Page 73 of Crystal Luna

Three Years Later

Chapter Twenty-Two

Velora

Velora’s life with the Howlers was the best thing that had ever happened to her. She and Heath were still wrapped up in each other, healing their loneliness by being by each other’s side. Rayan and Marvin stuck by her, never once giving up and much to her surprise, Velora had become one of the pack’s strongest warriors.

Now when she was around the others, she was excited to show off who she’d become. Rayan’s smart mouth tended to get them both in trouble, but she loved it. Curtis was about to turn fifteen and was loving high school while Mia was all about being a warrior.

“Now that everyone is finally here.” Marvin shot a pointed look to Velora and Rayan—who’d come in late and took the last two chairs in the den’s living room. “Though it’s short notice, our pack will have guests this afternoon. Alphas Asher and Isaiah of the Crystal Wolves have requested to visit as they are travelling past our pack.”

Velora’s heart dropped. The blood drained from her face so fast that she felt dizzy.

“I know we all know what to do, but I want to go through this with you again before they arrive.”

Rayan must have noticed the shift. He leaned closer to whisper in her ear. “You’ll be fine. It’ll all be formal anyway: they’ll likely say their hellos and be on their way.”

Even after being with the Howlers for three years, she’d never shared the name of her old pack.

“They’ll come alone,” Marvin continued, “and are travelling by car. We will allow them to drive onto the property and park by the garages.”

Marvin went on, but his words blurred until she heard her name.

“Velora and Rayan, I want you to guide them into the village.”

Velora desperately wanted to say no, but she nodded instead. At least she could stay in her wolf form and didn’t have to show herself to them. After Marvin had given everyone their tasks, Velora was the first to stand and walk out with Rayan right behind her.

“No need to be nervous, this is just a formality anyway. Nothing is going to happen.”

“Yeah,” she said, barely listening to him as she walked towards her cabin.

“I’m surprised he gave us a job like that anyway,” Rayan babbled, oblivious to what was really wrong.

“He’s doing it to test us.”

“Well believe it or not I’m going to be on my best behaviour.”

“I need a moment.” Her words came out harsher than they were supposed to so she made a point to soften her voice. “I’ll meet up with you in a little bit and we can get ready together, okay?”

Velora didn’t miss the hurt that flashed over his eyes, quickly replaced by worry. “Oh, okay.”

As soon as she was out of earshot, she let the panic bubble to the surface. With the woods hiding her, her body began to shiver, and she fought for every breath.

She never thought she’d have to see them again. Why were they coming here? Outside of the Silverrains, they’d never shown interest in other packs—even while travelling. The basic idea of seeing them again made her afraid she was losing herself, as if their sheer presence would rip her new life away from her.

She forced herself to keep walking, knowing that movement would help bring her nerves down to a manageable level. Over and over, she reminded herself of who she was, of what she’d achieved. She wouldn’t have to show herself to them, which made her superior. They’d never have to know who she was. That seemed to do the trick, her nerves slowly calming. She walked further, needing release from the rising tension.

After a while, Velora returned to her cabin to prepare herself. As she added noodles to boiling water for lunch she reached for Rayan’s mind. Not even five minutes later he let himself through her front door.

“Feeling better?”

“Yes, I guess I just lost my nerves. Sorry.”

“It’s all good. The first assignment is always the toughest.”

“It just makes it seem so official.”

“Your debut,” he laughed, reaching for the plates to set the table.