Chapter 60: Funeral

My eyes scanned the loosely assorted sea of black and white that filled the church pews. Some people I recognized, others were strangers. I didn’t know many of mum's friends, so I had only sent the funeral invites to people I knew. However, Mum's colleagues had spread the news of her death like a wildfire giving dozens of people a chance to self invite themselves to what I had imagined being a small send-off.

I tried to keep my expression as neutral as possible while standing next to Mum's coffin thanking people for coming and giving their condolences. Blake stood next to me with his hand wrapped tightly around my waist. He was the only one that knew the turmoil I was going through. He has seen my tears and helped me keep myself together.

But this day wasn’t just about my mother. It was about Richard as well. As much as Rocky and I didn’t consider him our father, he was still the man that helped create us. The sperm donor. We put our feelings aside and stood with Theresa to lay her mate to rest.

News of Richard’s infidelity had caused a storm in Richard’s pack. As I had found out, Richard was the son of Alpha Morris, Alpha of the Blue Crescent pack. They were a small pack just outside of Huntly, and since the pack fell under Blake’s Eastern territory, Blake was called to help Alpha Morris understand the mess his son had created.

Blake returned from his visit to The Blue Crescent Pack very quiet and troubled. He refused to tell Theresa or me what happened. Instead, Theresa received a phone call to say that Morris didn’t want to be part of his son’s funeral, and she was free to organize things herself.

After talking it through, Theresa and I decided to have both the funerals together. People were already talking and making up stories about Richard and Mum's relationship. We had to do what was best for the family, and right now, standing together was what we wanted.

We kept the ceremony short and straightforward—no eulogy or speeches. Rocky nor I had the strength to stand up and say good things about people that made our life hell.

As the closed coffins were lead out of the church, Theresa, Rocky, and Taylor walked behind Richard’s coffins while Blake and I followed mums. As we walked past the people standing along the aisle, paying their respects, to my surprise, The Callum’s were present.

Taylor hadn’t mentioned inviting them. Mr. Callum had his arms wrapped around Mrs. Callum, and Chris stood next to his mum watching the coffins. What surprised me the most was Vince. He stood behind his parents with his head held high like some VIP.

What the hell was he doing here?!

I quickly looked away from him. His arrogant posture made me angry, and I really couldn’t deal with all that drama today.

Once we were outside the church, Blake went to help load the coffins into the hearse for their short drive to the burial site. The hearses pulled away, and I stood in my spot watching the cars carry away both my parents.

A warm hand on my shoulder made me turn around. Dwayne stood next to me with a slight smile on his face.

“You aren’t alone. You have us. All of us.” Dwayne’s words made my heart pinch.

The Coopers had stood by me like a fortress. Making sure I was okay. Making sure decisions, I couldn’t make was made. If Blake had to go away, someone else would fill in for his absence. I was never left alone.

“Thank you.” That was all I could manage to say. My throat was dry, and the ache in my chest was getting worse by the minute.

“Angel, we’re going now.” Blake walked over to us.

“Blake, May I escort Rosy to the burial, please?” Nate asked as he walked over and stood next to me.

Blake looked at me for clarity, and I nodded.

“Sure, dad. Come on”

Nate put his arm out for me to take. I linked my shaky hand into his arm, and we started walking. In the distance, we could see the hearse reverse and park next to two dug-out graves.

As we got closer, I could feel my anxiety rising. My chest got tighter, and I was starting to breathe heavily.

“You okay, kiddo?” Nate asked.

I shook my head. Not being able to speak.

“Blake,” he called out, and immediately I was wrapped in Blake’s arms.

“I got her dad.” Nate nodded and let go of my hand. He looked very worried. They were all worried about me.

“Breath, Angel,” Blake whispered into my ear. His embrace had already started to calm me down.

I took a deep breath in and nodded, letting Blake guide my way.

Soon we were standing next to the coffins sitting on straps ready to be lowered into the graves.

A sad ambiance loomed as we all stood around the graves. Theresa’s sobering as well as hushed whispers gently caressed my ears. I blocked out everyone and stared at the two coffins before me.

It was time to say goodbye, and I couldn’t hold back my tears anymore. Treacherous tears slide down my cheeks, and before I knew it, I was sobbing.

Ma was a horrible mother. She lied to me, she cursed at me, she tortured me, she hated me, and she abandoned me. My heart was filled with pain and hatred for her. Nevertheless, she was my mother. She did care for me in her own ways. The best thing she did for me was sending me to Mariners Bay. If it weren’t for that decision, I wouldn’t have met Taylor and Rocky. I wouldn’t have met Blake.

The priest said his final words, and the coffin lowering device groaned, slowing lowering the coffins into the graves.

Blake’s arms around me tightened, and Theresa’s sobs got louder. I glanced over to her. Rocky was holding his mother tightly. Rogue tears slid down Rocky’s cheek. He quickly wiped them away, and he clenched his jaws. He had a dark pair of sunglasses on to hide the pain his eyes shone.

One of the church helpers walked around handing out roses for people to throw onto the coffins before saying their last goodbyes. Once the lowering device stopped, people slowly walked over to the grave and paid their final respects.

From the corner of my foggy, wet eyes, I noticed the Callum family walking towards me.

“We are very sorry for your loss, Rosy.” Mrs. Callum looked down at her fingers.

“Let us know if there’s anything we can do for you” Mr. Callum rubbed his wife’s arm. He, too, tried to avoid eye contact.

“Now you want to help me? Now you care? Why? Because I’m suddenly prominent enough in society for you to acknowledge you know me? Knowing Blake Cooper's fiancé must earn you so many brownie points, huh?” I was angry. I hadn’t forgotten what they had done and today wasn’t the day to mess with me.

“Rosy.....” Mr. Callum began before Blake put his hand up to stop him.

“Mr. Callum, thank you very much for coming today. We appreciate you being part of our hard times. However, please know I say this in the most respectful way possible, I think it’s time your family and you leave. It’s a painful day for my fiancé, and your son being here is just adding to her suffering.”

Mr. Callum cleared his throat and nodded before motioning for his wife in the direction of the carpark. Chris gave me a tight smile before following his parents. Vince, on the other hand, stood rooted to his spot with a smirk on his face.

“Come on, Vince. Not today. Please. Give Rosy a break today.” Blake groaned.

“Fine. Although I thought she’d like to hear what I have to say,” Vince snickered.

“Spit it out, asshole. What do you have to say that’s so important?” I just wanted him gone.

“I know what happened to your mother and her boyfriend. That important enough for you?” Vince adjusted his jacket and looked between Blake and me.

I felt the air leave my lungs and dry out my chest.

“What?!” Growled Blake. He took a step towards Vince.

“You don’t scare me, dipshît. So don’t even try to intimate me. I have information you need, and you know what I want. Once you’ve dealt with all this, come find me, and we can talk.” Vince stuffed his hands into his pockets and rolled his eyes.

Blake let out a growl and grabbed Vince by the collar.

“Listen here, asshole!”

“Blake! Let him go” another voice came from behind us.

Max quickly walked over and grabbed his brother's shoulder, trying to pull him away from Vince.

“Not today Blake. Not here. It’s neither the time nor the place.”

Rocky was now standing next to me with his hand on my arm, ready to pull me away in case a fight broke out.

“Blake. We can deal with him later. People are watching” Rocky looked around as people started to stop and stare at what was happening.

“Blake....” My voice came out in more of a croak.

I watched as Blake let go of Vince’s collar and pushed him back.

“You and I aren’t done. You won’t be so lucky next time,” Blake growled. He was shaking a little, and Rocky tightened his hand on my arm.

Rocky’s instructions were to get me to safety if ever a sticky situation arose. A sticky situation included Blake suddenly shifting into a wolf due to him being angry.

“Whatever! As I said, you don’t scare me. Call me, Rosy. I know you will” Vince winked at me before turning around to walk away.

Blake growled and pushed Max’s hand off his shoulder.

“What the hell are you doing here?! I thought you were told not to show your face!” Blake barked at his brother.

Rocky still hadn’t let go of my arm. Was Blake still not calm enough?

“Really? I never listen to anything you say. What makes you think I would today? I’m here for Rosy. You can’t stop me.”

The brother stared at each other intensely.

“Can you both please cut it out! Please! Just one day! One fuxking day! I’ve lost both my parents! BOTH! Can you two put aside your drama for today and let me moan about the death of my parents?! Please! ” I sobbed, my voice breaking as I yelled at the boys. I was so angry tears were just pouring down my cheeks like a waterfall.

Blake and Max looked at each other and then down at me. They nodded, and Blake walked over to me, pulling me into a hug.

“I’m sorry, Angel. I’ll be on my best behavior.”

I buried my face into Blake’s chest and sobbed louder. I didn’t need any of this today.

“Come on. Let’s go say goodbye” Blake rubbed my back.

I nodded and pulled away to wipe my face.

Blake wrapped his arm around my shoulder and started to walk towards the grave.

“Wait” I stopped and turned towards Max.

I put my hand out. Max looked at my hand and then back up at me.

“We’re going to put all the drama aside today. For today, be my friend? Come help me say goodbye to my parents?” My scratchy voice was toneless.

Max looked up at Blake. Whatever Blake’s reaction was, Max, smiled and placed his hand into mine. His big hands on mine spread warmth through my body. A different warmth compared to Blake but a warmth nonetheless.

“Let’s go,” Max said, stepping forward to fall in line with us.

I smiled and nodded. I looked up at Blake. He had a slight smile on his face. His smile didn’t reach his eyes, but he pushed away whatever it was that was bothering him and pulled me towards the grave.

We all stood around both the graves with roses in our hands, ready to say our last goodbyes.

I kissed one of my roses and threw it onto Richard’s coffin.

“I wish I had gotten to know you more. I wish you’d been the father I always cried for. Today, I pray that God gives you the peace you need. I forgive you. Forgive you for everything” Tears streamed down my face. I was stuttering trying to get the words out.

I kissed my second rose and threw it onto Mum's coffin.

“I love you, ma. I hope you, too, find peace. You did the best you could, and today I forgive you too.”

Blake threw his roses onto the coffins and pulled me into a hug. I was crying hard now. All the tears I had been holding back were free-flowing down my cheeks.

I could feel Max’s presence next to me. I knew he, too, wanted to comfort me, but I only wanted Blake.

Theresa stepped forward, clenching on to her roses.

“Richard, my love, none of us are perfect. You made your mistakes, and I made mine. However, your actions gave me a beautiful family. A beautiful daughter and a handsome son. So, thank you. Thank you for making those mistakes” she threw the first rose onto Richard’s coffin.

“Beth, you’ve made the most amazing daughter. I promise to take good care of her. I wish you had appreciated the woman she has become today. Rest In Peace, my loves” Theresa threw the second rose onto Mum's coffin and stepped back.

Taylor stepped forward and, without any words, tossed her roses into the graves before stepping back. Rocky stood in his spot, staring down at the coffins.

“Babe,” Taylor rubbed his arm.

Rocky snapped out of his thoughts and cleared his throat.

“I don’t have anything to say” Rocky tossed his roses and stepped back. He looked away, trying to hide his tears.

Once we were all done, the priest signaled for the grounds workers to start burying the coffins. We had requested to stay until the graves were filled up.

They grabbed their shovels and started walking towards us.

“Wait!” I voiced stopped them on their tracks.

We all turned to find an older man standing not too far from us. He looked the same age as Dwayne.

The man started walking towards us, and I felt Blake stiffen. His arms tightened around me, and I heard him swallow loudly.

Theresa gasped, and Rocky snickered.

What the hell was going on?

The older man stopped in front of the graves and looked down at the coffins.

“Morris,” Theresa finally spoke.

What?

“I thought you didn’t want to attend your son's funeral.”

“Nice to see you too, Theresa. You doing okay?” Morris didn’t lookup. His eyes were still looking at the coffins.

“I’ve been better. So do tell, what changed your mind?”

“Well, you see, I’ve been told you have something very powerful in your possession” Morris finally looked up and narrowed his eyes at Theresa.

“I’m confused. I don’t own anything precious.”

Morris chuckled and turned his gaze towards Blake and me.

“You haven’t told them?”

Blake growled but stayed quiet.

“If you’re trying to shut me up, you need to think again. My pack is already disgraced thanks to these two dead people and that girl in your arms. I’ve got nothing to lose.” Morris chuckled again and started to walk towards Theresa.

“What is he talking about?” I looked up at Blake. My voice was breaking from all the crying I was doing.

“Tell her, King Cooper. Tell her what I’m talking about” Morris stopped in front of the basket of roses that were left behind. He knelt, picking one up and tossing it onto Richard’s coffin.

“Morris, I’m warning you. There will be consequences,” Blake growled.

“Oh, Fuxk your consequences. I would love to know how long you planned on hiding all this, huh?”

“Morris! How dare you speak to my grandson like that?! Do you know what this disrespect will cost you?!” Dwayne growled.

“When he doesn’t respect us enough to tell us things, why should he respect him?”

“Blake, what is he talking about?” Nate asked. You could see the concern on his face.

“I’m talking about that girl. That girl in Blake’s arms.”

Blake growled and quickly pushed me behind him. Max took a step closer to me, keeping a close eye on me.

“Don’t hide her. I intend on telling everyone about the curse,” Morris snickered.

“Curse?” Dwayne looked confused.

“Yes, Curse. The curse her mother has triggered.”

“Morris! Shut the Fuxk up!” Blake yelled. He was shaking from anger. Rocky was next to me again. He held his hand out for me to take, but I was frozen in my spot from fear.

“Many years ago, the Waltz family was cursed after a hybrid female, half-werewolf half-witch, was rejected by the Alpha’s son. The curse was that if a hybrid of any kind were born into the family, darkness would settle upon us. Death is the darkest part. Since that day, our ancestors made it their mission to make sure no hybrids were created in the family. It was all going well until my good for nothing son decided to Fuxk that whore”

“When Blake came to visit, he explained Richard’s infidelity but forgot to mention that girl! My family is going to suffer because that girl exists! And you, Theresa, you are calling that girl your daughter! Because of her, Rocky could die” Morris was livid.

Was I a curse? Was my exist going to cause so much pain and suffering? Especially to people I loved.

“Oh, shut up, old man! Rosy is my sister. I know she will not hurt me. I don’t believe in your bullshit,” Rocky snarled at Morris.

“You just wait and watch, boy.”

“Morris! She’s my daughter-in-law. You better watch your tone with her.” Nate growled.

“Even if this were true, how did we rectify this? There must be some way of breaking this curse.”

“Yes, there is. We have to kill her.”

Morris’s words send a shiver down my spine.

Did he just say they had to kill me??

Oh dear lord! What the Fuxk was this nonsense ??