The Hidden Daughter

Chapter 3

We stayed at Saline's cottage for three days. Saline had taken my grandmother's body back to the pack so that they could prepare her for her burial. She and my grandfather were to be buried on the same day, next to one another.

The day we returned to the pack was the day of the funeral. Before leaving, Saline gave me a new bracelet. It had the same purpose as the old one. It was to summon her in a time of need.

Over the last three days, she has been my rock. I don't know why, but I feel some kind of kinship with her. Saline promised to come to visit me when she could. We didn't know who I would be living with now, so it would depend on my new parents. Hopefully, I get to live with my uncle and cousin. My aunt and uncle are already getting a room set up for me in their house, but I was told that it would be after the funerals that the alpha would decide my fate.

The funeral is going to be held for grandparents and nine warriors that lost their lives that night. My uncle told us that if I hadn't summoned the witches when I did, there would have been more casualties. My fast thinking saved a lot of lives that night. Remembering that day, I wondered if we had changed our plans, and canceled the trip if things would have been different.

Walking through the doors of my home left me feeling a little empty. It was the first time I had been here since the attack. Heading to my room and passing by the pictures that line the walls made me angry. Not only are there pictures of me and Lance decorating the walls, but of the Alpha and his five children. I guess they are my brothers and sisters. It made me angry to think that they would flaunt their children in front of me, but ignore my very existence. That day is the day I realized that I hated the alpha and could care less if he was my father.

Before I could sink deeper into my negative thoughts, I heard rustling coming from my room. Approaching slowly, I see that the Alpha and Luna are going through my things. They weren't just going through my things, but packing them up as well. Maybe this is a sign that I will be going to stay with Uncle Caleb.

"Alpha. Luna. Can I help you?"

"Amaya, dear. We came to help you pack up your belongings. You are going to move into the pack orphanage today."

"Why? Uncle Caleb and Aunt Marlene have already said that I could move in with them. They set up a room for me."

"All the orphan children move into the old pack house. You can even take some time to mourn your grandparents before we start having you do chores around the pack."

"I am not really an orphan now, am I? My aunt and uncle are alive and are willing to let me live with them. So why would I move into the old pack house and become another slave?"

"This isn't up for debate. Now get ready for my parent's funeral, you ungrateful child." My father said.

Grabbing the clothes that they held out, I stormed out and went to the nearest bathroom to get ready. After getting dressed, I started to make my way toward the front door. My Aunt Marlene had already promised to do my hair and was waiting for me to return. She had always treated me like a daughter. I know that someday she will have one, but right now they only have Lance.

"Child, you cannot go out with hair looking like that. Come here and I will fix it for you."

"That is fine. Aunt Marlene is waiting for me to return so that she can do my hair. I was just sent over here to grab my clothes."

Running out the door, I didn't wait for her reply. If my mother thought for one second that I would let her touch me after everything, she was mistaken. Now knowing that they are biological parents, I know that there is no future for me in this pack.

Once my hair was done, we made our way to the part of the forest where we held memorial services. Today is the day that we begin to heal, so they say. Well, at least that is what the alpha says. Instead of sitting with my family, I went and sat with Marlow and Carlie. I saw the look of contempt in my father's eyes when he noticed that I had ignored protocol and sat with my friends. Lance and Quincy were already sitting with their families behind my father. Quincy's father is currently our Gamma, as high-ranking members are expected to sit with the Alpha, they were expected to sit up there with them.

When the alpha's eyes locked on mine, I knew that I would hear about this later. Oh well, if I was going to be reduced to a slave, then I might as well start now.

"Today, we not only say goodbye to our previous Alpha and Luna but to five of our most trusted warriors. Their lives will not be in vain as we seek out the mastermind behind the attacks. We were able to capture some of the rogues alive, but so far, they are not talking. I will find out who orchestrated this attack and we will avenge those that died. The Lycan King and his family will be arriving in a few days to pay their respects and interrogate the rogues. Hopefully, he will be able to get answers that we have failed at. Until then, no wolves are to be outside our main perimeter. If you have plans to go camping or go out to the river bank, cancel them. We are tightening security and need to keep everyone as close as possible to prevent any more casualties. If everyone follows the rules, it will also mean that if we are attacked again, we will be able to provide aid quicker. When King Darius arrives, he will be bringing a few of his elite warriors to help train us and provide extra protection. For those that can shift, let's take one last lap for the departed and begin the celebration of life."

Stepping down, my father shifted into his giant gray wolf. My wolf whined in my head, wanting to be released, but I couldn't. Not yet. Only my grandparents knew that I could shift and, after today, there was no way I was going to let anyone else in on my secret.

"Amaya, why didn't you sit with us?" Lance called out.

"I don't want to talk about it right now."

"Are you excited that you are going to be living with me?"

At that, I started to cry harder. This week, I had lost the only parents I knew, found out that my parents were right in front of m but did not want me, and I was going to be thrown into s*****y. My little brain just can't take anymore right now. Pulling me into his arms and holding me tight while I sobbed. I don't know how long it took before I finally calmed down.

"Oh look Priscilla, the little baby is crying again. Don't you ever get tired of crying and being a nuisance to our family? I hear that my father is finally doing the smart thing and placing you in the pack orphanage, where you belong." Natasha teased.

"I heard that she is going to have to work as a slave for the pack."

"Girls, leave Amaya alone and go find the families that lost their loved ones. As a future Luna, you need to learn your place during the mourning ceremony. Amaya, what is this I hear that you are moving into the slave corridors?" Uncle Caleb asked.

"Alpha Nathaniel told me when I went to change clothes that I would be moving to the orphanage. As I am now an orphan, that is where I belong."

"Don't worry young one, I will speak with my brother. You are going to move in with us or I will ship you off to stay with Saline. She offered to take you in as well."

"Can I go live with Saline?"

"We will see. Let us lay your grandparents to rest and then we worry about everything else tomorrow."

Nodding my agreement, I went to join my friends. Today, I was not going to let anyone else ruin an already sad day.