Alpha's One Night Bride
Alpha’s One Night Bride – Chapter 82

There was definitely an outsider lurking around our house, we just couldn’t tell who it was. It was a scent that was unfamiliar and by the time we returned home, they were gone. Jonathan patrolled the surrounding area just to make sure they were actually gone.

My first thought was Greggory, considering he’s been acting so weird lately. But it wasn’t his scent; unless he sent someone to spy on us as Rock had.

Thankfully, Emee was sound asleep in her crib; untouched and unharmed. Part of me wanted to wake her up and keep her close to me but Jonathan insisted that I let her sleep and that no one was going to come around with them nearby. They would be stupid to do so, and he was right.

I, personally, would tear anyone’s throat out who dared go near my daughter in an attempt to kidnap or cause her harm. It will not be tolerated as long as I was breathing. I made that point very clear to Jonathan who agreed with me.

Once we settled in at home, Jess left.

It was weird knowing that Erick and Ronnie weren’t going to be arriving any time soon; I hoped they were settling in okay in their new home. I was so happy for them and knew that they would make a great team for their pack.

My mind was still processing everything I had learned. I couldn’t believe my mother was in love with Nikini; this whole time I thought it was Boris, but he ended up being an a*****e who raped her. He ruined her entire life; she was going to give up everything and everyone to be with Nikini. I had no idea my mother ever felt that strongly for another woman and part of me felt hurt that she kept it from me for all these years.

Even when I spoke to her in the spirit realm during my small coma, she still hadn’t mentioned it. But from her journal entries and some of the letters she’s written for Nikini, I knew at least some of what Nikini was saying was the truth. But if my mother trusted and loved Nikini so much, why would she try and keep me from Silverside?

I would understand it more if my mother was still alive and told me to not go there. But my mother was the freaking moon goddess for crying out loud. She could see and hear everything; she knows now that Nikini’s past actions were because of a misunderstanding and based on pain. She knows of Nikini’s regret and how she wasn’t really helping Rock.

So, why the warning?

…

“I already arranged the party, Arina. We have to celebrate. You only turn 18 once and now you are a full werewolf and an actual adult!” Jonatan said, excitedly.

It’s been a month since we uncovered my mother’s box; I had completely forgotten about my birthday until Jonathan mentioned it. I wasn’t as excited even though I would literally be coming of age. It was hard to believe that this was the time that I was technically supposed to marry Jonathan, but we got there a little bit earlier than planned.

“Jessica is even coming,” he told me.

I hadn’t seen Jessica or heard from her since her wedding last month; to be honest, I was worried about her. She’s been quieter than usual, and I still didn’t trust Greggory. I was glad that Jonathan was finally able to get a hold of her and I was excited to see her again.

But with everything going on, celebrating my birthday felt so pointless. We haven’t even had a proper burial for my mother yet. Her ashes were still in an urn on my dresser because I haven’t dared to actually put her to rest. When I was 7 years old, the funeral was really difficult; easily one of the most difficult points in my life. I couldn’t imagine doing that all over again; the thought made me want to curl up in a ball and start crying.

At the mention of Jessica, I saw a flash of worry in Jonathan’s eyes. For a minute I couldn’t read his expression as he thought of something.

I narrowed my eyes at him.

“What?” I asked, trying to read his face.

He looked at me with a frown.

“I didn’t want to mention this because I didn’t want to worry you,” Jonathan said, hesitantly. I was instantly worried. “But I haven’t been able to see them.”

“See who?” I asked, eyeing him carefully.

“Jessica and Greggory,” he told me. “I can’t see them through the Overseer link.”

Jonathan rarely uses his newfound Overseer powers unless he feels he needs to. He’s still trying to figure out his role as the Overseer and find out what he needs to do. Part of me thinks he’s been avoiding it and delaying the process because the thought of having that much power frightens him. But occasionally he will check on people he cares for and is wary of.

“What do you mean that you can’t see them?” I asked, panic was clear in my tone.

He sighed.

“I go to look and it’s just black. Like my vision is being blocked out. I’m unable to see anything,” Jonathan explained.

I frowned.

Now I was really worried. I had to see for myself that she was okay, which meant I had to follow through with this party regardless of if I liked it or not.

…

Jonathan invited all the Sabrebite pack, Ironclaw pack, and Moon-Valley pack to the party. It was held in the center of Ironclaw and it kind of reminded me of the red moon ceremony.

Jonathan set up balloons and banners while the local merchant’s set up shop outside. Natalie from the bakery baked a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and pink icing. She made yellow roses from icing as well and written on the top of the cake in the pink icing it read: Happy Birthday Arina.

I had to admit that it was a sweet gesture.

Music played throughout the streets and much like the red moon ceremony, people danced and laughed amongst one another. Jonathan was right, it was good to let loose a little and forget about our worries for a little while.

Emee seemed to be enjoying herself too; she was fascinated by the events that were going on around her. She was laughing at the dancing and mesmerized by the music. It pleased me how happy she was. I wasn’t surprised that Nikini and Boris didn’t make an appearance; I didn’t think they would.

As the night went on and the sun began setting, I realized that Jessica hadn’t shown up. I couldn’t help but be worried about her and I could tell Jonathan was worried as well. He couldn’t see either her or Greggory using his Overseer link, so I knew he was frustrated from that alone.

“Do you think she’s okay?” I asked him, worrying in my tone.

“I hope so,” he answered, looking around to see if he can spot her.

She was nowhere in sight; she wasn’t here.

“I have a surprise for you though,” he told me gently. “I was hoping she was going to be here for it. But Ronnie and Erick are ready by the oak tree.”

I frowned, wondering why they were waiting for us at the oak tree. I followed Jonathan threw the crowd. As we passed, I would hear “Happy birthday!” I muttered my thanks timidly as we made our way to the center of the town where the oak tree sat big and tall. Just how I remembered it for all these years.

Ronnie and Erick motioned for us to join them near the tree; it was then that I realized Ronnie was holding my mother’s urn. My eyes watered as I looked up at Jonathan, bewildered.

He smiled down at me, compassion and admiration lingering in his gaze.

“It’s time,” he said to me.

I knew he was right. It was time that I finally buried my mother. It wasn’t fair to her that I kept her from the ground; even though I knew she was already at peace as the white moon goddess, I needed to finally let her go.

It was just really hard.

Jess showed up shortly after; I knew she wouldn’t want to miss this burial. She looked as though she was already crying. This was hard for her too because my mother was one of her best friends.

Erick had already dug out the hole that my mother was supposed to already be in. Her small, silver and flat gravestone were already in place, now we just needed to add my mother.

Ronnie handed me the urn; tears were misty in her eyes.

“This is what she would want,” Ronnie told me softly.

I knew she was right; I smiled at her through my own tears. My heart was heavy as I held onto the urn tightly. I could feel the tears running down my features. At that moment, it felt as though there was nobody else there. It was just me and my mother.

I could feel the heat of the moon’s rays hitting my features and lighting up my face. I knew my mother was with me and she was watching. She wanted me to do this; I needed to do this. As long as we still had the moon, I knew I would always have my mother by my side. It only took her subtle reminder to remember that.

I took in a deep breath and blinked away the tears.

I uncapped the urn and poured her ashes delicately into the ground.

“I love you, mom,” I whispered for only her to hear.

Each of us placed dirt over her ashes, reburying her. My body was trembling as I stood to my feet and hugged Jonathan.

This was the best birthday present anyone could have ever given me, and I was so grateful for him and I was grateful for his mother, Jess for being a mother figure when I needed one the most. I was also so very grateful to my sister Ronnie and her mate, my friend, Erick.

“Sorry I’m late,” a familiar, yet semi-hollow and a broken-sounding voice said from not far.

I looked up and saw Jessica standing there. She was ghost white and looked exhausted.

But what I noticed most of all, and it made me gasp, was the giant purple bruise on the nape of her neck.