Little Dahlia

Ch. 25 - Family

Song: If You Want Love by NF
Words: 2317
Published: July 22nd, 2020
Third Person POV

As the days passed, Harley's self restraint was tested time and time again as Rayna's fell away. Regardless, he kept his promise, and they didn't mate. Luckily, her heat was short and ended after only three days.

*~*~*~*

Harley is now working at his desk while Rayna lounges in the couch.

It has surprised him how easily he can keep on track with work even with all of the time he has been missing. He's also realized that he hasn't buried himself in work at all, and his mental health has gotten a lot better.

Oddly, they haven't yet gotten any word back from the council on their recent letter, so Rayna has been doing her own research. Her powers should've surfaced when she turned eighteen, well over a year ago, but she was probably too weak for such a thing to happen. She's getting healthier now, so there's a good chance her powers will surface soon.

Out of no where, Harley groans aloud. Rayna looks over at him with a concerned expression.

"What is it?" she asks softly.

"My mother contacted me. She demanded that we set up a time for them to come over and meet you within the next week," he explains, leaning over his desk with his head in his hands.

Rayna stands up and walks over to Harley, setting what she was reading aside, wrapping her arms around him. She kisses the back of his head.

"Them?" she questions quietly.

"Her, my father, and Luke and Leigh," he clarifies for her. She nods.

"Well . . . Why don't they come over?"

Harley looks up at her with a slightly surprised look.

"You think you're ready?"

Rayna shrugs, pulling away from him.

"Your mother can teach me to her queen, and they're your family, so . . . why not?"

"You don't get it-" he starts.

"Harley," she interrupts, standing tall and crossing her arms. "I want to. I'm ready." Her lower lip trembles. "Why don't you believe in me?"

Harley's look softens, and he stands up, pulling Rayna into a hug.

"I- I do, baby. I do believe in you," he assures her. "I'm- I'm just scared. You don't know my mother like I do, and I don't want her to hurt you," he admits.

She wraps her arms around him, hugging him back.

"I'll be okay."

*~*~*~*

"They'll be coming over on Saturday around noon," Harley informs Rayna as he joins her in the Alpha Wing kitchen.

"Okay."

She wanted to make supper for the two of them tonight, so that's what she's doing. Some nice chicken, mashed potatoes, and a mix of vegetables. He walks up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist, kissing the top of her head. She smiles and leans her head back, trying to kiss whatever she can, which happens to be his jaw.

"Dinner'll be ready soon. You can go sit down," she tells him, focusing back on her cooking. He nods, kissing her once more on the cheek, and then walks over to the kitchen table.