Facing Reality

The following days passed in a blur of grief, denial and anger. I couldn't wrap my head around the reality that Craig was gone. He was never coming back.

I stood at the foot of his grave, the autumn blowing around me as I watched his polished wooden coffin lowered into the freshly dug grave. I felt sick to the pit of my stomach as numbness enveloped me like a thick, heavy blanket. It was an unbearable weight. This would be the last time I saw my true love again.

I closed my eyes, and all I saw was his face. His last words echoed. “I need you, Avery, don't leave me.” It cut through me like a knife. I wanted to scream and order them to dig him back up and let him out because there was no way he could be dead. This couldn't be real.

Whispers floated through the air like poisonous clouds drifting towards me and sticking to my skin.

“She left him when he needed her. They were supposed to go to the celebrations together, how could she leave him behind?”

“She broke his heart, and now he's dead; this is all her fault”

“She's the reason this happened. She should answer for this terrible crime. Poor Beta Craig. He deserved better but he loved her.”

“She rejected him. How could someone as lowly as her reject someone as good as our beta? Pack life will never be the same without Craig? He deserved better.”

Judgement of their words stung me deeply. My heart was already shattered into a million pieces. I couldn't take any more; I just wanted to scream to shake them all and get them to listen to the truth. I was heartbroken after finding him in bed with that bitch, Carolina, but no one was going to hear my explanation. I doubt they would care. They would only be nice to me because of Craig. Now, they wanted someone to blame for this unexpected tragedy. Everyone in the pack loved Craig. Nobody thought that I deserved him. They wouldn't say it to me because they knew I was his mate. They all saw that he loved me, and his love for me protected me. He took on so much responsibility when Alpha Zane was out living his own life.

“She is disgusting. Look at her standing there like she didn't hurt him.” I heard one of the she-wolves roar.

It was like a rainstorm following me wherever I went, but they did not know the truth.

And then I spotted her, Carolina. Of course, she would be there; she stood at the edge. I watched her draw a tissue to her eyes. She was comforted by her loyal friends. Her smug look sent a shiver down my spine.

She was the last person I wanted to see right now.

“If only Craig had someone who truly cared about him, maybe then he would've been so happy and still be here.” I heard her say loudly.

I told myself to remain calm. She wasn't getting me to be upset, especially now. “Well, you don't know anything—Carolina.” I wanted to slap the life out of her.

“Maybe if you hadn't rejected him and left him alone when he needed you most. What sort of mate does that? You are the one who pushed him to his death. Do you dare to deny it?” she scoffed.

The crowd made a path for the two of us, all eyes on us, watching and waiting for the show to begin.

“Avery. You bought this on your own. He loved you, and we all knew there. But, you should have known better as the mate of a Beta.

“This is uncalled for, Carolina. You can't blame me for this stuff. You know the truth.” I retorted in desperation.

“You need to be severely punished.” she spat as the crowd erupted into chants of agreement.

“You're not the Alpha. You don't have the right to do this or talk to me that way, " I said smugly. She had no authority.

“It’s pathetic that you think the notorious alpha will save your ass. You think he will care about you, and what happens? Craig was like a brother to our alpha, but we all know Craig would have made a better alpha since he's not like alpha Zane. I’m sure he is somewhere probably on another woman’s bed fucking her while you’re here begging for your life. Murderous bitch.” Carolina’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she continued to take control of the situation.

“We will throw you in the dungeon where you belong, just like the rest of us think you should be punished.” I took a step back from her.

“This doesn't seem right. He loved me. You don't understand.” but my protests were brushed aside, swept away by the shared resentment and grief that they all felt.

My heart raised beneath the weight of all these accusations thrown at me left, right, and centre. Everything I hoped for in my life with Craig was buried with him. The world around me blurred, fighting back tears, heartbroken not just for Craig but because of everything I had called home.

“Take her to the dungeon until the Alpha decides on a fitting punishment. Tomorrow, she will stand trial.”Before I could protest, I was lifted off the ground and taken towards the dungeon.

“You can’t do that, Carolina.” Cady called her out and shook her head. However, Carolina was adamant that it was for the best. I could not believe what was happening. None of this was my fault.

“I am the daughter of the previous beta, I have more right than you do. Besides this is all her fault that our Beta has died, she has to face the consequences. She’s a liability to this pack.”

“Take her away.” Other pack members began to protest and Cady looked on helpslessly.

“Get off me and let go of me.” I shrieked, kicking and screaming but they did not listen to my demands, I was held down and unable to move. “Youre not in charge, nobody has the right to make such orders without the approval of Alpha Zane.” I roared at Carolina. She responded with a smug smirk.

“Don’t forget, Avery. The Alpha is still in the pack, so save your stupid excuses.” I heard Carolina call out, with her hands on her hips.