Page 138 of Crystal Luna

“Maybe you can call him and talk over it,” Asher suggested.

“I don’t need to be your mate to know how much you hate that idea.”

“The fact that I hate his guts shouldn’t stop you from talking to him. As long as he doesn’t fuck you again, I’m good.”

Vel pondered her response for a moment. “I guess I’m afraid to call him,” she admitted. She sighed, dropping her shoulders. “We always knew what we were to each other, but we both agreed to it anyway. I’m afraid I left him in a dark place.”

“I have been trying to keep up with the other packs,” Isaiah told her. “So far I haven’t heard any reports of anything out of the ordinary.”

“He’d never let anyone see it. As you said, he’s too dedicated to his children to break right now.”

“Just because Ash and I never want to see his face again doesn’t mean you can’t be friends. Isn’t that how you two started out—as friends?”

“Yes.”

“Know that whatever you decide, we won’t interfere.”

Asher let out a low growl, unable to stop his next words from coming out. “Unless he tries to be more than friends.”

Vel chuckled and turned a bright red. Asher wasn’t sure why, and he was too afraid to ask.

To his surprise, the hike was actually pleasant. Vel let them set the pace, not pushing their limits. She hadn’t left the house much after her parents died, and the last time she’d left the territory was likely years before that. It hit Asher with a pang of sadness because most teenagers should be out causing trouble—not forced to spend those formidable years indoors.

“Have you figured out anymore about the rogues?”

Isaiah shook his head. “Not really, but they’ve been around the territory more often than not.”

“Did you up the patrols?”

“We have, and we established sleepers—warriors that stay in the cabins nearest the borders to be sure they can be called out if needed.”

“It was actually Axel’s idea,” Asher offered, not wanting to take credit for it.

“I still need to see him.”

“But you don’t want to see Larissa,” Isaiah guessed.

“You’re right. Axel was nice, but I have no desire to see her.”

“You don’t have to,” Asher chimed in. “If your business with him is professional in nature there’s no reason for her to be involved.”

“Ash is right.”

Asher gasped. “You said I was right! Can I get that in writing?” His jovial tone managed to lighten Vel’s mood as well.

The tension Vel usually carried eased, and her aura was much more relaxed as she followed where the twins led her. There was no beating, no fighting—just walking. Though they were well into summer, it probably was nothing like the years she spent with the Howlers.

Vel kept a steady pace, but seemed to be growing impatient. She didn’t take many breaks, clearly wanting to get to the lake sooner rather than later. Asher felt how she tensed up again the longer they hiked. She didn’t say much, and neither of them pushed her to talk. They were just glad to be with her without the usual hostility.

When they broke through the treeline to the lake, Vel paused and looked around as if she were making sure they were in the right place. Once she seemed to confirm it, she kneeled down and untied her boots before unfastening her pants. She shamelessly undressed, revealing the mesmerising figure she hid beneath her clothes.

Asher didn’t dare move, afraid to remind her that she wasn’t alone. He took in every inch of her, from her shoulders down her muscular back to her curvy hips. She had a few scars that he wanted to map out with his tongue while she explained where they were from. Isaiah was just as hungry, drinking in every glimpse he could get. Both their minds and blood heated with arousal.

As soon as the last piece of fabric had cleared, her body began to vibrate. Her wolf had barely emerged when she ran towards the shore, splashed into the water, and swam to the midst of the lake.

“Guess we’ll set up the picnic,” Asher chuckled, his eyes fixed on Vel.

Isaiah slowly nodded, having trouble focusing himself. Asher took the backpack and found a sunny spot close to the water where they spread out a blanket. Isaiah sat down next to him, deep in thought.