven't forgiven me. I can feel it.

I want nothing but happiness for you and Nova. I dont know why in my mind when i was alive, i was so obsessed. I dont know. It was a genetic mutation that had been passed down through our mothers line. I was the carrier. You arent.

That mutation has lived its last life with the death of our mom. The moon told me what would happen before it ever happened. I knew mom would die. Shes in limbo... living out her sins. If one day the moon feels she has finally repented.. she will allow her the chance to come home. To the moon.  But she couldn't live zaryn. It was time that the gene she had passed over be cut off and our brother.. he would have been like me.

Please find it in your heart to forgive me. Remember the good times we had as brothers.. the times when i was still okay..

Im with my mate now.. it took a lot for her to come to terms with what i did. It took a lot for me to come to terms with them too. I hurt her.. i did horrible things and she still found it in her soul to forgive me. We are happy with our loved ones now. Theres no hatred here. Just joy.

Joy is the thing you will experience in your life Zaryn.  I know you've been through some hard times.. but those hard times are finally paying off. It will be tough having the moons warrior as a mate.. you will want to protect her because yes, one day the moon will call upon her again and her life will always be in danger because she will be coveted for her strength but dont fret. The moon will protect her. Just be strong brother. Be strong and be happy.

Your pups.. they will be strong pups. They will be special.. you will see what i mean. Twins. I wish i could be there to see their faces when they are born.. but ill be watching from above.

Know that im so happy for you and your joy.. and brother? Im sorry. For every single thing ive done.

Forgiveness has always been your strong suit. I hope you can show your strength this time when it comes to me.

I love you always and im always listening.. watching.

Love, your brother,

Deacon

The words he had put on that paper had brought Zaryn to tears. He had already cried so much over me.. the pack has seen him fall weak over me.. he felt they didnt need to see anymore of it. So he had pushed that letter to the back of his mind.

But today were the funerals.

And after today.. we were going to talk about it. About everything.  It was time he allowed me to guide him through the hurt. Afterall, that is my job according to the Moon.

Lost in my thoughts, tears in my own eyes remembering that letter , i hadn't realised Zaryn had woken up.

"Whats wrong? Why are you crying?" His husky voice thick with his first words of the day, concern in those bright blue eyes as i turned to look at him, sniffling absently.

"Nothing." My lips pulled intona soft smile. "I was just thinking.  And i love you." My smile grew.  I felt the relief in the bond as well as saw it on his face. He caressed my cheek, wiping away the tear with his thumb.

"I love you too." He gave me his lopsided smile that always made him seem more boyish.  That smile was only ever for me. He had changed from the way he used to be, being Alpha now. But on thint remained the same.. the way he acted around me. It was the same. Sure he was more dominant now but that only pushed my attractions towards him.

Lips met mine softly, a gentle caress. I melted into that kiss, loving the feel of his lips against mine.. that soft pulsing rythmic feeling humming between our touching skin.

Moving away, his smirk only grew. "I cant wait to marry you and have our official bonding ceremony." His smile softened, a hand resting on my stomach. I saw everything in his eyes. In him. I saw love.. i saw life.. I saw what i truly meant to him. Something i was never able to see before i left because it was all so different then.

We both were different but we were both better for one another. Our hearts had forgiven one another. Mine for his wrongdoings and his for my leaving. Its how a bond is supposed to be. Give and take on an equal scale.

I wanted all this mess to be over so we could finally enjoy our honeymoon and have a little peace.

Which reminded me again..

"Zaryn?" I leaned my head against the pillow, looking up at him while he rubbed my stomach.  I honestly don't know how he got any sleep on this bed with me last night.

"Yeah?"

"The funerals.. do you know when they start? Which pack we will have first?" I asked. This would be a hard day for him. But i would be with him every step of the way. Holding his hand.

He sighed, looking up at he ceiling. "The funerals have been arranged accordingly so each pack could pay respects to one another. First we will have our own pack, then Dark Moon's, then Blue Moon's since its a little further out." He peered over at me and i nodded.

"What time?"

His strong jaw clenched as his eyes darted to the clock on the wall. It was 8am. "Ours will start at eleven. We need to get ready soon. I need to meet with Maxim and talk about some things and also I need to go help coordinate. There's only so much ive been able to do through the mind link." His brows furrowed, gears turning in his mine.

Turning those baby blues on me, concern was back. "How are you feeling today? And don't lie." A pointed stare follwed.

Rolling my eyes, "im better, Zaryn.  Really. I promise. " my gaze lingered on his so he could see the truth.  "Im sore but im okay for travel. I need to do this with you." I grabbed his hand in mine, interlacing our fingers and kissing his hand.

He nodded. "Okay. If you think you are up to it, i wont object.  But if you start feeling bad.. im putting you back in bed. You dont need to stress your body out." His voice deep, eyes darting to where our pups were growing.

With a sly smirk, I leaned in to whisper in his ear. "I guess that means you can't stress my body out either huh." I giggled as he leaned away and shot me a playful glare.

"Oh honey... no no.. now that is stress relief. Your body needs that. Trust me." The corner of his lips pulled into a sneaky smirk and his lips were instantly on my neck. I gasped, clutching his large bicep that i once could hold on to and now couldn't barely cover with my small hand.

My eyes closed as he pressed kisses into my skin and i gave him my neck, stretching it out for him. His wolf responded appreciatively by growling low. The wolf will always love how i submit to him this way even though im strong.

"Okay. Stop." I begged in a whiney voice, pushing his arm away. "You need to go and get ready." I whimpered the moment his teeth came out and began nipping at my skin. His wolf has been feeling over stressed with nearly losing me. All he wanted now was to be with me.. put his scent on me.. mark me as many times as he can.. remind him im still here with him. The wolf in him needs that. I can feel that through the bond.

A low rumble vibrated against my neck. His deep voice whispering, "If Doc says you are okay to come home, tonight you will be ravished in our bed. Very carefully."

My lips parted as chills shot through me all the way to my toes.  I only nodded, then reminded myself i needed a shower and instantly snapped out of it.

"Okay. Go. Go do your stuff while doc comes to check on me." I pecked his pouty lips, ignoring the small disappointed frown on his forehead.

"Alright.  Guess I have to get this over with," he sighed heavily, leaning up to sit on the edge of the bed with a groan.  Turning, he looked me over. "Im going to bring you something to wear.  You can shower here.. ill assist you."

I shook my head, "zaryn i need my things to get ready. I cant just shower. I have to take a bath with the wound.. i have makeup.. hair products.. shoes... i need to get ready at my parents where all my things are." I reasoned. Men really didn't understand how much stuff a female had to go through in order to 'get ready'. I wish it were just as simple as showering and changing. I really do.

"Alright." He complied.  "Ill come back and get you in thirty minutes and take you to your parents house and help you get ready." He smiled, leaning down to kiss me one last time. My eyes found satisfaction in the way his muscles flexed as his body moved away and began walking towards the door.. i bit my lip. Looking at him was a great gift.  Touching him was so much more.

"Ill see you in thirty." He turned, winking before heading out the door, leaving it open for Doc who was coming toward my room to check on me.

Doc entered, a smile on his grandfatherly face. "Luna, how are you feeling today?"

Smiling, "better than yesterday. Still sore. But much better."

He proceeded in small talk while he had me lift my gown, making sure i was covered and he took the old dressing off gently.  What he saw both shocked him and myself.

"Wow. Y-you are healing fast!" He exclaimed, his wide eyes looking into mine.  I shrugged, peering back down to the once large lasceration the size of four inches that had went through my chest, my back being the side that had the gaping hole from the spears handle, nearly the width of a golf ball. It now looked nerly healed on the top.

He had me sit up so he could check my back and told me that the hole had decreased to the size of a nickel. That my insides had healed nicely, he could only see maybe two inches inside my back now. Fresh tissue, which was good.

He was dumbfounded.

Yes wolves healed quickly.  Cuts and gashes took a day.. broken bones one sometimes two days depending on the severity but a wound like this should have taken at least six days to fully heal, and here I was on my second day of healing since the war, my body nearly repairing all damage. Benefit of being stronger.. the moon's gift.

I would be good as new by tomorrow.

He kept staring at me as if i was an anomaly.  Said my dad had about seven more days until he would be healed, as he got more of the handle than I, and he was an older wolf. He should have died. We both should have with silver burns. But i felt the moons hand in this.

Once Doc cleaned and redressed the area, i was good to go.  Just no showers. Baths only so i wouldn't risk infection.  He gave me a bottle of pain medicine and antibiotics, saying i could leave today, which i was overjoyed with.

I let Zaryn know via the bond and found a tshirt, shorts and shoes to change into from the bin where all the wolves go after shifting. We keep them at every popular location.

I wanted to go check on dad.

Passing all the rooms once more, i could sense the healing within. It was a good feeling. The death and carnage had passed; the moon had taken what she needed. Now we were all left to heal. Healing was always a good thing.

I came to the familiar door across the hall from the one i was staying in and knocked softly. I could hear Blake and Dad arguing inside over something, i wondered if they did this every day?

Stifling my laughter, a gruff response was growled out. "Come in Nova!" There was excitement in that gruff voice. It was my dad.

Opening the door, i peeked in first as i pulled a loose stand of chestnut hair behind my ear. I saw Dad first, lying in the hospital bed with his brows furrowed and jaw clenched but when those forrest green eyes landed on me, he brightened up.

"Heyy kiddo!" He grinned, pride showing through.

"Hey dad." His smile was contageous.

"Well come on in" He motioned before the frown returned and he paused. "Wait. What are you doing out of bed?"

He waited for me to answer as i came in, closing the door behind me. I glanced over at Blake who was in the bed across from dads, a grumpy look on his face but he gave me a small smile.

"Im nearly healed dad. Tomorrow ill be good as new. New magic moon powers and all." My fingers waved into spirit fngers.

His brows rose and he turned to Blake. "Hear that? My pup has magic moon powers. Guess i win after all." He harrumphed as Blake just shook his head.

Laghing, i took a seat beside dad, "Now what are you two arguing about hmm?"

Dad waved dismissively, "nothing, nothing at all."

"Just how you are more powerful than Zaryn even though I tell him Zaryn is an Alpha..." Blake narrowed his eyes at dad.

I scoffed. "Dad! Im not more powerful than Zaryn!" I playfully slapped his arm. "Dont say that. He already has a complex about it. If he heard you-"

"He isnt gonna hear me i can smell him a mile away." He grumbled.

I rolled my eyes. "Im just a faster healer but hes more powerful still."

"Told you." Blake sneered at dad.

"You two." My fingers wiggled between the two, "need to learn to get along. Luna's orders."

They both laughed before dad hissed in pain and i couldn't help but to cringe.  "Dad.. how are you feeling?"

He pushed the button on his med pump, catching my eyes with his. His skin had a sheen to it and you could tell the be killing him.

"Im getting there punkin im getting there." He groaned.

I noticed Blake watching him with a pain in his blue eyes. "We're getting old, Jack." His tone held that same pain.

Dad looked over at him, his jaw working as he thought his words over. "Yeah, Blake i guess we are."

It was meaningful to them. This was their way of saying lets bury the hatchet. They've been mad at each other too long.

So many things have happened now.

You just can't turn away from that.

War brings death, but it also bring people closer.

♡

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EDEN

Waking up alone was the worst feeling. Today was the funeral and last night i had been comforted. Ive not known what sleeping alone has felt like in a while. right now i just wanted it back.

But i feel like i need to stay away from Maxim.

Conrad just died... yesterday.

Thinking about it still hurts no matter the buts. He's been with me for months..

Getting out of the comfortable warm bed that i just wanted to hide in today.. it was time i made myself presentable.

I wished i had someone with me to hold my hand.. because no one really knows what this is going to be like for me. Yeah it wasn't along time.. but we were like a tornado.. we just started something one day and plunged off into it.

I think we were both happy to just be with someone else and not just end it one time.

Looking at myself in the bathroom mirror, i couldn't see past my eyes, brighter green, standing out from the redd surrounding them, almost seeming chartreuse.

Why did the moon make this happen?

Why was it something that had to happen to me?

What was the point of leading me there? To this exact place in life?

Suddenly maxim's face popped into my vision and i screamed bloody murder..

And no i mean..

he was right behind me..

His reflection in my mirror.

Whipping to face up at him, my hair spinning out around me as i turned, putting my hand over my racing heart.. My eyes were pulled upward and it was like something was making sense to me.

His features contorted to concern, his forehead crinkling like he was mad. Iceberg blue eyes shining. "I didnt mean to scare you. You shouldn't leave your door unlocked." He grunted out, hands stuffed in his jean pockets as he leaned against the door jamb casually in his signature dark denim and boots only this time he was wearing a black button up with the sleeves exposing thick forearms inked with tattoos.

"What are you doing here??" Shaking my head in disbelief, wide eyed while my heart eased it's rapid beats.

Those eyes studided mine and nowhere else. "You've been crying.. a pretty girl like you shouldnt have to cry by herself. "

I frowned, was this a pickup line?

He rolled his eyes, obviously picking up on my expression. "All your  somene else's  has someone dead too so you need someone today because Nova and Grace have their mates to comfort them. I want to be your someone today. If you want me to that is.

My brows raised. I could only just stare at him in disbelief.

Was he really saying he wanted to.. comfort me today?

"As a friend?" My eyes pretty much told him to say yes.. pulling it out of him. I dont think i could sit close to him like he comforted me yesterday.

How wrong is to show up at your dead boyfriends funeral with another guy??

I cant do that..

I owe Conrad respect of the love i have for him.. respect for his pack.

He stood away from the door jamb, rising taller. "Yeah. As a friend." He said as he nodded his head slowly.

I chewed my lip, unsure. "I cant really... have you sit with me.. at the.. you know.."

"The funerals." He nodded softly.. understanding the situation. "I know."

He knew the importance of showing my deceased Alpha boyfriend respect to his pack and other packs.

Am i considered a widowed girlfriend? Or...

Well.. if he wanted to talk to me on the way there.. maybe that wasnt so bad?

"Okay." It was whispered and my eyes teared up thinking about being there at Conrads pack. I dont know how humans have to look at their dead loved ones bodies at their funerals.. im thankful to remember him in a decent way.. its closed caskets for High ranking pack families and spreading ashes for the rest.

The last thing he said to me..

The last thing we talked about.

He told me he wanted to take me somewhere special soon.. a romantic getaway..

Tears spilled out of my eyes  and Maxim had his arms around me without a word, leaning down so he could hug me. My body went limp at that moment, the numbness creeping in..

A soul I felt so much love for.. just gone in the blink of an eye.. no one seeing a thing.. just. Gone.

"Its okay.." he whispered softly, just holding me. My wolf was sad for us but more for me.. she felt less about it. Sad to have his scent gone.. but enthralled at the one under her nose currently.

That only disgusted me and i pulled away, turning around away from him. "Im gonna get a shower." My voice was hoarse as i got myself together. "Then im going to get ready." I flicked my eyes up to his in the reflection of the mirror. His hands still in the air from when i ripped away from him, an expression on his face i couldn't read but i knew that it was any other thing than just being angry.  Because angry is the only way he knew how to look.

But Maxim's eyes...

Those are the drivers to his soul. The only thing that tells you how he really feels. Expressive.

"Alright.  I'll.. wait for you." His stare into mine lingered. There was something different about him and i couldn't put my finger on it. He had this swagger.. surety..

I felt as if his words had more meaning than he would just wait for me to get ready.

The corner of his mouth barely twisted up.

"Okay." I breathed. And he was gone from my bathroom.  Then out of my front door..

I can let the tears out for a good twenty minutes until makeup and hair start.

But conrad wouldn't like your red lipstick...

I think i need to wear it today anyway. For me.

♡

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MAXIM

I let Zaryn know i was on my way to find him via one of his pack members females on the road that I passed. We needed a little meet with the lawyers who have been in touch with Blue Moons lawyers..

My mind was somewhere else though, entirely.

Eden.

I stuck a hand through my hair in frustration.  I couldn't handle the way this one female was able to get under my skin.

And i havent even fùçķèdd her.

At all. Not even once.

The air was cool today and i looked in the sky, sniffing to see if any rain was headed this way. It smelled clear though. A good day for funerals. At least no rain. It always make it worse..

So much tension ran through my shoulders.. through my entire body. An adrenaline rush.

With acquired power, comes  acquired strength.  I could drill a hole into a fùçking wall right now with all the high strung energy buzzing through my system...

That will happen to you when you go to the territory of the Alpha you just killed only to discover you own that pack fair and square now.. all the wolves weak so they accept you instantly without having to fight a single challenger.

Leave it to Eden not to notice it the extra strength.

Everyone else sure did notice it. That female i asked to link the Alpha almost had an ovary explosion and a heart attack all at once, not knowing whether to posture towards me or bow in fear.

I laughed at her.. it only pi§§ed her off.

And she had a mate. No mark, but a mate. Remembered her from yesterday.

This deed in my pocket was burning a hold straight down to my skin with the power it held in its words.

The Alpha of two lands... two titles..

I couldn't live that way. I didnt want it. But i knew someone who would..

Smiling to myself, i shook my hair, rounding the corner of the packhouse as X met me at the door with another male i didnt remember.

"Hey man. Lawyers up in my office.  Lets go have a little chat. He has something interesting to say." He had this mischief in his eyes... something told me i didnt want to miss this.

×××××××

Not even ten minutes later we were jerking up the prisoner wolf, Bane, out of his cell.

"Whats going on?" He questioned with wide eyes, his wolf not very agressive towards us.

"Come on pup." X jerked the pup up by one arm as i held the other.

"You're coming to every single fùçking funeral as the killer of the Blue moon Alpha." He gritted out, his eyes hard.

Bane struggled.. his amber eyes worried. "But im the Alpha of Blue moon now."

"Then you're going as the new 'i slit Alpha's throats behind their back',  Alpha of Blue Moon." X sneered, backhanding the wolf like a juvenile pup.

I wanted to have a little fun too as we dragged him up the stairs. We had to carry him to Blue Moon. Per Blue Moon's Lawyer's request.

I chuckled darkly. "Wonder what would happen if that information was left out in the open without our acknowledgement of the pups new shiny title, Alpha X?" I glaced at X, his lips quirking in understanding.

"Lets find out, shall we Alpha Maxim? All your pack doesnt know about Grace not being Conrads daughter either right?" He mused, Bane jerking his cuffed wrists.

"No!" He shouted. "You have to tell them! They'll kill me!"

X and i shrugged at the exact same time, ignoring the screeching pup.

Let him have something to squeal over.

My wolf loved feeling his fear.  It took all i had to reign him in.. to not let him come out and take a bite out of the bastard.

"Whose he riding with?" I asked absentmindedly.

We were walking towards beta Gerald near the driveway as other wolves watched this pathetic wolf scream and beg. Some Alpha he would make. I just shook my head at him.

"Gerald is going to drive him with two enforcers in the back seat with the fella." His voice was musing, his eyes flashing with his lips quirked.

We would get something good out of this day afterall.

---------

Zaryn

I was finished with pack business within the thirty minutes i left Nova and that joke of a wolf, Bane, he was currently being held by my enforcers in the backseat of one of the suv's.

I had saved Nova just in time of a moment between Jack and Dad.. they seemed to actually be talking now. In a civilized conversation.

Nova said something about Dad getting teary eyed over almost losing a friendship without patching things up. When i arrived, Dad was telling him how losing someone without forgiving them is hard. Thus Nova was backing out of the room so they could become friends again in a manly sort of fashion.

I chuckled.  It was about time our families were closer again, now with us having two pups on the way. I could see Jack and Dad wanting to take them fishing and hunting in the woods, letting them ride on their backs in the fur.

I could see it well.

I wonder if dad will ever find someone else to mate with one day.  To be truly happy with someone of his choosing..

Time would only tell.

I had Nova at her parents home in no time, abandoned. With her parents both at the clinic, no one stayed here.  I had no idea where Nic was staying. Probably somewhere close to Grace if not with her.

"Alright, I'm going to run the water for you.  Just sit here until i get back...or... you know.. get naked. Its up to you." A smirk quirked up on my lips. "Gotta get you naked for this anyway."

She rolled her eyes but laughed.

And she was naked when i came back inside her room to get her from where she sat on the bed. Lifting her up in my arms, i couldn't help but to let my eyes appreciate her body approvingly.

Setting her inside the warm water, i thought how if this were any other day, id be enjoying this thoroughly right now.. how i would love to wash her...

Maybe i would do that on our honeymoon.

Yes. Wolves had honeymoons too when they were mated. Not just Alpha pairs. Alpha and Luna had to marry for government and land reasons but other wolves had a mating ceremony and honeymoon all the same, only our ceremony would be different.

She insisted on washing between her legs herself . I got a litte frustrated.  Thats what I was working toward..

Once i had helped her out of the tub and dried her, she put on her panties, and a strapless bandau bra, she called it. Something that wouldn't hurt her. I got to help with that part.. having a few accidental feels of her breasts..

I dont think she minded much..

Watching the process of a female fixing their hair and makeup was a tiresome thing. I dont even understand how one person could do all of that to themselves.. i swear i thought she was going to poke her eyes out with that eyeliner stick or burn her hand on that steaming hot flat iron.

I shook my head watching her work.

What seemed like hours later, she was asking me if she looked okay. I knew she wanted to look nice and just two 'you look beautiful's' werent enough.

"Baby you look amazing. Classic and reserved yet beautiful all at the same time." I told her, looking over the black dress she wore with gold aroud the waist.  It fell to just above her knees and wore a half sleeved black cardigan over top that came to between her breasts and waist. She did look beautiful. Her eyes shone brighter green against the makeup, not taking away from her beauty and her hair was straight down her back.. the gold locket i once gave her, swinging down the middle of her breasts to her stomach.

She smiled, her dimples showing for me. I wanted to kiss her but it was time to hurry things along and she insisted on not letting me carry her this time..

Women..

Slipping on her black wedges, she allowed me to lead the way and we were finally heading toward the pack house as were other wolves walking from the clinic.

Dark Moon's  pack funeral was going to be the hardest for me..

My mom, i had tried to keep her off my mind but she just kept clawing her way back. Nova could feel the tension in my body.. her hand squeeing mine.. eyes telling me shes with me..

She's the strongest clip in the hinges of my entire self. The one piece about me that I know wont break and let me fall apart.  She keeps me strong.

Safeguarded.

I knew i could do this, with her by my side.

I knew I could overcome this obstacle.

We loaded in Suvs and i drove us along with other loads of members in cars behind us, to the packland cemetery.

Rows and rows of vehicles from dark moon and Crescent moon showed up as well.

Getting out of the drivers seat, i went around, opening Nova's door and she smiled sadly at me. "We are doing this together. Okay? And later tonight? We are going to talk." She grabbed my hand with a strong grip of reassurance.

The meadow where we buried our high ranking dead and scattered the ashes of the lesser wolves, only to show the leadership family lines in  granite headstones, was set up nicely with a large canopy overhead but there was no sun anymore.  It was as if the moon sensed thr atmosphere and sent an overcast over Mine and Nova's land.

Many wolves dressed in their best black attire, were walking hand in hand with their mates, some crying , some not. Some wolves walking huddled with their other female friends.. unmated males walking with their friends.. it was a large turnout to show respect for our lost wolves.

No wolf in our pack of a highranking position was slaughtered thankfully. We would just be scattering ashes today.. letting the winds take them to the forrest.. to the lake... wherever they ended up.

"Theres my brother." Nova whispered, but she never let go of my hand which made me smile. Looking, i saw Nic with Grace, side by side walking toward the ceremony .. no hands being held. This wasnt the part that would be tough for her.

That would be our last stop.

They made their presence known as Nic found our gaze and approached with Grace now in tow, her eyes downcast in sorrow.

"Hey sis. Im glad to see you're feeling better." His tight smile as the rub of her shoulder made Nova smile softly. "I am. Tomorrow ill be okay."

"Hey Grace. You doing okay for now?" Nova asked her. My sweet Nova... with a heart able to dole out so much forgiveness...

Grace nodded her eyes red rimmed with the pain she felt. "Ill be fine for now."

Nova turned, giving me a reassuring squeeze. Letting me know she needed to talk to Grace alone. What would i say? No? Not a chance.  Nodding to her, i kissed her hand. The sorrow seeping into the atmosphere beginnng to form thick sheets as more wolves piled in.

"Why is the murderer here?" Nic's glare was stuck on a certain prisoner "alpha" that wa enduring his pre punishment.

"Hes going to every one of the funerals today. To see what his pack did. Maybe he wont make that mistake again.. if he gets the chance..

I felt maxim's power before i scented him. His new title pouring out of his dominance.. it was almost intimidating.  Almost. An Alpha with two lands and two packs was powerful. Eden walked side by side him.. a short black figure hugging dress own with capped sleeves, her red signature lips, and blonde hair straight today. Her black wedges to match.

It seeme she wanted to be herself today.  The makeup could have been a bad idea if she cried which she will.

"Hey x man." Maxim greeted, Eden whispering something into his ear at which he nodded and smiled softly before she migrated to my mate and Grace, leaving us males to discuss business.

"So have you told her yet?" I looked st Nic with a raised brow.

She saw Bane. So yeah.. I told her he would be at Blue Moon today..

We didn't exactly know the happenings but blue moon lawyers requested his presence. Either way, i know something was discovered on the lawyers part.

Moments later, the ceremony was starting. Mates who had lost a loved one crying their eyes our while friends and families of the lost shed their tears.

Healers deal in death. They were the ones who dealth with ceremonies followed by my own speech.

Sitting beside Nova as we watched every single mate or family meber collect the ashes of their loved ones in hand sculpted urns, cried desperately and my wolf hated it as much as I.

This pack had helped me. Gave me something to protect while Nova was gone.  Now that she was back it was as if she helped me look at these wolves as our families. We were their leaders. Their mother and father of the pack.

I felt numb the entire time but pained. My face was set in a frown with tense jaws and i found myself squeezing mt mates hand. Se was doing okay but she felt my emotiones and i felt hers.

Once the ashes were spread into the wind that would travel them where they wanted to be, it was Nova and I's turn to stand united in front of our pack members and our guests.

We took the podium and I began, "We have suffered a great loss. All of us. Not just friends and family. But all of us. The Luna and I included. We seek to protect all of you and sometimes.. we just arent able to do that. Sometimes the moon took what was needed. This wont happen again. We were bombarded wrongfully.. by cowards who snuck up on us but thankfully we were pre warned or wr could have lost more.  All of you are important to the pack." My deep voice carried. "Important to us. We are your leaders.

Nova surprised me by speaking, her hand still in mine. "Those of you who need a little extra emotional help after the processions this day, please feel free to come to me. Come to us. Let us heal you.. let us ease your minds." She spoke with the tone of a Luna, her real nature coming forth.

The wolves nodded, wiping tears. Other packs had solemn looks on their faces, afterall, they had loved ones to bury too.

The ceremonies were over soon after, all wolves howling in their skins with the wolves under the surface, their lament to the souls that were lost.

We found ourselves hugging those that had lost someone and giving them our thanks.. telling them how brave they had fought if it were mothers and fathers we had spoken to.. no one blamed us for the attack.  It was something bad that just happened.

After pressing cheeks and giving our condolences, wolves were filing back into vehicles while the mourners stayed behind..

Bane.. the murderer wolf.. he had been made to watch the entire thing.. his eyes bleary when he saw the memorial for his sister who had died trying to challenge Nova. We always leave a memorial for the other wolves even if they don't get buried. Its something we do for the loved ones..

We were met by Maxim and Eden who walked side by side, Maxim's expression like mine.. angry and just tired.

It was exhausting for an Alpha to go through losing pack members. The guilt.. the weight on our shoulders, feeling like we havent protected our pack. It gets to you.

"I guess next stop is Dark moon." He sighed, holding my eyes.. knowing that this would be hard for me to do. To watch the ashes of my mom be scattered. I always assumed she would be buried along with other Luna's.. now she doesnt hold a title.

"Yeah. Guess so." I nodded.

"Im sorry for all of your losses, X." He held his forearm out for me to shake and i grabbed it, pulling him to me in a swift embrace with a slap on the back.

"As I am for yours, Maxim." My voice had lost its strength but never wavered.

I felt Nova grab my hand and squeeze it slightly.

Nic and Grace came up behind us. "Are we heading out to Dark moon now?" Nic asked.

"Yeah." Maxim turned, giving a nod to Grace.

Her eyes were always on Bane though.. her wolf's eyes flashing outward. Her lip curling now and then.

"Easy." Nic murmered into her ear, rubbing her back to calm down.

"Well lets get on with it shall we." Maxim cleared his throat, almost reaching for Eden but stopping, letting his hand fall away. There were blue moon pack members present.. it wouldn't be respectful for her to seek comfort in a male today.

We dispersed, getting into our own vehicles. Nova and I in my truck by ourselves.

I started the ignition, releasing a deep breath.

"Hey." Her voice was soft as we drove down the dirt road. My head turned slightly to look at her.. the tears welled in her eyes and her hand taking mine again. I couldn't help but kiss it. Her touch provided a comfort to me.. electrical sparks igniting.. soothing me.

"Yeah." My teeth were clenched so hard i thought they'd crack from the strain.

"Its okay to show your emotions. Its just me in this car with you and im not going to think any less of you, baby. I love you. I know you're upset. I am too but you have more reason. Please talk to me." She pled.  "Please.. release it. Let me soothe you?" A slow tear dropped down her cheek in a fine line.

My own eyes watered but i had to stay strong. We had a forty five minute drive ahead of us. I didn't want anyone to sense i had been upset enough to show my weakness. But crying in front of Nova, aside from when i almost lost her.. i dont think i could do. I know she wouldn't see me as weak but the wolf had doubts. He is afterall, an Alpha wolf.

"I'll be okay. Thank you." I met her gaze for a moment, squeezing her hand. "For being here. With me."

She nodded.. a smile neath the tears. "Always. And forever."

Always and forever.

I liked the sound of that.

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Eden

The drive was long.

Just Maxim and I in his SUV.

He remained stone faced. His crystal blue eyes so distant and thoughtful while his angular chiseled face was lined with creased. A frown upon his forehead.. jaw clenched. Hands gripping the steering wheel..

"Will Gabriel be here?" I asked softly.

He just nodded, eyes staying on the road.

Taking a shaky breath, my hand reached out for his right one on the wheel and he glanced at me, inquisitive, but gave it to me willingly.

I interlaced our fingers together and just held his hand in mine. It was warm and rough. Very large, as it took over most of mine. It never occured to me that though he didn't lose anyone directly, that losing a lot of wolves in his pack hurt him. I knew Gabriels loss hurt him for Gabriel.  He needed someone too. Not just me.

"Im sorry. For all the loss you've had to endure." I whispered.. my eyes on his which kept flicking back and forth between the road and me. His hand squeezed mine.

"Thank you." He rasped, clearing his throat.  "As i am for yours."

I nodded more to myself.

Everyone lost something the otherday whether it be a mom, dad, brother, sister, cousin, pack member, everyone lost someone.

Closing my eyes, i focused on my energy.  I could soothe him this way. I allowed myself to let the wolf come forth a little.. feeling the power inside me release from my pores. Not power that would make him alert but a power that would calm him.

My oracle strength.  It was calming to others.

The tendrils of my power filled the encasement of the vehicle.. wrapping around us and i could feel Maxim's hand relax slightly.. the atmosphere slowly changing.

His tension decreased..

And that was my main focus.  To help him.

He had no one on this day as did I.

But together we had one another to comfort.

I just couldn't be seen with him. Out of respect.

The moment i began crying at the funeral though, i knew it would be over with and he would try to seek me out to comfort me.

"Thank you Eden." He looked at me as i opened my eyes.. so many emotions in that one look.. anger. Sadness. Thankfulness.  And yer at the same time he looked at me like I was everything he needed right then.

"Anytime." My red mouth pulled into a smile.

Time went by and before i knew it, we were turning into his pack lands and my eyes were met with wonder.

This was going to be so hard for he and Zaryn. Especially Gabriel.

But i felt as if everything would work out.. that at the end of the day there would be peace.

Dun dun dun

YALL the scene i had written for the funeral of dark moon was beautiful.  Maxim did something so amazing...

What do you think he did?

And eden. What do you guys think about eden feeling things for maxim so soon after conrads death? How shes being respectful to conrads title and her love for him, staying awaying from Maxim in public.

Honorable.

Jack and blake.. im so glad they are making up! Will jack ever find happiness?

Zaryn and nova are so happy but the death has really hurt them.

That wolf, Bane, has some serious shít coming to him yall!!!!!

HOW FREAKING SWEET IS MAXIM TO EDEN THO!!!!!!!!

what yall think?

Its jucier next chap.  Lots of things happen its like omg!