***Ryker***
I stood silently at the pack's natural burial grounds trying to face up to the old werewolf departure. The place was covered by white and yellow flower meadows, surrounded by trees. The serene scenery and the tranquil weather assuaged my inner poignant grief.
My mother embraced my mate as she let out plaintive sobs. Her shoulders shook with every cry that raked through her. She had done everything she could to help her stay alive, but finally the murderer finished his job. My arms itched to pull her to me but my beast and I understood that she needed girls' time.
The burial was long over, people had retreated back to their places and yet I remained behind, giving my mate the space to grieve. Yes she was safe in my mother's arms but I wasn't about to risk anything. Mimi had been murdered with a lethal dose of a silver dart, in my pack, a pack full of trained warriors.