Rejection and Redeemed

Chapter 48

CHAPTER 48

T he next morning saw the family gathered around Rose’s plinth; this time situated next to an open grave.

The pack shaman was standing next to Berni.

The family were all in black suits, Jacob indeed wearing a suit of Robbie’s.

Berni stepped forward.

“My family, we are here today to offer our love and support to Rose Merchant, who is now finally reunited with her one true love, Ike. Rose was beloved by the whole pack, but wanted just us here today and, in accordance with her wishes, no wake will be held for her. Let us sing her on her way.” Berni started singing with those who knew the song joining in.

Fran sniffed and Jacob pulled Fran into his arms, offering support.

Berni moved and stood next to Aubrey as the Shaman stepped forward.

“Our beloved Rose was a truly amazing lady. Those who were privileged to know her, to hear her stories from days gone by, were awed by all she had to tell. Her life was never dull and in her final days, she kept holding on, to see Fran achieve his happy ever after. She died knowing Fran had made her wish come true.”

Jacob tightened his arms around Fran and kissed the side of his head.

“So we bury our friend, safe in the knowledge that she died happy, with Francis by her side, and is probably even now, looking down on us and watching as we bury her earthly remains. Before we bury her, does anyone want to say anything?”

There was a moment of silence before Fran straightened up and spoke. “Rose was everyone’s friend, but she was particularly special to me. Ever since I was little, we’d sit and chat and over the last few weeks, as our shaman said, she was rooting for my happy ever after. I was privileged to be by her side as she reunited with Ike. She’ll be missed by everyone who knew her.”

“Would anyone like to bury Rose, or shall I do it?” the shaman asked.

“You can do it,” Berni said.

The shaman nodded and opened his arms wide. “With the blessings of the Goddess, we bury our friend, Rose Merchant.”

They watched her shrouded body rise up and gently settle into the grave, the dirt covering her body and filling the grave in.

“Rest in peace, Rose,” the Shaman said.

There was silence for a moment, broken only by a sniff from Fran.

“Thank you, Ryan,” Berni said, shaking the Shaman’s hand. “Can I introduce you to Fintan and Jacob? Fintan is the white wolf and Jacob is silver.”

The shaman smiled at them. “It’s a pleasure. I hope to meet with you both when you have time. Jacob, I’m still researching silver wolves.”

“We tried but couldn’t find much,” Jacob told him.

The shaman gave him a gentle smile. “I will meditate and get the answers directly from the Goddess.”

Jacob’s mouth dropped open. “That is seriously cool.”

The Shaman laughed. “It is indeed, but we can talk more on that when we have our meeting.”

“We can, thank you.”

“Also, I know about your struggles. Know that you are exactly where you are meant to be, surrounded by the love and care you should always have had. You will do great things, Jacob. As will you, Fintan. I can’t wait to see how you both grow. And now I need to go. Have a good rest of the day, everyone.” And just that quickly the shaman was gone.

“I need to dash off, as I’m due at the hospital now,” Emory said.

“I have a couple of hours before I’m due in,” Fran said.

“I’m on the night shift,” Robbie said. “I have some results for you, Jacob, from your last round of tests. We can discuss them back at the castle.”

“Christine and I are off as I have meetings this afternoon and Christine has offered to come with me. We should be home for dinner tonight,” Aubrey said, kissing Berni goodbye and hugging everyone.

Christine and Emory hugged everyone and, with a final kiss for Ezzy, the three hurried off.

“Are you looking forward to seeing your parents tomorrow, Joe?” Fran asked, taking Jacob’s hand and linking their fingers together, as they walked back to the castle.

“I am,” Joe replied happily. “I’ve only told them the name of the village, I said they should text me when they see the village sign and then I’ll tell them to come to the castle.”

Everyone chuckled.

“Nice. They’ll be shocked when they see it,” Finn said.

“Like me. When Fran directed me to the castle, I thought it was a hotel,” Joe told them.

“Thankfully, it’s a lot more comfortable than a hotel,” Berni said with a laugh. “Cresswell should be arriving after lunch tomorrow, Jacob.”

“Around the same time as my parents,” Joe added.

“I’ll be there, I won’t embarrass you,” Jacob assured him.

“I never thought you would Jacob,” Berni replied. “I’ll have the two rooms cleared out this afternoon, ready for your mother’s furniture.”

“Thanks. We need to think about bringing some of yours over as well, sweetheart.”

“Yep, we can do that, but there’s no rush. Dad and Joe’s rooms are being sorted first, so we’ve plenty of time,” Fran replied.

“It’s good having so many people living in the castle again. A place this big needs to be filled. Boys, I expect lots of grandchildren and grandnieces and nephews.”

“Maybe in a few years, Dad, none of us have been mated long,” Ezzy protested.

“Don’t leave it too long. Frankie and I aren’t getting any younger and we need lots of playtime with the kiddies.”

“We do,” Frank agreed. “And there’s no better place to grow up than in the castle.”