Chapter 82 Waiting Game
1307words
The burial for Luna Fraya was beautiful, a fitting reflection of her soul. I had expected a large turnout, but it seemed that every shifter in Midnight Moon had shown up to pay their respects—even those from Silver Shadow, who had never had the chance to meet her. I was glad to see my own family and Bailey, whom I hadn't seen since before the attack. It was clear how much Luna Fraya was loved by her pack. My heart broke for them as I watched everyone grieve, their sorrow mingling with my own pain at losing such an incredible woman. I only wished I'd had more time with her. She set standards so high that I wasn't sure I could ever reach them. Her gentle eyes and wise words would be forever etched into my heart. For those who remembered her, losing their Luna a second time had to be unbearable.
Curious eyes lingered on me from all sides during the burial. I welcomed each time a new pack member approached to introduce themselves and make small talk—it helped me feel as though they were already accepting me as their Luna.
I could tell Alpha Jaxon was on edge with Alpha Christian's presence. Tensions were undeniably high, but I still thought it was a kind gesture for Alpha Christian to pay his respects at Alpha Jaxon's mother's burial. Alpha Christian was remarkably handsome; no wonder women were drawn to him, but I had no interest. My heart belonged to someone else. As I watched the three muscular men walk away, I silently prayed that Alpha Jaxon wouldn't do anything rash. His anger was barely contained, but with it being the day his mother passed, I wasn't sure I could handle another death or act of violence.
Sophia and I made our way toward the cabin. I didn't condone violence, but seeing Beverly's body reduced to ashes was something I had personally requested. I didn't wish her any harm, but she had betrayed her Alpha, killed Luna Fraya, and tried to murder both Alpha Jaxon and me. Her betrayal wasn't something that could be swept under the rug.
Sophia had been unusually quiet and uneasy since the burial. It hurt to see someone who had always been bubbly and outgoing become so withdrawn, even with me. I considered Sophia one of my closest friends now, and seeing her like this bothered me. Whatever was troubling her, I wanted to fix it. Something was pestering her, but I couldn't put my finger on it.
I tried to start light conversation, but she wouldn't respond. Every comment was met with a simple yes, no, or a noncommittal mhm. I wanted to ask her what was wrong, but I held back, remembering how much it hurt to see my father face death. Sophia must have still been grieving her own mother. As we neared the cabin, she stopped abruptly and finally blurted out, "You don't think Jaxon is going to hurt Alpha Christian, do you? Did he say anything?" I was surprised that she cared—she usually had little interest in pack politics.
Her warm amber eyes were filled with grief, and her panic seeped into me. "I—I don't know, Soph... Jaxon was really upset when Beta Don told him Alpha Christian had arrived unexpectedly. But I have a feeling it'll all work out. Those two have a long history together—there's got to be some middle ground they'll find," I replied softly, rubbing my hand across my face. She sighed just as we heard leaves crunching nearby—the enforcers tasked with watching us were approaching.
The fire was already burning bright, its warmth making me uncomfortably hot and unfocused. Elder John stood on the other side, preparing herbs and oils for the burning. He looked up, nodded at us, then continued mixing something in a small wooden bowl. My eyes flicked to Beverly's body, thankfully covered by a black plastic sheet. Watching her body burn was something I needed to do, not something I wanted, so I was grateful I didn't have to see her lifeless form beneath the sheet.
I sensed Sophia shifting uncomfortably beside me, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't. I placed a hand to my forehead, sweat beading on my skin. I couldn't remember the last time I'd been sick—shifters rarely caught colds or the flu like humans did.
The enforcers sent by Alpha Jaxon gathered around the fire. None appeared remorseful—impatient, maybe. No one said a word as we waited for Elder John to begin. The forest was eerily quiet, as if the evil still lingered in Midnight Moon. Elder John approached us, his gaze fixed on me. "Luna," he said, baring his neck respectfully. "I want you to know this is the right thing to do according to shifter law. I have no doubt Midnight Moon has found its rightful Luna. Restoring justice is important in any pack."
A small smile spread across my face at his compliment, catching me off guard. I wasn't sure if I'd ever be good, strong, or powerful enough to stand by Alpha Jaxon, but it warmed my heart to see some pack members believed in me. Even if I never measured up to Luna Fraya, nothing would keep me from trying. I was ready to devote myself to my mate and my pack.
"Thank you, Elder John. Your kind words mean a lot," I replied. I felt Sophia's arm drape over my shoulders, her grin making it clear she believed in me too. Elder John returned to Beverly's body and began chanting a prayer to the Moon Goddess. Two enforcers lifted Beverly's shrouded body and tossed it into the fire, as if it meant nothing. Not a single tear was shed around the circle, and that made me feel terrible. I couldn't imagine dying without anyone to grieve for me, but their actions showed their loyalty to their Alpha and their pack.
We all watched as the fire burned through the plastic, the blaze growing larger and fiercer. Sparks shot up as Beverly's body burned, filling the air with the foul stench of scorched flesh. Elder John periodically sprinkled his mixture into the fire, sending up dark onyx smoke. He continued his prayer, and a sense of calm and newfound hope washed over me.
I turned to look at the cabin, memories flooding my mind. Still, I was no longer angry. Midnight Moon had endured so much chaos, but there was only one way forward now—toward new possibilities, and above all, security.
"You okay?" Sophia asked, still holding me close. She must've realized I was trembling, my mind racing as I replayed everything that had happened. I nodded, unable to force out any words. In that moment, I realized how much I had endured—the battle hadn't been easy, but it had been worth it.
Elder John tossed the wooden bowl into the fire, signaling the end of the ceremony. I gripped Sophia's gentle hand, continuing down the path back to the pack house, eager to see my mate. My wolf yearned for him, though I couldn't tell if it was just the mate bond or my true feelings for Alpha Jaxon. The man I once feared now had my whole heart, with the power to break it at any moment. The thought of being so vulnerable terrified me.
Sophia seemed to understand that I needed quiet to process everything that had happened. Her hand in mine was all the support I needed. My body felt exhausted, each limb heavier with every step toward the clearing. My stomach twisted in knots, and my body grew unbearably hot. I fought the urge to tear off my black dress right there. It was an unfamiliar feeling, one that panicked me and made me afraid I might collapse any second.
