Page 31 of Broken Bonds

“I have a feeling they’d all get a kick out of this if they were here right now. Probably say something like,‘damn, all these people here for little ol’ us,’or whatever. They were always finding a way to lighten the mood, even when the timing wasn’t right.” That gets another round of chuckles. “As most of you know, we didn’t have much in the way of family except for each other. Moving here, we made so many lifelong friends, made our own family. And that’s so obvious right now as I stand up here and look out at all of you.”

I flick my gaze over to the little league coaches, parents, and team members that came and give them soft smiles.

“Van loved coaching with you guys every year. The way he’d light up after a practice or game was truly a gift. You pulled my alpha out of his grumpy shell during the season, and for that, I thank you all.”

Lips wobble and mothers cry, even a few dads. The kids have tears in their eyes, their heads bowed, and it hurts my already torn to shreds heart. Next, I look towards the completely decked out high schoolers and staff. I love that they’re not all dressed in black, instead choosing to represent my alphas in their school colors. It’s a wonderful tribute.

“Now, this. You guys have seriously lifted my spirits seeing you decked out like this. Lake would love every bit of this, and Ollie, too. Lake was so proud of the team this year and how well they were doing. He couldn’t stop talking about how certain he was you’d all go to the championships this year. I hope you guys will continue to work hard and make his dream come true. I couldn’t think of a better tribute than to win that championship for him.”

Coach Baker nods his head in the affirmative, eyes glistening as he tries his hardest to hold back his tears. Lake enjoyed the man’s company, and I know he enjoyed Lake’s in turn.

“Ollie was always so at peace, knowing how comfortable all of you were to come to him with your problems. He always hoped to be a safe space for those struggling because of the life he lived before he presented as an alpha, and I think he accomplished that. Thank you for trusting him with your secrets and know he took all of them with him when he left.”

I get misty eyed as I say that, but it’s true. Anything these kids ever told Ollie, and even his coworkers, was kept safe with him. The man was like a vault. Impenetrable and one hundred percent trustworthy.

Lastly, I look out at everyone else, my eyes snagging on Maribel’s teary gaze the longest before I continue.

“And the rest of you. Rule lit up every time he came home to tell me about what he’d fixed in town that day or who he’d helped. Who he’d sat down and had a talk with. It was a bright spot in his life to bring so many of you company or help whenever you needed it. He felt a sense of pride in being the one everyone felt comfortable to call when they needed a helping hand. Thank you for trusting him and giving him company and friendship in return. All of them, really. Although, I know it wasn’t a hard feat considering how full of life they all were. I’m a very lucky omega to have had them for the amount of time I did, and for that, I am forever grateful to the universe.”

There’s not a single dry eye by now, including my own, and my chest feels tight the longer I stand up here.

“May the gods welcome you all with open arms and grant me the opportunity to meet you again in the next life,” I breathe as I look at those gleaming boxes again before stepping away and walking back to my seat.

I feel numb when I sit back down beside my best friend. Once again, the static fills my head, and I hear nothing else that’s said. I sit there as several more people step up to say some words about my alphas, but it’s all fuzzy through the cotton in my ears.

When it’s finally time to lower them down, I stand at the edge of the two middle spots and watch as everyone else makes their way back down the hill to give me time. I stand there and don’t look away until all four are resting at the bottom. Then I grab a handful of dirt and make my way to each of them, dropping some in them all.

My head bows as I stop at Van’s, unable to leave them just yet.

Gods, this is so fucking hard.

How do I walk away and leave them here?

A bright ray of sunshine hits the ground in front of my feet as four red birds fly over my head, and a half sob, half laugh erupts from me.

Those fucking assholes.

“Yeah, okay. I hear you,” I murmur, blowing out a breath before turning my back and leaving my very reasons for breathing behind.

* * *

The farewell ceremony is being held atJinx, per my request, because none of us have ever been particularly religious and they loved this place. All they’d want is to be celebrated in a place that was like their second home. Besides, I’m sure there’s more than a few people that could probably use a drink after the service. I know I could, and it’s a damn shame I can’t have one.

Jinxis perfect.

Maribel helped Jillian get everything set up while I was otherwise… occupied, so at least that was one thing I didn’t have to worry about.

When I eventually walk in, the older beta immediately engulfs me in her arms, and I hug her back just as tightly. My eyes close as I breathe in her familiar scent, readily accepting the love she’s so willing to give me.

“Oh, sweet girl. I am so sorry,” she whispers against my head and all I can do is nod, breathing in and out.

“I wish I could get you a stiff drink, but that’ll have to wait a bit longer,” she quips when she pulls back, raising a brow and smirking at me with teary eyes.

I chuckle and pat my protruding belly.

“Rain check? I have a feeling I’ll need it.”

“You got it, baby girl,” Maribel says, patting my cheek softly and leading me to the bar to take a seat.

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