Read Blood Oath (#3, Mystic Wolves) for Free Online Page B

behind
it.
    “She loved her big brother,” I replied,
catching a stray tear with my finger.
    Vivien came up behind us, motioning for us to
take our seats and I mouthed to my future mate my belief we’d get
through this.
    Paying one last look at his treasured
sibling, Mason led us down to the waiting chairs at the front. I
noticed April was sitting alone a few rows back and I motioned for
her to join us before turning my gaze to the front.
    Lifting her arms in a welcoming fashion,
small balls of light seemed to appear out of nowhere and floated
above us in the air. A reminder of the power she held, it also
increased the beauty of the moment and signaled the beginning of
the ritual. I couldn’t help but gaze upwards and marvel at the
magic involved as they faintly twinkled like mini fireflies
dancing.
    “I welcome you here tonight, esteemed family
and friends of the Mystic Wolves pack. It’s with troubled hearts we
gather to say a goodbye to our dearest Jasmine, sister of the
Alpha. But more importantly, we meet to celebrate the life of one
who shone brightly in the short time she was amongst us.”
    A warm sensation settled over me like a sigh
and I snuggled in closer to Mason. Fitting perfectly under his arm,
I rested my hand on his thigh, and he placed his on top of mine. It
seemed as though the world stopped still, taking time from its
constant orbit to witness the sacred rite. Everything subsided, all
noise and commotion waning as if a powerful spell was being cast.
We were pulled into its weave, its heady influence offering a peace
greatly needed.
    “Life doesn’t always go as we expect it to.
Even with the most marvelous of powers, we’re helpless against
what’s written in the stars. Whether you believe in fate, or free
will, there’s always some kind of plan, some intricate design which
governs over us and keeps the balance. Even when that balance is
threatened, tearing us away from those we love, we must continue to
trust there is a purpose, and hold on tightly to those who still
walk with us.”
    “The humans have an interesting
saying— there is a time and a season for everything. As
supernatural beings, we also hold this belief true. Just as we
rejoice in the blessings brought with each new life, we also mourn
when one is extinguished. It’s particularly hard when death comes
beckoning early, or without reason, but I would share with you
this—don’t let grief weigh you down so much that you lose your way
on the path. Feel what you will. Cry your tears, but always
remember, even in the darkest of times there is hope. Remember
those who have passed on and show your gratitude for them by
continuing to live in a way that honors them. That way no life is
ever wasted. Each life is revered and cherished.”
    “Jasmine was a precious soul, one blessed to
be born into the werewolf legacy. We’re each given unique traits, a
heritage that ties us together as a community, and none are more
fascinating than the lupus. The spirit of a human and wolf residing
in the same vessel, a lifetime spent together as intimate
companions. Each soul brings to the partnership strength and
abilities, both seeking to find that perfect balance as they learn
and accept one another. Our beloved sister and friend was at the
beginning of her journey, her education only started, but already
she had shown a great depth of character and compassionate heart.
She and her wolf will be greatly missed, but never far away.”
    Having been to many funerals, this next part
was always something that struck me deeply. It was the ritual of
farewell where the body was consumed by witch’s fire, releasing the
spirits into the air so they could continue their journey into the
afterlife together. There were many different tales about what
happens next, each pack and group adding their own slant, so I was
curious to see how Vivien spun her tale.
    “The mythology of the werewolf is one buried
deeply in lore, and as such, has many interpretations.