Page 23 of Crystal Luna

“And you don’t have to.” He sighed and decided to go with the truth and hoped he could begin to repair the damage that those two buffoons had caused. “Marvin had a theory that your wolf is much stronger and closer to you than you think. You survived for a very long time by yourself. That’s not unusual, but the circumstances that led you to go rogue are. Most pups your age likely would have died. He hoped by pushing your limits, he could show you how truly strong you are. He was wrong for doing so the way he did, and I assure you he will be punished for it. Rayan’s words were empty ones. He didn’t mean a single one. He’ll be punished too.”

Velora only paled again.

“Do you know what happenedearlier?”

“I hit him. I broke his nose, didn’t I?” Her voice shook as hard as her body.

“You did, but there’s something incredibly special about how you did it. You were in half-shift, Velora. You and your wolf were both in equal control.”

“I didn’t mean too…”

“It’s a very special talent. Something few are able to learn. I believe you do so unconsciously and if you like, I can show you how to use that gift.”

“You won’t send me away?”

“Not as long as you want to be here.”

The tension in her muscles eased—slightly—and she took a deep breath. “I didn’t mean to hurt him.”

“Oh, believe me. He deserved it. And let’s be honest: if you hadn’t broken his nose, I would’ve done so for you.”

There was a moment of silence in which she slumped against the back of the couch, likely processing everything that had happened.

“I believe Rayan and Marvin would like to talk to you about what happened, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

She took a moment to think about it, but nodded in the end.

“Would you like to do it now or do you need a breather?”

“Will you stay with me?”

“Of course.”

“Now, please.”

He pulled at Rayan’s and Marvin’s mind, commanding them to come to his location without using words. To her he suggested, “How about you have something to eat? Or at least a drink.”

She nodded and moved to stand up but he quickly beat her to it.

“I’ll get it. What would you like? Tea? Coffee?”

She seemed taken aback but leaned back into the couch again. “Just some water, please. And a chocolate bar from the closet?”

She clearly wasn’t used to being served and almost seemed uncomfortable as he handed her the items she’d asked for.

Just as she finished the caramel chocolate bar in her hand, there was a gentle knock on the door. Heath opened it to let in a guilt-ridden Marvin and Rayan. They grabbed a chair each from the kitchen nook and sat before Velora.

“We are so sorry, Velora,” Marvin started. “I should’ve asked your permission before allowing Rayan to join us.”

“And I should’ve never pushed you like I did,” Rayan added.

She seemed to have lost her voice, simply staring at the two men who were all but begging her for forgiveness.

After a brief silence, Heath took the lead. “You two will not be permitted near her unless she specifically asks for you. From now on, I will oversee her training as long as she wishes to continue.”

“Yes, Alpha,” they said in unison.

Marvin’s eyes, however, moved back to her and with a soft tone he added, “You should continue, Velora. I know I did things wrong, but you have great potential.”

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