Three pyres were built in the glade where we usually celebrated the full moon. A body lay on top of each pyre. As the day turned to dusk, Megan’s father and sister stepped forward and shared memories of her. Then some of the warriors talked about Brian. Then Finlay stepped up.

“Martin and I met as pups. We grew up together, we learned about life together and how to be wolves together. He was my brother. He never hesitated to follow me when I broke off from our old pack. He loved this pack, and he was proud of what we have become. Martin made the biggest sacrifice anyone can make. He gave his life for this pack, and we honor him for it.” Finlay stepped back and I took a step forward.

“When I arrived at this pack, Martin was one of the more enthusiastic to get to know me. He knew I grew up in a Beta family, and he wanted me to teach him to be a good Beta. I never needed to teach him anything. He was a natural. Instead of becoming his teacher, I became his friend. In Martin, I found a friend, a confidant, and an older brother. As I shoulder the mantle he left behind, he will be my inspiration and my role model. He was our first Beta, and we will remember him as a Beta all other Betas will look up to.”

I stepped back to stand between Finlay and Sam. Meadow, Matilda, and Megan’s sister stepped forward. They all had a lit torch in their hands. Each of them lit a pyre and then stepped back. We watched as the fire took hold, and soon all three pyres were in full flame. After a while, the pack walked around, talking to each other, eating from the food that was laid out, and sitting down to talk amongst themselves. I walked over to Matilda and gave her a hug.

“How are you holding up? You are always looking after us, but don’t think I don’t know you have spent most of your waking hours in the kitchen, making sure the pack is fed,” I told her.

“I’m okay. They were all good wolves, and I hate to see them go this early. But I like to keep busy,” she said. “Thank you for looking after my nephew. This has been hard on him. The two of them were inseparable since they were pups. I know he doesn’t like to let it show, but he is devastated,” she added, and we both looked in Finlay’s direction. He looked up at me as if he felt me looking and raised an eyebrow. I smiled at him and turned back to Matilda.

“To be honest, he is helping me as much as I’m helping him. I feel like I have lost my brother.” Matilda smiled a sad smile, and we hugged again.

“It will get better. It’s never easy to lose the ones we love, but we learn to live with it and find our way to a new way to live.” She walked away to make sure Meadow and Shelly had something to eat. Finlay walked up to me.

“Were the two of you talking about me?” he asked.

“Now, now, Alpha. Don’t let that ego get the best of you. There are other subjects than you,” I teased him. He smiled.

“Will you join me as I make the rounds?” he asked.

“Sure,” I agreed, and we walked around the pyres, talking with the pack and listening to memories they wanted to share, fears they had, and how they now, more than ever, felt like this pack was the right choice for them.

I stood in the doorway and looked into the Beta office. It was the day after the funeral, and Finlay had ordered me to move into my new office. It was a direct order; there was no way to interpret it differently. I got it. If he had let me do it at my own pace, I would probably have taken years to move my things from my office—the former storage room—into my official one. I sighed and looked over the room.

‘Have you started?’ Finlay mindlinked me.

‘Yes,’ I answered.

‘Have you actually stepped inside the room?’ Sometimes I hated how well he knew me. I placed one foot inside the room.

‘I have,’ I told him.

‘Just do it, Amie. Everyone will feel better when things settle down. The more things we leave in the air, the harder it will be.’ I knew he was right.

‘I know. I’m on my way.’ I took a proper step inside the room, and as I did, something started to ring. I froze in place and felt like a burglar that had been caught red-handed until I realized it was the landline phone. All the top-tier offices had one. I shook my head at myself and walked over to the desk.

“Amie Sage,” I answered the phone.

“Hello, my name is Bridget. Am I talking to the Beta of the Blue Mountain Pack?” a woman said on the other end. I knew the name.

“Hi, it is. Are you Martin’s sister?” I asked.

“I am. I’m sorry to call like this; I didn’t know if Alpha Finlay would have time for my call, and I really don’t have the phone number for anyone else,” she explained.

“No, no. I don’t mind, and neither would Fin… the Alpha,” I told her. “What can I do for you?”

“I…” There was a pause and then a sigh. “The family couldn’t attend the funeral for my brother. It wasn’t the right time,” she started over. I could read between the lines; either her mate or the Alpha had denied her permission to come. “I would like to ask if it would be possible to send some of my brother’s personal effects to me or my mother?” she asked.

“Of course, we would be more than happy to do so. We will clear out his house tomorrow. Martin had a will, and he specified which things should be sent back to you. I will make sure you get them,” I promised.

“Oh, thank you. I can’t believe he is really gone. I always thought we would have time to put things right between him and Dad, that I would get to see him again. And now he is gone.” I could clearly hear the grief in her voice.

“He talked a lot about you. He missed you.” I didn’t know if I was making it better or worse.

“Thank you. We would call each other at least once a month to talk. He talked a lot about you as well. He liked you and saw you as a close friend,” she told me. I smiled with tears in my eyes.

“He was an amazing wolf,” I said.

“He was,” she agreed. “I need to go; my mate will be home from training soon, and I like to have dinner ready when he does. It gives us more time to hang out in the evening. It was nice talking to you, and thank you for giving me your time.”

“It was my pleasure. I’ll make sure the things will be sent to you. If there is anything else you need, give me a call, or Alpha Finlay.” As we hung up, I felt better than I had before the call. I started looking over the things in the office, sorting Martin’s personal things from the things that were Beta-related. Two hours later, Finlay leaned against the door frame and looked at me.

“How is it going?” he asked.

“I’m almost done. I have packed Martin’s things in that box, and I have packed my things from my office. I’m just doing a bit of dusting before I go and get my things,” I told him.

“Feeling better about the move?”

“Yes. I spoke to Martin’s sister. She wanted to know if we could send some of his things to her. I promised to make it happen.” He nodded. “Thank you for pushing me. I needed it,” I added. He gave me a weak smile.

“We all need it right now.”

“Have you heard from the council?” I asked.

“The Rolling Hills pack land is now empty of wolves, and the pack is officially disbanded,” he told me. It was my turn to nod. “It’s time for lunch. I will help you carry Martin’s things to his house after we eat and get your things. But my aunt will be worried if we skip another meal,” he told me.

“You know I can carry the boxes myself,” I said as I walked up to him.

“I know, Red. But I will do it.” Stubborn Alpha. I didn’t object; I would find a way to pay him back.