Page 8 of Crystal Luna

Evelyne set the book aside and patted the seat next to her. “That’s not a bad thing. They always get so excited when they see new faces.”

Velora tried to remember what she knew about the Howler Pack but aside from hearing that their luna had died a few years ago she didn’t know much else. She hadn’t even known that Alpha Heath had children. The Crystal Pack didn’t have strong relationships with other packs. Of course, everyone who turned of age wandered off and tried to find their mate, but generally they returned home again. Not many left for good.

“Is there anything in particular you would like to eat tonight? Wayne and Alpha Heath aren’t very picky and neither are the kids.”

Velora thought back, but she truly couldn’t remember what her favourite dish was. She’d only been allowed to serve what Luna Silvia had planned.

“I’ll eat whatever,” she finally said.

There was a beat of silence while Beta Wayne tried to find the right place for the dishes and Evelyne watched with an amused smile.

“I’ll be back in a little to help you cook,” Wayne said as he turned around again. “Don’t move. Stay where you are and keep that baby inside, okay?”

Evelyne laughed. “Don’t take too long though.” Once he left, she explained, “My parents were supposed to arrive this morning but they’re running late. Now he’s terrified that I’ll pop on my own.”

“You’re not from here?”

“No. I’m from the Silvermoon Pack. He attended Luna Mellowic’s ceremony and sensed me as his mate. He didn’t say anything to me then, but returned to me once I turned eighteen. He didn’t want to tell me because he was afraid. Worried that I would feel bad for not feeling the bond before or that he simply imagined it.” Evelyne stretched her muscles and moved to stand up. “I really do enjoy being pregnant, but the constant peeing is driving me nuts,” she laughed as she waddled to the bathroom.

When she returned, she went into the kitchen instead of sitting back down.

“How about something easy? Like lasagna maybe?”

Velora’s old instincts kicked in immediately and she jumped up as if she’d been stung by a bee. “I’ll make it.”

“Oh no, you’re my guest,” Evelyne insisted, but it was useless.

Velora took the lead, persuading Evelyne to let her cook. She was afraid that Wayne would be angry if she simply stood around while his pregnant mate cooked. Velora lost herself as she started on dinner, muscle memory taking over as she started to boil the noodles and prepared the meat sauce. Once the lasagna was in the oven, she began to prepare dessert.

By the time the door opened again, she had pudding cakes cooling in the fridge and was pulling the steaming lasagna from the oven. She turned and took in Wayne’s surprised face before he turned to his mate.

“She insisted,” Evelyne explained. “Said you would be upset if I did anything but sit here.”

“I didn’t mean for you to cook.” Wayne turned his apologetic eyes back on Velora.

Velora dropped her gaze to the ground and fidgeted with the dress. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m not upset,” he quickly clarified. “I feel guilty. Evelyne never listens to me anyways. I thought if she truly needed help she would call.”

Evelyne stood up and walked over to her mate, kissing him on the cheek. “Oh, Velora was in her own little world. I dozed off before I could call for you.”

He nodded and urged Evelyne to sit at the dinner table. “Let me at least set the table.”

The door flew open a few moments later and Mia and Curtis charged into the room, tailed by their father. His eyes searched the room and found Velora sitting next to Evelyne at the table. Though his expression was hard, Velora was somehow confident it wasn’t because of her. He seemed to be guarding his feelings, even when looking at his children.

“You look so pretty!” Mia cheered as she sat on Velora’s other side.

Yet again, Velora felt guilty over not knowing what to say. She hadn’t had many conversations since her parents died. Her entire life consisted of being silent while someone barked orders at her.

“Evelyne, I didn’t want to strain you with another visit but Wayne insisted we have dinner together.”

“You’re going to make me blush, Alpha Heath. You should know better, though. I love having you over. But this time I can’t take credit. Velora did it all.”

Alpha Heath’s eyes lifted from the glass he was pouring himself.

She couldn’t hold his gaze and looked down at her empty plate. “I hope you like it.”

“It’ll be better than anything I could’ve cooked,” Wayne laughed.