The Alpha Female

Episode 19: Nothing is for Free

Victoria

Henry allowed himself to recover at the request of his sister-in-law in order to say farewell to his mate and sister. Alisa was looked over ten times over to make sure that she and the baby were okay. Both of them had nerves of steel because they both were solemn but nothing dramatic. They were dressed in all-white attire that looked as though it had an iridescent glow to it as the moon shone down on them. Even though it was a sad event both of them held each other’s hands and looked like time stood still and took a picture of them. Alisa looked so much like Mike and for a brief moment I remembered him coming to me in the cave. I felt the pain of sorrow as I swallowed down the lump in my throat that threatened a sob to come out for their loss. I looked at them not even wanting to know how I’d be if I were in their position. They looked at us and nodded.

Mike and Henry’s sister were laid to rest in the gardens with the rest of our fallen brothers and sisters I was told. Amber. Henry’s sister’s name was Amber.

We stood in front of the packhouse with them. It was a damp and cold evening. It had rained earlier in the day. Angel stood next to me and held me. Damien stood beside Maria never letting her go either. The parents stood at the bottom of the steps. The rest of the pack stood surrounding the packhouse and stood in the audience. Angel and I stepped up. Angel spoke as I mind linked with the pack who was not within earshot.

“Today we laid to rest our brother – Mike our Gamma, the son to Nathan and Rose and the husband and mate to Henry Junior and future father to their unborn child being carried and grown in no other than Mike’s sister Alisa and Amber the daughter of Henry and Claudia and the sister to Henry Junior. Mike sacrificed his life to save his sister whether he knew it was her or not. Amber was kidnapped by another Alpha and killed with no mercy. As you all know we took a lot of prisoners, but the Alpha that dared to bring this travesty to our doorstep was also met without mercy as I ripped his throat out. He is no longer a threat and his pack is now ours. We also had discovered a traitor in our midst and he was also killed by my hand. Our pack is safe for now, but at the sacrifice of two important people and wolves in our pack. You all are important! Tonight! We remember them and how they lived, so they aren’t forgotten. Tonight we will feast and drink in their honor and tell tales of how they lived.”

Howls erupted from everywhere and the sound was almost deafening. Just then, as Angel and I were descending the stairs our tattoos began to glow, the air became still then burst with glittering shimmers around everyone. The burst of energy that had surged through our pack in Oregon did the same here and everyone looked around stunned. The Goddess was watching us still and as if we were all in a dream, spirits of our loved ones that had long passed away including Mike and Amber came out of the forest to celebrate with everyone.

The Goddess gave this pack the opportunity that none are afforded and my only thought was, at what cost was this going to be. Nothing from the Gods came for free. What was the price for this occurrence? My question was answered by none other than the Goddess as she approached Angel and me.

“I am sorry for your loss, but I have given everyone the opportunity to spend time with the ones they love for no more than five minutes including the ones that have recently crossed over.” The Mood Goddess smiled and looked at us with a twinkle of sadness in her eyes.

“We are so honored for your presence Moon Goddess. We are grateful for the allowance of time with our loved ones passed that you have granted the pack. We will cherish it and remember it always. Please allow us to provide you with milk and honey. As gracious as this is I wonder what the price tag is? Nothing comes for free.” I chose my words carefully as if she was the Fae. We didn’t want to owe her anything, nor disrespect and anger her. She nodded in response.

“You have yourself a very intelligent Luna.” She looked at Angel and smiled. He immediately nodded and averted his eyes and kept them to the ground. I was thankful he did that because had he not I think she would have hypnotized him and had him saying things that would truly bind us to her bidding. She looked annoyed now because of his silence and I knew my gut wasn’t wrong. “It does come with a price, but since you have a way with words Luna and your Alpha remains in silence I am halted. There is nothing that I ask of you at this time nor in the future. Enjoy your limited time.” She shimmered away into the sky. Just then it began to softly rain.

We had arranged large pitched tents that connected to each other. It was about the equivalent of a football stadium and it was to avoid the rain and it was decorated with white twinkle lights. We had decks built prior to the tents being put up so mud wouldn’t be throughout the ground. There was an area to put the shoes and boots. Inside the tent, there were small table heaters were arranged on all of the tables in case anyone got cold. White lilies, white roses, and white carnations adorned the tables with twinkle lights all around. We made sure that there were lush throw rugs all around and overlapping so no one’s feet would be cold or touching wood. We arranged ten different bar locations and fifteen buffet tables that had endless appetizers, food, and desserts that put the best buffets in Las Vegas to shame. Everyone was inside and speaking with their loved ones before it was their time to go. Angel and I looked for Henry and Alisa. It was only moments before we found them hugging Mike and Amber. Tears of happiness overflowed from every inch of the room. It was one of those things you always think about ‘If I had one moment to see a loved one that passed on who would it be?’ and right now this pack had one of the rarest opportunities to see them, hug them, laugh with them and give them that reassurance and closure they all needed.

Before everyone knew it, time was up and as quickly as everyone had appeared they turned around and walked back to the forest and faded until it was time to be reunited once again. Howls erupted everywhere. We all did it. It was moments of happiness and once again sorrow and grief washed over the tents as the rain grew heavier. There was absolute silence for a minute I swear you could hear a pin drop if it wasn’t for the rain. Everyone looked so sad, but then frowns turned upside down, and smiles started coming to life. The celebration of all of our passed away loved ones continued on in Mike and Amber’s honor. Laughter erupted from tales of battle, growing up, and embarrassing moments. Angel and I walked all around talking to everyone and asking about their welfare. We needed to make sure everyone was okay.

Henry Junior came up to Angel and me. He hugged us with tear-filled eyes. Alisa came up afterward and we all embraced. They went to thank us, but I quickly put up my index fingers to each of their mouths to stop them. I recited in verbatim the conversation with the Moon Goddess and why I worded everything in such a way. They understood and still erupted with smiles and more hugs. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

As much as the celebration came out with some wonderful things and a successful and uneventful and eventful evening the thought still lingered in my mind, ‘Everything comes with a price’ and although the Moon Goddess couldn’t name it because I watched my words I knew better. The Gods are not outsmarted easily and when they are the more challenging events come into play. Now it was just a matter of time before she showed her hand. Maybe we wouldn’t live to see it and it would be generations down the line before she came to name her price. Maybe I was wrong and she really was halted. I looked around at my mate, at our family, at our pack, and took a deep breath. Nothing is for free.