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“I don’t need help. I already got through that,” she said defensively.
“Maybe so, but she can help you figure out what your options are and what your rights are in regard to Molly. It might help you live more at ease,” I pointed out. Zi lived scared, and that was no way to live.
“Okay. If you think it’ll help, but Evie, I’m not a charity case. I don’t need special treatment.”
“You’re not getting special treatment because of what happened to you. You’re getting special treatment because I’m awesome and they love me. Since I love you, they automatically love you too. Just milk it while you can because eventually, you’re just going to be part of the group and your special treatment will be on your merit only, and we all know you can be a cranky adorable bitch.” Finally, my words got a laugh. I knew how much she struggled with being seen as a victim. That’s why she generally let people think she was a single mother by choice and not because of what happened. She can face the thought of being called a whore by judgy assholes a lot better than seeing pitying looks.
James and Cory came back almost an hour later with two gentlemen. After the tour and introduction, they left, and Zi and I continued our work.
The day after, we made our way to Luna Celeste’s new home. I didn’t know why I felt more nervous than Zi. I wasn’t scared of them, it had just been a long time since I’d spent one-on-one time with them. But I didn’t need to worry, and my heart gave a little flutter when I saw Cory there. I didn’t expect him to be here. Lucien, his mate, and his sister Violet were there as well.
“Evie! So happy you could make it! Come in. We’re celebrating. Nat was able to heal Areli, and my baby is finally awake!” I opened my mouth to say how happy I was at the news, but she moved right along toward Zi and Molly. “You must be Ziomara and little Molly! The boys have been telling me all about you,” she gushed.
‘You took too long. She’s too excited to hear much right now,’ Cory teased. I didn’t mind. It was definitely a relief to know Areli would be alright. I didn’t know her as well as I did Cory and the boys, but I did think of them all as my own little brothers and sisters too.
“Hello, Luna Celeste. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Zi said timidly.
“Oh, don’t bother with the formalities. We’re not Luna and Alpha anymore. Come. Let me introduce you to my family,” she said.
“This is my mate, Markus. My son Lucien and his mate Cecilia, my daughter Violet and, of course, you know Cory.”
“Welcome, how is the pack treating you?” Alpha Markus asked.
“Everyone’s been incredible. Your pack is truly unique and welcoming,” Zi answered, and Alpha Markus looked extremely pleased with her answer. They asked all about her and Molly, and before long, Molly was sitting on Luna Celeste’s lap, playing with her long curls.
“It’s been so long since there’s been a child to play with.” Luna Celeste sighed. “I’ll be happy when we have little grandchildren running around,” she finished happily, looking over at Cecilia, who blushed.
“Are you...” I started to ask. Her blush deepened, and she nodded shyly.
“Congratulations!” I said before I caught Lucien’s small roll of his eyes toward his mother. “Not congratulations?” I asked, confused.
“We’re very happy. We were just going to keep the news to ourselves until a bit more time passed to not make light of what just happened. Right mom?” Lucien asked, shooting a meaningful look at his mother.
“It’s just Evie. She’s family, so it doesn’t count, and I still think news like this is just what the pack needs,” she said.
“I agree. It’s amazing news. It gives people hope,” I agreed and Luna Celeste looked at me appreciatively before turning to look smugly at her son. Cory just chuckled at them both.
“I give it two weeks before everyone knows,” Cory said.
“Oh, ye of little faith. I’ve only told the family,” Luna Celeste huffed.
“That’s like half the pack.” Alpha Markus chuckled with the rest, and Luna Celeste had the decency to blush before she glared at her mate.
“It’s not like you haven’t told more people than I have, mister,” she accused, making Alpha Markus blush and the rest of us laugh.
All through dinner, talk was light, and I noticed that Violet was quiet. No one said anything about it, and I guessed that they were giving her space. My heart broke for the pain I could see in her eyes and how brave she was trying to be by joining her family for dinner.
‘Thank you,’ Cory’s voice suddenly filled my head. He had caught me looking her way.
‘For what?’
‘For not asking Violet questions. She’s barely spoken since that night,’ he answered, his voice dripping with sadness.
‘She must be so heart broken,’ I replied.
‘It’s hard to see her this way. I can only hope she will be able to heal soon.’
‘She has a wonderful family, and she’s strong. If anyone can make it, she can.’
