THE PERFECT LUNA OF RED MOON PACK

Chapter 6

The funeral was the next morning. Each of the seven patrol units and fighters bid their farewells with solemn howls. Then the Alpha, followed by his three sons. And then families and everyone else. The funeral was a general one for all the fighters that died.

When everyone dispersed, Liana quietly left. No one gave her condolences so it was easy to make her way through the dispersing crowd.

Getting home, she quickly goes upstairs and starts packing. She wanted to leave before Jake, who was still busy with accepting condolences from everyone, would get home. She was through and was going down the stairs when Jake came through the door.

"Where are you going?" He asked her.

"To the beach." She replied. She had planned for the eventuality that Jake might come upon her and packed light, taking only a few important things in a bag pack. She didn't know where or how far she'd be going, so she thought against taking too much. Besides, she couldn't carry all of her things with her. It would be too cumbersome and only slow her down.

"With a bag backpack?"

"Yeah."

"You know you're a bad liar." Liana kept quiet.

"So tell me, where are you going." Jake pressed on. Liana had not planned on telling Jake her plans of leaving. But on the seeing the pure concern and worry etched on his face, she made the decision of telling him. This way she'd be able to properly bid him goodbye.

"I'm leaving Jake." The thought of leaving since yesterday had been painful but saying it out loud seemed to double the pain. Though her eyes stung, Liana managed to brace herself.

"I'm leaving Crescent moon park."

"What? Why?" Jake asked, taken aback with surprise.

"The Alpha ordered me to leave. But to be honest, I always knew this day would come."

"Why would he do that?"

"Because I don't belong here."

"Come on Liana, Crystal moon park is your home."

"No, its never been my home. Mum, dad and you were my home. Now they're gone" Pure anguish tore through her at this simple truth.

"I'm still here."

"The park needs you. My staying here would only serve as a burden to you." She said wiping the tears that now flowed freely.

Liana moved over to hug him swiftly. Holding on too long could weaken her resolve, then walking towards the door, she stopped midway, looked back and said

"I love you Jake, whatever happens make mum and dad proud. Make me proud." With that as her final good bye note, Liana opened the door. Just as she was about to take a step out, Jake said

"Wait! I'm coming with you."

"No Jake, you can't leave. This is your home."

"Not without mum and dad and you."

"You're needed here."

"I don't think so."

"What? What are you saying?"

"I don't think the Alpha's ever going to let me lead the patrol. Not even after four years. "

"What makes you say that?"

"I overheard him and Carrillo talk today, and they have plans for Carrillo's son to take over from his father after the four years."

"That's not right! They can't do that."

"They can, they already did. So I'm coming with you, whether you like it or not. Besides, I made a promise to keep you safe."

"Jake, you are making a mistake by taking a decision in a spur of the moment." Liana said, but even as she looked at him, she knew the decision he had made.