Brayden Died

*Jax P.O.V*

“Jax, I don’t think he has the strength to stand.”

Alpha said just before Valerian’s head fell back. I put my hand out and caught it before it hit the wall. I didn’t care who saw or how funny it would look as I bent down to pick him up. I locked my right arm under his knees and my left just behind his neck. He had dark bruises on his neck in the shape of a hand. I was angry that someone had hurt him. He was covered in blood, but I didn’t think it was his own. I knew some of it was Brayden’s. My heart clenched in sorrow at the thought of my brother. I shook just a little as I stood up and pulled him close to my chest. I turned towards where Doc and Armand stood watching me.

“Let me carry him Jax.”

Alpha Tiberius said. I shook my head no and took a step forward being careful to not step into the slick blood pools on the floor. I knew Alpha was stronger than me, but I didn’t want to let my future mate out of my arms. Holding him gave me a small sliver of piece through all the pain of losing my dad and my older brother. I let out a small huff as I continued walking in the direction of his hospital room. As I walked I thought of the events of the last half hour. We had been sitting with Alpha, Brayden, and Doc while waiting for Valerian’s parents to arrive. They had called to let us know they were struck in traffic, but were headed this way as quickly as possible. Suddenly we heard a noise that was high pitched, but similar to a howl. I recognized that sound as the one that Valerian had used when he was protecting me. I looked at Brayden with a shocked expression and fear gripped my heart.

“Brayden, Valerian is in trouble!”

I had said after hearing the noise. A few moments passed when we heard it again. I jumped from my seat, but Brayden was out the door before I could move towards it. We searched high and low for him. I felt Brayden sending me a mind-link so I listened in to what he had to say.

-“Jax, I found Valerian. He was in danger. I love you baby bro, but you have to tell mom that I won’t be coming home.”-

I felt sad and confused when he said that.

-“I love you too Bray!”-

I responded in the mind-link. Suddenly Alpha went running and we followed behind as quick as we could. The scene we came upon was horrific. A man’s body met us at the end of the hall. He had deep, but small claw marks running down his face. He had one arm missing and his throat was ripped out. At the other end of the hall was another man’s body, but I couldn’t see much of it. I could hear crying and looked in the middle of the hall. Alpha moved to the side and it felt like my world fell apart. There in the middle of the hall was Valerian. He was sobbing and when I looked down my heart shattered. There lay Brayden with his head in Valerian’s lap, but he wasn’t breathing.

“B…Brayden..”

I whispered before falling to my knees as tears pooled out of my eyes. I sobbed as Armand wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. I barely registered when Doc came up behind us and let out a gasp. My mind kept trying to say that Brayden was just sleeping, but my heart already knew he was gone. Sorrow spread through my body and heavy tears hit the tile floor of the hospital floor. I heard as Alpha Tiberius ordered some pack members to take Brayden’s body to the morgue. I numbly stood and followed them. After I watched Brayden’s body go into the metal holding place in the morgue I went back to the hall that Valerian was in. I could tell he was in shock. I knew I had to help him as much as I could. I looked down at him sleeping in my arms as my thoughts swirled continuously.

“I am sorry Valerian. You shouldn’t have had to see that.”

I said softly as I made my way to his room. I tuned out Alpha, Doc, and Armand until after I laid Valerian back in his hospital bed. I looked at Doc before speaking.

“Doc, get me some warm water, soap, and a wash cloth or two.”

I said before turning my attention back to Valerian’s sleeping form. I felt like he was my mate already, but I wouldn’t know for sure until the future. We both had to be older to find that out. I felt a slight sadness at the thought of him not being my mate, but quickly brushed that off. A nurse came in with a small bucket of warm water already bubbly with soap. She went to wash him off after dunking the wash cloth into the water. I let out a low growl and snatched the wash cloth from her hand. She looked startled when I moved in front of her trying to get her away from him.

“I will do it.”

I said before I began to wipe the blood from his body. I cleaned off the blood only letting the nurse change out the water when it was too dirty. I frowned as I wiped the blood gently off of his face. He moved in his sleep and let out a pained groan. I looked over at Doc who nodded.

“He can have more pain medication when I am done examining him”

Doc said. I let out an annoyed growl before moving out of his way. Alpha and Armand were watching me as I paced the floor. I know I am only twelve, but I also know that once I get my wolf I will for sure know my mate. My mind tells me it his him since he saved my life. I got lost in my thoughts of losing not only my dad, but also of losing Brayden. I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle if Valerian died as well.

“Jax, calm down. He’s going to be fine.”

I heard Armand step closer as he spoke to me. I looked at him and frowned.

“You can’t know that Armand.”

I said as I stepped away from my friend. I didn’t want to be touched right now. My mind was trying to focus on anything that wasn’t Dad or Brayden. I felt my heart clench in sorrow once more as my thoughts drifted to seeing Brayden’s dead body. I felt it as tears formed in my eyes. I closed them trying to fight back the endless flood of tears. I looked at the door as a nurse opened it. Behind her were three people. I could smell they were human and I wondered why they were here. As they stepped in I saw a man, woman, and boy that had to be slightly older than us. My eyes didn’t leave them as they looked at Valerian in the bed.

“Oh my goodness!”

The woman gasped before her hand flew over her mouth. I watched as tears began to leave her eyes. The man next to her wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“How is he Doc?”

The man asked. I stood silently letting my eyes travel between the family and Doc to Valerian. Doc finished his exam and stood up straight before turning to face us all. My heart pounded in my chest as I awaited the news.

“He should be just fine in a few weeks. I speak only of the physical front, but I have no idea how he will be mentally after such trauma.”

Doc said with a frown as his eyes landed on the man.

“Hank, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I’m sorry it isn’t under better circumstances.”

Doc said as he stretched his hand out towards the man. I watched as a small smile splayed across the man’s face as his hand gripped Doc’s to shake it.

“Hey Doc. Thanks for saving my boy.”

The man named Hank said. I blinked as it took a moment for my brain to catch up. This must be his family, I thought while I turned my focus on to Valerian. He made a pained expression in his sleep.

“Um, Doc. I think he needs more pain medicine.”

I said causing all eyes to focus on me. I stood up straight and put on a brave face. Inwardly I felt like an emotional mess. I was barely holding it together at the moment and now I was nervous his family wouldn’t like me.  Doc quickly moved to the cabinets and pulled out a vial. He then grabbed a needle and inserted the tip into the top of the vial. I watched as he pulled some of the clear liquid into the needle with fascination.

“Thank you Jax”

He said as he moved over to the side of Valerian’s bed with needle in hand. I watched as he found the right spot on Valerian’s arm and poked him with the needle before he administered the medicine. I watched the boy that was with them move closer to the bed as Doc walked to dispose of the needle and wash his hand.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t with you today Valley”

I heard him say. I walked over and put a hand on his shoulder causing him to look at me.

“It wasn’t your fault”

I said trying to show him some form of comfort. I dropped my hand back to my side and looked at Valerian again. My thoughts took a darker turn as I realized that he wouldn’t be in the hospital if I hadn’t been in that clearing. I frowned and let out a sigh.

“It’s my fault he is in here”

I voiced out loud. The room grew quiet as everyone turned their attention back to me. I turned around and met the eyes of his parents. They looked confused because Alpha Tiberius had already explained to them what happened in detail. I looked down at the ground as I spoke again.

“If I hadn’t been in that clearing, If I had just been braver, If I hadn’t run away while he bit that guy, If I had just been stronger….then he wouldn’t be here, he wouldn’t be injured..I’m sorry..”

I hung my head low as I voiced my inner thoughts. A gentle hand touched my shoulder causing me to look up. His mom stood in front of me with a motherly smile.

“Sweetie, this isn’t your fault. Don’t think that way. If anyone is to blame it is the people that attacked you. They are the bad guys here.”

She said sweetly. I gave her a small, tight smile before I nodded.

-“Jax, where are you? I am at the hospital with your sisters.”-

I heard my mom mind-link to me. I let out a sigh and mentally prepared myself to tell her about Brayden. I turned and gave one last look at Valerian and placed a hand on his blanketed foot.

“I’ll be back later, Future Mate.”

I said before turning to leave the room. As I walked out the door I heard Alpha Tiberius explaining to Valerian’s parents about the whole future mate thing. His voice trailed off about how I had carried all the back to his room from the hallway we found him in. I turned the corner and walked to the elevator. I pushed the button and let out a sigh as I waited for the elevator. I closed my eyes for a few moments before I heard the ding indicating the elevator had arrived. I stepped into the elevator and took in a deep breath trying to hold back the fresh wave of tears that threatened to escape my lips. As I exited the elevator I took in one more deep breath and looked around for my mom. I saw her near the check-in desk and waved my hand at her. She nodded and followed after me with my sisters following close behind. We stepped into a private meeting room and I closed the door after turning the lights on. I knew this was going to be hard. In this moment I didn’t feel like the baby of the family anymore. My mom sat in a chair that was around the table and my sisters followed suit. I remained standing at one end of the table. I gripped the edge tightly as I prepared to tell my family what happened. I felt a pit in my stomach as my mom asked me a question.

“Is Brayden going to join us? I was told to come here, but no one would tell me why.”

I gulped and looked at her. My tough facade broke when I met her eyes. I sniffled as the tears began to leave my eyes.

“N..no momma….H…he..”

My tears fell harder as they hit the table below me. I fought to get the words out while feeling like I was choking on them.

“He…died..”

I said in a pained whisper. I kept my gaze on the table as I let my tears flow freely.

“Wh…what?”

Mom asked in shock. I looked up at her and my face crumbled. She sat with wide eyes looking at me. I could see she was hoping that I was just messing around. My sisters were staring at me in shock. I knew this was going to hurt even more. I spoke up louder and my voice cracked slightly.

“He’s dead, Momma. He’s dead”

I said. Mom let out a gasp before she stood up shaking her head no.

“No! He was fine a few hours ago. He can’t be dead!”

She spoke out as she moved towards the door. I walked over and grabbed her hand. I knew what had to come next and that it wouldn’t be easy. I opened the door with my other hand and led my mom out. We went down two hallways before reaching the morgue. I gulped and took a deep breath. I could hear my mom inhale sharply as I opened the morgue door. The doctor there gave me a sad knowing look. He let us in and walked over to the metal door where Brayden lay behind on that metallic slab. I gripped my moms hand tighter as we walked to stand next to it. The doctor opened the door and pulled the metal slab out. He brought down the white sheet that covered Brayden’s face. My mom’s hand slid free from mine as she reached out to touch Brayden’s face.

“No…Not my boy…PLEASE NOT MY BOY!”

She cried out as tears flowed down her face. I put a hand on her back as she leaned forward and laid her head on his cold chest. My sisters stood not far away all hugging each other and crying. My mom’s knees hit the floor as she sobbed.

“NO!!!”

She screamed out between her pained sobs.

“Brayden..please..”

She whispered as her tears fell on his unmoving chest. The doctor bowed his head in sorrow and looked at the floor. I held back my tears and tried to pass any strength I could to my mom. The doctor gave us a few minutes before informing us that we had to leave.

“NO! I won’t leave him here!”

My mom shouted as she clutched onto Brayden tighter. I felt a pang of deep pain as I helped the doctor pry her hands off. She remained on her knees as she sobbed. We watched as Brayden was covered with the sheet once more and pushed back into the hole. My mom clung to me as the doctor shut the metal door and the lock clicked into place. I held back my tears and rubbed her back. My mom stood up with tears streaming from her eyes and put her hands on the metal door.

“My poor baby, Brayden, why…why you?”

She asked in pained whispers. I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her as much as I could.

“It isn’t fair. It just isn’t..”

She whispered as she put her forehead against the metal door. I felt her tears drip onto my hand as she continued to cry. She shook as more sobs left her mouth.

“I..I can’t leave him here”

She said in a louder pained voice. I pressed my head against her shoulder before I spoke.

“We have to momma. He isn’t coming home with us.”

I said feeling like my heart was stabbed as I spoke those truthful words. My mom sobbed harder when they left my mouth. Alpha Tiberius came into the room a few moments later. I turned my head to look at him and saw he held a look of sorrow. He moved towards us and I moved so he could talk to my mom. I walked over to my sisters and did my best to wrap my arms around them. I had to be strong for them all.

“Alpha..please..don’t make me leave my baby here too..”

I heard mom say between her sobs. I looked up and watched as Alpha wrapped his arms around her in an embrace.

“Victoria, We have to for now. We will give him his final resting place along with Cornelius, but he has to stay here for now”

He said softly in a way to comfort her. She shook and leaned her head against his shoulder letting her tears wet his shirt. He gently rubbed her back to try and comfort her.

“I’m so sorry Vic. He was a good boy and your mate was my best friend. I am so sorry you lost them both. They died protecting others. We will not let them be forgotten.”

He said as he rested his head against her hair. I could see he was struggling not to cry as well. My mom began panting for air as she sobbed harder. I knew that losing your mate was terrible and so I know that my mom might not make it as well. Sometimes those who lost their mate would survive, but most often they would die days later. Seeing how broken my mom was made it hard to know if she would make it. I really hoped she would because I didn’t think I would be strong enough to lose anyone else.

“I’m sorry Vic. We have to leave now.”

Alpha said softly. She shook her head no and pulled back to look him in the eyes.

“No, please, I can’t..”

She said as she tried to pull out of his arms. He looked down at her with pity in his eyes before he picked her up bridal style to carry her out of the room.

“We will only take you upstairs to a room for now”

He said firmly giving her no choice. She sobbed and buried her face into his shoulder. I followed after him with my sisters. They continued to cry and cling on to me. We made our way to the elevator while curious eyes followed us. When they saw the girls crying they all looked away with looks of pity. We entered the elevator and went to the same floor Valerian was on. We made our way past his room and down three doors across the way. Doc was already in there waiting for us. After Alpha laid my mom on the bed Doc gave her a sedative. My sisters huddled on the couch in the room and fell asleep after crying for so long. I watched them from my spot near the door before I slipped out of the room. I made my way to Valerian’s room and knocked on the door. When I didn’t get an answer I slowly opened the door. I peeked my head inside and saw the room was empty except for a sleeping Valerian. I made my way over to his bed side and looked down at him.

“I’m sorry”

I said softly and placed a hand on his cheek. The moonlight shone in his window casting a glow about him. My heart hurt from the pain I refused to release. I pulled my hand away after a few moments and turned to leave. I stopped in my tracks as a hand snaked around my left wrist. I turned my head towards Valerian and my eyes met his emerald green orbs.

“Please stay. I don’t want to be alone”

He said softly with a sleep filled voice. I sat down on the edge of his bed letting my back face him.

“I’m sorry. If it weren’t for me Brayden would be alive”

He said causing me to look at him. I shook my head and turned to fully face him.

“It wasn’t your fault”

I said as our eyes met once more. I could see the sadness behind his eyes as he frowned.

“If I had been fast enough he could have survived”

I knew what he was doing because I was doing it myself. He was blaming himself when he wasn’t at fault. Trying to make someone see it wasn’t their fault was just something I wasn’t up to at the moment. I felt a hand on my cheek wiping just under my eye. I hadn’t realized I was crying until then.

“It’s ok to cry. Losing loved ones is never easy”

He said to me causing me to focus my gaze on the bed. He let out a yawn and laid back against the pillow. I wanted to just circle into a dark hole so I would disappear from this nightmare. My heart was shattered into a million pieces, yet being here with Valerian gave me a small sliver of peace. He had fallen back asleep before I could say anything else. I let out a breath and laid down next to him feeling exhaustion overcome me. He wrapped his arm with the cast on it around me causing me to stiffen. I know I called him future mate, but I wasn’t sure how to respond to this. When I heard him snore I realized he was just sleeping. I let out a yawn and closed my eyes. The pain I had been holding in poured from my eyes and soaked the pillow under my head as I drifted off to sleep.