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“Of course,” he said, shooting one last look into the room before closing the door and walking away. Two women passed by us shortly after with white shrouds in their hands and tears in their eyes.
Once inside his office, I laid Celeste on the couch while I sat at one end and set her head on my lap. I sighed, hating to see her so helpless.
“Celeste is a complicated conversation,” I said.
“You don’t say?” Rhett laughed, passing me a scotch. I took a long drink and looked down at her sleeping face, cleaning the tears from her cheeks with my hand as I pondered where to start.
“You remember me mentioning that Celeste is the last remaining ranked member of the Sky Moon Pack? A first born alpha female.”
“Yes, and if you don’t mind my bluntness, that’s quite the mate.” He lifted his glass toward Celeste, and I laughed at the impressed look on his face.
“That’s not even half of it.” I looked him in the eye. “What I’m about to say is something only a handful of people know. It needs to stay that way, or Celeste could be placed in danger. I am trusting you because you have been my friend for as long as I’ve been alive.”
“Understood,” he answered, his face turning serious once again.
“Celeste is part of an ancient alpha bloodline through her mother’s side. It dates back to Aztec times. All the females of her bloodline have a few gifts given to her by the Moon Goddess. They have been hunted down for their powers for generations. This is why we are trying to keep her abilities a secret.” I gave him the condensed version.
“So the glow...”
“She has the ability to heal her people if the goddess so chooses it. She can’t really control who it works on or how, as far as we know. It is not so much her gift as she is a conduit for the goddess to right some wrongs.”
“How do you know all of this?” he asked.
“Research. And Celeste had a visit from the goddess while she was gone for two days last week,” I said, frowning when I remembered how long she was away from me. I was still not over it. “I know it’s a lot of take in and to believe—” Rhett held up a hand.
“Let me repay the same trust you have placed in me. I have no reason to doubt you or Celeste. I can honestly say I have yet to meet someone as pure of heart as she, especially considering everything she has endured. I believe you. You have my word that I will keep her secret as well as my support if it is ever needed. Just keep the treats coming.”
I laughed, relieved and thankful. “I am glad to call you friend.”
“As am I. You have always been there to lend a hand when we needed it. It’s only fair to be able to return the favor,” he said as he went to grab another treat from the Tupperware. “It really isn’t fair that she’s so good at baking. My cook has been trying those recipes of hers, and they just don’t taste the same.”
“You’re always welcome to come grab some. I always keep a big batch of goodies for the pack house.” Celeste said, getting up from my lap, surprising us both.
‘Are you okay, Tuli?’I asked her. She nodded and squeezed my hand as she righted herself into a sitting position.
‘I’m fine.’I could feel the truth of her words through our bond. Although I could feel her grief, I could also sense the peace finding him brought to her.
“I might take you up on that. Or maybe I can convince you to sell me some around the holidays. I know the pack would go nuts.”
“Perhaps we can do some sort of combined event soon?” she asked. “I know it’s not usual for packs, but if we time it around a full moon, we could create an opportunity for our unmated pack members to find their mates.”
“That is an interesting concept. I don’t see why not. Why don’t I talk to my beta’s mate? She can get in touch with you to figure out what works best for everyone?” he asked.
“It’s probably good to instill that kinship between our two packs, Rhett. We are close enough to each other. It’s time for our friendship to extend past just us,” I said, motioning to the window overlooking his pack grounds.
“That’s settled then. One or two of these events a year should bring our two packs closer together,” Rhett responded, writing something down in a notebook.
Celeste nodded her agreement, then changed the subject.“I would like to take Lucien to my parents’ pack grounds and give him a warrior’s funeral.”
“Of course. Some of my people are already getting him ready for transport. When would you like us to take him?”
“Today. He has waited enough to be at peace. Anyone who wishes to attend is welcome. I cannot thank you and your staff enough for all the care you gave him all these years. You gave us both closure.” Rhett nodded at her, his eyes glazing as he mind-linked some of his people. While he did that, Celeste turned to me. “I would like Maya and Ruby to attend. They might not remember him, but he deserves to have the people he helped protect around him. What's left of us anyway,” she finished with a frown.
“Danny, Gillian and I will prepare the pyre ourselves. It’s the least he deserves,” I said, bringing out my phone to send out a few texts.
“He will be ready in about an hour. His nurse and some of the staff would like to say goodbye and I would also like to attend along with my parents. But first, I insist you stay for lunch, and we can meet your people at your parents’ grounds?”
“That sounds good to me. Could I use your facilities?” Celeste asked, standing.
