Chapter 173
Chapter 173
Wendi
Wendi lost count of how many hands she had shaken. The mass funeral of the Blackrock fallen was scheduled to begin any moment and Wendi was helping the Twins greet the multiple dignitaries that had come to pay their respects to the former Alpha. From the line of Alpha’s and their mates, Wendi was given the distinction impression that Adam had been well beloved in the shifter community.
Wendi tried to think about the version of the Twin’s father that she had spoken to on the porch the morning of the attack, rather than the one who had plagued her when she first met her mates. She knew deep in her heart that Alex and Leo dearly loved their father and she didn’t want to harbor hard feelings towards him. Instead, she wanted to see Adam through the eyes of the multiple Pack leaders that had come to honor their fallen friend.
Even Wendi had to admit that the small glimpse of the Alpha that Adam had once been, had been enough to begin to earn her respect. She knew that although Adam had been wrong in trying to prevent her union with the Twins, he had done so from a honest desire to protect Blackrock and it’s future. Even Wendi had to admit that despite his ignorance about the real potential of human and wolf mates, Adam had the courage of his conviction.
She was lost in thought and mindlessly greeting wolves when she felt the atmosphere around her change. It was enough to capture her attention and bring her back into the moment. She glanced around her to see what in the room had changed when she saw a small blonde with large blue eyes, who’s long straight hair was pulled into a tight ponytail. She wore a simple sleeveless black sheath dress and little makeup. Her head was bowed in submission but Wendi could tell there was steel in her spine.
Alex let out a low growl from beside her. Wendi glanced over her shoulder with a raised eyebrow. Alex had a stormy expression that Wendi didn’t quite understand. Leo, who was on the opposite side of Wendi, reached over and placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder.
“Don’t,” Leo whispered.
Alex let out long hard breath and a fake passive expression crossed his face. Even though it was faint, Wendi could feel a flood of anger through the mate bond. She took a few deep cleansing breaths in hopes that her calmness would help stabilize Alex.
The blonde was the next wolf in line when she gave Leo a very faint smile. She approached him cautiously. She extended her shaking hand slowly to Wendi’s mate. She cleared her throat and looked like she was struggling for words.
Leo, being the peacemaker that he was, spoke first. “Alpha Silver,” he said tightly.
She shook her head. “I’m not the Alpha. Silvermoon Pack cannot be ruled by a woman according to our laws. Only my mate can rule and I have yet to be claimed.” She looked at the ground sheepishly.
Wendi didn’t know why, but she instantly liked the blonde. She reached out and took the Silvermoon wolf’s hand, the second Leo released it.
“Hello, my name is Luna Wendi. Thank you for attending today.” Wendi said as she shook the girl’s hand. She guessed they were about the same age.
“Thank you for your kindness, Luna. My name is Elle Silver. My late father and sister shamed our Pack by betraying our allies. I know what has happened can never be undone, but I would sincerely like to extend my condolences. I sincerely apologize on behalf of all of my people and pray that someday we can find forgiveness. I hope the day comes when we can be friends again.” The she-wolf said. Wendi could hear the sincerity in her voice and it made her heart ache.
“Did you know?” Alex growled.
Elle shook her head. “No, I swear. I would have warned you because I believe what my family was doing was wrong. Even if I hadn’t been away at school, I would never have been part of such treachery. It broke my heart when my mother, the former Luna called me to tell me that my father had passed. Sadly, she fell ill before I got a flight home. Now, that she is gone, I am the last of the Silver family. I have been tasked with trying to keep the Pack running until it’s future is determined.” Elle explained.
Wendi felt Leo let out the deep breath that he had been holding and Alex slightly relax. She could tell that they were both still very angry but she knew that the first steps to finding harmony again had just been taken. Wendi wasn’t naïve enough to think it would be that simple, but every inch forward was progress.
“Thank you for your words.” Alex grunted.
“I wish there was more I could do. Silvermoon is at your disposal and we are prepared to accept whatever sanctions that you feel appropriate until we earn your forgiveness.” Elle said as she made one last small bow before walking away. She silently slipped inconspicuously into a seat at the back of the rows of chairs that had been placed before a large pyre.
Alex turned and placed his hand onto the small of Wendi’s back while shuffling his feet nervously.
“It’s time,” he whispered.
Leo nodded and took Wendi’s hand. He lifted it to his lips and placed a small kiss onto her fingers.
“Cariad, thank you for being here. I could not imagine doing this without you.”
Wendi nodded her head and squeezed his hand. She allowed the Twins to lead her through the crowd to the line of chairs closest to the fallen. She reached out with her free hand and gave her mother-in-law Sansa a small pat on the shoulder as she passed her and Leah. Alpha Jace was already seated next to the teenager. His arm was around Leah and he already had a box of tissues in his lap.