Chapter 174

The days went smoothly from there. Brooke slowed in her work but she was still constantly finding things to do; from painting, to rearranging furniture, which she needed help with, to reorganizing bookshelves, to cleaning windows and mirrors, making cookies, to which he did not object to.

It had been two weeks since the battle and Thresh and Charm were back, getting ready for the baby. Thomas and him were cracking down on the crazy spending and retribution while also dealing with funerals and compensation for losses.

The big funeral was today and Raph was trying to pull Brooke away from her new needlework venture.

"Brooke, it's important for us to be there, I have to be and I want you with me."

She merely looked up at him then back down at her work, her lips set in a thin line

"Brooke," He said softly coming to sit next to her, "Love, is it because of Mark?" He asked placing his hand on her thigh.

"Of course it's because of Mark!" She responded shrilly, "Nathan's gonna be there and so is his family. Are they gonna hate me? Nathan knows exactly what happened, did he tell them-"

He silenced her with a kiss and she resisted at first but she soon closed her eyes and calmed down.

Releasing her lips he rested his forehead on hers and stared into her eyes which had a bit of a haze to them but were still filled with anxiety. He loved that when she was open with him, he could read all of her emotions in her eyes.

"The might know, they might not. It does not matter. I will be there to protect you and you don't have to worry about anyone else. We're going there for Mark."

She looked down and nodded.

Giving her one last kiss between her eyes he smiled softly and helped her get ready.

"Which one should I wear?" She asked as she exited the closet in just her bra.

He paused as he beheld his mate's beautiful body. 'Does she know how delicious she looks?' He wondered staring at her luscious curves. He wanted to tear that bra right off and take her full breasts in his mouth while she cried out in pleasure. He got hard just thinking about it.

"Raph." He looked up when he heard his name and saw her looking at him with a clear blush.

Clearing her throat she held up two shirts, "This one, or this one?" She asked.

One was a long-sleeve, black, turtleneck and the other was a black, cap-sleeve, v-neck with nonsensical handwriting scrawled near the seams.

He pointed to the latter.

She nodded and put it on, pulling her hair out.

She twisted and turned, looking in the mirror; placing her hand on her hips, moving her hair around, pulling her shirt up or down.

It was torture! He thought as he watched the show she was putting on for him.

"Brooke." He said clearing his throat when he heard how affected it had been, licking his lips he said, "You look petite in that shirt."

She smiled and returned, "Thank you. You think so?" She asked as she once again placed her hands on her waist, as if measuring it.

Coming up behind her he held her hand and brought them to her front while his chin came to rest on her shoulder, "Yes I do. You look very cute wearing it."

She smiled fully, showing her teeth and revealing her dimple, and said, "And you look mighty fine today, you should wear suits more often."

He chuckled and nodded, "Well then, since you're ready, let's go."

She nodded, her somber mood returning and they left.

He drove through the Pack and into the forest, deeper into the pack and arrived at the Pack cemetery.

Rows and rows of tombstones, some newer, some much older.

He got out of the car and helped Brooke out. Holding her hand they walked along the paths and he turned down one that led into the forest. The path directed them to a large clearing where many Lycans were already gathered.

He walked along the outskirts of the crowd and to the stage where the Alpha, Beta and Gamma were to stand.

Charm and Thresh arrived late and Raph couldn't help but wonder if the Luna had had difficulty choosing her own outfit.

Blinking he erased those thoughts and focused on the warm presence next to him.

Thresh began to eulogy; thanking the parents who lost their children. Respecting the mates who lost their other half. Telling the children of the deceased and that their parents died respectfully on the battlefield, fighting for their pack.

In the end, every Lycan was filled with respect and honoured the lost for their sacrifice.

He and Brooke descended the stage and walked back to the cemetery where the personal ceremonies would be held.

Coming to stop at where Mark's grave was he could feel Brooke's tenseness. Mark's family were gathered around him, no tears were shed but they only spoke of his bravery and his sacrifice for the Pack.

Raphael was there to thank Mark for protecting his mate when he couldn't.

He could only guess that Brooke was there to apologize.

Holding her hand he stroked it gently with his thumb. He knew that she was still bearing the guilt from his death.

They left the cemetery in silence.

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Author's Note: Petite is French for small or tiny.