Alpha Cayden paced back and forth in his spacious study, his mind filled with worry and frustration. Max knew the weight of Cayden’s emotions, and he was determined to find answers for his alpha.
“Cayden,” Max began, his voice laced with concern. “I have news, but it’s not what you want to hear.”
Cayden sighed. “Nothing can be as bad as the way things already are. Tell me everything.”
Max explained everything that had happened at the council. How Hawk arrived and made false claims.”
“The council wants Selena’s testimony,” Max concluded.
Cayden had been listening to everything stoically until now. He rubbed his forehead.
“Did you find Selena?”
Max shook his head.
“Natasha suspected Selena of spying on us. She believed Selena had betrayed us, which led to the ambush that injured you and killed Natasha.”
Cayden vividly remembered when Selena had bitten him, injecting her healing power into his wounded body, saving his life. That act of love and devotion was etched into his memory, making it difficult to accept the accusations against her.
“N-No, that can’t be true,” Cayden stammered, his voice laced with doubt. “Selena would never betray me. She risked her life to save mine. There must be something we’re missing.”
Max nodded sympathetically, understanding the depth of Cayden’s love for Selena. “I know it’s hard to believe, Cayden. But Natasha was killed before she could provide more information. We could not interrogate her or learn the full extent of her suspicions. Selena might have had her reasons for keeping secrets, but it’s crucial that we find her now.”
Cayden’s mind raced with possibilities. If Selena had indeed discovered their plans for a secret attack, how did she tell the Hawk? But even as his thoughts swirled, Cayden couldn’t shake the unwavering trust he had in Selena’s loyalty.
“I can’t believe Selena would jeopardize our pack,” Cayden said firmly, his voice filled with conviction.
“She bit me.” Cayden declared.
Max looked at Cayden in surprise.
Cayden tugged his shirt collar up, revealing the new bite mark. “She bit me, imparted her life power, and saved my life. So why would she turn on me? There must be another explanation. She may be in danger herself, trapped in a web of deception.”
Max regarded Cayden thoughtfully. He had seen firsthand the love between the alpha and Selena, and he understood Cayden’s unwavering faith in her. However, he also knew the complexities of the situation, the dangerous game they were entangled in.
“I don’t doubt Selena’s love for you, Cayden,” Max replied, his voice steady. “But we can’t ignore the possibility that she might be influenced by forces beyond her control. We need to find her, protect her if necessary, and uncover the truth together.”
Cayden’s eyes flickered with determination. “You’re right, Max. We cannot afford to waste any more time. We must gather our strongest warriors and launch a search for Selena. I won’t rest until she is back in my arms, safe and sound.”
“She is your mate! You can reach her!” Max suddenly said.
“I tried.” Cayden mumbled. “But she is too far away, or they locked her up in a place where my wolf can’t contact her. That is why I am concerned about her safety.”
Max nodded, admiring Cayden’s resolute spirit. “I will try to find out what happened after she cured you. I had left her in Oscar’s care while you were injured.....”
Cayden was suddenly alert.
“What did you say? Oscar?”
“Yeah, I admit I was so worried about you that I believed Natasha’s words. And Oscar offered to keep an eye on her. I heard from the doctor that Oscar was against letting Selena see her. But Dr Colin persisted.”
Cayden frowned, trying to make sense of the situation. “So, you’re saying that Oscar was trying to keep Selena away from me? Why would he do that?” “I’m not sure,” replied Max. “But it seems like there’s more going on here than we know. Maybe we should try to talk to Oscar and get his side of the story.”
“Yeah, Find Oscar!” Cayden commanded.
“There is one more thing. We need to arrange for Natasha’s funeral.” Max said solemnly.
“We can’t forget about honouring her memory and saying our goodbyes properly.” Cayden nodded in agreement. “You’re right, Max. Let’s make sure to give her the send-off she deserves.”
***************
The werewolf pack gathered in solemn silence, their hearts laden with sadness over the loss of their beta, Natasha. During the burial, Alpha Cayden stood tall and stern, commanding respect, and power, yet his eyes reflected the anguish that weighed heavily on him. The pack would honour Natasha’s memory during a sombre burial ritual. They had constructed a hallowed spot for their fallen friend, surrounded by towering trees and bathed in the mellow glow of night. The aroma of moist dirt mixed with that of the pack, creating a strong blend of emotion that filled the air.
Cayden’s gaze swept over the gathered werewolves, each face etched with grief and remembrance. Natasha was a fierce and loyal beta, her dedication to the pack unparalleled. She had fought alongside them, protected them, and now they mourned the loss of her unwavering presence.
As the last rays of sunlight danced upon the horizon, casting a golden hue over the solemn scene, Cayden stepped forward to address the mournful gathering. His voice, laced with a mixture of sorrow and determination, resonated through the clearing.
“Today, we gather to honour our fallen pack member, Natasha Black. She was more than just a beta to us; she was a pillar of strength, a fierce protector, and a loyal companion. Her loss has left a void within our hearts that can never be filled.”
Cayden’s words echoed in the stillness, carrying the weight of the pack’s collective grief. He continued; his voice was steady despite the raw emotions that threatened to overwhelm him.
“Natasha gave her life for our cause, for the pack she loved. Her bravery and sacrifice will forever be etched in our memories. We must carry on, united in our purpose, honouring her legacy by protecting one another and fighting for the future she believed in. Let’s hope she reincarnates, and we meet again.”
The alpha’s gaze shifted to the flickering flames of the funeral pyre, where Natasha’s mortal remains were being transformed into ashes. The scent of burning wood mingled with the scent of loss, a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life.
As the flames consumed Natasha’s earthly vessel, Cayden led the pack in a solemn chant, a mournful melody that resonated through the clearing. Their voices rose and fell in unison, a tribute to the fallen warrior who had given everything for their pack’s survival.
As the last embers of the funeral pyre dwindled, the pack members dispersed, their hearts heavy with grief but also filled with a renewed sense of purpose. Cayden stood alone for a moment; his gaze fixed on the smouldering ashes that now contained the physical remnants of his loyal beta. A bittersweet mix of sadness and determination filled his heart.
Firm in his resolve, Alpha Cayden made a silent promise to Natasha, vowing to carry out her revenge.
“Cayden.” Max interrupted his thoughts and Cayden turned towards his beta; his expression was still heavy with grief.
“I can’t find Oscar,” Max said, his voice steady. “He has gone missing, along with a few other wolves who were close to him. I think they have betrayed us.”