Chapter 170

Chapter 170
Wendi

The depth of pain in Alex’s eyes felt like a gaping hole in Wendi’s chest. Although a few hours had passed since his father’s premature death, time felt like it was almost standing still. Especially because Wendi was sitting on the couch, between her mother-in-law and her mate, Alex.

Leo sat across from them on the other sofa in the family living room. He held his sister’s hand. Leah was fidgeting with her fingers, while Leo stared off into space. Wendi could tell that Leo felt like they were all trapped in a terrible dream, that the none of the Black family could wake up from. The grief around her was so thick she could almost taste it.

Wendi knew that her family wasn’t the only one suffering. Although the battle had ended with the death of Alpha John, Alpha Silver and Jenny, the aftermath had just begun. Almost all of the wolves of Blackrock were in the process of licking their wounds and discovering the colossal cost of ambition. Five families were now grieving a loved one, but their loss was also felt by everyone. There wasn’t a single heart on the reservation that wasn’t hurting from the loss of a friend or fellow Pack member.

In addition to the departed, three wolves still had lives hanging in the balance. Wendi and the Twins had already visited those in critical condition and their families. The medical team had expressed hope that all three of them would eventually recover. Wendi had went out of her way to make sure that the families would be comfortable while they were keeping vigil. While she made her preparations, the pack doctor had assured Wendy that the advanced healing abilities of the wolves, coupled with the sheer amount of love and support, would be instrumental in their full recovery.

After Wendi and her mates had spent time with the wolves in intensive care, they also took the opportunity to also visit with the other seven warriors that were wounded. The hospital staff told the Alpha’s that most of them would be released within twenty-four hours. The worst of those in the hospital, without life threatening injuries, was definitely their gamma, Matt. Even he was expected to be back to full health within a few days.

Wendi was in her element while she had as bringing comfort to those around her that were hurting. She had compassion and the proper psychological training that she was able to minister to not only the injured, but also their families. Leo, also had a gift for people and was instrumental in being present for those who needed to lean into the strength of their Alpha and Luna.

Once they left the hospital, Wendy and Leo had met Alex back at the Pack house. He had been helping Sam and Cole re-establish the boarders of Blackrock. They had also organized the honorable transport and housing of the fallen, until arrangements could be made. Wendi didn’t envy Alex the job of informing the families of their loss. Alex had displayed an amazing amount of strength as he and Sam had went to see the families of the fallen. Sadly, the last on that list was visiting with his own mother.

As he had arrived on the porch of the Pack house, Wendi instantly enveloped him into a huge hug. She could feel the heaviness that they settled into the air around them. She could also sense the raw emotion coming from with the rest of the family as they entered the room with his mother. But even Sansa’s sadness was nothing compared to the weight of Alex and Leo’s grief crashing down into Wendi’s shoulders.

The palpable tension in the room seemed to swirl around the room as the Black family sat in silence, almost as if they were lost in their own thoughts. The unnatural stillness was finally broken by the sound of a sharp knock at the front door. Wendi quickly got to her feet so she could greet whoever had come to visit. She wasn’t one hundred percent sure about Pack etiquette for loss, but she knew that none of the family was prepared for visitors.

As she turned to leave the room, Wendi caught sight of Leah’s expression and knew that this particular guest would be welcomed. Wendi rushed to the door and greeted Alpha Red quietly. She opened the door and gestured for Jace to come in.

“How is she? Is there anything I can do? I have been so worried. I have been kicking myself because I should have been here. I couldn’t have been gone more than an hour before the rogues attacked.” Alpha Red said with a guilty expression.
Wendi shook her head. “You couldn't have known. Leah is doing as well as can be expected. I know you worry about her, but I saw her in battle. She is one fierce warrior.”

“Thanks, Luna.” Jace said. “I’ll feel better when she's of age, and I can take her home, so I can protect her. I don't know how I am ever going to be able to leave her side again. I may put my bedroll down right here on your porch.”

Wendi shook her head. She knew from her experiences with the Twins that Alpha’s took the safety of their mates very seriously. “I’m sure we could find you a real bed.” She said with a half smile. “From our intelligence reports, we believe we were being launched. It’s likely they were waiting for you to leave. There is nothing more you could have done. But, your presence and comfort is exactly what Leah needs now.”

Alpha Red gave Wendi a sorrowfully smile and followed her into the living room. The second he entered, Leah jumped to her feet and launched herself into his arms. For the first time since Adam fell in battle, Wendi saw Leah begin to cry.
Her tears seemed to be the catalyst that broke the dam of emotions. Sansa also began to sob. Leo had his arms around his mother in an instant. He held her to his chest as the waves of grief washed over them both. Wendi knew that these would likely not be the last of their tears, but she also knew that it was the beginning of the necessary cleansing needed to allow them to heal.

Wendi walked back towards the dual sofas feeling torn. She desperately wanted to comfort Leo and Sansa but she didn’t want to leave Alex alone. Almost as if he sensed her, Alex got to his feet and took her hand. He led her to the other couch and sandwiched her between himself and his brother.

“Don’t fret Enaid, we are in this together.” He whispered softly as he leaned down and softly kissed her forehead.