HOPE

Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

Getting ready the next morning was pretty easy. I, of course didn't have anything "appropriate" to wear for a funeral so Zooey lent me a black dress . Aunt Winnie wanted to do my hair and makeup for me so I let her. I could probably say I actually felt somewhat pretty when she was finished. When everyone was done getting ready we made our way out to the field in which the ceremony was being held. No one wore shoes because of how muddy the ground was . I thought that was weird but what did I know. I'm basically human. I don't know how a pack works. When we got there aunt Winnie and Uncle James introduced me to a ton of people. There was Bill, Tony, Anthony, Mathew, Tim, Carl, David, Lilly, Helen, Morgan, Lacey, Alexis, Britney, Shania, so many people. People my age, people their age , people younger than me. Each gave me their condolences even though I had absolutely No clue how I was going to remember them .

"I'm sorry for your loss..."

"It must be so hard"

"I remember when.."

"If you need anything.."

"I'm here for you"

"You can count.."

"You're family now."

"I can't believe she found him.."

"And after her mom.."

It all became too much. Soon the more important people arrived like the Alpha and his family. I was worried about meeting him so slipped away into the forest for a breather. I walked around for a good 10-15 minutes before I came upon the most beautiful clearing I'd ever seen. Flowers were literally everywhere! Lilly's, tulips, orchards, roses, sunflowers. It all surrounded this little pond that looked like it turned into a waterfall once it was over the cliff. The sun beamed down on me and it almost made me feel whole again. As weird as that sounds. Sun and flowers completing me? I don't know just the calming effect it had on me was incredible . I had never felt anything like it . Before I could enjoy it to much I heard people calling my name.

With a sigh I turned around and walked in the direction I came from. Following the sound of their voices I found my way into the clearing.

"I'm here" Winnie came rushing at me for a hug and on instinct I drew back earning some confused looks from the people around me. But my aunt didn't seem to notice and gabbed me in her arms hugging me tight.

"You had me worried to death hunny! Next time let someone know where you're going please. I almost had rich send out a search party for you!"

"Yeah darling you gave her a pretty big fright." A man no older than 35-40 years old said. He placed his hand on my back again causing me to flinch as I looked up at him. Something flashed in his eyes. I don't know pity? Understanding? Sorrow? Whatever it was it was gone as soon as it came and he removed his hand. I breathed a sigh of relief an took a tiny step away from everyone.

"I'm Alpha Richard. Its a pleasure to see you after so long. Your father was my best friend at one point but after what happened to you're mother... We'll things just weren't the same. I hate that we have to meet under these circumstances but.."

"Yeah, I understand. It's a pleasure to meet too." I extended my hand out and he took mine in his and shook. My hand felt so tiny in his. It was unbelievable how small I felt compared to him.

"I'd love for you to meet my son and his...chosen mate when they get here." He looked at his watch frowning an mumbled "always fucking late" he didn't act like he liked the couple together to much but it wasn't my buissness to get in. All I did was raise an eyebrow at him. I didn't mean too it just happened. With my dad or his friends I would have been beaten like no other for that. So the look of terror that crossed my face I hope no one saw other than him. I looked away quickly and coughed a lot because of how flustered I was.