Choose Me

at least someone wants to be near me

Carson and Addison stood at the front of the clearing. Leon offered everyone to lead the funeral, but only Carson and Addison said they would. Cory, Dominic's older brother, was sat at the front with his mate, Millie and their three kids. Addison's mate sat with their kids; his eyes were glued on Addison. Rhydian was holding onto Amaris as her body shook. I embraced Lillian as she cried on my shoulder. My heart broke for them all.

At the far right side of the clearing, I could see an older man watching. I didn't know him, but he looked like an older version of Carson. I guess that's his dad.

Carson cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention. He took a deep breath and looked like he was about to burst into tears. He let out a shaky breath before speaking.

"Caleb looked after me for most of my younger life. I'm going to miss him every single day. He wasn't just my brother... He was my twin, the other half of me. I love you, Cal, forever." Carson took a long, unsteady breath before glancing at Addison. I could tell he wanted to say more, but the way his voice sounded at the end, I don't think he could.

"Dom was my world. We were inseparable as pups. As we got older, our bond only strengthened. I never thought I'd be living without him. I hope, wherever you are up there, that you and Caleb are at peace. I know you'll be together and that's the only thing I'm glad about. You both lived for each other, and I'm going to miss seeing your stubborn faces. I'm sorry I stayed away so long. I love you both." She dragged in a shaky breath as her hand shook.

I glanced at Thomas, he should have rushed over to her, but he didn't move. His eyes were fixed on the floor. I was about to stand up and go over to her when a piercing raw howl reverberated throughout the forest. Everyone's heads spun around to where the sound was coming from. Addison cried out and fell to the floor.

A gust of wind blew past as a black wolf raced between the chairs and dived on Addison. "Alex." Amaris choked. I watched in wonder and confusion as the wolf licked and nudged Addison while her wolf retreated.

His fur was black, the tip of his tail was red, and each ear had red tips. His eyes were glowing red... I've recently learned, all Dark Wolves have red ear tips and tail. When their Dark Wolf is out, their eyes are a fiery red. I learn new things about this pack and their wolves every day.

The wolf crouched low as he shifted back to his human form. He was fully clothed, another ability they have. It was the first time I'd seen a Dark Wolf up close, and they looked terrifying.

Amaris stood up and rushed went over to them. "Alex," she whimpered, " you came home." She cried as she encircled her arms around him. He seemed just like Amaris, except he looked... Wild. His hair was matted and down to his shoulders. He had the same hair, red and curly.

Addison told me her uncle lived in the forest. He found out his destined mate had taken someone as a chosen mate. She didn't feel the bond with him because she had marked someone else. His wolf felt the bond, but she was already with someone, so his wolf became feral. He didn't trust himself living in a pack, so he left.

"I'm sorry I didn't come home sooner, Mari." He whispered.

Werewolves have a sacred ritual when one of our own dies. The family of the deceased have a little ceremony to say a final goodbye as they cremate them. As soon as the fire starts, we believe our Moon Goddess retrieves their souls. They live on in their own little afterlife paradise.

I glanced at Leon. His eyes were red and puffy from crying. I reached my hand out and touched his arm. He flinched and screwed his eyes shut before lightly removing my hand from him. Even now, he won't let me comfort him.

We made our way to the communal hall to wait for their families to join us for a little gathering for them. It was a perfect idea for everyone to remember them how they wanted to. I had ordered some special lanterns. They had Caleb and Dominic's names on them with forever soul mates underneath. I thought it would be nice for the pack to let them off in their memories.