The Alpha - 14. Unwelcome Guests

Ethan grasped his mate’s hand as they approached the casket.

Aiden kissed the hand and held it tightly. “Are you ready for what’s coming? I know it’s a lot, even for someone like you. We’ve talked about it several times, but you’ve never been asked to do something like this.”

An almost imperceptible nod was the only response as they reached the coffin. Resting his free hand on the smooth surface, Ethan turned towards those gathered. “Dorian was my friend. Our first meeting didn’t exactly go well and may have started with him calling me a little bitch, and me referring to him as an asshole—” Audience laughter interrupted him for a moment. “He didn’t like I was a turnling, and I couldn’t stand the bully. It led to a fight but ended with mutual respect for each other.” Ethan looked once more at the casket holding his friend. “Since then, he’s been someone I could call if I needed a different perspective on things or simply to talk.”

Ethan had to stop to wipe the tears from his eyes and struggled to keep it from raining on his head. Enough snowflakes formed in the air around him and Aiden to be noticed. The reassuring touch of his mate gave him the strength to continue. “When people found out about my true nature, I feared they’d think I was a monster or try to kill me. Later on I learned how Dorian told people they didn’t need to fear me. I know what his reputation was and how he forced several smaller packs to join. I believe in my heart he thought he was doing what was best for everyone based on what he knew. He loved his people and this pack without reservation. I’m going to miss him. Regardless of anything, he was a good man. You’ve lost a leader before his time, and I’ve lost my friend.”

Aiden wrapped an arm around Ethan’s shoulder and guided them back to their chairs.

The honor guard folded the Corps flag and presented it to Dorian’s mother. Taps was played in a hauntingly beautiful harmony by five trumpeters, and the hunters fired off a twenty-one gun salute. Eight members of the Corps lifted the casket and placed it atop the pyre. Led by Dorian’s stepfather, eight more followed him up the center aisle with torches. Marshal briefly stopped beside Ethan, took a torch from one of the men and offered it to his alpha’s young friend. “We’d be honored if you’d assist in lighting the fire. I know he’d like it as well.”

Aiden kissed his husband’s head and nodded.

Ethan stood as tears streamed down his face. He fought to keep his sadness in check, as his shirt and the ground froze where the tears dropped. “I won’t need that. Have them fan out in a semi circle around Dorian, and I’ll do the rest my way.”

Marshal relayed his instructions to the torch bearers. The funeral attendees watched, many having heard of the fantastical abilities of the young man.

Ethan stood with his back to the crowd. His sobs were barely audible. Dorian’s sister approached with a tissue as he moved to wipe his nose on his sleeve for lack of anything better. As he fought to compose himself, his eyes glowed their brilliant blue, morphed to purple, and finally shifted to a vibrant red. The eight flames danced as they climbed into the sky forming columns. About thirty feet in the air, all eight twisted together in a spinning vortex over Dorian’s casket. Fire cascaded over the coffin without marring the smooth, dark surface. It ran like water into the wood below, igniting the pyre in a spectacular tribute to his friend. As the blaze took hold, Ethan drew back the firefall until the torches burned normally once more.

The Pit River Pack sat in stunned silence at the incredibly beautiful display. Ethan returned to his mate’s side and embraced him. Casey, Darius, and Cody’s hands on his back brought him comfort. Still, more ice crystals formed on the ground where his tears fell.

Levi moved to the front of the gathering. “We are honored by the delegations who have come to remember our leader in death. The pack will meet tomorrow evening after our alpha’s ashes have been collected to discuss our future.”

The crowd slowly dispersed as visiting alphas spoke and said their goodbyes.

******

Levi had asked the group of elders to stand behind him. He held little more than contempt for the old wolves, but the men were respected, and it provided a strategically staged optic as he addressed the membership. “This pack has had a violent history when it comes to the succession of an alpha. This is the third leader we’ve lost in my lifetime. Knowing my best friend as I did, it’s sad a defect in his heart took his life instead of a glorious battle or old age. I’ve worked hard for all of you over the years as beta and feel I can continue everything he and I started. In the spirit of my friend, I ask the members to follow me as Alpha Jackman’s successor.”

There was a quiet debate among the membership who agreed it would be nice to have a peaceful transfer. The McKinney family was not overly liked regardless of how powerful they had become. Therefore, it was a surprise when no one stood to challenge for leadership.

Levi scanned the audience waiting for anyone to say something.

Marshal spoke on behalf of the family. “Levi, you’ve always served your loyalties well as beta. The people should accept your petition to lead us.” He was barely able to cover his contempt for the man. “But if there is another petition, the decision must go to the challenge ring to decide. I know you’ve never set paw inside the circle, but for the good of all I’m sure you will if called upon. Is there anyone else who wishes to lead this pack in our time of need? It seems a shame none of our stronger wolves wish to step into the ring and claim leadership. Perhaps the perception of a curse and untimely death weighs on their mind.”

The beta stifled his glare towards the man who asked for challengers. He was about to graciously thank the alpha’s stepfather for his endorsement when a voice was raised from the back of the gathering. “May I address the pack?” Levi turned towards the speaker, seeing Ethan surrounded by his mate, guards, and that bitch alpha, Karissa.

“This is a meeting for members of the pack only. Outsiders are not permitted to speak. Or even be here for that matter.” The beta was glaring daggers at the interloper. “Anything you need to say can be brought up at the appropriate time. Would the hunters please escort them away from here?”

An elder stepped forward to the surprise of many. “Given his friendship with our fallen alpha, I think we should permit this brief interruption. Perhaps he wishes to challenge for leadership.” Many others nodded their agreement.

“Fine. The floor’s yours Mister Tucker. But make it quick. We have business to attend to.” Levi turned; clearly annoyed, he took his seat.

“Thank you for allowing me to speak. I wish to share a video message from Alpha Jackman to the people he so cared about.”

“A video?” Levi was taken aback by this turn of events. “Why would you have a video from our alpha?”

A smirk crossed Ethan’s face. “I think it’ll be self explanatory. He knew the life of an alpha could be a dangerous one and wanted to be able to say goodbye if anything ever happened.”

Marshal cleared his throat, drawing the beta’s attention. “According to Alpha Ryan, it’s common these days for one leader to leave a farewell message with another they’re close to in case the worst happens.”

“Is this really the proper time for this?” Levi couldn’t think of any way to prevent the message from being shown before he had a chance to view it in private. “Surely after we’ve had some time to grieve…”

“Ethan Tucker and Aiden Jacobs traveled a long way to be here for the funeral. Making them wait or return would be a shitty way to treat a friend to the pack. I’d like to hear my brother’s voice one more time.”

The volume of the gathering increased, as members voiced their desire to see their alpha’s message. One voice called over the din of the others. “Now seems as good a time as any, and it might help with closure over our loss.”

Marshal regretted not having shared his knowledge of it with any of his family. He could only hope they’d understand.

Cody handed him a USB drive. Moments later, Dorian’s image appeared on a screen in a profiled view. Much of the man’s office was visible, granting many their first glimpse into the alpha’s inner domain. A knock could be heard followed by the beta entering the room and moving towards a chair.

A thin smile spread across Marshal’s face as he saw panic in Levi’s eyes.