The longer this moment goes on, the more I start noticing the looks people are giving me. They're judging me, for whatever reason they may have. Either for disturbing the funeral, which should be peaceful, or because their alpha has such a pathetic excuse for a mate, or even because I'm denying to be his. Either way, it's too much for me to handle. 

"This is supposed to be a funeral." I grit out. "This isn't about you or me, we're supposed to lay my Uncle Keith to rest."

The Alpha's expression changes again, a look of recognition flashing accross his face, before he hides it and composes himself. His posture changes, from the begging man desperate for his mate, to a strong Alpha, setting an example.

"Yes, you're right. We'll have all the time in the world." 

I want to object, but then I would be the rude one again, so instead I shut my mouth and turn my back towards him. I swear I hear him whisper something and growling a little, but when I look back his face is completely stoic. Either it was too low for me to hear, or I was imagining things. I look up to Will and Luke's faces, but neither is giving anything away so I'm still stuck. 

"I'm sorry about the commotion at uncle Keith's funeral." I whisper to them, embarrassed with myself. Although I know every pair of werewolf ears also heard my apology. Goddess I feel so out of place now that I'm back here.

Luke reaches out to me and gently rubs my shoulder, but doesn't speak. 

He walks over to the rows of seats and sits down next to his Mom, who's a crying mess. Luke's mate is holding her hand trying to soothe her. She reminds me of my Mom and I turn to see where she's at, I can't believe I forgot about her. I find her a short distance away, warily looking at the coffin and the seats around it. I shake my head and walk over to her, putting my arm around her and directing her to our seats. Not a second later, the Alpha plops down next to me, even reaching out his arm so it's across the back of my seat.

With annoyance, I look over to him, trying to convey a message to him. But he bats his eyelashes at me with a smirk. He clearly understands but is trying to play stupid. Annoying fool of an Alpha. I bite my tongue immediately after that thought. I don't want to disrespect the Alpha in any way and I certainly don't want the repercussions.

So instead, I turn back towards my Mom, hoping she hasn't noticed anything yet, and I certainly hope she doesn't recognize the Alpha. Last time she was here, he must have still been a pup, although I can tell he's considerably older than me. I try to rack my brains for a memory of ever discussing his age with Luke or Will, but I come up blank. Ugh, I don't even want to acknowledge the possibility of him being right, but I can't get him out of my head anymore. 

The funeral service starts, thankfully, so my mind is drawn to that, at least I won't have to think about the Alpha any more. Or so I thought. A few minutes into the service, the Elder leading the funeral states that the Alpha has a few words to say. Great, now I'll have to look and listen to him speak. 

The Alpha stands up, but not without brushing his hands accross my shoulderblades and this time, my body betrays me by shivering slightly. Could he be right about this mate thing? Is there hope for me after all? I look up towards him and the smirk on his face tells me enough, he noticed it too. 

I watch him make his way towards where the Elder was standing and listen to his captivating voice as he speaks of Uncle Keith, how he was such faithful Beta that saved his life on numerous occasions and who always has his back. How he has no doubt that his son Will will fill the big shoes his father left behind. All in all, he gives a very beautiful speech that I've listened to in awe. He even touched the subject of my Dad for a few short moments, at which point he looked at me. So I was right when I thought he recognized me..

After a while, he invites other people to speak and he makes his way back to the seat next to mine. He places his arm back where it was before and this time, I can't help but smile a little. He's very persistent, I'll give him that, but not to the point where it's annoying, or scary. It's only then that a certain boy comes to mind again. If Caleb is really my mate, what will he think of me when he finds out how I give my virginity up and that I had a pup with someone else, whose name or face I can't even remember?

I tence up and lean away from his touch a little, I shouldn't be getting comfortable, he's going to reject me when he finds out anyway. There's only so much a mate bond can overcome and ours is only half a mate bond.

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THIRD UPDATE IN ONE DAY. YAY ME!