Upward

Epilogue

A couple of days later, Upward finally got to put together Shuri's funeral. The way Upward did it was very put together and and they had a certain way of doing it. It wasn't like a regular way like the humans where they bury them in the ground. Shuri's body was in a casket, like it should, and the casket was put on a wooden raft which was on the lake. Jafari was over her body as he looked over his friend and she laid there peacefully.

"Well....I'll see you down the road Miss Ri" he smiled and pushed her down the lake. Everyone watched as the raft floated far away. One of the warriors had a bow and arrow. He lit the spear on fire, aimed and shot the arrow perfectly. It hit the raft and it set ablaze. They believed that setting the deceased bodies on fire while one that raft was the quickest way to peacefully send their spirits away.

After the funeral was over, Anita had a lot on her mind. With Shuri gone, there needed to be someone just as smart as her to take her place but to her, no one really could take the place of such a good soul. Anita had flashbacks of how she would always spend most of her time with Shuri when she was younger. Anita never had any interest being with her family and always looked around what her actual purpose was. She never would forget those times when she talked to the beta about stuff she would never mention to her parents or brothers.

Later that day she called for a meeting with the higher ranking pack members. The meetings only took place in urgent situations or if one of the allies needed to speak with them. Since there was no beta at the moment, Audre told everyone in the room to shut up and listen. It wasn't formal like Shuri's announcements used to be, but it was better than nothing.

"Now, we all know now that Shuri's passing is something that we weren't expecting so soon. She had so much to live for but we did as she asked, now she's gonna enjoy her life with the rest of our ancestors. Also, Jamie is dead, along with that traitor bitch Gloria...and for Loba, well, she's gonna spend her last few days here. With that being said we need a new beta in this pack. One that shares about the same knowledge as Ri and one that is determined to do anything for us. Audre, I now promote you to be one of our betas'' Anita announced to everyone.

Audre's eyes widened and she shook her head "No way that isn't for me! My best friend is the only one who was good for that and I'm nowhere-" she was quickly cut off by Ramya.

"Aw you'll be fine. You're not alone here. Kelani here is going to be our other beta" she reassured her. Kelani's ears perked up and she jumped out of her chair she was sitting in. She started to sweat. Knowing if her moms were ever gone, she and Audre would be in charge.

"Even though Shuri isn't here, I've had some of the healers get with me and we got some baby making materials so we can still have her bloodline here. We just need a volunteer to carry this child and we'll be good. If no one raises their hand I'm choosing..." Anita stated once again. All the women in the room raised their hands and Anita signed, picking one random.

The meeting didn't last that long afterwards and the three women left the building after the others went first.

"How does it feel? You okay?" Rami asked her daughter.

Kelani rubbed the back of her neck "Just show me everything I need to know and I'll be fine...I guess". She smiled and the three saw Audre with Elliot, Ajay and Makoa. They all welcomed Kelani into their circle as they spoke. Finally she was able to hear what they talked about since there's been rumors of them getting in trouble for talking about too much info.

"I'm so happy brah. I'm gonna have my first child here in a few months. Human technology is...weird but interesting. I never thought a woman having another woman's child was possible, but look now!" Gibby happily said. Kelani couldn't wait to take care of another pup, as a Phi, especially if it was Shuri's and Gib's. She could already start thinking of the possibilities with them like everyone thought about her before she was born.

Audra finally made a move and gently grabbed Kelani's shoulder "My apologies for being so hostile lately. My family means a lot and it hurts me to hear about them. Listen, since we're gonna be working together and I'm older and know more, ima need you to listen to me. I'll teach you everything, don't worry, just don't tell your moms about some of the cheats I tell you, and we'll be good from there".

Kelani hugged Audre for finally being able to talk to her. For the first time, Audre slowly hugged her back, but still was pushy.

"Thanks. And I'll think about what you said the other day. How you all loved me..." then she walked off.

Kelani walked back home feeling very good about herself. Even though Shuri wasn't with them, she didn't feel sad anymore and killing her grandma in such a gruesome way made her feel powerful. She could smash anyone's head in like that.

As she made her way up to the house, she saw Derek outside talking with her moms. She's never seen them all so happy before. She never knew that Anita would smile at him.

"So...where's Loba?" Kelani asked them.

"Oh, she's getting dealt with. Don't worry about it" Anita replied "also your friend here would like to ask you something".

Kelani looked at Derek and he kissed her on the forehead. He lifted her chin and sunk his teeth in her neck. Kelani grabbed onto his shoulders and took the pain as he marked on her. He finally let go and licked the blood off her neck. She held her neck and smiled at him.

"Sorry, that's j-just how we did it. Or should I not even mention it?" Derek stuttered. Kelani shushed him and kissed him on the lips. "Don't worry about it".

Months have passed and no signs of any troubles with Upward. The pack was steadily growing and they finally had control over the forest. Anita and Ramya still had Loba alive but she was begging for them to kill her since they treated her like crap. Obviously they didn't care and continued to do the same things she did to them. A new child was born into the pack. It was Gib's and Shuri's that was finally born. Gibby named him Maurice. The baby usually spent most of his time with Kelani since Gibby was always busy. She would always take care of him like he was her's and teach him everything early.

Anita and Rami were outside away from their home, sitting on a hill watching their workers build more houses since the pack was expanding. They loved every bit of it.

"So are we overpopulated or what? I swear there were at least 20 kids born yesterday. But you seem happy about it" Rami said holding Anita's hand.

"You never know what will happen P. The more the better. I'm just grateful that the Rogues are probably dead by now and we can finally breathe" Anita looked over at her luna and hugged her. "Finally some peace and quiet".