Chapter 5: Chaos at the Funeral

Thea’s POV

The Moon Temple was already packed with pack members when Leo and I arrived. They streamed past, their eyes gliding over me as if I were invisible—or worse, a stain they couldn't scrub away. I’d spent the last three days arranging this funeral alone, handling every detail my grief-stricken mother couldn't manage. But no one noticed. No one ever noticed when the wolfless daughter did anything right.

“Mommy?” Leo tugged at my hand. “Why is everyone looking at us funny?”

Because your mother is a freak. Because I’m the shameful secret the Sterling Pack wishes they could forget. Because I don’t belong here, even at my own father’s funeral.

“Don’t worry about them, baby,” I said, forcing a smile. “Let’s find our seats.”

People parted before us, their whispers trailing in our wake. I caught snippets: “the wolfless daughter,” “shouldn’t be here,” and “poor Leo, stuck with her.” My grip tightened on Leo’s hand, drawing strength from his presence.

The ceremonial area was arranged in a semicircle, the pack’s inner circle seated closest to the altar. Mom sat in the front row, Roman beside her. I led Leo to the far side, away from the family section. No point pretending I belonged there.

We’d barely settled when the scent of sandalwood and rain washed over me. Sebastian dropped into the chair beside me, his massive frame dwarfing the seat.

“What are you doing?” I whispered, tense.

“Sitting with my son.” His voice was clipped.

Before I could respond, Leo squeezed past my legs. “I want to sit between you and Daddy,” he announced, his small face serious. Thank the Goddess for my boy and his perfect timing.

The temple elder began the ceremony, raising the sacred moonstone. “We gather today to bid farewell to Alpha Derek Sterling, beloved leader, mate, and father…”

Father. The word echoed hollowly. What kind of father looks at his newborn daughter and sees only shame? What kind of father tells his pack his youngest is a mistake?

Around us, people bowed their heads in prayer. I watched my mother sob quietly, Roman’s arm around her. Aurora sat beside her, her perfect profile wet with artful tears. Sebastian’s eyes were closed, his lips moving silently.

What would my own funeral look like? The thought hit me, stealing my breath. Would anyone even come? Or would they all breathe a collective sigh of relief that the Pack’s greatest embarrassment was finally gone?

Time stood still during the ceremony. Leo dozed against my arm while I sat rigid, hyperaware of Sebastian beside me. His arm occasionally brushed mine as he shifted, each touch sending unwanted sparks through my skin. Even now, my traitorous body responded to him like a flower turning toward the sun.

Finally, the Elder concluded the prayers. I stood, ready to escape, but Aurora’s voice cut through the murmuring crowd.

“Thea. A word?”

She stood blocking the aisle, perfectly poised, but her smile was glacial.

I tried to step around her. “Not now, Aurora.”

Her hand shot out, nails digging into my arm. “Yes, now.” She smiled at Leo. “Sweetheart, why don’t you go find your grandma? I need a moment with your mother.”

Leo glanced between us uncertainly. I forced a smile. “It’s okay, baby. Go ahead.”

Once Leo was gone, Aurora’s smile vanished. “I’m taking back what’s mine, Thea. Everything.” Her eyes flicked toward Sebastian. “Starting with him.”

“I never stole anything,” I said, my voice icy. “But he’s all yours. He always was.”

Her eyes narrowed, something dark flashing within. “How touching. The little wolfless freak finally understands her place.” She leaned in, her voice dripping with cruelty. “Did you really think an Alpha like him could ever want someone like you?”

“Are we done?”

“For now.” She patted my cheek condescendingly. “Try not to embarrass the family any further today. It’s the least you can do for Daddy.”

The burial site was beautiful. I’d chosen it myself—a peaceful clearing in the Pack lands, surrounded by the ancient trees Dad had loved.

I stood with my family, yet apart, watching through a haze as they lowered my father’s body into the ground. Mom’s wails pierced the air. Leo pressed against my side, crying quietly. I stroked his hair, helping him toss his handful of dirt into the grave.

We moved to the reception area. Leo ran off for cookies with his Ashworth grandparents. I watched him greeted by Sebastian’s parents and his twin brother, Damien—a mirror image of Sebastian, but lacking the cold Alpha intensity. Where Sebastian radiated power, Damien’s eyes held a warmth that made him nod in acknowledgement. Not that it mattered. One civil Ashworth didn’t offset a pack’s worth of disdain. I was left alone to face the awkward silence of pack members unsure how to act around their Alpha’s wolfless Luna.

I was about to get a drink when a snarl tore through the air—the distinctive sound of Rogues. They surged from the treeline, at least a dozen, wild-eyed and baring fangs.

Wolves erupted around me as people shifted. Sebastian’s silver-gray form burst from his suit, launching toward… Aurora.

Of course. Even in crisis, his first instinct was to protect her.

I couldn’t shift, fight, or run. I stood there, watching Sebastian guard my sister.

Somewhere in the chaos, I heard Leo screaming for me. My baby. I had to get to him.

I shoved my way through the chaos, searching desperately for Leo. In my panic, I didn’t see the rogue until the russet-colored beast lunged for my throat. Just as its jaws snapped, a massive black wolf slammed into it, sending them crashing.

I stumbled backward, my heel catching on the fresh dirt of my father’s grave. Pain exploded across my side as another rogue’s claws found their mark.

I hit the ground hard, my vision blurring. Blood soaked through my dress. The world faded.

My last thought before consciousness slipped away was of Leo. Please, Goddess, let my son be safe…

Then darkness claimed me.