A few days have gone by, and it is time to lay our loved ones to rest. I had decided that I would get everything done in one day, so after the funerals, we would be doing the trials as well. If I am going to get emotionally exhausted, I might as well do it all in one day. I am not sure I will ever be okay with funerals and death, but it is part of my job and my life now, so I should probably embrace it.
I was packing what I needed to take home. After the funeral and trial, we will be returning home to figure out how the pack will run. The palace is making great progress, so in a few months, it should feel like a home for me. We haven’t told anyone about our pregnancy, but I think after the trial, I will say a speech and let everyone know. Wyatt has been itching to tell people. I just chuckle every time he rubs my belly and nags me about it.
I heard the bedroom door open and looked over to see Wyatt coming back from seeing everything being done correctly. The funeral will be on the hillside to the North and the trial will be held in the East where they will also be burned. We don’t let their ashes or body decompose in the soil. Since we believe in the circle of life, bad blood doesn’t need to taint the soil. Instead, their ashes will be placed with the other traitors and stored in an underground vault.
“Almost done?” Wyatt asked as he came up behind me and slid his arms around my waist, resting his head on my shoulder. He hands rest on my belly as he slowly massages
“Yeah, just finishing it. I am not sure why Reed insisted we take all this clothing. It was all his to begin with, since came here with just the clothes on my back.”
“Kelly wanted you to take it. Her nesting instincts are flying right now.”
“I’m not surprised! Is everything ready to go?” I asked as I zipped up a suitcase. Wyatt grabbed it and we started walking to the car to pack it away before we headed down there.
“Yeah, the funeral is ready to go, I just came here to get you and it will be good. The pack is saying their goodbyes. The trial is ready. The prisoners are still in their cells and will remain there till you are ready for them.”
“Okay. I don’t know what to say to Zach. He stood beside me the whole time, even when I doubted him.” We reached the garage and Wyatt put the suitcase in the trunk with the rest of his.
“I have a feeling you will know exactly what to say when you see him.” Wyatt said, shutting the trunk and taking my hand, leading the way to the funeral.
Neither one of us said anything as we walked to the hill.
Looking ahead, I could see and smell all the flowers that have been arranged for this. There are three trees standing off to the side. Trevor, Zach and Johnnie will be buried and then a tree will be planted above them. As the tree grows, their bodies will nurture the tree, thus the circle of life. I am pretty sure I see an apple tree, pear tree and a peach tree.
Everyone was sitting in their seats as we approached. The sound of silent cries and sniffles filled the air as we walked up the aisle. As we arrived at the front, each person was laid out naked with a cloth over their private areas. They were resting on a cot that was about waist high. Wyatt stood at the edge of the aisle, letting me have this moment to myself.
I walked up to Zach and looked at him. He looked like he could be sleeping. I opened my mouth a few times and closed it before the words came to me.
“Zach, you stood beside me when I lost everything. You followed me on this unknown journey with enthusiasm and courage. You always had my back and protected me at all costs. I am so sorry this is how it ended for you, but your spirit will live on. You will always be my brother. I love you.” I said as the tears slipped down my face. I gave him a soft kiss on the forehead before walking to the next person.
“Johnnie, you called me ‘Ice Queen’ and irritated me, but you protected me with your life. I will always be honored to have known you, even if it was for just a short time. Rest easy now.” I said softly.
“Trevor, we have been friends since we were kids. I understand why you made the decisions you made, but I thank you for showing up for me when you did. You protected me with your life, made sacrifices for me and the greater good. I will always honor and cherish our friendship. You will also always be my brother. Love you.” I gave him a kiss on the forehead and turned to sit down.
I saw Damian and Holly were standing at the front of the aisle but Wyatt had a hand on their shoulders, keeping them in place. They looked pissed off and ready to fight.
Calmly, I walked up to them. Letting my aura out just a little and my eyes turned green, without glowing. “I suggest you take your seat and not utter a single word”, I threatened
Both of them turned to leave but I could feel the hatred in Holly’s eyes. I could care less. I know that was her brother, but today was not the day for that. Wyatt and I sat down beside Autumn and Paul. Kelly and Reed were on the other side of the front row. I nodded to Reed’s dad to start the funeral.
“Today, we mourn the loss of these three brave souls. They paid the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good and it is because of their sacrifices we are able to stand here today.
Although they will not be here in person, their spirit will live on through the fruit that will bloom. Let’s bow our heads and pray to the Moon Goddess.
‘Moon Goddess, please take care of these three young men.
Bless their souls with everlasting happiness. Let us have peace with their passing and continue to thrive in their absence. They will never be forgotten. Thank you”
He nodded to the warriors, and they walked over, carefully removed each man and placed them in three separate holes and began to fill them with dirt. Once they were about three feet left, they planted the trees and filled them the rest of the way up. Finally, they watered them.
“Thank you all for joining us in their celebration of life. Let us go and eat lunch together and let the families have one last goodbye.” Reed’s dad finished and dismissed us all.
Wyatt, Kelly, Reed and I led the way to the lunch that was provided in the backyard of the pack house. There were different cold cut sandwiches, fruit and salads spread out.
Kelly and I grabbed a salad as the boys grabbed sandwiches and found seating at the front table.
“I never did get a chance to properly thank you for saving my life.” Kelly said to me with tears in her eyes.
“You have been in the hospital and unconscious for a little bit. I understand!” I said, laughing.
“Still, you could have let me go and you didn’t.”
“Of course not!” We haven’t told Reed and Kelly about our baby yet or what Raven had said. His parents are the only ones we have told. It was getting hard to keep in.
“Well, thank you anyway.” She said stubbornly.
I nodded and looked at Wyatt, who was just watching us talk. The rest of the meal went smoothly. Random people coming up to say hi, otherwise it was silent with no talking.
Each of us were in our own heads about what just happened and what was about to happen
I watched as Damian and Holly ate their food off to the side with no company. No one came to say hello or extend their sympathies. I wonder if the pack knew who they were
“It’s time” Wyatt said, standing up and fixing his suit jacket.
Taking a deep breath, I stood up and fixed my black cotton dress. It was fitted with short sleeves that stopped at my knees. I paired it with flats so my heels didn’t sink into the grass. Once we stood and started walking, I heard everyone else following us.
I grabbed Wyatt’s hand for support as I started to feel a little uneasy. I haven’t had much morning sickness, but after I eat, it has did not settle well.
“You are looking a little pale, Wyatt said through the mind-link. His voice was full of concern.
‘Do I? I am starting to feel queasy.
‘Are you okay? Do we need to reschedule this?’
“No, I should be okay. This needs to get done. I responded through the mind-link. We were approaching the trial area.
There are seats for everyone and a stage. Two seats for Wyatt and myself, a projector for everyone to see everything clearly and a microphone just in case. Reed really had really thought of everything.
Wyatt and I walked on the stage and sat down. I took a deep breath trying to calm my upset stomach. My nerves started to show themselves. At that moment, I felt calmness and love being pushed through the bond.
Looking over at Wyatt, I smiled at him. As everyone started piling in and finding a seat, Wyatt got up and put my crown my me and put his on himself. I was going to do it but he shook his head at me and wanted me to stay sitting as long as I could. I appreciate those little things.
Finally, everyone had arrived and was sitting quietly. Taking a deep breath, I stood up and walked to the microphone.
“Thank you all for coming today to witness the trial of Mason Ward, Turner Jackson, Tom Moore and Devin Price.
Grant Wood has already been executed and will be burned with the guilt.” I said confidently.
“Please bring the accused to the stage,” | said. Maverick and other warriors brought them forward. They were each placed in a chair on the stage, so the crowd was on their left and we sat on their right. I was standing directly in front of them.
Tet my aura suffocate them and my eyes turned green. ” You will not speak unless spoken to first. You will answer my questions honestly and to the best of your abilities.
Understood?”
I was met with four very hostile eyes, but they all nodded yes.
“Good”, I turned to the crowd. “Their charges read as followed
Mason- Charged with sleeping with a minor, domestic abuse, 1st degree murder, and theft
Turner- money laundering and tax evasion of his personal businesses, i.e. laundry mat and hotels
Grant Theft, battery and 1st degree murder of a child
Tom- Battery with a weapon, s*x with a minor under 12 years old. They found a house with people in the baseball chained up and physically abused. Tax evasion
Devin- Charged with operating and running a s*x trafficking ring, organization of destruction of packs that resulted in loss of life.”
I read each charge off and we met with growls, angry yells with cussing and cries. Many people who are attendance were victims of their crimes. I could feel all their anger, frustration, hurt and disgust for the men on the stage.
“Tom-how do you plead?” I asked.
“Guilty of the charges but not sorry!” he yelled. I ignored his comment, but the crowd went crazy.
“I accept your plea and find you guilty of the said charges. I sentence you to death.” He kept his head held high as he accepted his fate.
“Turner how do you plead?”
“Guilty!” he yelled
“I accept your guilty plea and find you guilty of your crimes.
You are sentenced to death.” I said again and was met with approval.
“Mason- How do you plead?”
“f*****g guilty and I loved every minute of it” He said happily.
The anger and frustration was rising in the area. I held up a hand and was rewarded with silence other than the soft cries of the women.
“I accept your plea and sentence you to death.” I said tiredly. I was ready for this to be over with already.
“Devin- How do you plead?”
“Guilty but not!” He said loudly
My head snapped up and my eyes zeroed in on him. “But not?”
“I was following orders. I can’t be killed for following orders!”
The crowd was yelling and out of their seats. Again, I raised my hand and they respected it. “Were you following orders when you held me and tortured me for three days? Were you following orders when you hit me with a baseball bat breaking my fingers and legs? Were you following orders when you used the whip on me?” I asked dangerously. My aura was in full blow and my eyes were glowing brightly.
All four men were bent over as much as possible with their necks exposed. 1 feel like if I pushed a little more, they would break their own necks
“N. No” Devin spit out
Pulling back and relaxing, “I find you guilty of all the crimes listed as well as the improper techniques for questioning someone in your custody.” I said flatly.
Turning back to the crowd, “I find all four men guilty for their crimes and for their part in not only my torture ! received at their hands, but the part they played in the trafficking ring as well. Please bring the guilty forward and placed them on their knees, facing the crowd.” I commanded.
‘Do you need me to do it?’ Wyatt asked through the mind-link.
‘No, thank you. I need to do this. I cut the link and focused on the task at hand. All four men were placed facing the crowd. Some parents removed the children from the area.
“They will not be granted the privilege of saying any last words. They have done enough damage.” Many people in the crowd nodded in agreement, so I took that as it was my signal to proceed.
Walking up behind Tom. I grabbed his head, took a deep breath and twisted it causing it to snap instantly with a sickening sound. His body fell to the ground. I didn’t even bother to glance at him as I walked up behind Turner. He was looking at Tom and I could feel the fear off of him. l made it a quick snap as well and the sound echoed across the field.
Standing behind Mason, I felt the hatred fill me. I remember every bone he broke, every slap he gave me, and every smirk he held at my expense. I couldn’t stand this man.
Snapping his neck was not enough for me. I grabbed his shoulder and as slowly as I possibly could, I pushed my hand into his chest and grabbed his heart. In one swift moment, I pulled it out and held it as it beat his last beat.
The crowd gasped but no anger feelings filled me. They were mainly shocked but an understanding followed.
As his body fell forward, Devin looked appalled at this. He opened and closed his mouth, trying to find the words to express his feelings. I didn’t give him the chance as l plunged into his chest and pulled out his heart as I looked into his eyes. “That is for myself and my people”,
“, I said, as
the light dimmed from his eyes and fell over.
The crowd was quiet as l dropped his heart and Maverick took his shirt off and handed it to me to clean the blood off me. I nodded in appreciation. Everyone stayed quiet and sat down, waiting for me to finish.
Once, I got the blood whipped off as much as possible, I turned to the crowd to address them.
“Thank you all for coming. That ended up a little more dramatic than anticipated but it was well deserved what they not only did to me but to each of you…”
“Thank you” I heard from a quiet voice in the front row. I looked down at who interrupted me, and it was Sofia.
Maverick looked nervous for a second before I held my hand up and smiled at Sofia. I understood her.
“They will be burned. Those who wish to watch are welcome to do so, those who don’t may leave here in a second. I would like to say a few final words before we head back to our pack. A palace is being built as a central location. We will be starting a new journey and revisiting laws. Future trials will be done there and any business as well. When things get finalized, you will be notified and will always be able to reach us. We are not sure what the future of the pack will look like, but please know that we will do any and everything in our power to make sure everyone is taken care of and provided for. Lastly, I would like to announce to everyone that Wyatt and I are expecting our first child….
I barely got the words out before cheers erupted. Whooping and hollering filled the air and I heard a distinctive WHAT’ from Kelly down in the front row. Smiling at everyone, I felt Wyatt come up behind me and wrap his arms around me.
He pulled me close so I was leaning up against him. I let them cheer for awhile before I raised my hand, signaling them to calm down.
The warriors started taking the bodies to be burned. I turned and looked at Wyatt.
“Let’s go home!” I said smiling. Looking forward to our bright future ahead of us. I was a little worried about what they might hold for our boys but I know we will tackle it together.
End
That was the first novel I read to the end so fascinating intriguing suspense and couldn’t keep off…well done.