Pack of Lies

Chapter 27: Leader

1 week later

Eliza

Placing down the white tulips in front the gravestone, I sat back on the grass and sighed heavily.

A week had passed since the events of the ball and my heart was still aching at the memory of it.

Resting my hand on the marble stone, I ran my hand along his name and stared down at the ground that had been littered with the most beautiful flowers.

It was a truly sad time for us all. The ball was set up so we could meet everyone and have a celebratory reunion as a whole pack, a family. But it was ruined by one man's insatiable power for death and destruction.

I had sat in the graveyard every single day since the night of the ball. New flowers were placed in front of his gravestone and people came to pay their respects to him. 

"Hey, I thought I'd find you here".

Smiling back at Brooke, I turned my attention back to the gravestone and fiddled with my fingers.

"Honey, you need to get some sleep. It's not good to punish yourself like this".

"How can I sleep after this. I'm his flesh and blood. Staying here is putting everyone in danger. I'm responsible for his death. I shouldn't be here".

Tears pricked at the lining of my eyes as I remembered the way I held Warrick in my arms as he bled out. I craved to hear his voice, I needed him. 

Brooke sat down next to me and grabbed both of her hands in mine.

"You're wrong. This is where you're meant to be. You are the prophecy Luna, the one who will unite all the packs. You not being here puts these people at an even greater risk. They need you, more than ever. What happened was not your fault. It was only the fault of your father and by God above, he will pay. You have the whole pack standing beside you. I know you're sad, but you need to be strong for them. You need to be strong for him".

Brooke lifted her hand up to my face and wiped away my tears.

"Stay strong for your pack. You are our leader and we will follow you no matter what. I'll be right beside you helping you with everything. You are not alone".

Brooke wrapped her arm around my shoulder and pulled me so my head rested on her shoulder.

"You know, the moment you first shifted was absolutely incredible. Most people pass out after their first shift due to excruciating pain. But not you. The anger and the emotion of seeing your mate hurt caused your wolf to transform on her own terms and took over. Such an event is rare for a first shift".

I winced thinking back to my first action as a fully shifted wolf.

I killed someone without a second thought. I couldn't control the rage burning within me.

"I'm a murderer" I mumbled to myself in complete disappointment.

"No. Your wolf killed him because he tried to kill your mate. Your wolf is insanely protective over him and like any wolf would do for their mate, they'd kill the ones who hurt them. I know Warrick and I promise you he'd do the same if it were you who was hurt".

I shook my head still disgusted by my actions.

"He'd be so disappointed in me if he found out I killed someone, especially in front of those children".

Brooke placed both hands on the side of my cheeks and made sure I was looking into her eyes.

"Eliza! Enough. Those children have seen what evil and corruption does. Their families were destroyed by war and they've seen it all. But seeing a girl who only recently discovered she was a wolf transform and single handedly defeat a rouge without any proper training was an inspiration to them. You've given us all hope. For they and all of us know that we stand with one of the most powerful Luna's and we will get justice for all those lives John Carter took. Together as a pack".