Page 54 of The Barren Luna

“It’s just me giving you a tangible part of myself. The females often weave it into their own hair, as a symbol of merging the mates’ bodies and souls together. Helen wears hers woven into a small braid in the back of her hair.”

“I never noticed it. Speaking of Helen, is she going to Spruce Mountain too?”

“No, she’ll be holding down the fort with John while I’m gone. Alpha Dominic from the Massachusetts pack will join me to help out there.”

“Okay, now back to the topic at hand. Should I weave the braid into my hair as well?”

“If you want to. I’d be happy if you simply held onto it in any way you like.”

“Like on a key chain?” I teased, but he just shrugged.

“If that’s what you want.”

“Okay,” I whispered, feeling vulnerable all of a sudden.

“One more thing. Could you please stay in my room while I’m gone?”

“Sure, why not,” I smiled and he looked relieved.

“I'll be happier knowing that you're in my bed, waiting for me. Feel free to go through my stuff and change anything you don’t like.”

“Okay. As for tonight, are we still pretending your wolf doesn’t sleep with me every night?”

He gave me a mischievous grin, “Let’s pretend for two more nights unless you want me to come to your room right now?”

“Let’s pretend,” I said as my wolf growled at me and I couldn't even blame her.

???

The next morning at 10, I arrived at the hospital for my check-up with Dylan. He checked my vitals, drew some blood, ordered an MRI to review the internal scarring that I had when I was admitted, and then sat me down for a conversation once I changed out of the hospital gown.

“Everything looks good, Regina. Much better than it was, your wolf is a strong one so you’re healing quickly. Have you shifted yet?”

“Not yet. I was going to go for a run later today. I am somewhat scared, to be honest,” I admitted and Dylan nodded compassionately.

“I can only imagine. How long has it been since your last shift?”

“I can’t even remember,” I grimaced. “Probably around the time I tried escaping my old pack. More than six months ago? I feel awful.”

And ashamed for being such a terrible host to her.

“That is a long time to go without shifting, and combined with the drug use and everything else, I understand your apprehension. May I suggest having your mate with you when you shift? Your wolf would probably appreciate the support.”

“That is actually a very good idea, thank you. I just hope she is not permanently damaged somehow.”

“From what I can sense she's okay, and I think David would have spoken to both of us if he had noticed anything off about her, his wolf would have felt it for sure. She probably just needs time and love to heal, just like you.”

“Maybe,” I said evasively.

“That’s actually the other reason I’ve wanted to make an appointment with you. I contacted an esteemed colleague of mine who deals with trauma and specializes in mate loss and I told her about your situation. She agreed to come here and meet with you if you're open to it, and then after meeting her you can decide if you want to pursue a form of healing with her.”

“Oh,” I hadn’t expected this. I was a bit wary of medical treatments. “What would the healing entail?”

“Just talking about what happened, working through things mentally. I’m sure she can explain it better than I can. Let me know if meeting her is something you would be open to and I can let her know.”

“Can I have some time to decide?”

“How much time do you need?”

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