Chapter 22
CHAPTER 22
T he next day everyone was gathered back at the chapel. Twilight was falling and the vigil was due to end. The pack had been out at various times during the night and day to help hold the space, but now the full pack was gathered, everyone there except for Hades.
Blake stood up and let out a loud howl before shifting back into his human self. Ashton, Jason, and Nick followed, with the two brothers quickly dressing.
Blake looked around. Their pack mates had formed a circle around them with some dragon and gargoyle guards forming an outer circle.
“Thank you, everyone, for coming to hold space with us. I know most of you didn’t know Clara and Phil, so I thank you for your support. Now, however, it is time to bury our friends here in this peaceful oasis.”
Baylan stepped forward and, using his magic, created a double burial plot eight feet down.
Phil and Clara appeared in the graves, still shrouded, lying next to each other, shoulders touching.
Nancy walked over with some flowers she picked from the garden and scattered them over her parents before turning and hugging Nick. Nick wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly.
“We lay our friends Clara and Philip to rest. Thanks to Hades and Thanatos, we know they are both safe and happy in Elysium. I can only imagine the mischief Phil will get into there.”
The friends smiled.
“You will be missed,” Blake said before nodding to his mate, who covered Clara and Phil and filled in the grave.
Martha walked forward and placed a bunch of yellow roses, Clara’s favourite flowers, on their grave.
Silence filled the space, not even the birds chirped. A few moments later a flute sounded, its melody soft and gentle, the perfect end to the funeral.
Blake turned and looked at everyone. “Thank you. Your support was much appreciated.”
The guards silently left until only the pack mates remained. It was then Blake noticed Hades and Han standing a little away from them.
“There’s food set out for everyone on the green,” Oz announced.
“Oh thank goodness,” Ash said, patting his stomach. “I’m starving.”
“Me too,” Jason said. “Oz, you’re my new favourite.”
Hades and Han walked forward and as soon as Frederick saw his mate, he smiled a happy smile and rushed over to him, pulling him into his arms and kissing him hello.
“Welcome back,” Frederick beamed, pulling back slightly.
Hades smiled and touched his cheek. “No one has ever smiled that happily to see me before.”
“Get used to it,” Frederick said, leaning back so he could catch Han’s eye. “Hi, we’ve not properly been introduced, I’m Frederick Barbuda, Hades’ mate.”
Han smiled and held out his hand. “Thanatos, but please call me Han, Consort Frederick.”
Frederick shook his hand. “Just Frederick will do.”
“Another consort how exciting you could all form your own club.” Tudor walked over to them and smiled brightly at Han. “Are you staying please say you will if you don’t mind me saying you’re stunning not at all like I thought Death would look like oh not that the pictures of you are ugly but–” Frederick touched his arm and Tudor stopped talking.
Han grinned. “Thank you for your compliment, Tudor Brown, King of the gargoyles and all flying shifters.”
The others walked over to join them.
“Hi,” Blake said. “I’m sorry we didn’t introduce ourselves when we first met. I’m Blake Hayes.” He held his hand out.
Han shook it. “No apologies needed. I completely understand and it’s nice to meet you, Blake Hayes, the Alpha King and King of all land-based shifters.”
“Are you staying?” Baylan asked him. “We’re having food on the green.”
Han looked a little shocked, then nodded. “If no one minds. It’s been a long time since I was invited to eat with anyone other than Hades.”
“Know that you are always welcome here, pop in whenever you want to,” Blake told him.
Han smiled. “Thank you, I might even take you up on your offer if you think no one will mind.”
“I assure you, no one will mind. We take people as we find them, everyone here is free to be themselves. So stay, have food, make friends, and drop in whenever you want to,” Blake reassured him.
“They have the best food here,” Hades added. “Come with me and Frederick.”
Han dipped his head. “Then lead the way, old friend.”
Brook and Demi walked over to see Ares and Jason.
Ares smiled at them, pulling them both into hugs. “Congratulations on your mating.”
Demi hugged his father back. “Thank you. I still can’t believe I have a mate and a new brother and sister.”
“Pretty sure we’ve claimed Tobin as well,” Brook noted, receiving a hug from Jason and then Ares.
“Good, you two plus the twins will help him,” Jason said. “Come and have some food. Where are the children?”
“Probably eating, they rushed off when Oz announced food had been set out,” Brook replied.
“How was your hoard?” Ares asked.
“Big and shiny. So, so shiny.” Brook laughed. “I can show you if you want,” he offered.
“Pretty sure you’re not supposed to show your hoard to others,” Jason said.
Brook shrugged. “There’s a lot in there, I’m happy to share it with anyone. I should have asked sooner, but do we need to give a percentage of our assets to Blake for being part of his pack? I know my parents had to in their pack.”
“No, you bluming don’t,” Blake said from behind them.
Brook stopped walking and turned around.
“Your hoard is yours. You don’t need to pay to live in this pack. This is your home, I’d not ask you to pay to live in your own home.”
“Thank you. Just know that if you ever need money, gold, whatever, I can take you to my hoard and you can help yourself.”
Blake touched his shoulder. “Thank you for the offer and congratulations to you both.” He looked from Brook to Demi.
“Thanks,” Demi said. “We’ve also claimed Tobin, I hope you don’t mind.”
Blake shook his head. “Why would I mind? He needs lots of love and you, Brook, and the twins have lots to give. Now, let’s all go and eat.”