21 twenty-one

Everything was a blur after I received the news that my brother passed away. All I could remember was shifting and running away. Any other recollection of what happened was gone. I do remember I had a mate, but I do not remember his name, not even what he looks like.

I didn't care, though.

My brother was dead. I was in pain. There was a low chance that he could've died from an accident or a sickness because werewolves heal too quickly. He had to have been murdered. So, I had a deep hatred for the murderer of my brother, but I do not recall who the murderer was.

But when I found out, and I will find out.. I will end their life right where they stand.

I ran into a cave and shifted into my human form. My memory was pretty hazy and I could barley form a single thought in my mind that now felt like a wonderland.

Joseph was a huge part of me. Even though I was angry at him for hooking up with Isabel, I still loved him. I will always love him.

He was my only living family member, my guardian, the person I could turn to for almost any issue that approached me. Who was I.. without him?

I had much to think about. But all I know is that I wanted to be there for his funeral. I had to be. As much as I wanted to sit in this cave and rot until I eventually passed away, I had to go reunite with Joseph once more before he gets put into the ground forever.

I got up off the dirty, hard ground and shifted into my wolf once again and began running to Carter's pack.

Carter was probably the closest thing to family I have. Other than my mate that I have no memory of. I wonder what had caused me to forget.. did i damage my head while I was running?

I emptied my thoughts and urged my wolf to go faster. I wouldn't want to be late if they're holding Joseph's funeral today.

I eventually reached my destination and shifted at the border of his pack. Carter stood there on the other side of the border clothes in his hands and two other wolves by his side, standing guard.

"I knew you'd come.. Madison." He spoke, "shift. I need to talk to you." Carter dropped the clothes on the floor and him and the other two wolves turned around, giving me privacy.

I hurriedly shifted and slipped on the big t-shirt before running over into Carter's arms and hugging him. I was in need of some kind of physical contact. Not only was I mourning the loss of my brother, my wolf was extremely sad, as well.

As soon as his hand started to stroke my hair the tears immediately poured out like a waterfall.

"I am sorry for your loss, Madison, I truly am. I wish I could've prevented the situation from happening but-" He began before I wiped off my tears and sniffed. "Don't blame yourself. You can't control everything that happens in this pack.. you're an amazing alpha already."

Carter grasped my face with his hands and said, "but I should be able to control everything that happens in this pack! Joseph should've never been murdered! He was too young and had much to live for. This was my fault.."

I shook my head in disagreement. "It was no one else's fault but the murderer's! And when I find out who they are I'll rip them to shreds!"

Carter gave me a confused look and raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? Did the messagers not tell you that Asher killed your brother?"

Asher. That sounded familiar.

"Asher? I don't know an Asher.. but he will pay for the death of Joseph." I sternly said. I clenched my fists in anger and took a deep breath.

Carter gulped and nodded. "You must be hungry and tired. Let's go back to the pack house and get you something to eat."

And with that note, we began to walk towards the pack house. When we arrived, it was gloomy. No kids running around, no laughter. Just silence. There were more wolves standing guard outside as well. I sighed as we walked into the house.

I sat down at a counter while Carter made a sandwich for me.

"So, tell me, how much do you remember about Asher?" He questioned while his back faced me.

I thought for a second, trying to recall if anyone named Asher but I just couldn't come up with anything.

"Nothing. I cant remember anything about him. Why do you ask?" I replied back with curiosity lingering in my tone.

Carter set a plate down in front of me with two sandwiches on it and sat down next to me.

He sighed, "it's just.. you guys were really.. close. And it's surprising that you cannot remember a single thing about him."

I took a bite of the delicious sandwich and moaned. Eating food, there's no better way to mourn the death of your brother.

I shrugged, "doesn't matter how close I am to him. He killed Joseph and he will pay with his life for that."

"Look, Madison, I don't know how to tell you this in an easy way so I'm just gonna tell it to you straight.."

I looked him in his eye and before he could speak I cut him off. "Carter.. I'm tired. I received news that my brother died and ran all the way to your pack so I could make it to his funeral. I just want to go to sleep and attend Joesphs funeral, then you can tell me whatever bad news you have." I rubbed my puffy eyes and told him.

He gave me a pitiful look and nodded. "Let me show you to your room."

Carter took me up to the room I first had when I arrived here. Everything was still in tact.

At least that was something good.

I laid down on the bed and slid under the covers, making myself comfortable. I had this odd sensation that someone else was supposed to be here, with me.

Before Carter could leave the room I called out his name. He turnt around and said, "yeah?"

"Could you stay in here with me tonight? I don't want to be alone.." I mumbled. He had the biggest grin plastered on his face after I said that.

"Of course." He replied and turned off the light before getting into the bed with me. Carter slid his arm around my waist and spooned me.

And I didn't hate it.