Page 171 of Crystal Luna

“I’m sorry. I should’ve invited you—or at least asked for permission.”

“I’m not upset by it. I’m pretty sure our way of life is still strange to you.”

“It has been an adjustment, but it’s getting easier.”

“From what I’ve heard, you’ve been an incredible addition the pack. You should be proud of that.”

“Thank you.” Then she quickly added, “Luna.”

“Where are you all meeting?”

“My home.”

“Would you mind if I walked with you?”

“Of course not!”

“Is there anything I should bring?”

“Just your helping hands.”

She accepted the basket, picking a few more strawberries to take home before following Carrie through the village.

“So, how did you and Luka meet?”

“I was visiting Swiftport while he was looking for you. He said you’d gone missing, and they were trying to find you.”

“Ah, yes—my escape,” Velora laughed lightly. “I think everyone thought a rogue had hijacked me. So instead of finding me, Luka found his soulmate.”

“He did. We went on a few dates before he took me on a cabin retreat and revealed his true self.”

“That sounds so romantic. I didn’t think Luka was the type.”

“I think he was afraid I would have run if he hadn't been able to show me his wolf right away.”

“Would you have?”

“Definitely,” Carrie giggled, opening the front door to her house.

Velora stepped in and found herself in a cosy living room with Luka already waiting in the kitchen. As soon as their eyes met, he bowed his head. “Luna, what a surprise.”

“Carrie said she organised a group to cook for Ely’s family. I’d like to help if that’s okay.”

“Of course.”

“Were you able to help Kira with the broken pipe?” Carrie asked, setting her own basket on the counter next to Luka.

“I did, but I had Jeff order the parts to replace it before winter starts.”

“Good.”

It didn’t take long for the others to arrive, each and every one of them in shock when they laid eyes on her. To her greatest displeasure, Larissa showed up to help but Velora was able to keep her distance. As they finished up, she felt Asher and Isaiah searching for her so she revealed where she was. A few minutes later they knocked on the door and made Carrie lose colour in her face.

“We heard our luna was here.”

“Yes, of course. Sh-she’s right over there,” Carrie said with a faint stutter as she gestured to the kitchen.

As they came in everyone bowed their heads and stopped what they were doing. Luka was stacking his arms with filled Tupperware dishes, preparing to take them to Lisabeth’s house.