23. The Funeral

Demi

The town square was packed.The crowd around the temple shuffled about, speaking in hushed tones as Davon made his way to the pulpit.

His speech was somber, a declaration of all the things his mother contributed to the pack and a resounding promise to remain strong for his people. Calia stood proudly at his side, her small stomach pushing out. There was no hiding the fact that she was with child.

Once the prayers were said and an offering to the Moon was made, Davon and Calia moved through the crowd, offering comfort to their people. Max stayed right behind Calia's back, his protective energy warning anyone that came near.

"Close your mouth," Florence said.

I did as he said, not realizing I was starting to pant. "Sorry."

"Perhaps you should go home, so you can fantasize in private." He looked me up and down. "Karis can escort you."

"Fuck off." I scowled at the older beta. The sunlight bounced off his shiny head, making his white flyaways especially noticeable.

"So crass." Florence sighed as if he expected nothing less from me. "Let me remind you that Alpha Davon's siblings are here, so don't embarrass him."

"You're the one with a crooked tie."

Florence flinched, slapping his hand over his chest. He tugged the knot, trying to recenter it once again.

I rolled my eyes, scanning the crowd. The energy shifted as Davon moved further and further away from us. A few villagers began to walk past us, back to their homes, but they all seemed tense, glaring at me and Florence.

"What's going on?" I asked, motioning to a large alpha snarling at me. "I expected tears. Not…this."

"You're an omega," Florence said simply, circling his hands around his collar to make sure it was as it should be.

"So?" I inched a little closer to Florence's side as another passing alpha frowned at me. The looks I was receiving were a mixture of confusion, sadness, and downright hate.

"Do you see any other omegas out here?" Florence turned to face me. "Or any pups for that matter?"

He was right. The crowd was all betas and alphas, most in prime fighting age. No elderly or wounded, and zero omegas.

"Why aren't they here?" I asked, knowing full well that most villagers preferred to keep their omegas locked up, but opinions had been slowly shifting. Calia was working very hard to show the people of Casin that omegas could be strong. Not a security risk. But apparently not everyone believed that just yet.

"Alpha Davon requested the pack to keep all the more delicate family members at home."

I tilted my head to one side, not understanding.

"In case we're attacked," Florence answered my silent question.

Deep worry moved through me, as I took in the impressive number of Casin guards stationed around the temple. Each one was bigger than the last, checking each face that passed.

Not wanting anyone to overhear, I whispered, "Does Davon think we'll be attacked?"

Florence shrugged. "Maybe," he said simply. "But from what I hear, the Hund Valley Pack Alpha brought a whole battalion of guards with him to protect our borders. I'm sure there's no reason to worry. You're safe."

"We'd all be a lot safer if she were home," an angry alpha snapped at me. The big brute snarled as he looked me up and down. I didn't mind when Florence dared to glare at me like that, but this fucker didn't even know me. "Omegas have no place out in the open when tensions are high. Your presence makes things worse."

There was a time in my life when I would have snapped back at the fucker, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I didn't want to create a scene during such a somber affair.

"I'll take your concerns to the Luna," I said in a chipper tone. "I'm sure she'd be happy to discuss my presence on her staff at your earliest convenience. Should I give her your name? Or would you prefer me to discuss your attitude with Alpha Davon?"

The brute's eyes flashed red, and his fangs punched forward. My wolf yipped, urging me to run and hide. But I stood my ground, not moving an inch.

"My Lady," Florence said loudly as Calia walked toward us.

The angry alpha spun around, then quickly bowed. I was sure his show of respect was for the Pack Alpha at her side, and not Calia, but she still smiled just the same.

"Demi," Calia stepped up next to me, then said, "There's a gentleman here that said he knows you."

"Really?" I strolled with Calia toward the packhouse. A long procession of alphas followed. "Did he say how he knew me?"

Calia's dark eyes flickered over her shoulder, and I knew she was making sure Max wasn't too close. My scarred alpha marched in time with Florence, his scent swirling around me with the wind.

"I believe he might be a past lover," she said with a shrug, clearly not sure. "He said you two met in Madra several years back. I believe his name was Brax?"

Surprise gripped me, and I laughed. "Oh my goodness!" I cut a quick look behind us, but then immediately turned back around. Max stood right behind me, clearly having overheard our conversation. "He was an old friend," I said simply, not wanting to upset Max. While he was very even-tempered, seemingly unbothered by my mention of past lovers, I doubted he wanted to actually meet one.

The main hall quickly filled up with elders, Davon's council, his extended family, and even a few older alphas from Morana's birth village. It was odd seeing so many strangers in the packhouse.

"Calia," Davon placed his hand under the omega's elbow. "Come and meet my sister, Sana. One of her mates is an omega."

Calia's dark brown eyes widened with excitement as she moved toward a statuesque blonde she-alpha. Her two mates were very different in appearance. Her alpha was incredibly tall with dark blond hair and a stern expression, and her omega was shorter with dark, messy hair and deep brown eyes. They were quite an impressive-looking trio.

"Beta Demi." A familiar voice rumbled right behind me, and I slowly turned.

"Alpha Brax." I returned his friendly smile.

The burly alpha looked just as I remembered. Broad shoulders, thick brown hair, deep blue eyes, and a smile that promised mischief.

"How have you been?" I asked.

"I'm better now." He stepped a little closer, and my wolf snarled.

Ignoring her, I widened my grin and scented the air. Brax's scent was the same smokey aroma, but was deeper, sharper, filled with notes of berries and something bitter. Maybe dark chocolate?

"What are you doing in Casin?" He glanced passed me, and his voice lowered to a devilish rumble, "Are you fucking Davon?"

"No!" The word flew from my mouth, followed by a nervous laugh. "I'm the Luna's maiden."

"Really?" His brows shot up. "I never thought I'd see the day that you'd turn to service."

"Yes." I said, glancing around the busy room. "I thought I was ready to settle when I took the position. And it was a lovely opportunity. Calia is the sweetest omega."

Brax hummed, nodding, but his dark eyes were locked on my face. They drifted, moving down the length of my body. I used to love it when alphas looked at me like that, but it didn't feel good. It felt…dangerous.

"You thought you wanted to settle?" Brax reached out, wrapping an arm around my middle. I froze up, not sure what to do. My wolf didn't want this alpha touching me. She was panicked, yipping and crying, desperately wanting Max.

"Brax," I laughed as I said his name, trying not to upset him. "I should really?—"

"You know," he glanced around the room, "I wasn't planning on staying here long, but I think I've changed my mind." He leaned down scenting the top of my head. "What…" He sucked in another deep breath.

I shoved hard at Brax's chest, finally breaking free. "I'm so sorry," I glanced over at Max, happy to see the alpha not too far away, "but I won't be able to spend time with you. I have too many responsibilities that I must?—"

"What the fuck happened to your scent?" The alpha's eyes narrowed, scanning every inch of my face. "You smell like an omega." One side of his mouth lifted into a dark smirk.

"I work very closely with the Luna." I took another step back, but Brax immediately followed, crowding me. His big body blocked my view of Max, and my wolf tipped into a full on panic.

"Oh, Demi." Brax let out a deep chuckle. "You have changed." His gaze settled on my neck, then my chest, and he licked his lips.

A look like that would have flattered her a few months ago. But now it just felt gross. Predatory.

Where was Max?

Brax leaned down, speaking softly in my ear, "Why don't you give me a tour of the packhouse? We can find a dark room and get to know one another again."

I shook my head. "No, thank you." I squeezed my fists into tight balls to stop them from shaking, but it didn't help.

"No?" Brax laughed, then his hand flew out, wrapping around my wrist. "Is this a game?" His eyes flashed red, his scent shifting. The emotion in the air was insane. It was harsh and thick, making it difficult to breathe. "Are you wanting me to corner the frightened maiden? Carry you off, and do filthy things to you?"

"No!" My voice rose, and fear gripped me. I couldn"t move or think. Max! I needed Max! "It was lovely to see you again, but I need to go." His hold on my wrist tightened, and a soft whimper slipped from my lips. "Please, stop." I whispered, not wanting to create a scene. "I just. Please?—"

"Demi," Brax's voice was stern. "What is?—"

A heavy hand gripped Brax's shoulder. Then he jerked away from me, releasing my arm. Max's beautiful face came into view and the knot in my chest released. Air flooded my lungs, and calm settled over me.

"The Luna needs you," Max said, before turning his angry glare on Brax. "The priests are accepting prayers near the temple if you'd like to show your respect for Lady Morana, before you leave. Alpha Davon mentioned that you wouldn"t be staying." The muscles in his jaw grew tight, and his eyes narrowed.

Brax returned his angry energy, squaring his shoulders as he puffed out his chest. "I was just speaking with an old friend." His eyes flickered to me, my body moved without meaning to.

I ducked behind Max's impressive body, hiding my face. His scent was strong, maybe even angry, but it brought me so much comfort. It was like a salve on a wound, pulling all the tension from my body.

"The event is almost over," Max said in a firm voice. "The Luna has already retired for the evening, but I'm sure Davon would be happy to receive your condolences."

I couldn"t see Brax's face, and I didn't want to. I wanted Max to carry me away from here.

"Until we meet again, Demi." Brax's voice was tight, almost angry.

I pressed against Max's back, not responding. I couldn't. It was a horrible being so gripped by fear, but apparently this was another change within me—I couldn't even have a simple conversation with an alpha without falling apart.

"Are you okay?" Max asked over his shoulder.

I nodded, pressing my nose to his spine.

"It's okay." He moved his hand behind him, holding me the best he could at such an odd angle. "Brax is a bit of a fool, but he'd never attack you."

"Do you know Brax?" I lifted my head, surprised.

Max turned, wrapping his big hands around my upper arms. "He's an old friend of Davon's from his younger days in the guard. He lived here for a few years, before moving on to Madra."

I pressed my mouth into a firm line, nodding. "Thank you," I mumbled, shifting from one foot to the other. "I need some air," I said, realizing how hot and flushed I felt.

"Of course." Max wrapped his arm around me, holding me close.

It felt so good. So safe.

But Florence's words wouldn't stop repeating in my head. His alpha instincts will take over. He will mark you.

But for the first time since this mess started, all I wanted was for Max to claim me as his. I wanted to be safe in his arms, forever belonging to the only man that truly loved me.