Page 17 of Crystal Luna

“We’re just waiting on the cake,” Curtis explained, pointing at the oven.

“Well, we should help Velora clean up while we wait. We don’t want to be bad guests and leave her with a mess, do we?”

“Of course, Father.”

And before she knew it Alpha Heath had filled the sink with hot soapy water. While Mia cleaned the table with a wet cloth, Curtis handed his father all the dirty dishes. Velora silently dried them while Mia babbled along.

When everything was tidy and the cake was cooling, Alpha Heath smiled at her. “Thank you for keeping them company. They truly enjoy being with you.” He then turned to his children. “What do we say to Velora?”

“Thank you!” They beamed, taking each of his hands.

Alpha Heath asked for her to come along to deliver the food, but she declined. She didn’t really know Evelyne, nor was she close to Beta Wayne. It felt wrong pushing her presence on them during such a precious time.

She watched as they left, unable to bring herself to apologise for taking his kids without permission.

She spent the whole evening worried that she’d crossed a line. But Alpha Heath never came back to scold or punish her.

The days passed by with her spending her mornings with Marvin in the gym and the rest of the day slowly exploring the Howlers’ territory with her wolf.

One morning, she awoke and prepared a strengthening breakfast as she did every day before heading to the gym. The more time she spent with Marvin, the easier it became for her to enter the building. He was cheeky and always had a witty joke on hand, but he also came with knowledge that she soaked up like a sponge.

As she pushed the door open and stepped in, she froze, her eyes alighting on Alpha Heath. He was shirtless, sweat dripping down his torso as he did sit ups on the floor. She wasn’t sure what to do. Part of her was still afraid he was upset with her.

But his gaze met hers and he gave her a kind smile. “I see I’m not the only early bird anymore,” he said, pulling himself into a sitting position to rest.

“I’m sorry,” was all she could manage.

“No need to be. Are you meeting with Marvin?”

She nodded, still frozen in place.

Thankfully, the door opened then and Marvin stepped in behind her. “Oh, just the two I was looking for.”

Alpha Heath furrowed his brow and stood, grabbing the water bottle sitting next to him. “What happened?”

“Nothing to be concerned about but Luke won’t be able to patrol this morning so I will take his shift. I was going to inform you at a decent hour later this morning.”

Alpha Heath relaxed and nodded. “Very well.”

“Velora, I’m afraid we’ll have to skip our meeting today and start with the daggers tomorrow.”

She nodded again, somehow unable to find her voice.

“What were you planning?” Alpha Heath asked curiously, eyeing both of them.

“Self defence. It seems Velora is more comfortable with knives than guns.”

“I’ll do it,” Alpha Heath offered.

“Well, that is sorted then.” Marvin cheered and turned to leave. “We’ll catch up tomorrow, Velora.”

He left before she could respond. With her eyes on the floor she said, “You don’t have to…”

“I would like to. Unless you would be more comfortable with Marvin.”

She would’ve been, but she didn’t want to admit that to the Alpha. The last thing she needed was to offend him.

“Has he shown you our collection?”