Page 58 of The Barren Luna

The same wolves who were present at the dinner party came to see David off. They all hugged him, teased him, and brought him small gag presents for the journey, as he would be driving there and back, stopping to rest in several packs along the way. Suddenly, it struck me how well-loved he was and how healthy his friendships were. I couldn’t remember Henry having a single friend in the last years of our relationship, and, just as I nowdid for many other things related to him, I realized that this fact should have been a warning sign.

“I’ll miss you,” I said into David’s mouth in between kisses.

“I’ll. Miss. You. More,” he managed to sneak in a wet kiss after each word.

“Okay, I am officially the less disgusting brother now,” John announced and Elizabeth nodded sadly.

“Yup, we’re now the old mated couple. I remember when that used to be us,” she wiped her dry eyes dramatically and everyone laughed.

“Okay, okay, goodbye everyone,” David waved, and to me, he quickly whispered: “I love you, Gina,” and I really, really wanted to say it back.

???

Two days later, Dylan came to the palace just as I was about to go out.

“Perfect, you’re dressed already.”

“Hello to you too, Doc. Now, what am I supposed to be dressed for?”

“Dr. Jackson is here.”

“Who?”

“Vera!”

“Oh, already?”

“Yes, she was excited to meet with you.”

“So, when is that meeting happening?”

“Now!”

“Come on, Dylan, what the hell! You can’t just jump these things on me.”

“I can, my Luna,” he winked and the gesture reminded me of David so much that my heart tightened painfully. “You would just think yourself into a frenzy if given the time. This way it’s like ripping off a band-aid.”

“I both hate and admire that you are right.”

“I have been known to inspire conflicting emotions in females.”

“I don’t even want to know,” I faked a shudder.

“Ready?” he opened the door and turned to look at me.

“No, but let’s go.”

20 - Vera

Iwas just finishing up a report when Dylan entered his office accompanied by a tall, graceful female. She widened her eyes slightly upon seeing me and immediately straightened up, striking what I was sure was her professional, defensive pose.?

“Here we are!” young Dylan beamed at me and my heart warmed at how far he’d come since I'd first met him. “Dr. Jackson, this is Luna Regina Haines.”

“Hello, Luna,” I bowed my head slightly in respect and could immediately tell she wasn't someone who enjoyed the gesture.

“Dylan, please. What am I Luna of exactly?” she frowned at him and then turned to me. “Please call me Regina, dr. Jackson.”

“You’re the Luna of my heart,” Dylan exclaimed dramatically, and I exchanged an amused glance with Regina. “Well, I have patients to see so I'll let you two get on with it. Feel free to use my office for as long as you want. Vera, we’re still on for lunch later?” I nodded. “Great. See you later!”

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