The secrets of the shadow pack

Chapter 11

Alpha Raine

Today is the day my siblings and I say goodbye to our mother forever. I am completely broken inside, but I will not show any weakness. I don't feel like I got enough time on this side with my mother, now she is gone. I watch my sister and grandma cry over my mother's open casket. My sister is holding Raze, who doesn't even know what is going on. Or maybe he does?

He is a baby, but I think he knows, or at least he feels it. He cried all night, and has been fussy all day today. Rossyln has been taking care of him the same way mom did, so I am at peace, knowing that he, at least, has her. I have to be strong for them. I will figure life out for them.

I look around, and can't believe Rosslyn pulled this funeral off with limited funds and time. It looks amazing. This is exactly what our mother deserved. We also have a wonderful pack, who all came together to help Rossy make this celebration of life happen this quickly. I look up at the sky, and I take a deep breath, and I release it.

My wolf whimpers in my mind.

"Are you okay, Alpha?" My Gamma steps beside me, also taking in the view in front of us. "No, but I will be. I have to be for them," he nods in understanding.

I feel her taking steps closer to me.

I can smell her the moment she stepped foot on my pack. I wanted to run to her, give her a hug and never let go, but I know better than to go near her. I have to be patient. I made my mother a promise I plan to keep.

"Hi," I look down, and my mate is standing right in front of me.

"Hi," her big, bright eyes look up at me.

"I'm sorry about your parents," she tells me.

I nod. "Thanks." she smiles. "Is it okay if I give you a hug? I think I need one to prepare myself to go see your mom and be there for your sister." I pull her in, because I'm the one who needs this hug. I feel the tingles as soon as I touch her. I am not sure if she feels anything. Her gasp tells me she probably did, but she didn't say anything.

She is still underage, and I don't want to tell her. Not right now. Maybe another day that isn't my mother's funeral, or when she's closer to 18. I take a big whiff of her hair to get me by. My wolf is pleased, until she steps back.

"I'm here if you need a friend. I'm going to go check on Rossy, okay?" I want to tell her not to go, to hold me, but there are too many eyes here right now. I also know that no-one came to attack us last night. We have been on guard, and so far, nothing, but I can't risk anyone finding out that Amerie is my mate and putting a target on her back, because they want to get to me. Until I know if we are in danger, then security stays 24/7, and Amerie is kept my secret mate.

Rosslyn

My grandmother asks me to take a seat with her, because people have started arriving, and they would like to see and spend time with my mom as well, but she is my mom, and I need to spend as much time with her as possible, so I kindly decline her offer and I stay right here. These are the last moments that I will be able to see her face. I will never be able to see her after today, so even if it's her in this state, I will take whatever time I have left with her.

I hold Raze, and it helps me feel less alone. I watch our pack members, and people who traveled here come up and say their goodbyes and give their condolences. I quickly realize that not many people have stopped by to see dad's open casket. Seems like everyone is here for mom. She was so loved.

"Rossy, I'm so sorry friend. I tried to come see you yesterday, but Raine didn't let us in. I would have been here for you," Amerie gives me a hug. "Thanks, but I can't have friends visiting the pack right now. It's not safe. We are on lock down for the time being.

Raine wasn't going to allow anyone in, but he changed his mind at the last minute.

The pack is only open for 4 hours for their viewing, then we are asking everyone to leave for the actual funeral. Only pack members will witness it. I hope you all understand." she nods. "I'll stay with you for whatever time Raine allows, and I just want to tell you that the obituary was beautiful. I heard someone from your pack say that you worked on it all by yourself," I nod. "I did my best," I say. "Oh, Rosslyn. My heart breaks seeing you like this. I know how much you loved your mama. I'm so so so sorry," "I feel like a part of me is missing now," she shakes her head. "No, don't think of it that way, She is always with you. You will carry her in your heart, and in your memories." I thank her, and she has me pass Raze over to her, so I get a little break. I don't continue the conversation, because, even though I am sure she has good intentions, she has no clue. Her mother is still alive.

Alpha Axel

I turn the corner, and my wolf claims the saddest looking person here.

"MATE"

Rosslyn.

My mate is Rossy.

She is perfect!

"Thank you, moon goddess."

My wolf is jumping around excitedly in my mind. He wants me to go to her now!

"She's too young. She is Amerie's age. They're best friends," I tell my wolf. "She is young, but so what? This gives us time to get her to fall in love with us without a mate bond. Do you know what a flex that would be?" He is right. I would love to do that, but right now isn't the time to be thinking about love. My mate's parents are dead, and I have to be there for her.

There are so many people here. The viewing is outside. The stage is set up, and both bodies are in their open caskets. I stop by and chat with Raine for a moment. His mother was an amazing woman. She was always so bright and happy. She was always in our pack, hanging with my mother and vice versa. I show my respect, and give my condolences.

"I'm sorry for your loss, bro." he nods. "Thanks, man,"

"Did you find out who did it? What exactly happened?" he nods. "I have an overall idea, but it's complicated. There's so much to it. Mom was stabbed to death, and dad was poisoned, and I'm not sure if it's worth involving the council. We both know how corrupt they have been lately. The investigation is still open and active though. The highest priestess is helping. Keep this between us." I nod. "Do you feel safe though? Are you, Rosslyn and Raze safe here? They murdered your parents. What makes you think they won't come for you as well?" I am now worried about Rosslyn.

"They can come if they want." What the f*ck? That's all he says, and I am confused a$$ f*ck, but I know this isn't the time or place to discuss this.

"I need to talk to you. Maybe we can set up a meeting soon?" I plan on telling him that his sister is my mate and offering extra protection if they need it. "Yeah, I need to talk to you too. Just come by tomorrow." I nod. "I'm going to go say hi to your sister and family." Other people come talk to him, so he nods, and I take off towards my mate. My parents and Amerie are already with her. Good. I want her surrounded by my family. I want her protected by my people. Hopefully, when I speak to Raine, he accepts protection for his pack. At least for my mate.

"Yes, I want eyes on her at all times," my wolf tells me.

I stop by and give my condolences to their grandmother, then go straight for my mate.

"Rossy, I'm so sorry about your parents." Her crying face breaks my heart. "Thank you, Axel," she tells me. I go in for a hug, because I need to touch her to calm my wolf down.

"Sure, blame me," he tells me.

I have given Rossy hugs before. We have known each other our whole lives, but nothing has ever felt as good as this hug. I swear she lit my whole body up. The tingles run up and down my body, and it is as if I am now awake.

Mom and dad look at me with wide eyes.

"Did you guys feel that?" Dad mind links us.

A strong bolt of energy shocked all 3 of us just now.

"They say a fated mate makes their Alpha mate stronger, but what happens when a fated mate makes our whole pack stronger?"

What is my wolf talking about? How did that happen from just a hug? My mother even stopped crying.

"Do you think it may have something to do with the stone?" mom mind links.

"I mean. I am not sure why the stone would have anything to do with this.

When you became Luna, you made me stronger, but I don't think the rest of the pack ever felt anything. Definitely not little shocks like that. Someone would have told us.

Let's look into it though. I mean, extra strength is always great, so we will take it, but I am concerned that Rosslyn is 16 years old, and we are all getting this reaction from her. Also, is anyone else feeling her heartbreak and about to completely break down or is it just me?" dad links us. "It's their bond. I feel it too." mom says. What the h3ll is going on here?

My wolf just snickers.

"It has nothing to do with that troll, the stone, or the mate bond. It has everything to do with our mate. It's Rosslyn, and her wolf, who is actually already on the surface. I already feel her." My wolf tells me. He is so freaking excited. If I wasn't holding my mate at her mother's funeral, I would also be ecstatic.