Alpha King's Missing Mate (Book 1 Of The Regal Eclipse Pack Series)

Chapter 33

Cold air whipped through Jenna's clothing, making her shiver as she pulled Noelle even closer to her warm body. The day was overcast and miserable, just like her inside. She had cried so much over the last few days that she doubted she had any tears left. She stood now, her cheeks dry, as the small graveside service ended.

Her job of taking care of her mother was now over. Jenna had pretty much put her life on hold for the last year. She hadn't worked a job, hadn't really gone out, or even gotten a new phone. She felt like she'd been living under a rock for the last year.

She briefly considered going back to New York City, but it wasn't a place she wished to raise her daughter. Plus, she at least had help here, and trying to do everything on her own would be so difficult. Things couldn't be the same as they'd been before. Daniel wasn't from the city either, and Jenna knew he was part of the draw to go back. But Talia had said he wasn't from her pack, which meant he didn't live there. Jenna hadn't forgotten his accent. He could live anywhere in the world.

More than likely, he had moved on and forgotten about her. He was probably happily mated with a pup on the way by this point. The thought sent pain through Jenna, and a fresh wave of sorrow hit her as she cuddled her own pup even closer. Why was she thinking of such things on the day she was burying her mother?

After the graveside service, Jenna and her family returned to their empty home. A few families from the neighborhood and some of Tyler's co-workers came by on and off throughout the afternoon, offering condolences and food.

Jenna wanted them all to go away and leave her alone. She wanted to hide in her room and never come out. But she needed to greet the guests and make nice, pointless conversation. Some days, she hated being an adult. She just wanted to hide upstairs with Noelle and not worry about anyone else.

Dr. Ben and his wife, Risa, came by, bringing a casserole, and they were the only ones that Jenna was actually glad to see. They both hugged her and expressed their condolences.

"Where's Noelle?" Risa asked, rubbing Jenna's arm comfortingly.

"She's upstairs. Would you like to see her?" Jenna asked. Looking at the beautiful woman now had almost confirmed in Jenna's mind that both she and Dr. Ben were werewolves. She hadn't paid much attention to the first time she'd met Risa, but then, she'd been busy giving birth. They were both gorgeous and athletic-looking, and Jenna would bet her last dollar she was right.

Risa smiled. "Of course." She and Dr. Gray followed Jenna upstairs and slipped into her room. They peeked into the bassinet, admiring the baby for several minutes before sneaking back out.

"She's already grown some," Risa said happily.

"Yes, she has," Jenna said sadly. Part of her wanted Noelle to stay tiny forever. But another part of her was ready for her baby to sleep through the night.

For a brief moment, Jenna considered asking them outright, but she let the moment pass. Maybe one day soon, but she'd rather not be at home when she did so. That was a secret she didn't wish to burden her family with. What if she was wrong? The good doctor might have her committed.

The Grays said their goodbyes shortly after they returned to the kitchen and left, leaving Jenna and her family alone to grieve.

Jenna headed back up to her bedroom and settled into her rocking chair next to the bassinet. She watched her daughter sleep as tears rolled down her cheeks. Somehow, she'd managed to hold it together during the funeral, but now, she let it all go. She'd cried way too much over the last year of her life.

After several moments, she wiped her tears and decided to put together a plan of action. She wanted to find Talia, and she wanted to get a job and a car. She also wanted to find out if Dr. Ben and his wife were actually werewolves. Maybe they could give her some pointers on raising one.