Page 62 of Crystal Luna
Velora’s time at the pack flew by, with some days being spent with Heath and the littles, and others with Rayan and the warriors. Rayan’s taunting seemed to fade once he realised that all Velora did with his alpha was cuddle and read. After the first few sleepovers he didn’t bother asking anymore.
Her lessons went well—at least, until others joined them. Spending free time with them was fine, but once they set foot into the gym, things were completely different.
That day, she and Rayan were taking their usual hike through a trail they’d established a few weeks ago. He’d shown her the small path that emerged to a nearby gas station.
“So, how are you enjoying pack life so far?”
He sounded innocent enough, but Velora knew better. “Good,” she answered with a grin. “Why do you ask?”
“Well, you’ve been with us for a little while now and I just wanted to check in, you know?”
“Like you don’t do that every day.”
“I do but I thought you might be tired of me by now. I didn’t actually think you would stick by me.”
“I’m actually quite happy with our friendship.”
“You are?”
“Are you fishing for compliments?”
“Maybe…”
“Well, it’s my turn then. Are you enjoying our friendship?”
“Most definitely! Usually, people need a break from my shenanigans by now.”
“I do get breaks.”
“Yeah, when you crawl into our alpha’s bed and cuddle.” He finished off with an eyeroll. “I can’t believe that is all you do.”
“Can I ask you something without you laughing at me? And that stays between us?”
He stopped in his tracks, an uncharacteristic seriousness painting his features. “Of course.”
“I thought after someone loses their mate they can’t… be with someone else like that.”
“Oh, Velora,” Rayan sighed. “You are breaking boundaries I never thought possible but here I am talking about my alpha’s capability of having a boner.”
Her cheeks heated. “We don’t have to talk about it.”
He shook his head and smiled at her, continuing on their hike. “The answer is: I’m not sure. After Luna Laureen died, we all thought we’d fall apart. Curtis was far too young to be alpha and we were all afraid of a repeat of Alpha Brock. No one wants a mad alpha, especially not one with a newborn.”
“He said Curtis and Mia were his driving force.”
“They were. Beta Wayne took over pack duties and everyone stepped in to help. Evelyne helped with Mia while everyone made sure they had food and clean laundry and so on. Even when he did return to pack duties, he looked awful. Slowly, he recovered. At least that’s what he lets us all see. I’m pretty sure he’s still broken but he keeps us all together, safe and provided for.”
“He took care of you, so that’s what everyone did for him when he needed it.”
Rayan nodded. “Now, back to your question. I’m not sure if he could physically be with you or not, but there are many ways to please one another. So even if he can’t, you could still do more than just cuddle.”
“I mean… we kiss.”
“Oh my gosh, you sound so damn innocent it’s painful.” He must have seen how guilty she felt and added, “Don’t get me wrong. It’s cute, but I never thought I’d try to picture my alpha with someone I considered my best friend.”
“You encouraged this.”
“Yes, I brought this on myself.”