Heart of the Forest

Chapter 42 Millie's POV

God, how long are we going to be in this bunker? What is going on out there?

The anxiety of not knowing what was going on was going to eat me alive.

I kept myself busy hugging Connor and Lily, and checking on each one of the pack members. Getting them blankets, making sure no one was panicking, etc.

Although I was the one panicking on the inside. I couldn't lose Sam. I refuse to go through another heartache like that.

Just as I was bending to give old man Jenkins a blanket, who was actually smiling at me in return, the door to the bunker opened, and in walked Sam.

I jumped into his arms and began kissing him with everything I had. I didn't care that there were at least 20 people watching us. He was safe and we clearly won.

Breaking from the kiss I realized he was crying. My heart shattered in a thousand pieces seeing this beautiful man I loved crying.

"What's wrong?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.

He just attempted to smile and I nodded. An unspoken agreement that he would tell me later.

That night, after the guest left a meeting was held at the pack house. Scanning the crowd I noticed two of ours missing.

Oh God the crying early and they aren't here. No.

"Today we had a great victory. The former leader of the red moon pack has fallen as well as those loyal to him. Those of you once under his control are now free. And we are safe without the fear of invasion." The crowd went wild as Sam spoke.

He continued on. "If you were once part of the Red Moon pack you are welcome to join us. Connor, who would have been your alpha will be so when he turns 18."

18 what? Isn't that a little young?

Once again the crowd cheered and Sam smiled.

Suddenly Sam's face sobered. "This victory did not come without the sacrifice of brave men and women." his voice cracked. Then he began reading off the names 4 so far all belonging to the Redmoon pack.

Then he stopped sucked in a breath as if painful to speak again. "The last two are my seconds Theo and Carla Rosemary." He then broke down in tears.

Oh no oh God.

"We will have the funeral first thing in the morning," Sam finished. Then sniffed one more time before walking in my direction.

I engulfed him in a hug. When we broke apart I looked up tears now filling my eyes as well.

"What are we going to tell Lily? I asked.

Sam looked outside to where the children were playing. "I'm going to go talk to her now. Will you get a bed ready for her tonight?"

"Yes, of course," I said, wiping a stray tear. Connor was too young when David died I really never had to explain anything.

Lily wasn't losing one parent but two. Poor baby.

I would never forget the sacrifice her parents made. I would be the best mother figure to her as I could be.

Instead of setting up the spare room for Lily I decided to make a huge pallet on the floor. I would bake cookies, pop popcorn, and watch movies with Connor and Lily all night.

After about half an hour later. I decided to go check on Sam and Lily who were sitting on the porch.

Just as I was about to open the door I heard Lily speak. "But who will live with me if mommy and daddy are in heaven? I don't want to live alone."

My heart broke into a million pieces hearing her desperate confused and broken voice.

"Well since I'm your godfather you will be moving in with us. We will set you up a special room just for you however you want. And I promise Lily I'm going to take really good care of you. I know I can't replace your parents but I promise to be there for you and love you no matter what." Hearing Sam say those words made me fall in love with him even more.

At the look of hope on her face I wiped my eyes and opened the door. "And I would never dream of replacing your mother but as your God mother I will treat you just like the daughter I never had but always wanted. We can have girls nights whenever you want to." After I got done saying my peace Sam looked up at me and mouthed thank you.

I sat down so that Lily was in between Sam and I and put my arm around her.

At that moment Connor came out the door.

"Lily?" he said her voice as a question. "I know it's my week to have the dinosaur but I think you should have him an extra week." He spoke timidly placing the dinosaur in her lap.

She in turn, squeezed the stuffed animal tight. Connor then hugged Lily who began to cry.

Sam and I looked at each other before joining in the embrace.

I knew that these two precious children along with Sam were my heart. We were a family. A sad one that would need to heal but a family nonetheless.

No matter what we would always have each other, the pack, and the forest.