Jade’s pov:
I could understand that my father’s funeral represented an occasion for our pack to know where some of the other packs stood. The beta of The Howling Wolf pack had already made their position quite clear, so I had no qualms sending him away… But that was not why I was preoccupied. I was troubled by the way mom had disappeared into a corner halfway through the funeral. I was anxious to know what Camelia’s endgame was. I was also worried about the future of the pack for many understandable reasons.
And to further add to my list of worries, I didn’t know what the future had in store for me and Alex, and our baby.
Through the next 3 days, Trevor remained with me whether Alex was beside me or not. And I found his loyalty absolutely endearing, though admittedly he might have been following orders.
“Luna Jade,” Trevor began in a feeble tone of voice that was so unlike him, I feared his next words. “Your mother has collapsed and has been taken to the clinic.”
I stilled, almost unable to comprehend his words. Mom was never sick.
But then again, mom had always had dad by her side. Now that she had lost her mate, she could heavens forbid lose the will to live too.
I turned to Trevor and said in a firm tone of voice, “Lead the way.”
“Yes, Luna Jade,” Trevor nodded at once, as if objecting wasn’t even an option.
We walked briskly to the clinic, and by the time it was within sight, my wolf was trying to calm me down.
We cannot have another meltdown, Jade, she chastised. Whatever happens, we have to remain in control of our emotions.
Yes, I get it. The pack and the pup will be in danger, I heaved a sigh, even as I did my best not to snap at her. But can’t you understand that I am but an 18 year old teen, who’s been thrown into a life of duties and overwhelming responsibilities?
Yes, you are. But you are strong, stronger than you think. You can get through this. We will get through this.
My wolf’s pep talk kept me busy. And thus, by the time I stood in front of the door behind which mom laid, I was zen like calm flowing water.
The healer emerged from the room just as I was about to reach out to the doorknob.
“Is mom okay?” I asked in a worried tone, biting on my bottom lip despite my best efforts not to.
The healer gave me a look that made me want to hide, for how could mom be fine and be hospitalized at the same time?
“Your mother will need some getting used to, Luna Jade,” she said in a soft tone of voice. “I would suggest that she keeps herself busy, that she travels if possible too… Otherwise, her depression will get the best of her. I gave her pills for her insomnia as well.”
“Understood,” I nodded before thanking her.
“You can see her now,” she then declared softly. “One at a time.”
Trevor then told me kindly, “Take your time, Luna Jade. I will be here.”
I nodded my gratitude to him before entering the room where mom rested… Only she wasn’t resting, she was sobbing.
“Mom,” I cooed softly, and she averted her face and all noise stopped. But I could tell that the sobs continued to wreck through her just silently from the way she shook.
I sat next to her on the bed and patted her head gently, “You know you can cry, mom. I won’t think any less of you. You have the right to mourn your mate.”
Mom, who used to always have an easy-going smile on her face, who used to only be firm and serious when it came to the safety of the pack, openly cried after a moment, when she saw that I was not leaving.
“I cannot believe he is gone,” she let out in a hoarse voice after a while.
“The pill is hard to swallow,” I agreed with her readily as I continued caressing her hair in soft strokes.
“You have to rest, mom,” I then told her in earnest. “You need to sleep properly too.”
“I can’t,” she shook her head negatively. She then sat up in the bed, looked me in the eyes and said, “How can I sleep when everything I see, touch, or smell reminds me of him?”
I gulped down my own sadness and then suggested softly, “You could relocate to another room, mom.”
“No!” She cried out in desperation. “Anything but that! I will take the pill diligently… The healer said it should help me sleep. I cannot part with that room, Jade.”
“As long as you work on getting better, mom,” I hugged her tightly, knowing she and I both needed the closeness.
By the time I was done consoling her, she was fast asleep. I moved carefully so as to leave the bed, and then went back to the pack house, Trevor hot on my heels.
I made a beeline to Alex’s office, knocked and was soon enough opening the door, without waiting for the usual deep “Come in.”
The usual fragrance that was Camelia’s signature scent reached my nostrils, and I couldn’t help but sneeze.
“Bless you,” Alex told me without delay though his focus was on the papers in front of him.
“Thank you,” I retorted with a small smile.
“Was Camelia here?” I asked tentatively after a short moment of silence.
Alex let out a noncommittal sound in the back of his throat, that seemed to indicate a positive response, before letting out, “Why are you asking?”
“Has she come up with a solution yet?” I asked indifferently, trying to make it seem like I no longer minded her presence all that much.
He shook his head negatively and heaved a sigh, “Sadly no.”
I was just about to tell him she should leave then, but he was quick to say, “Hopefully something will come up soon.”
“Amen to this,” I said with a fake smile plastered on my face, knowing that the sooner I would have the witch off our hair, the better.
“Did you need something, love?” He then asked, his gaze shifting to my face.
How could I tell him that I just wanted to see him, to make sure he still breathed, because of everything happening as of late? That would sound too desperate, and clingy too.
I shook my head negatively and told him, “I will be on my way.”
The distance that was growing between Alex and me was maddening, and it was all I could do to remain sane and strong in spite of everything.