Page 67 of Crystal Luna

“I like that we’re open about these things. Even though we’re aware that we weren’t made for each other, we can still enjoy what we have.”

He held her even tighter and ran his nose over her neck, his hot breath tickling her skin. “Sometimes Isis gives us little gifts that will help us ease our journey.”

Velora finally relaxed with the thought that Heath would cheer her on. She didn’t know what Isis had planned for her, but she found comfort in knowing she had a friend to help her through it all. Even if there weren’t romantic feelings, she knew Heath would be there no matter what.

Chapter Twenty

Heath

It had been a few weeks since Heath and Velora had started seeing each other. He stood on his porch and couldn’t help but smile as his kids bounded down the stairs and ran towards their visitors from the Silvermoon Pack: Beta Domenic, his mate, Madeline, and their children, Warren and Alexa.

Curtis and Warren nearly collided as they ran to each other while Mia and Alexa squealed in excitement. Madeline and Laureen had always been close and after she’d passed, Madeline had never failed to check in on them. Domenic and Madeline had visited often in the months after Laureen’s passing simply as friends. Alexa was only a year older than Mia and Warren and Curtis had always gotten along well.

Heath stepped off the porch and held his hand out to Domenic who ignored the handshake and pulled him into a side hug. “It’s good to see you, old friend.”

“It is. How was your drive?”

“Loud and filled with music I’d rather forget about,” Domenic laughed.

“You’ll miss it once they’re all grown up,” Madeline scolded as she pulled Heath into a gentle hug. “You’re looking good. And I can’t believe how much your little ones have grown up.”

“Yours too. It’s been too long.” He turned towards the house. “C’mon let’s get you fed so you can rest.”

“Will we be in the same house as always?” Warren asked.

“I thought that was best, since you liked it so much last time.”

Alexa took his hand while holding Mia’s on her other side. “Thank you, Alpha Heath.”

“You’re very welcome, sweetheart.”

They sat down to eat while they caught up.

“How are Alpha Kaine and Luna Mellowic adjusting to parenthood?”

“Alpha Kaine is over the moon and basically spoiling Riley Hunter rotten.”

Since hearing their son’s name for the first time, Heath hadn’t been able to understand how they came to that decision. Before becoming the Luna of the Silvermoon Pack, Mellowic had been a huntress. Though the name came from her former lover.

“Luna Mellowic went on her first hike a few days ago. She strapped him to her chest and all her essentials to her back,” Madeline added with a giggle.

“A brave woman. Isn’t she only six weeks postpartum?”

“She is and is still the same strong, adventurous woman she’s always been.”

“I think Riley and I will become best friends,” Warren announced proudly.

The kids kept them entertained throughout the whole meal. When they dished out the dessert, Madeline complemented the cake.

“This is amazing, I didn’t know you could bake like this.”

“Dad can’t,” Curtis confessed. “Velora made it with us yesterday.”

Curiously, Domenic leaned closer to Curtis while blood rushed to Heath’s face. “And who might Velora be?”

“Dad’s girlfriend.”

“Do you like her?”