The secrets of the shadow pack

Chapter 8

Rosslyn

I don't know why I am surprised to hear them. Of course, they would return upon hearing the news of my parent's deaths. I sigh. "I'm in here." I shout. "Rosslyn Taylor Greene, what are you doing in here?" My father's mother stands in front of me looking annoyed. If she just got back, what could have already pissed her off?

"I'm looking for pictures for the funeral. I am working on some stuff to honor mom. I actually just sent out the last of the obituaries. I've been really busy. Raine said we only have 24 hours to have their funeral. Here, take one or how many you need." She snatches it out of my hand and reads it. I can feel her anger rising by the second. "How did you already put this together so fast? They just died. how did all these people already come together? You know what, don't answer that. It doesn't even matter. What I want to know is why your father is barely mentioned, girl? Why didn't you ask me if I wanted to add anything like you did for your mother? Words from her mom, friends and pack members were all collected and included. Nothing about my son. How dare you embarrass us like this?" she shouts. That makes me feel really uncomfortable.

I shouldn't even answer her questions. Everything always results in an argument with her, but I do so just so she can go away. I want to take my mother's blanket into my room and just cry myself to sleep, but I have a feeling she won't be giving me peace.

"Sorry Agnes, you were away on vacation. You didn't answer your phone, and your new Alpha's time is too valuable to be wasted. If you'd like to give input, give orders or make decisions, then next time, make sure you are here," I tell her. I grab the things I collected that belonged to my mother and I walk away. I don't have time for her.

"It's okay little girl, I will just give an amazing speech at the funeral. I will let the whole world know that he was a perfect son, loving mate and dedicated father. He was the true definition of an honorable man." This momentarily made my sadness vanish. I laugh so hard. "Not even you believe that, Agnes. I'm out," I tell her. "You rude girl. Your mother always let you do whatever you wanted with no consequences, but that stops now. We are your legal guardians now. We will whip you in shape. Don't you worry. I will put that cute little face and body to good use." I turn around. "Raine is my only legal guardian, and you aren't touching me." I run out to go find him. If he tells me they are my legal guardians, then I will run away tonight, and no-one will ever find me, and I will take Raze with me. I will not stay here and be miserable under their rules. I will not let them mistreat me like they did my mother. She always deserved better. We all did.

I drop my mother's things off in my room, and I go look for Raine. I find him in his room. "Is it true that your grandparents are my new legal guardians?" He shakes his head. "I'm your legal guardian, Rossy. No-one is taking you guys from me or here." I feel so relieved hearing my brother say this. I begin to cry. I roughly wipe the tears away.

"You can't let them move back in, Raine. You can't let them control you. We will all end up like mom if you allow that." He twirls a pen in his fingers. "I know, sis. Don't worry about anything. Things will be different from now on. Everyone around here loved mom. Anyone who treated mom badly is an enemy to me and my pack. I'm running the show now. Mom taught you how to do the Luna's job. Are you going to help me run this pack until my mate arrives? It will be good for you to stay busy." I nod. "I will be proud to help you get this pack to where it needs to be. I know that we are young, and we still have a lot to learn, but mom has been preparing us for years now, Raine. All the people our age are prepared and trained in weapons and firearms thanks to her. We are literally prepared for war. You know what I think?" He gives me a look. "What?" I wiggle my eyebrows.

"I think that mom was the true Alpha, and dad was really just the mate. How did she even know to train us that way? She always spotted the pack's weaknesses and strengthened the pack." He shrugs. "She was beast mode, and that is exactly what we are going to be from now on." I nod and show him the obituary.

"You did a great job, Rossy. It's beautiful, just like her. Thanks for convincing me to have a funeral for her." I nod. "Well, I have to go pick out her clothes. Is it okay if I get her ready? I can ask the beta female to help me, but I don't really want anyone messing with her body," I tell my brother.

"I'm not my father, Rossy. You don't have to ask for permission. Not here, not in your own home. You are in charge here, just as much as I am, Rossy. You can do whatever you want. There are no more rules for you. As long as you check in and listen to me. You can mostly do whatever you want. You still have to run things by me and ask for permission so no-one thinks I am allowing you to run wild, but I trust you. Don't break that trust, and we will be all good." I muster up the best smile for him and I nod. "Got it, Alpha," I salute him and he chuckles dryly. "Go on, and finish up with the funeral, but do not leave the pack house. We are on lock down. Grab a weapon and call me if you see anything suspicious." I give him a hug. "I love you more than life, okay," I nod and walk out.

I basically have everything ready for the funeral, so I go back to my room and I open up one of her journals. I skim the pages until it randomly stops on a folded page.

"September 1st"

I'm finally here and all moved in, but something weird happened today. When we first arrived, my mate told me that there is a pack traditionitual that is done here for the women in the pack. I was made to get undressed and lie on a special foldable table that was brought in, and I was checked by my mate, a doctor and two elders to make sure I was in fact a virgin for Richard. They touched my breasts and the rest of my body to make sure it hasn't been used. Richard claimed at the time that it was a ritual and the only way he could accept me as his fated mate. Otherwise, he would have to take a chosen mate who proves her virginity to him. I, of course, already love my mate and wanted to prove my virtue, but I felt so uncomfortable being exposed. I am not sure if I should bring it up. Richard seemed so happy being told I am a virgin. I don't want to mess anything up.

I realize that September 1st was the beginning of the end for my mother. That day sealed her miserable life.