Page 48 of Crystal Luna

“You were so brave,” he praised softly as his thumb brushed her cheekbone.

“I’m supposed to be.”

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Yes, you are. But that was your first real fight, and you did an outstanding job.”

Before she could respond, he stepped back and squared his jaw. A moment later Rayan came in with Alex by his side.

Rayan sighed in relief. “Oh you’re awake.”

Alex stepped up to her side. “Alpha Heath said you’re in pain?”

“A little.”

“No need to be brave now. How about I give you something so you can rest a little while longer?”

“Nothing to put me back to sleep.”

“Alright, something for just the pain then.”

When Alex stepped away, Rayan took his place. “I have your favourite blanket and some clothes. Evelyne will come by soon to help you out of his hideous gown.”

“Do I look that bad naked?”

Twin spots appeared on his cheeks as he began stammering. “I-I only looked long enough to—”

“I believe Velora is teasing you,” Alex laughed as he stepped closer again. “I have some options for you. One is stronger but may make you feel drowsy.”

“Just drowsy?”

“It might yes, but it won’t knock you out.”

“That one’s fine.”

He nodded and took to administering the medicine.

“How bad is it?” she asked, too afraid to look for herself.

“They got your thigh pretty good, but I was able to fix it with stitches. Your ribs aren’t broken, but they scraped your bones. You’ve got stitches there too. Then there are the minor cuts and bruises.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll check your bandages in a few hours.”

The medicine worked instantly, and she felt her eyelids grow heavy.

“Sleep,” Rayan assured her. “I’ll stay with you.”

Velora smiled. She hadn’t felt so safe in her entire life. She concentrated on her breathing and slowly drifted off once more.

When she opened her eyes again, Rayan was in a chair next to her with his eyes on his phone. It took him a moment to notice her but when he did, he pulled his earplugs out and set his phone aside. “Hey there, little pup.”

“Hey.”

“You sound like you need some water. Wanna sit up?”

She nodded and he helped her, adding pillows behind her until she was comfortable. He held her glass of water and let her drink with a straw before he perched on the bed.

“How are you feeling?”