Chapter 56

Brielle's POV

It's safe to say, Blake has changed. He lost his spark and smile. He was trying his best for everyone around him, but I could feel the tension on his shoulders and the weight weighing on his heart. It saddens me deeply. For me, he tried his best to force a smile on his face and all I wanted to do was to say," It's okay. You can cry."

I never saw him cry not once. Preparations for the funeral were done and Mia got a beautiful send-off. His best friend and Beta of the pack came. I was introduced to him and Blake informed me that he was away because of a sticky situation. It was not my place to ask. I was glad that he had someone close he could talk to other than me. After the funeral, Blake asked everyone to leave him there for some time. I didn't insist on staying with him because I knew he needed some time to himself. I went with the rest back to the house.

I stayed for too long. It was time I went home. When I explained things to my family, they understood and allowed me to stay over. I omitted the whole werewolf situation. I don't know if I will ever take it up with them. I don't think they will believe me without proof. Even though my behavior was strange to my family, my grandmother eagerly encouraged me to be by Blake's side.

She liked Blake and equally felt sorry for him and his family, so she was very supportive of my decision to be by Blake's side. Like always, my father went away without saying goodbye and my mom had to go back to work. I saw her off. She promised to see me some time soon.

I waited for Blake to come home from his room. Everyone else was starting to leave and things settled. The exhaustion was starting to get to me. I lay on the bed and fell asleep. I don't know for how long, but when I woke up, the sun was setting, and I felt a weight on my back.

I turned to see that Blake was asleep, with his eyes wrapped around me. I didn't hear him come in. He must be tired as well, so I didn't have the heart to disturb his rest. I lay there with him. After a while, he started squirming and moaning in his sleep.

I fought my way out of his steel hold over my waist and turned to face him. I touched his face and I felt like I was placing my hand on a stove. He had a fever, causing him to burn up. Oh my God. What to do? I have never had to handle anyone sick. Not even myself. Mom always took care of me when I was sick. I thought about calling his mother, but I went against that thought. She must be very tired as well. She needs rest. So, I had to handle it myself.

I got off bed and went to the washroom. I grabbed a rag and doused it in cold water. Was it cold water or hot? No, it should be warm. After bringing a bowl and a rag, I got on the bed. Blake was sleeping at his side, all scrunched up, and shivering.

I pulled him so he could lay on his back. He was trembling. I touched his forehead again, and it was still burning up. I wondered if he needed the attention of a doctor. I decided to do what I could and monitor him in the meantime. I put the cloth on his forehead and proceeded to unbutton his shirt. It was too tight on his chest. I could see his washboard abs.

I found myself staring at him and getting distracted by his abs. I shook my head and focused on the task at hand. Once I was done with the clothes. I covered him with the sheets. He had settled down and was no longer groaning in his sleep. I sighed. The fever had gone down a little.

I guess I'll see how he is in the morning. I yawned and fell asleep by his side.

Blake's POV

Things have been difficult. I managed to pull myself together. I can't be weak at this moment. I have to be strong. My sister deserves a proper send off. It's the lead I could take after failing her. I was happy that Brielle was with me. I would have the courage to face her after everything, but she made the effort to be there for me. I felt a bit better because it was her. She was understanding and didn't demand anything from me. She just wanted to be by my side and support me. I loved her even more for that. I would show her once everything went back to normal.

I found myself wondering where Rea was. She was, after all, my sister's mate, whether she liked it or not. It must have affected her. For a while, I had my suspicions about her. Was she involved in my sister's death? I refused to believe that. For the time I knew her, I didn't want to believe that she would truly stoop that low to hurt me. I mean, she was her mate, for godsake. Yet the possibility of her involvement was still there.

I thought she would at least come to her funeral and bid her goodbye. Kyle came by himself. I was glad to see him. I told a story about him going on a trip to find his mate and he didn't know about him finding her. They bought it and understood, which was such a relief. We went to his room to talk, which was starting to gather some dust and cobwebbs.

He sat on the bed and I took the couch. The last time we were there was the night I caught him with Morgan. We got lost in silence that Kyle was first to break.

" So...," he hesitated for a second," she is gone."

He sounded like he couldn't believe it either. It felt like yesterday when I saw her alive, yet it was so long since I saw a smile on her face.

" Yeah... she is gone.."

" I am sorry that I wasn't here." He sounded very regretful. We are all full of regrets. Such a pity that no matter how regretful we feel, what's done is done.

" Don't be sorry Kyle. There is nothing we could have done," I said.

" I was here but this still happened. I am useless, and I don't deserve to be her brother. I was so wrapped up in my own world I ignored her pain. When she stopped talking to me, I let it go. I should have forced her to talk to me and tell me how she felt. I should have been there and that would have prevented her from seeking comfort in something else. When she disappeared, I thought it was okay since she always came back. I thought in due time she would be alright. I was stupid. I should have seen where this was going. She was always alone, so she became a target for those beasts. She got hurt..," my voice broke and in my rant, I didn't even realize that I was crying.

I felt Kyle put his hand on my shoulder. I broke down completely and cried. He just sat beside me and let me be. I tried holding in, but I could only hold on so much. I felt weak. I just wanted to close my eyes and for all this to be a nightmare. Everything was too much. After crying, I got up and headed to the bathroom. I met my eyes in the mirror. I had dark circles under my eyes. I couldn't get enough sleep in the past few days. Andy's eyes were red and swollen.

I had to fix it. I couldn't let them see me like that. My parents and Brielle will just get worried. I opened the cold wage and splashed it on my face a couple of times. The swell of my eyes reduced, but I couldn't do anything about the dark circles. Still, it was better. I finished fixing myself and went out of the washroom.

Kyle was just getting off the phone.

" Morgan called. She is still sad she couldn't come."

" It's okay. I know she would have been here if she could."

" I heard about your mate coming here. How are things going between you two? Has she accepted you yet?"

That question brought a small smile on my face.

" Brielle and I are good. I can say that she is the best thing in my life right now. I am mostly staying strong for her. As for accepting me, she might not have said that yet, but she already did. In her own way."

I heard Kyle chuckling and slapping me on the back.

" I'm happy for you man. You deserve it."

I am happy too, but I am not sure if I deserve it.

We left the room and joined the others. Mom went all out to make sure my sister got the send-off she deserved. She was buried at the pack burial site. Brielle was beside me and holding my hand, never letting go. I clinged to her small hand for dear life because she gave me the strength I needed.

Soon everyone was gone, and I was left there standing by myself. I got on my knees next to her grave. Everything happened so fast it feels surreal. I kept hoping for the moment when I would wake up. I pinched and slapped myself, but it didn't work. This was the reality I had to accept.

I had so much to say but the words wouldn't come out. After spending 2 hours just sitting without a word, I got up and went back home. Hopefully, the next time I come to see her, I will bring her good news. I tell her how much I miss and love her. How I will continue to remember her for as long as I love her.

When I arrived back home, I found my mother in the kitchen. She was blankly staring out of the kitchen windows into the front yard. I know what she was thinking. I didn't disturb her and just went up to my room. I didn't think that Brielle would still be here, but she was. There she was lying on the bed. I kicked off my shoes and took off my tie and jacket. I got on the bed and slept behind her.