A Secret Alpha Mate

(1sla)

Walking around Silver Moon had an entirely new meaning for me. It was always home, I always felt connected to the land, but now having my memories back, knowing that these pack lands were given to my ancestors from the Moon Goddess herself had an entirely different meaning.

I hoped one day that I would be able to fully appreciate the happy memories that I had here, but my grief was still too ra too new. All of the memories I had are still laced with pain.

I was proud of the pack and the packhouse, honored to be their Luna. Knowing that this beautiful place belonged to me i a way I could have never imagined before was daunting, but amazing.

The memorial for my parents got moved up to tonight and I wasn't prepared at all. I had to admit that I was putting it off, didn’t want to think about it.

I was beyond thankful that Gianna showed up. I felt guilty about her doing most of the work, pulling off a last minute memorial, but she kept insisting that she loved it, and I knew I needed her. She even packed me some clothes to wear, wg weren't planning on having a memorial so I had nothing appropriate at Silver Moon.

As the day went on, I was more and more nervous, dreading the memorial, not wanting the finality of it.

I wish it could be a small affair, but I wasn't the only one that lost them. The entire pack lost their Alpha and Luna and th deserved this too.

Gianna's familiar knock came at the door.

“Come in" I say, was I late? I haven't even started getting ready.

“I brought your dress back, I had it ironed.” She smiles at me and hangs it up on the back of the door, I didn't even notice that she took it. She sits next to me on the bed and takes my hand in hers, “How are you feeling?”

“I don't know.” I answer honestly.

“I think you'll feel better once its over.” She says, “I'l help you get ready”

She goes to start a shower for me, “Nice and warm, Ill be here when you get out” I give her a smile and head to the bathroom.

The shower felt nice and helped me relax a tiny bit. The hot water working out some of the tension I've been carrying. Giannna helps me blow dry my hair and pull part of it back in a clip and puts on a bit of light makeup. I'm grateful for the silence of her working. I focus on what she’s doing, trying to stay present.

She helps me slip on my floor-length black dress, seeing my look when she pulled out a pair of high-heels she swapped them for shorter ones without even making a face.

jackson walks in and looks at his mom. “Thanks for everything” She gives a short nod.

“My pleasure, I'm going to touch up my makeup and I'll meet you both downstairs.” She gives me one last look, “You'll do great.”

jackson walks up to me looking me over, “You look absolutely beautiful” Jackson was wearing a black suit and a black tie I was more myself now I would have noted how sexy he was.

“You don't have to say anything if you don't want to, if you feel up to it to make a small speech then you can.” I nod, not even knowing what I would say. Jackson looks at the beginning of the sunset through the curtains, “Ready? He asks, holdi out his hand.

I most certainly was not ready, but I had to do this. 1 nod and place my hand in his.

Lucas, Cameron, Gianna, and William were all waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs. They give me sympathetic smiles and Jackson and I lead them to the lake, all walking in silence.

There were already too many pack members to count, they parted ways for us to walk through. Jackson squeezed my han sensing my nervousness. I took a deep breath walking towards the lake. I saw two black coffins waiting to be lowered intc the ground, the last time I would see my parents, even if they were in closed coffins, it felt real.

My breath hitched and I paused in my steps, Jackson put an arm around me and helped me walk further. My feet were betraying me, wanting to push back the closer we got. This was too real, my parents, about to be buried. Forever.

As soon as we're standing facing the lake I'm rooted to the spot, watching the night slowly turn the sky behind what woul be my parents graves. I'm barely aware of the scent of flowers around us and a faint light coming from behind us when th sunset starts to give way. Candles maybe?

jackson squeezes my hand, “I'l start talking and then you let me know if you're able.” He whispers, I try to nod as he turn me to face the audience, my eyes wide. More pack members than I've ever seen were behind me. I thought some would show up but this was more pack members than I even knew we had.

Abigail is standing in the front and gives me an encouraging look. Jackson starts talking in his booming voice.

“We are here to finally lay to rest Alpha Anthony and Luna Lily, the previous, and rightful Alpha and Luna of the Silver Mo Pack” I hear some sobs and see that many of the pack members were wiping their eyes, some holding on to each other. felt bad thinking it, but it made me feel better that others shared my grief, it made it lighter, if only by a little.

“We aren't here to come together in anger or sadness, even though I know your grief must be great. We come together tonight to celebrate their lives, to share stories, and cherish the memaries of the time that we had with these two great leaders”

He looks down at me and I feel all the eyes of the pack members shift towards me. I didn't know what to say, I had nothir prepared.

“I can wrap it up if you want” He whispers to me, I shake my head. These were my parents, I had to be the one that sent them off. I clear my throat hoping that words would eventually come out, “Just say what you feel” He encourages me. “Th-thank you all for coming out tonight and helping me send off my parents, lay them to rest." I start a bit shakily, “This means so much to me to see how much they were loved.” 1 finally find my voice.

“I know many of you have known my parents more than the four short years that I got to spend with them, and I wanted t say how truly and deeply I am sorry for your loss. I know they would be overjoyed to see how many people came to pay them your respect.” My voice cracked.

“I don't want to drag this out, I don't think I have the words to carry it on much longer either. I don't have the words to describe how deeply I feel their loss and how important they were as people, as Alpha and Luna, as my parents!" I steal a glance at Jackson and he is starting intently at me.

“I know they are here with us tonight. I know you will help me carry on their legacy, by sharing their stories, and in your memories. They have touched each of us in a different way, and I'm calling on all of you to help me carry on their legacy. Even though we are laying them to rest, our memories will keep them alive.” nod to Jackson who looks at his mom.

Soft harp music plays from the distance, I didn't have time to look where. Gianna comes up and gives me two white roses to place on their coffins.

“I love you!" I whisper to my parents, hoping wherever they were they could hear me.

I fought this time to take steps away from their coffins. I made my way back into Jackson's arms. Tears I was holding in spilled over in waves as they were lowered into the ground. Jackson's arm was around me and we were soon joined by Abigail, Jim, Jackson's parents, Lucas, and Cameron, surrounding me.

As soon as they were gone from view Gianna's voice says, “There will be a reception in the back of the pack house. Please fell free to head there as soon as you are done paying your respects.” Gianna heads towards the packhouse, I was gratefu that she was taking care of it ll.

My family stays with me until 'm ready to leave. I take one last glance at the silver moon that has risen over the lake, casting a reflection off its rippling glass water.

I take a deep breath and head towards the packhouse slowly. Jackson walks with me and I know that my family is followir behind.