Page 124 of Crystal Luna

“Seems they were none the wiser.”

Theodore also stepped into the room though he didn’t bother to fake his emotions. “I have to say, we were surprised to hear you were still alive.”

Velora looked him dead in the eyes, matching his tone. “Well what can I say? I guess I’m hard to get rid of.”

Isaiah broke the tension, moving towards the table. “How about we all sit down and eat before the food gets cold?”

Asher laid a hand on Velora’s lower back, gently guiding her to her seat: between him and Isaiah but across from their parents.

“I was told you joined the Howler pack after you left us so… suddenly,” Theodore pressed further while everyone filled their plates.

“I did. Alpha Heath offered me to join after I came across his pack.”

“How is he? Didn’t he lose his mate a while back?”

“Yes, Laureen died during childbirth eight years ago.”

“How awfully tragic,” Silvia chimed in.

“It must be very hard on him.”

Isaiah’s mind leaned against hers and she opened it to him. ‘They don’t know about the two of you. He’s just trying to get to you.’

“How does retirement feel?” she asked as innocently as she could.

“Quite unsettling,” Theodore offered with a pathetic chuckle.

“It must be difficult to hand over control after leading a pack for so long.”

“Indeed.”

“Have you started making plans for your ceremony yet?” Silvia asked, only taking small bites from her plate that was nearly empty to begin with.

“Vel only arrived last night, Mom,” Isaiah defended. “Let her settle in first.”

“Well, it is something that must be planned with accuracy. It’s a big day for the entire pack.”

Velora had to intently focus on her food to keep from rolling her eyes.

Asher came to her rescue. “There’s still plenty of time. We can’t do it until after summer anyway.”

“Of course. How could I forget that?”

The dinner continued as it had started: with each side hitting the other with polite jabs. Theodore clearly wasn’t impressed with any part of the situation, and Silvia was right there with him. After a painstaking hour-long meal, Theodore tucked his precious luna to his side and led her out the front door.

“Fucking shit…” Asher sighed.

Isaiah visibly relaxed and started clearing the table. “At least no one lost their shit.”

“Yet,” Velora warned and turned to leave.

“Stay…”

She stared over her shoulder at Asher’s puppy eyes watching her from the kitchen.

“Please,” he added. “We know you’re not comfortable, Vel, but help us get you there.”

“Say the word and it’s yours,” Isaiah said, now standing next to Asher.