Chapter 29

One Week Later...

One week has passed since the night of Jake and I's mating. A lot has unfortunately happened in that time, things yesterday that have brought the group a cloud of sadness hanging over their heads...

It seemed like a normal afternoon; the pack was throwing a barbecue. The news of our mating spread like a virus. The news ricocheted through family dinners and teen age girls gossip sessions during class. Surprisingly for what seems to be the first time in wolf history, there was no jealous parties. Normally when the Alpha is officially mated the un-mated females get jealous believing it should have been them, but for some reason there was none of that behaviour.

Everyone was thrilled to hear the news, and everyone could see how long we've waited and how much we wanted it. So, there was not a jealous soul in the pack, nor was there any doubts in my Luna abilities. Especially since I was technically a pack warrior since I never got officially demoted. Jake wasn't partially happy with that fact. All protective males never want their women to go to war, or to fight in any way. But after a few glares sent his way and telling him it was an unbreakable bond between me and the boys, he accepted.

So, with me being reinstated as pack warrior, and tomorrow was my Luna ceremony the pack wanted to celebrate. Teens wore their bikini's too swim in the pool, happily occupied with the male teens striped of their t-shirts.

The older pack men were at the barbecue grilling steaks and sausages. While the women were either helping butter bread or gossiping about their children. What were we doing, you may ask? We were slacking off in our beach chairs, like every lazy pack leader do. But hey there was also some lazy pack warriors that accompanied us. The location of the newly found couple A. K. A Mason and Mabel was unknown but I'm sure they found a suitable bathroom to pass time.

Everyone seemed happy and was enjoying the summer weather we were blessed with on this occasion. For some reason nothing ever seems to just stay perfect, our happiness has to be shattered.

The whole pack fell silent when a mournful howl echoed through the lands. I turned to face Jake, him and I having the same thought. We jumped out of our chairs and walked towards the sound of the voice. Jake ordering in his Alpha voice for them to stay pot until he called for backup. Fortunately for the curious George's the boys accompanied us on this journey to discover the mournful howl.

I was lost for words when we found Mason's whimpering wolf running through the woods. What could possibly have happened for him to react this way, I've never seen this sad in my life. And he had to witness the painful process of Jennifer's birth behind bars. Obviously, this was a lot more serious.

Ignoring Jake's calls, I approached Marcus's wolf. Jake was trying to warn me that Mason's wolf was in control of his actions but I know his wolf would never hurt me. I was his closest friend and the mother of his first child.

When I got close to him, I patted his nose and he whimpered rubbing up against me. He looked in so much pain, but it was only emotional.

"Mason shift back"

I asked softly in a calm voice, but his wolf only whimpered in reply.

"Shift back and I'll try and help fix whatever the problem is"

I told him honestly and his wolf seemed to be satisfied with my promise enough to shift back. Within seconds he went from a wolf to a man, and funny enough Jake covered my eyes with a growl waiting for Mason to get dressed. I allowed Jake to be possessive and he let me see once he was dressed.

Like I said earlier it appeared his pain was only emotional as there was no scar that littered his body. His frown still remained on his face and I frowned in habit, I hated to see him sad. I opened my arms and he walked over and hugged me tightly.

Jake growled lowly but didn't comment, allowing me to comfort my friend. When he was done, he pulled back and fresh tears trekked down his face.

"Tell me what's wrong"

I asked softly and he chuckled harshly.

"It's Mabel"

He answered and my heart broke, OH MY GOD DID SOMETHING HAPPEN TO HER.

"Oh my gosh what happened"

I shouted nervously fearing the worse, Marcus gripped my face making me face him.

"She's fine Bryn, just some bad news"

He whispered weakly and I sighed in relief. I knew something was wrong but at least she wasn't hurt.

"You can tell me what's bothering you if you want, you don't have to of course"

I said not wanting to pressure him to anything, I just wanted him to smile again.

"Mabel's barren"

He said, two simple words have never made me feel more broken. I knew that barren meant that someone couldn't conceive children, that they were infertile, and that in itself was one of the most painful circumstances for mates to face. Beside each other’s death of course.

"Mason"

I whispered tears threatening to spill over, I pulled him into my arms for another, but stronger hug.

"I know I'm being ungrateful and all, considering I have already had a daughter but..."

I cut him off by staring at him straight in the face.

"You’re not being ungrateful wanting to have a family with your mate, no one can ever blame you for that"

I told him sternly through shaky tears.

"But it's way worse for Mabel though, she doesn't have a daughter at all and she will never have one"

Mason mumbles weakly and it seems everyone else has left to give us some time alone. And some time for them to accept the news that Mabel is barren.

"Mason go back to Mabel okay, I'm sure you won't be the only one grieving over this. Get your feelings out into the open and love her to the end of your existence"

I tell him and he smiles softly down at me, as I'm a lot shorter than him.

"Thanks Bryn I don't know where I'd be without you"

He whispered and I chuckled softly.

"Probably still a mate-less rogue, so don't take for granted what you have now. You may not get children but you have each other and that's is enough"

I added and he nodded kissing the top of my head and started to walk away.

"You sure you don't want to talk to her with me?"

He asked nervously and I smiled chuckling.

"Sorry big boy, you guys need your time but I'm always here for you. My shoulder is perfect for crying on"

I added trying to add some humour but he only shock his head with a smile and walked away.

Standing here I feel almost selfish, I'm about to go out there and celebrate my mating and just yesterday my pack was mourning the loss of the future children of Mabel and Mason.

Standing in front of my mirror length mirror I guiltily stared at my reflection. Placing my hand on my stomach I almost burst into tears. I couldn't imagine the child growing inside of me, not being here. The bare thought made me want to cry all over again for them, I really wasn't in the mood to go celebrate right now.

The bedroom door creaked open and I knew it was Jake. Wanting to know what the hold was up was.

"Go away Jake, I'll be there soon"

I told him and I only got silence in reply from him.

"Not like that you will"

I froze hearing her voice and I slowly turned around to face her. Mabel was standing several feet in front of me. Smiling weakly at me as tears roll down my cheek.

"I'm sorry, I can't even imagine what your feeling right now"

I whispered through a croaked voice and she smiled warmly at me. Steeping closer and taking my hand into her own.

"I'm used to the idea; I've known for years. But please don't let my sadness ruin your big day. The day you've been waiting for, for 10 YEARS!"

She shouted enthusiastically and I chuckled slightly.

"But this is way bigger than..."

I was going to continue but she cut me off.

"There is no higher honour than being a leader, a Luna for the pack. I refuse to allow you to regret this decision, now go"

She ordered and I smiled finding it funny she can think she can boss me around.

"Go out there and become my Luna, and tell Jake the truth"

She whispered the last part, and I spun around to stare at her in shock.

"You know?"

I whisper nervously and she nods with a smile.

"Don't feel like this is rubbing it in my face, it wasn't planned to be this way. Don't regret any of it"

She told me and I nodded turning back to the mirror and adjusted my white dress, the traditional dress code for the Luna to be.

"Do you think I'm ready to do it again, I don't feel ready"

I mumble and she comes up behind me in the mirror and hugs my arms.

"You can handle anything that's thrown your way, and hey maybe I can help with a few things if it would make you feel better"

She offered and I nodded,

"I'd love for you to be involved"

I whispered and she nodded with a smile,

"Now go make Jake the happiest man in the world"

She said with a smile pushing me towards the doors, and with her encouragement I finally found the strength to open the doors. I still had no idea how she could be so strong, when I wanted to crumble under the pressure...