Page 46 of Luna

“How do you think this other alpha is gonna be?” Colton asked. “She said she had an alpha.”

“She wasn’t bonded two months ago, so he’s a newer addition.” I bit my lip. “You’re going to have to be nice.”

Colton growled.

“I mean it.”

My alpha gave me a stink eye.

I shrugged. “I know you don’t like sharing. I promise you, I won’t even look at him without your okay.”

“You can look at him,” he muttered.

“He’s probably been really helpful for Luna,” I said. “She needed him, and he was there. And Luna has excellent taste in men, so he can’t be too terrible.”

Colton grunted, but he knew I had a point.

We pulled into a small cottage in the early afternoon. It was adorably quaint, with white-washed planks, green trim and a beautiful flower bed in the front. I picked up the presents for Luna and the baby and climbed out.

Colton slid out of the rental truck and looked around like we were astronauts on an expedition to Mars.

The door opened, and Luna appeared on the porch. I grinned, and closed the distance between us, pulling her into a tight hug, the paper bags crinkling against us.

“I’m so glad to see you,” I said into her hair. “I missed you so much.”

Luna was stiff at first, but then relaxed. “Me too.”

I felt more than saw Colton behind me. Apprehension, love, and concern thrummed through our bond.

I stepped back and handed her the presents. “For you. And for the baby.”

Luna gave me a small smile. She was paler than before, with dark circles under her eyes.

“Are you alright?” Colton frowned. His Texas accent came through thicker with his concern. “You’re not sleeping enough, and you’ve lost weight.”

Luna flinched but put a smile on her face. I shot Colton a look and pushed reassurance through our bond. Nothing but anxious worry poured in from his side and I knew it was killing him he couldn’t just wave a hand and make everything okay.

“I’ve been eating and sleeping better lately.” Luna stepped aside, still holding her presents. “Come inside?”

We followed her inside a small, airy cottage that smelled like Luna, and another alpha. His scent was calming. Colton smelled like possibility and change, and this man smelled like a calm Sunday afternoon spent reading a good book. Mint and something herbal. The alpha in question waved his hand, sitting on the couch. He had tanned skin and black hair. He was good looking and had an easy smile.

“Hi, I’m Halos.”

Luna went to stand next to him without sitting down. She glanced around the room, and nerves poured off her.

“Can we sit?” I smiled. It was easy not to be nervous myself when I was just trying to put her at ease. “So we could all talk?”

“Yes, please.” Luna nodded quickly. “Of course.”

Halos stood up then touched her on the shoulder as though to reassure her. “What can I get you to drink? There’s water, lemonade, juice, and soda.”

That was a nice gesture, getting us something to drink instead of posturing.

“I’d love some lemonade,” I said.

“Water’s fine,” Colton said, sitting on a love seat, and I sat next to him, leaving Luna and Halos the couch.

Colton’s energy vibrated, and he curled his hands into loose fists. I wanted to touch Luna as much as my alpha did. She’d tracked us through the room, but I couldn’t read her expression.

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