Forest Pack Community Book One

chapter 9

As soon as the five of them got to the beginning of the path of lights, the rest of the pack seemed to come from nowhere to follow them down. The wreaths were in boxes as the omegas and other staff who worked for the pack had made them the next day after Felicia and her parents had arrived. Ben oversaw lighting each one except for his, which Lissa always did as if she were Luna. But the family of the deceased always went first, then the Alpha and Luna. That was the tradition. The family, after sending their lights off, would walk to the side so that the pack could file past them, giving condolences and hugs where appropriate.

Felicia walked between her aunt and uncle, who walked down in front of Ben and Lissa. The wreaths followed afterwards, then the rest of the pack after. After everyone was in their place, with Ben and Lissa standing next to the shore, out of respect. As the11 family got to the wreaths, they grabbed one because the staff made the wreaths with double lights to make things easier. Felicia went first as it was her parents'. Ben lit it, and Felicia walked forward and quietly said, “Momma, I miss you and I know I saw you die, but I also know you are with the Goddess. I love you so much. Daddy, I love you, I miss you and I know you are with Momma. I pray you are both happy.” Then she bent down and gently placed the wreath with a little push to get it going. She then walked to where people could file past. Somewhat out of the way, where she could watch but still be a part of things.

‘Azella?’ called Felicia. ‘Yes?’ ‘Are you ok?’ ‘I’m better now that we said goodbye to the humans. My last goodbye is when we howl. As the howl is a goodbye to their wolves.’ ‘I like that.’ Felicia mused. ‘Me too.’ Azella smiled.

The next thing she knew was that her aunt and uncle were standing next to her. They saw the Alpha and Luna send off their wreaths, then the pack started in no certain order. That’s when they started to file past the three of them and either hugging or shaking hands. The men all seemed to shake hands except the old grandpa types they hugged. All the women wanted a hug, which was fine because Felicia didn’t mind it. Soon it seemed like it was just a thing. There was a pathway in the line to the wreaths so that the members could stand on the other side. It seemed that everyone knew where to go or stand to be ready for the howl.

Once all the pack members had lit and let their wreaths go, Luna Lissa went first, and Alpha Ben went last. They then went to stand with the family after giving them all hugs. Ben spoke; “We are here to say goodbye as you all know. Now we’ve said goodbye to the human part of them. It is time to say goodbye to their wolves. I will count to three so that we can all do it together.” Ben then counted, and everyone’s wolf came forward to howl into the night. Felicia for the first time felt like she was sharing herself, but it was totally natural. They howled together, one long howl showing respect and a sad goodbye.

After the howling, all was silent. Lissa then spoke up and spoke. “My fellow pack members, on behalf of the family, I want to thank you for coming to say goodbye to members who were loved by all and loved all of you. If you will file back to the pack house if you do, choose there is food and drink for those that want it. To also celebrate life. At that time, we will be Introducing their daughter into the pack, and she will pledge herself to the Alpha, her family, and to me. She will officially be a pack member, not just born into the pack.”

Felicia started to panic. Azella spoke up, Felicia, try not to panic. I know you don’t like to be in the middle of things. They won’t hate you. Plus, I will be there too. Remember, I promised not to leave you. I will help you. This is about the time your parents would have brought you forward to have you dedicated to the pack.’ “Ok” Felicia said quietly. ‘Can we talk later I have questions and fears that will take too long to do it here?’ ‘Of course,’ responded Azella.

This time Ben and Lissa led the way back with the three of them following. Once they got to the pack house, two guards opened the doors and people filed in. Ben and Lissa went to the small stage that had been erected. Once everyone was there. Ben started, “I would like to ask Felicia to come up here.”

Once again Felicia panicked, looking at her aunt. “Aunt Joy do I have to go up alone? Remember terrible things happen when all eyes are on me alone.”

Joy kneeled and said to her. “Remember, you are not alone. Azella is with you and your uncle, and I am right here. Besides, Aunt Lissa and Uncle Ben are up there with you. They may be in their roles as Luna and Alpha, but they are still part of the family too. Ok?”

Felicia nodded. She then took a breath and turned towards the stairs that would get her up onto the stage. As she was walking up, Ben and Lissa smiled at her, giving her the extra courage she needed. When she got to them, she stopped, instinctively knowing where she needed to be.

Ben started off. “Felicia Winters and Azella. You are of an age when it is time to be presented to your Alpha and Luna. When you are dedicated to the pack.”

Lissa spoke next. “Felicia, do agree to be a part of this pack, learning lessons to forge the path you wish to take within this pack? Dedicating yourself to your Alpha, Luna, and the rest of The Forest Pack until your coming-of-age ceremony?”

Felicia answered, “Yes, I do. I believe it’s what my parents would want me to do.” In her head, Azella celebrated that they had found their home.

Once she was back in her room. She sat on her lilac beanbag chair to have a chat with her wolf. ‘Let’s have that talk I wanted. You said you were hurting like me. Then why did you leave? We could have healed together. Plus, I might not have been so confused.’

Sadly, Azella said, the sudden loss of our parents was hard for me too. Wolves feel it more deeply because of their connection to the parent wolves. I didn’t mean to be gone so long, but once I fell asleep or gone into my own Blackness like you did; it was harder for me to wake up. I wasn’t totally gone. Just in a very deep sleep. You also said you had fears, and do you have any other questions?’

‘Were you telling me the truth when you said you’d never leave again? What is this coming-of-age ceremony Aunt Lissa talked about? Plus, I’m afraid that I’ll forever be a loner. Why do I always want to be on the sidelines that doesn’t seem normal to me.’ Spewed Felicia all at once?

Azella chuckled, saying, "Only a few questions, huh?” Well, let’s take them one by one. First, I would not lie to you, you are my other half. We are closer than sisters. I can sense you, and you can sense me unless I am in the far recesses of your mind like before, or if one of us shuts the other out. As that happens, we will fight and disagree just as two friends or sisters would. But that doesn’t mean we leave each other. Ok?’

‘Ok.’

‘Next, I think your being a loner is a defense mechanism. But that could also be your personality. Not everyone is the life of the party. So, it could be both. We shall see as you become more comfortable in your skin and in the pack. Even loners make friends. I’ve seen it. This isn’t my first lifetime. We wolves get reassigned, so to speak. Not all the time, but most of the time. As for the coming-of-age ceremony. Depends on when you first shift. Some shift later than others, and that’s ok. Most shift when they are either 17 or 18. Usually, they also find out who their mate is and before you ask, your mate is your fated-one. The one our Moon Goddess pairs us with. They are our match in every way. They are the one person who get us. Even if the face that we put up doesn’t match what’s deep inside. The other person could be the most popular guy in school, but deep down he doesn’t feel a part of the crowd. Understand?’

I believe I do. So, I have ten years of growing and figuring myself out. My mom wanted to be a healer. Should I do that?’

‘You have awhile before you need to make that decision. But if you want to, you totally could. Here’s my advice: Follow your own dreams, not anyone else’s. Ok? Ok, enough of all this mushy stuff! Know that I love you, girl, and won’t steer you wrong. Even if I don’t always agree with you, ok?’

Felicia laughed, ‘Ok. Same, I love you too. Now let’s go to bed. I’m exhausted.’ So off they went. The next morning when she woke up, she got dressed in her favorite jeans, black boots, and a cute shirt. Leaving her hair to just flow around her shoulders and down her back. When she knocked on her aunt and uncle’s door, there was no answer. So, she shrugged and decided to go down to where they had eaten before.