Page 39 of Crystal Luna

“She’s been paired up with Rayan.”

Heath clenched his jaw, and Marvin held his hands up in surrender.

“Not my idea. I wanted her with Leroy, but she picked Rayan.”

Wayne seemed surprised as well. “Interesting.”

“Why?”

“She said—and I quote—‘he figured it out last time.’ I told him not to be an idiot. They spent all day yesterday on the border and have already established a routine. He seems to be eager to keep up with what she’s done so far. But I know how he can be, so I’ll keep a close eye on him.”

“How is she with the others?” Wayne asked.

“She seems to be doing okay, but would rather train on her own. Rayan said she did far better before everyone stormed into the gym.”

“We might just have to give her time. She doesn’t seem to do well with large groups.”

Heath agreed, but tried to keep quiet as much as possible. He didn’t want anyone to think he was coddling her.

“I’m not sure how to proceed to be honest,” Marvin admitted. “I don’t want to push her too hard, but I also don’t want anyone to think we’re…”

“Setting her apart?” Wayne offered.

“Yes. She definitely has a lot of trauma that needs to be dealt with but now that she is part of the pack I don’t want to show her any special favours.”

Wayne nodded. “I agree, but I think if you’re open about that from the beginning the guys will understand. Forcing her to train with such a large group could potentially mean she’ll give up and we don’t want that. Let the two of them work on their own time. Maybe he can figure out how to help her in a safe way.”

Marvin’s eyes met Heath’s. “You’re good with that?”

“Yes. As long as you communicate I don’t see why there should be an issue.”

“I don’t think it’ll be much of a problem anyway—most in the pack knows she needs a little TLC.”

“Tender loving care,” Wayne chuckled to himself. “Have you been binging home reno shows again?”

Marvin rolled his eyes and instead of gratifying Wayne with an answer, continued with his weekly report and left as soon as it was finished. The second he was out of earshot, Wayne’s mischievous eyes laid on his alpha.

“So…”

“So what?”

“What will you do now that Marvin and Rayan are taking on your sweet little side project?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you still going to see her?”

Heath had thought about it, but he wouldn’t admit that to Wayne. “Why would I do that?”

“Because you fucking adore her.” Then he quickly leaned down to Rayline and pressed a kiss to her head. “Don’t tell Mommy I’m cursing in front of you.”

“She’s gonna have a mouth like you if you aren’t careful.”

“Nope, she’ll get that from her friends.”

“That’s what you hope Evelyne will believe.”

“Don’t change the subject. What are you planning on doing with her?”