Page 160 of Crystal Luna
Asher’s tease made her blush, remembering that Dan used that term as well.
“What happened?” Isaiah pressed, kneading his fingers into her tense shoulders.
“I went hiking…”
Asher grinned at her with a crooked brow. “I’m sensing a pattern here.”
“Well at least I learned my lesson and stayed within pack borders this time,” she defended. “It was actually my first fight and up until now, my only rogue encounter. I’d barely been part of the Howlers when it happened. So I kinda had no clue what I was doing.”
“But you survived. Which only shows how naturally your talent comes to you. And may I point out that you have seen more fights than your alphas? Which somewhat bruises my ego,” Isaiah confessed.
Velora closed her eyes, relaxing into his touch. Somehow, that made her happy. She was more experienced than both of them—a win for her. They continued to spoil her body with massaging hands, while the hot water poured over her skin. They took their time, exploring her body in the most modest way possible. They flooded her with so much love that her heart fluttered. Every time they found a healed scar, they kissed her softly and asked to hear the story behind it—most of them being the results of her shenanigans with Rayan.
It felt… good. Their fingers sent electricity sizzling over her skin, helping her muscles relax from all the tension she’d felt.
Once they rinsed her clean, they wrapped her in big, fluffy towels and Asher carried her to the bed. He removed the wet bandages and dried her, then moved behind her to brush her hair while Isaiah tended to the new dressings.
The gashes on Velora’s hip were the longest and deepest. One curled around her side, dangerously approaching her spine. Detlef told her that the wolf dug so deep that he scraped her pelvic bone. She was lucky he hadn’t gotten to her spine.
“If you’d like to talk about your parents, you can.”
Isaiah opened a sterile bandage that was as long as her forearm. She hadn’t really allowed herself to think about anything that the wolf had said to her. She didn’t want to believe a word out of his mouth.
“Do you want my take on it?” Isaiah pushed further.
She bit her lip, but nodded hesitantly.
“The wolf’s name was Derek. I think he was jealous and likely a little delusional. He probably hated the fact that he lost your mother to one of us. Maybe his view of their bond wasn’t what it really was. Maybe your mother left you in search of your father, because that’s what mates do when they feel them hurt. Maybe his loss is what killed her.”
“How did I end up here then?”
“I don’t know. Maybe Isis led you to your father. Because that’s what he is: blood or not. The man that saved you is your father no matter what.”
“That’s why he never told me?”
“It could be. I can ask around and see if I can find anything out—but only if you want.”
“Maybe just ask but… I don’t know—don’t let them know you’re asking about me? I’m not sure how much everyone listened when he talked.”
“No one heard outside of the two of us and Ely.”
“He only listened to know the moment you needed him,” Asher explained.
“I’m just scared.”
“We understand,” Isaiah gently reassured her. “It’s just a suggestion, and the offer will still be there if and when you’re ready.”
“Thank you.”
Velora’s wounds were dressed, and comfortable clothes were put on her before the twins retreated downstairs to talk strategy with Axel. Though it was their duty alone, Velora at least wanted to be included. So, she curled up on an armchair in the corner with a blanket and an armful of snacks.
In the end, they decided not to provoke the rogues. Instead, they would just wait it out and hope they struck before the snow began to fall.
“Vel?”
“Hm?” she asked, opening her eyes. She hadn’t realised she’d started to doze off.
“How would you feel about overseeing the warriors who stay behind to protect the pack?” Asher asked her.