Page 57 of Crystal Luna
She tried, but the air felt thick and heavy. She just couldn’t fill her lungs. Her ears started ringing and her brain grew even more jumbled.
“You trust me, right?”
Of course, she did. She nodded as much as she could in his grip.
“Then breathe, Velora.”
She did as she was told, following his deep breaths.
“Good,” he praised. “And again.”
She inhaled once more, relaxing in his arms on the exhale. She closed her eyes as heat rushed to her cheeks.
“Better?” he asked softly, though she could hear a hint of worry in his tone.
She nodded and continued her breathing. “I’m sorry.”
“What did I tell you about apologising?”
“Not to do it until I completely fucked up,” she muttered.
“Good; we’re on the same page. I think someone’s here to see you.”
She opened her eyes and scanned the space again, finding two new little faces. Curtis and Mia sat on a bench watching her. As soon as their eyes met, they excitedly waved at her. She couldn’t help but smile back and return a shy wave.
With a chuckle, Marvin stepped closer. “My future alpha has just advised me to let you go because you promised him a book date.” He matched the last two words with air quotes. “I have to say I’m not familiar with this but I won’t be the first one to get on his bad side.”
She giggled, cheeks burning.
Rayan laughed and helped her to her feet. “Go have fun. We’ll try this again tomorrow morning.”
Another apology balanced on the tip of her tongue, but Rayan cut her off with a shake of his head and nudged her towards the kids.
“Are you okay?” Curtis asked as she led them out of the gym.
“Was Rayan too rough with you?” Mia added, grabbing Velora’s hand.
“No, he was very sweet. I’m just recovering a little slower than I’d like.”
“Dad always says it’s alright to fail and try again another day. The only thing he says you shouldn’t do is give up,” Curtis encouraged.
“I won’t give up.” Velora was promising herself as much as she was him. “I just need a quick shower.”
“Can we wait in your house?” Mia asked.
“Of course.”
They both patiently waited for Velora to shower and change into a suitable outfit for the bookstore. They found Heath already waiting for them by the cars. He leaned against a dark coloured truck, dressed in a dark blue shirt, tight jeans and boots. Her heart fluttered in her chest, and she had to remind herself not to stare. He’d always been eye candy, but knowing he was now hers made this moment so much sweeter.
“Are you three ready?” he asked, leaning down to give Mia a kiss on the head.
Curtis nodded eagerly and helped Mia into the back seat while Heath walked around the truck to open the passenger door for Velora.
“Just so you know, I’m well aware that you could do this by yourself,” he explained, grinning as he offered her a hand to help her in. “But my mother raised me better than that.”
Before she could figure out what to say in return, he closed the door and walked around the hood, keeping that same gorgeous grin on his face.
Both kids chattered all the way to the bookstore: Curtis explaining the books he was looking for while Mia declared she wanted to find a book with the prettiest princess. Velora enjoyed it, especially watching Heath interact with them.