Now surrounded by their friends and other pack members, all in human form, the loss of Claire seemed to hit them more. Eve noticed Claire's parents were missing and she guessed that they had been told and excused from the meeting to mourn. Carlos and Jose entered the clearing with their heads down and sullen expressions, making Eve feel bad that they had to bury their friend that way. When Tom finally arrived, everyone did the sign of respect before rising to stand and listen. “It's tragic that I have to report this to you all,” Tom said. “But tonight, Claire's body was found.” There were a few hasps and whimpers among the pack but otherwise, no one really looked that surprised just sad. “Unfortunately, because of the state of the body we thought it was best not to have an open burial, but she has been laid to rest. If you want to pay your respects, you still can. Claire has been buried in the same area as all of our other fallen pack members.”
                          
            “Are we any closer to knowing who's responsible for this?” Hal asked.
                          
            “Yes,” Chris answered. “We have made some progress in that but we're still working on it. You and the other Elders will know more when we do.”
                          
            “Fine,” Hal said shortly. “Have all the search parties been called back then?”
                          
            “Yes Elder,” Tom said. “They were all told to report back here immediately.”
                          
            “Then where are my daughter, Travis and Daniella?” Hal asked.
                          
            Tom paused, looking around the group. “I wasn't aware that they weren't here,” he said. “It's possible they didn't get the message. I will personally go look for them myself.”
                          
            “What if this person got to them too?” someone asked.
                          
            “There is no need to start a panic,” Tom said stonily. “It would not be the first time that a group did not receive the call about a meeting. Now I will go look for them myself and the rest of you will return home. This meeting is now over.” And with that, Tom turned and walked away, leaving the rest of the pack to scatter.
                          
*          *          *          *          *
                          
            If Eve thought her nightmares after her parents deaths were bad, the nightmares she had now were worse. She woke up five times, dry heaving until she couldn't breathe. After the fifth time, she just laid in her bed staring at the ceiling. She didn't want to go to sleep yet but she couldn't just lay there doing nothing and letting her mind wander. As long as she did that, her mind was capable of bringing up the image of Claire.
                          
            Her phone vibrated next to her and she managed a small smile when she saw it was a text from Tristan. You were gone when I came back you liar. =/
                          
            I know, sorry. There was an emergency.
                          
            Everything okay?, was his instant reply.
                          
            Not really. I don't want to think about it though. I need a distraction.
                          
            This time there was a slightly longer pause before Tristan answered. Would it help if I distracted you?
                          
            Definitely.
                          
            Come by my house? Easier in person than text.
                          
            Okay. Eve immediately got up from her bed, not needing to see the next message to know his address. She changed into her jeans and a pull over hoodie, doing her hair in a messy braid and walked down the stairs. Mia laid on the couch with her head against Chris' chest as he slowly started to wake up next to her.
                          
            “Eve?” he asked, groggily taking in her clothes. “Where are you going?”
                          
            “To Tristan's house,” she admitted quietly. “I can't sleep.”
                          
            “Does he know you're going?” Chris asked curiously.
                          
            “Yes,” Eve sighed. “I told him I needed a distraction and he invited me over. Is that a problem?”
                          
            “Nope,” Chris answered. “My keys are on the table. Take the car and be careful. Text me when you get there.”
                          
            “Why? You'll probably be asleep again by the time I get there,” she said.
                          
            “Probably,” Chris agreed. “But it would be nice to wake up and know no one slaughtered you.” They both winced at his words and Eve nodded as she took his keys from the table.
                          
            “Well thanks,” she said and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Best adoptive brother ever.”
                          
            “Yeah, I know,” Chris replied, leaning his head back on the couch and closing his eyes. “Just don't forget to text me.”