The Human

I watched as they threw the first shovel of dirt on the box that confined my love. ’Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry.’ The continuous chanting in my head never stopped.

It didn't stop the tears that stung my eyes either, betraying every word that I have been saying to myself since this horrific day started.

It also didn't help that my wolf hasn't stopped whimpering since I got here, after being dormant for days since Ella died.

I can't blame him for hurting. He felt the mate bond stronger than me, but I needed him these past two weeks. He was the only strength I have...or had.

Someone's hand on my shoulder brought me out of my thoughts and I turned around to see my little sister looking at me with sorrow filled eyes.

"Don't cry, Luka. It'll be okay soon I promise."

‘If only I could believe those words, I thought but offered her a weak smile nonetheless.

I continued to stare as I reminisced on the times we had together. We only met three years ago on my eighteenth birthday, when I accompanied my dad to an Alpha meeting where I would officially take over the pack.

That's when I saw her. I was attracted to her even before I learned that we were mates.

I spent the rest of the night stealing glances at her until I mustered up the courage to go to her. I can still remember her scent when I got close. It was intoxicating, and her smile, when she saw me, pushed me over the edge. That's when I knew that I was gonna be whipped. And whipped I was.

"Luka". A voice I knew too well snapped me out of my thoughts.

I realized that everyone had left and it was just me, Caleb, and my love who was now completely covered and sealed in the deserted pack cemetery.

I didn't make a move to leave; I just wanted to be in her presence a little longer before I said goodbye.

"Come on man, you must be tired", Caleb whispered as he took shaky steps toward me. I had to admit, I'm pretty grateful for his support these past weeks.

We were never close growing up. In fact, we hated each other. That was odd for two boys living in the same house, who were destined to work side by side as Alpha and Beta.

When I took over as Alpha, he automatically became my Beta so we were forced to get along. Over the years we learned to tolerate each other and became somewhat friends. But when Ella died two weeks ago, he was there for me more than everyone else.

At first, I assumed it was because he is my Beta and nobody else was brave enough to be around me when I'm snappy and irritated, but then I realized that he genuinely wanted to be there for me, as a friend. I have to say, we've gotten a lot closer since.

I finally turned around to see him staring at me with sadness. I gave him a strained smile and took slow steps towards the exit, with Caleb on my trail.

I got in the car, feeling like the world was on my chest. Caleb joined me shortly after and we sat in comfortable silence until he finally started the car.

"Hey you okay man?", he asked as he drove off. I sighed, keeping my eyes out the window.

"Nah, man. But I will be" I answered, knowing he was the only one who wouldn't push it, so I could be honest with him. "I just need some time". He nodded in understanding but didn't say anything.

'Some time' maybe two months, maybe ten years or it may be never. All I know now was that I have to try and live without her. Maybe I can or maybe I can't.

My mind was all over the place as we pulled into the pack house driveway. But all I could think about is how I didn't even say goodbye.

*Luka's pov*

-One year later-

"Luka dude get your ass up!"

I groaned in response as Caleb tried to get me out of bed for the umpteenth time today.

I grabbed a pillow and chucked it in his direction, successfully hitting him square in the face. A small smile took over my lips as I saw him huff in annoyance.

"Come on man. I'm taking you out of town to have some fun. You need it" He complained, and I knew damn well that he'd be back if I didn't oblige.

Sighing, I gave in to his plea and reluctantly got out of bed. He gave me a victorious smile and I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes at his childish behaviour.

Over the past year, he has really been there for me. He kept me out of my darkest places as much as he could and I couldn't help but be grateful. However, that didn't stop the darkness when he was gone though.

It has been ha