Reclaiming His Abused Mate

The Funeral Day

The sun was shining in a cloudless sky, the air crisp and beautiful on the day Devin had chosen to hold Leah's service. I felt awkward as hell standing there beside Devin and the children, and I could feel all the eyes on me. Some of Leah's family were acting as though I had killed her myself. The more empathetic parts of me understood they wanted someone to blame, and although the mate bond was held in the highest esteem among wolves, since our race was dwindling and old traditions no longer very respected, most here felt we were a betrayal. The rumors would only increase, I was sure, once our new little one began to announce his imminent arrival.

Devin squeezed my hand, and pulled me back from my spinning thoughts. Cole leaned into my side, trying to hide the tears from all the people staring holes at us. I wrapped my arm around him and kept him close. I couldn't imagine the pain these precious kiddos were going through. All I could do was be here, no matter how awkward or uncomfortable. They needed me.

Toward the end of the service, Devin let go of my hand and moved to the front of the graveside crowd. His eyes were damp, and he had to clear his throat a few times before he was able to speak.

"It was a Terrible Tragedy that took Leah away from her children so suddenly. A senseless and unnecessary murder, at the hands of one of us that truly did not deserve life. Today, however, we celebrate the life of a woman, a mother, who loved her children fiercely and completely every day. Who lived for them. And will live on within their hearts forever. May you rest in peace as you watch over our boys, Leah." He placed a rose near her stone, and then walked back to me. as he did, the crowd rumbled with hushed and some not so hushed voices.

"that cheat and his new b***h are the reason my sister is dead!" A harsh voice echoed out. Devin's head whipped toward the sound and he let out a low growl. His eyes flashed with anger.

"Anyone who has negativity here today, can leave! This is a day of mourning, My children are saying goodbye to their mother!" he announced loudly, pulling Ben and Cole in close to him. Ava wanted to come forward, and defend him, and I fought an internal battle to calm her.

They can think what they like, Ava, the boys don't need this today. I reminded her sternly. She grumbled but settled down slightly.

The crowd began to say their goodbyes and leave, a few of the more kind people making sure to offer condolences to Devin before taking their leave. I searched faces and was startled to see two of the men who had been at the cabin the day Leah and Eaton had died. I made a mental note of them, and the vehicles they climbed into. They would need to be dealt with, but, again this was not the time or place.

After everyone else had left, Devin asked me via our bond if I would mind giving him and the boys a few moments alone. I nodded, and corralled my crew back to my truck. As I was sitting there, I noticed the white van one of the men I had made not of earlier still sitting a ways back along the curb. As I climbed into my seat and shut my door, I watched him slowly climb out of his truck and start walking toward Devin and the boys. I immediately got back out of the truck and walked up to him, intercepting him before he made it anywhere near Devin. I stood in his way, and growled. Ava was very close to the surface.

"I know what you did and who you are." I told him lowly, and the fury in my voice caused his eyes to widen slightly. " If I ever see you again, I will Rip you to shreds and watch you bleed out on the ground at his feet. Do you understand?" The man nodded, shaking slightly. I was sadisticly pleased to be the cause of such fear in this useless pawn Eaton had used to hurt Leah and Devin. I wanted his blood so badly, but instead, using all the control I could muster, I spoke to him once more.

"Leave now. Run. Never show your face in this town, this state, again. This is the only chance you will be given."

He took off for his van at a dead run. I stood and watched until he had driven off. Ava was pissed we hadn't simply killed him where he stood.

He doesn't deserve this chance at life! She hollered angrily. He is as guilty as Eaton was!

No, Ava. We are better than him. We cannot simply kill anyone who wronged us. The children don't need to see blood and violence on the day we buried their mother. I reasone, though truthfully I had wanted his blood too.

Devin walked up to me then, and put a hand on my shoulder. I jumped, I was so tense I hadn't felt him come up behind me.

"What was that all about, love?" Devin asked me, searching my gaze for the reason behind the anger and tension I was obviously displaying.

" Just a useless pawn of Eatons who needed to be put in his place." I answered. He gathered me close and hugged me for a few moments. Then we all headed back to our vehicles, to take the kids on a walk through the woods and court peace for the afternoon.