5.A New Life

Crystal saw every shop with Killian following behind. He encouraged her to try everything and feel free to get anything she liked. She hesitated at first, but once she was comfortable, Killian enjoyed seeing her light up in every shop. Killian knew it would take time for her to let her guard down and not be so nervous, but he could wait. A few items had to be sent straight to the house and others, he carried for her. 

Crystal had never done this before. She went into every shop and got things of her choice without anyone saying she couldn't. Killian just sat back and watched her with a smile on his face. The Moon Goddess knew what she needed and who knew a hardened military alpha would be the teddy bear she needed. She knew this man would defend her and she took pleasure in enjoying her freedom. She bought more things than she knew what to do with. Most of them were clothes she had always wanted and the foods she had wanted to try. 

After shopping, Killian took her back home to let her change. She wore a pair of jeans and his sweatshirt. She didn't feel okay about herself to show it off. She was underweight, but he knew he would fix that. He would get her to eat until she just couldn't anymore. Once she showered and got herself fixed up, she glowed. He knew he was responsible for that and it filled him with pride. He knew it would take time, but he knew he would do anything for her.

Three weeks later, Crystal sat in the garden outside the packhouse. The bruises had started to fade, and she had gained weight. Killian treated her like a queen and the rest of the pack adored her and felt for her. Everyone heard the rumors, but she felt safe enough to let her pack know everything. She was to be their Luna and thought it best to have no secrets, no matter how hard it was. Killian admired her bravery and loved the progress she had made in a few short weeks. They often talked about how she was feeling and talked every night about anything that bothered her. She really adored Killian and how much he was trying to help. She grew nervous at the thought of her family. They still said nothing or shown up. Killian told her not to worry, that it would be him that would deal with them. She would never have to see them again. 

The biggest progress that they had made was sleeping under the covers together. Killian used an extra blanket but still slept next to her. A few days ago, she had asked him to get under the covers with her. He felt honored by this, but still gave her the space that she needed. Crystal was slowly improving but it was still slow. She knew Killian and his wolf hated being so close and couldn't touch her. He told her not to rush anything and that they could wait until she was ready. She really appreciated it and knew she would make it special when the time came. 

Killian often asked if she would like to let Aurora out to run. He would be with her all the time.  When she wasn't running with him, she was in his office. At first, she didn't go anywhere he wasn't. Now she felt secure enough to be away from him for a bit at a time. Today, she was in the shops. She felt eyes on her that made her uneasy. The shop she was one she went to often. The bakery was her weakness. Mrs. Randall, the baker, was more like a maternal figure to her. Whenever she came in, Mrs. Randall treated her like a lost puppy that needed every bit of her love and attention. Today, Crystal felt off and Mrs. Randall noticed.

"What is it, honey?"

"I feel uneasy. Like someone is watching me. I can't place it."

"Stay in the kitchens with me then. I'll call the alpha for you."

"No. He is busy with meetings today."

"Alpha Killian would kill all of us if something happened to you. If you feel uneasy, there is a reason. You have been coming in here for five weeks straight now, honey. Besides your first day here, I've never seen you like this."

"You are probably right."

She smiled and led Crystal to the kitchens. Once she knew she was safe, she called Alpha Killian. Once she knew he was on his way, she told Crystal she was going back to the front. At the counter was a strange-looking man she hadn't seen before and he gave off violent vibes. She approached the counter and spoke to him in a friendly matter, but loud enough Crystal could hear.

"Can I help you, sir? Anything to take with you on your travels?"

"How did you know I was traveling?"

"I know everyone around here and I've never seen you before."

"Ah. Bakers usually do."

"So, anything I get you?"

"Actually, I'm looking for someone."

"As I said, I know everyone here."

"Her name is Crystal Johnston. She ran away from home and is believed to be hiding here."

He pulled out her picture and laid it on the counter for Mrs. Randall to see.

"She's pretty. I'd remember her if I saw her."

"You've never seen her before?"

"No. She has never come to my shop at least. I'll keep an eye out, though."

"Thank you."

"If I see her, who should I say is looking for her?"

"Caleb. Future Beta of Silver Thunder Pack."

"I will let her know, Beta."

He nodded and walked out of the shop. When he did, he ran straight into Killian. Killian had him locked up to be dealt with later. Meanwhile, he went and checked on Crystal. Mrs. Randall had her locked in the kitchen and was feeding her fresh baked cookies. Killian thanked Mrs. Randall and took Crystal home. 

Crystal knew it was only a matter of time. She couldn't believe it was Caleb that came for her. He was worse than Andrew and he came here to challenge Killian. She knew Killian would keep her safe, but for now, she sat in his office. She knew Killian was showing Caleb the true meaning of Blood Moon and she only wished she could see Caleb suffer. 

She only hoped that Killian would let her watch at least once so she could feel better after seeing him reduced to nothing as he did to her.