Page 104 of Crystal Luna

With her back turned to her family and friends, she looked up to her alpha. Her eyes shone with unshed tears, fear filled her heart and her hands quivered. She had to focus hard on breathing as her heart pounded in her chest.

Alpha Heath addressed the pack. “It has come the time that we have to say our heartfelt farewell to a sweet but fierce soul. Though Velora has only been with us for a short while, the goddess has chosen a much greater path for her moving forward.”

Vel’s tears started to spill down her cheeks, her lips catching them on their way past her chin.

“I believe I speak for all of us when I say you filled our days with joy and our warriors’ hearts with fear.”

A low murmur of chuckles echoed through the crowd, and it was then Asher noticed that Vel wasn’t the only one crying. Vel’s lips quivered as her heart broke, and she prepared for the bond she’d shared with all these people to disintegrate.

“The bond you share with us will be replaced once Alphas Asher and Isaiah welcome you into their pack,” Heath softly explained.

She didn’t take her eyes off him, and Asher was sure she was pleading with him in the link they still shared.

Heath took her hands in his and with the softest of smiles said, “You’ll be a great, kind, and fierce luna. She has chosen you well and we all wish you safe travels on your way home.”

Heath then guided her hands to Asher, who stood closest to her. He took them in his and gently squeezed, trying to ease her nerves at least a little.

But as her eyes met his, his heart sank into the pit of his stomach. Her earth-shattering fear leaked into his muscles and bones, making him stiffen in response.

“Velora, my fierce warrior,” he started, trying to hide his emotions from the Howlers all around. “We welcome you as a Crystal Wolf.”

“As your new alphas we vow to protect, provide,” Isaiah jumped in.

“And care for you.”

“Our house is your home.”

“Our food is your meal.”

“And as long as we live, we will be your safe place,” Isaiah finished.

Her face turned pale as saddened howls filled the air and the bond with the Howlers broke. Immediately his own mind was flooded by fear, uncertainty, and so much hurt that it nearly made him collapse. While Asher had a tight grip on her hands, Isaiah reached and cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing her tears away.

“Welcome home Luna Velora,” they both said as cheerfully for the crowd as possible.

Asher pulled her to his chest while Isaiah gently soothed her by running his fingers through her hair. For others it seemed like a loving gesture, but she only allowed it because it hid how truly devastated she was.

Mia and Curtis quickly approached, wanting their turn at a hug. Velora ducked her head and wiped her tears away before pulling herself out of Asher’s arms.

“Why are you crying?” Curtis asked with concern, sounding so much like his father.

“Because I didn’t think replacing the Howler’s pack bond would hurt.”

“But it did?” he asked, pulling a tissue from his jeans and handing it to Vel.

“Yes.”

“I’ll miss you,” he admitted, lip quivering ever so slightly.

Vel pulled him into her arms. “I’ll miss you too, little bookworm. But you have to promise me to be good to your father, okay?”

“I will,” he promised.

“Listen to all his lessons, no matter how boring they seem now.”

“I promise.”

Then she turned to Mia and also pulled her into a tight hug. “Watch out for both of them, okay?”

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