Blood Moon

Chapter 2

Cirus was woken by a soft knock at the door, He groaned as he stood up from his desk. He opened the door to the sad face of his mother. He immediately opened his arms for her to step into. She did so and they spent a minute sharing each others grief before their responsibilities took over.

“I have started the preparations for Ben’s funeral” she whispered into his arm.

“Thanks mum, Let me know if you need any help,” Cirus said. He held her a little tighter and the let go knowing that he had a lot to attend to before he could grieve for his friend. He went back to his desk and dialled the number for the Alpha of Broadclaw, who answered immediately.

“Cirus of Longfang, I though I might be hearing from you at some point today,” boasted the large man on the end other end of the phone.

“Alpha Dean, if that is the case you know why I am calling and I hope that we can sort this out amicably,’ retorted Cirus.

‘Now, now boy don’t get ahead of yourself Broadclaw had no part in whatever happened on your territory I only know that my warriors followed an unfamiliar scent through our land and it seems like they passed through yours to,” The older alpha was trying to patronise Cirus but he knew pack law and his rights.

“There was a murder on our territory last night we lost the scent of the rogue as they passed into your territory. We are holding the funeral this morning after this my warriors and I would like permission to pass through your territory in order to continue to track the murderer.’ Cirus said with as much authority as he could muster at such a sad time.

“I see," said Dean “I will allow you to track through our land as long as you join myself and my family for dinner this evening in order to share your intelligence. This concerns me, no good alpha would let a murder to happen under their nose."

Cirus rolled his eyes and reluctantly agreed he assumed he would have to share his finding with the alpha but a dinner was going to be painful. Dean had a nasty habit of undermining Cirus’ decisions and making him feel like a pup instead of an Alpha. His mother always told him to ignore it but it really got on his nerves and he was struggling to contain his anger already. This dinner could be the end of Broadclaw and Longfangs relationship for good if it went badly. Cirus took a long deep breath after he hung up trying to calm himself and focus on the issues at hand. Now it was time for him to go and grieve his friend. He pushed himself up and went upstairs to get ready.

The funerals decorations where simple and elegant, the Luna of Longfang had alway been able to pull of any pack event at the drop of a hat and Cirus was eternally grateful to his mother for her calm and collected approach to an event as sad as Ben's funeral. The ceremony was small but meaningful with many members of the pack standing to share fond memories of Ben and his short life. As Alpha Cirus had the final word, he felt numb as he walked up to the casket.

“Ben was my friend, he was a loyal pack member and was becoming an excellent warrior. He leaves behind a lot of love from Ellen, his parents and all of us here in Longfang. The circumstances surrounding Ben's death are concerning and I understand that there is an air of sorrow and fear among all of us. I will remind you all the Longfang is a strong and noble pack. We will not let Ben's death go unpunished. We will find justice and Ben will know peace. I will see you again my friend. Goodbye Ben."

As Cirus finished his speech people began to rise to say their own farewells to Ben, Cirus went to Ellen and his parents to give them some comfort before taking his leave to prepare for this afternoon. He packed lightly not wanting to stay in broadclaw any longer than needed. He texted Aidan to have all the warrior ready downstairs. He went to meet them via his mother's office, he stopped by to thank her again and to say goodbye. He knew she hated him saying it but he always felt like he should just in case. She looked up with red eyes and quickly wiped her eyes. Her strong Luna facade had melted away once she had close the door to her office. 

Cirus hugged her goodbye and wiped her eyes "I’ll be back soon, please don’t worry about me I can take care of myself," Cirus tried to reassure her.

“I know you can but I'm still going to worry,” She mumbled.

“I know, that one of the reasons I love you," Cirus chuckled trying to make the situation more light-hearted.

“I love you too sweetheart, Please call me once you’ve finished tracking. See you later."

Cirus left her in her office and gave her a quick smile as he walked out. He marched downstairs to meet Aidan and the warriors. He was surprised to see Jared there but nodded in acceptance to him.

They all set off towards the territory line and made their way into Broadclaw territory.