Page 3 of Cursed Storm

Worry grew among the pack. What if their alpha never woke up? But Sam kept everyone busy, directing each wolf on how to secure the land and delegating tasks among the wolves.

Griffin had stayed, despite some of the members treating him like a fungus, unappealing and disgusting to touch or be around. But he forced himself to stay and help the pack.

Was it guilt? Maybe. I’d wondered if he felt like Kellan and Victor’s attack was his fault, because they were his ex-pack and family who did those awful things. Every time I’d tried to ask him about it, he’d brush it off and say he was busy with something Sam had tasked him with.

I kept to myself a lot of the time—mostly because the pack hadn’t made me feel welcome and were treating me like I was an infection waiting to spread. So, I spent my time with Ember, cooking for the wolves and helping to maintain a clean environment. It might sound strange, but it was my way of trying to make peace with them and let them know I wasn’t the enemy.

I guess the magic I’d used to preserve the bodies wasn’t enough.

It was an attempt when nothing else could be done, but I’d used my water affinity to freeze the bodies, hoping it could slow down decomposition. The problem? My magic could only last so long, and the ice would start to melt.

When it eventually disappears, I’ll exhaust my magic making the ice blocks, only for them to thaw out all over again, a never-ending process.

Maybe if I were a stronger witch, I could keep the bodies frozen longer, but I wasn’t strong. Unfortunately, I was a beginner who was in way over her head.

It wasn’t much, but it was the only way I could remain useful. Though, I never strayed far from Cassian’s side and checked on him constantly.

But that third day, when Sam declared they would have the funeral the following day, I spoke up against him for the first time.

“You can’t,” I said when I’d overheard the conversation about the preparations for the funeral.

“Excuse me?” Sam asked, slighted by my demands. “The spell is wearing off, despite the magic you used, and they’re beginning to develop a smell. Besides, our wolves deserve peace. It’s disrespectful to keep them trapped. Their souls need to be set free so they can be with our other fallen wolves. But you wouldn’t understand. This is pack business, which does not require your involvement.”

That turned a few heads, but no way was I backing down. I meant no disrespect to the wolves, but I wouldn’t let them do that to their alpha. Cassian would wake up—I could feel it. Maybe it was the bond, but I knew that he wasn’t dead. He was in a deep sleep, trapped somewhere in his mind.

“Cassian isn’t awake yet. You can’t bury his mother and pack members while he’s still out. It’s wrong.”

“I can,” Sam declared. “And I will. What’s wrong is keeping our wolves from peace. As the beta wolf, I am expected to help lead when my alpha is unable. Therefore, the decision falls in my hands. We are having the funerals tomorrow; end of discussion.”

He swiftly turned on his heel, ending the conversation as if I were a child asking for a cookie before dinner.

“No,” I said, taking an authoritative tone. Sam was correct, he was technically in charge, but I couldn’t let him do that to Cass. I wouldn’t. There was one card I’d yet to play, and it was a risky one that could go in my favor or turn everyone against me. But it was the only card I’d held in my grasp.

“I am Cassian’s mate, so that makes me your Luna.” Though my tone was filled with confidence and assurance, I trembled like a cowering lamb beneath my skin. “As the luna, I prohibit you from having the funeral until Cassian wakes up.”

Sam chuckled—actually chuckled—amused by my comment. “No, you’re not the luna. You’re some girl he went to school with who happens to have a mating bond that no one can explain. You’re not a wolf, therefore, you’re not a luna.”

I held my stance, as firm and unwavering as Sam.

“She’s half-wolf,” Ember chimed out from behind me. “So, yeah, she is a luna.” Her lips pulled into a crooked smile, unphased and daring Sam to dispute, begging for the challenge.

“Technically, they are right, Sam,” Liam said from beside him. “She is Cassian’s mate, and although she isn’t fully aware of our customs, she will be the luna of this pack.”

The words had never actually settled in my mind until that moment. I had been grasping at straws, but to hear a pack member say it, suddenly it became too real. Had they really expected me to be a luna to this pack in the future, to lead alongside Cassian?

“I don’t know,” Tristan, another wolf, argued. “There hasn’t been a wedding or any type of ceremony claiming her as luna of the pack. Plus, have they even mated yet?” His eyes traveled to my gaping mouth, and he cocked an eyebrow.

“Like that is any of your business,” I spat with my arms crossed.

“Actually, it is,” Sam said, crossing his arms to match, standing directly in front of me and towering over my more petite frame, asserting his dominance.

Still, I stood my ground. I wouldn’t let this twerp intimidate me. Not when it came to Grace’s funeral. “No. It isn’t. I may not be your traditional luna, or the luna anyone wanted, but I am Cassian’s mate, and I refuse to allow you to have the funeral before he wakes up.”

Griffin stepped forward, attempting to keep the peace. “Come on, guys. Tensions are high enough without fights over the alpha position. Emily isn’t interested in becoming your new leader, she just wants to do right by your alpha.”

I nodded because it was true. Honestly, I couldn’t care less about leading the pack. I had no idea what their customs were or how to even lead a wolf pack. I just didn’t want any injustice to Cassian and having a funeral before he was awake was an injustice.

“Exactly, so Sam, why don’t you just hold back on the funeral a little longer until Cassian wakes up.”

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