This felt like heaven.
Chapter Fourteen
The evening’s breeze felt good against my warm skin. Standing on the edge of the garden’s perimeter, I took a moment to take in everything and let out a sigh. With my hand securely grasped in his, I felt the gentle tug of Mason pulling me forward.
Whoever prepared the outside had done a phenomenal job, one worthy to be a tribute for a beloved pack sister and friend. With the sun having finally set and the chirp of cicadas filling the air, it was the perfect night, and I sent an upward thanks to the gods. I didn’t want anything to tarnish the ritual, this being the final show of respect from the Pack.
The lawn was aglow with what seemed like countless lanterns, candles aflame that cast delicate shadows upon the ground. It set an almost ethereal mood on those already in attendance, everyone speaking in reverent tones as they huddled together in small, intimate groups.
A hush came over everyone as they noticed us pass through. Hands reached out in comfort and condolences, some breaking away from others to speak brief words of solace. Jasmine’s death had shaken us as a whole. I could see it reflected in everyone’s faces and the tears already beginning to flow.
There wasn’t just pack members here, others from the supernatural community had come to pay their homage, and it showed the level of admiration and respect Mason had earned for them to be there.
Devlin stood closely by his King, Zane, and a quick glance found Vlad standing off to one side, looking awkward.
As we passed by Zane, Mason stopped and accepted the embrace he was pulled into. There was history between these two great leaders, and it was an affectionate one. The vampire king whispered something into the Alpha’s ear, his hand resting firmly on his shoulder.
I walked into Devlin’s arms, his body offering temporary comfort as he also murmured how truly sorry he was.
Moving to Mason’s side, I missed the short conversation, but caught the end nod of agreement, and the brief pat on the back before we continued on to the front of the congregation. With chairs arranged in lines and an aisle down the center, Vivien faced us on the dais that had been erected. Wearing the ceremonial robes befitting her station as the lead witch, she looked elegant and deeply saddened.
I thought I had no more tears left as our eyes linked, and she inclined her head to the side as if reading me. Vivien was someone who I greatly admired, and I cherished the relationship we’d been able to foster. She was a wise confidante, someone with unfailing loyalty, and I could feel the calming energy she radiated into the crowd, as she stepped down and walked towards us.
Her arms opened for Mason. “Darling boy, I’m so sorry. This is something I couldn’t have foreseen and would never have wished for you. To lose both parents, and now your sister, you are too young to have experienced such loss.” I watched as the embrace ended, and she caressed the side of his face. “Please know I am here, should you ever need to talk. Your mother would’ve been so proud.”
The comment seemed to make him stand a little taller, and I was grateful he’d been given that reminder. Even though his relationship with his father had been tenuous at best, he had been close to his mother and she would’ve loved to have seen the man he was.
Vivien continued to hold Mason’s attention. “Remember, brave Alpha, this too shall pass, and before you know it, you’ll be reunited with your beloved sister. Keep your focus on the future.” I loved hearing the slight accent she had. I hastily brushed away my tears, and she turned to me. Using her finger to slant my face back, she gazed deeply into my eyes-looking, reading, studying.
Taking hold of both of our hands, she clasped them together, squeezing them with hers before releasing them. “Yes, you truly are the perfect match. You will both be fine and will rise above what is to come.”
She nodded to herself, pleased, before turning her focus onto the crowd gathered. She really did give off a regal air, and I could see why so many people held her in high esteem. She was a revered leader and a formidable opponent. With the ritual soon to start, we walked alongside her back up on to the dais.
A feeling beckoned me, pulling my gaze away and I looked behind Vivien. I found myself staring at Jasmine lying on the makeshift altar. She was shrouded in the most exquisite sheer material, and she looked like something out of a fairytale.
She wore a simple shift of lavender, intricate beading on the bodice the only embellishment. Her hair was brushed out and arranged into braids, with small blossoms and ribbons threaded through. I noticed again how peaceful she looked, like a slumbering princess waiting for her prince to come and kiss her back to life. Surrounding her body were flowers of every kind, and the floral scent filled the air.
“She always was the beautiful one of the family.”
My quiet musings were broken by the soft words of Mason.
“I used to tease her about all the broken hearts she’d leave in her wake. I guess she’ll be doing that where she is now.” He wore a gentle smile, but I saw the pain behind it.
“She loved her big brother,” I replied, catching a stray tear with my finger.
Vivien came up behind us, motioning for us to take our seats and I mouthed to my future mate my belief we’d get through this.
Paying one last look at his treasured sibling, Mason led us down to the waiting chairs. I noticed April was sitting alone a few rows back and I motioned for her to join us before turning my gaze to the front.
Lifting her arms in a welcoming fashion, small balls of light seemed to appear out of nowhere and floated above us in the air. A reminder of the power she held, it also increased the beauty of the moment and signaled the beginning of the ritual. I couldn’t help but gaze upwards and marvel at the magic involved as they faintly twinkled like mini fireflies dancing.
“I welcome you here tonight, esteemed family and friends of the Mystic Wolves pack. It’s with troubled hearts we gather to say a goodbye to our dearest Jasmine, sister of the Alpha. But more importantly, we meet to celebrate the life of one who shone brightly in the short time she was amongst us.”
A warm sensation settled over me like a sigh and I snuggled in closer to Mason. Fitting perfectly under his arm, I rested my hand on his thigh, and he placed his on top of mine. It seemed as though the world stopped, taking time from its constant orbit to witness the sacred rite. Everything subsided, all noise and commotion waning as if a powerful spell was being cast. We were pulled into its weave, its heady influence offering a peace greatly needed.
“Life doesn’t always go as we expect it to. Even with the most marvelous of powers, we’re helpless against what’s written in the stars. Whether you believe in fate, or free will, there’s always some kind of plan, some intricate design which governs over us and keeps the balance. Even when that balance is threatened, tearing us away from those we love, we must continue to trust there is a purpose, and hold on tightly to those who still walk with us.”
“The humans have an interesting saying-
“Jasmine was a precious soul, one blessed to be born into the werewolf legacy. We’re each given unique traits, a heritage that ties us together as a community, and none are more fascinating than the lupus. The spirit of a human and wolf residing in the same vessel, a lifetime spent together as intimate companions. Each soul brings to the partnership strength and abilities, both seeking to find that perfect balance as they learn and accept one another. Our beloved sister and friend was at the beginning of her journey, her education only started, but already she had shown a great depth of character and compassionate heart. She and her wolf will be greatly missed, but never far away.”
