Chapter 62

Mel's POV

I exhale in relief, feeling the pounding in my chest slowly subside. Elinda places our plates on the table before sitting down with her own. We eat mostly in silence while the girls talk about various kid shows. I can't help but keep glancing across the table at Jaxon. His face is a mask of indifference, and I can’t lie—it's really bothering me. What's his problem? Is he bothered by what Moon said, or is he just in a shitty mood? I plan to ask him about it later, but for now, I need to focus on getting Moon through this funeral.

We take separate cars to the packhouse, so Elinda can take the girls home after the service. Pack members are already gathering near the river where Mom's body lays in a beautiful wooden coffin. She’s going to be buried beneath the biggest oak tree in the forest. Then, tonight we’ll hunt and have a huge feast to honor her life.

Moon and I stand beside the coffin, surrounded by the entire pack, while the Elders say a prayer to the Moon Goddess. I know