Page 12 of A Luna’s Dynasty (Celestial #1)

W armth enveloped Lita, a cocoon of safety she hadn’t felt in years.

Her eyelids fluttered open, confusion clouding her mind as unfamiliar surroundings came into focus.

This wasn’t her room in the Red Grove Pack house.

Soft sunlight filtered through gauzy curtains, painting the walls in a gentle glow.

The arms around her tightened slightly, and Lita’s breath caught in her throat as realization dawned.

Asher.

Hello, morning wood, Mira purred in Lita’s mind.

I don’t remember letting you back out.

Sorry about yesterday. I should have been stronger for you back then. I think I was just in so much shock at the rejection of Red Grove, but everything is clear for me now. This is our pack, and we’re going to lead it.

Lita felt Asher’s breath on her neck and could no longer focus on having a conversation with Mira, focusing instead on how he was holding her so delicately in his strong arms, as if she were precious to him.

We are, Mira added. Lita dismissed her wolf, knowing she would say anything to seal their mate bond.

She shifted slightly, trying to ease the tingling in her arm without disturbing him. But Asher stirred, his silver eyes blinking open to meet her gaze. A lazy smile curved his lips.

“Good morning,” he murmured, voice husky with sleep.

Lita felt heat rise to her cheeks. “Morning,” she whispered back, suddenly shy under his intense gaze.

Asher’s arm tightened around her waist, drawing her closer. “Sleep well?” he asked, studying her face with a sexy smile.

“I ... yes,” she managed, her usual wit deserting her in the face of such intimacy. Lita had always prided herself on her strength, on never needing anyone. But here, in Asher’s arms, she felt a dangerous sense of belonging.

“Good,” Asher rumbled, his fingers tracing idle patterns on her back. “I was worried you might not rest easy in a new place.”

Lita’s lips quirked in a small smile. “I’m tougher than I look, you know.”

Asher chuckled, the sound reverberating through his chest. “Oh, I’m well aware of that. But are you aware of it?”

Her lips parted slightly. It wasn’t that she didn’t know she was strong, but she did her best to get along with others—even to the point of desperately trying to win the affection of the pack that shunned her. In the end, she could never be good enough for them.

“I should probably get up,” she said reluctantly, even as she nestled closer to Asher’s warmth.

“Probably,” Asher agreed, making no move to release her. “But I’m rather comfortable right where we are.”

Lita laughed softly, surprised by how natural this felt.

Asher’s lips twitched into a playful smirk as he gazed down at Lita. “You know, you’re quite the cuddler,” he teased, his silver eyes twinkling with amusement. “I don’t think I’ve ever been held so tightly in my sleep before.”

Lita felt heat rush to her cheeks, a mix of embarrassment and something warmer coursing through her. She offered an apologetic smile, her green eyes meeting his. “I’m sorry,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t mean to—”

"Don't apologize," Asher interrupted gently, his arm tightening around her waist. "I didn't mind it. Not at all." He paused, a hint of vulnerability flickering across his features. "Actually, I have a confession to make. I was the one who reached out to hold you first. I hope you don't mind."

Lita's breath caught in her throat, her heart racing at his admission. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could form the words, a shrill ringing pierced the air.

Startled, Lita jerked upright, fumbling for her phone on the nightstand. As she grabbed it, she heard Asher let out a quiet groan behind her.

As Lita answered the call, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. Part of her wished she could ignore the outside world and stay wrapped in Asher's embrace, exploring this new, tentative connection between them. But reality, as always, had other plans.

“Lita!” She heard Drew’s worried voice on the other line. “How are you? Are you okay? Are they treating you well?”

A soft giggle escaped Lita's lips as she listened to her brother's barrage of questions. "Drew, I’m fine, I promise. Everything’s okay.”

“You didn’t call me at all last night and I was worried. I know you found your mate, but I was still worried.”

Lita noticed Asher rise from the bed. He caught her gaze and motioned toward the door, silently indicating he would give her privacy. Before he left, however, he leaned in close, his lips brushing her forehead with a tender kiss. A small blush stained her cheeks.

“Thank you for checking on me, but I’m fine. How is everyone there?” Lita watched as Asher slipped out of the room, and she immediately felt like a piece of her was missing. Yeah, this wasn’t good. The mate bond was fastening them closer and closer together.

“We’re all good. Dad seems a bit depressed, and he’s trying to keep busy. I’m glad everything is going well for you there. So, he knows about you?”

“I haven’t told him yet. To be honest, I just wanted to enjoy how it felt to be accepted. So … this is what it’s like to be a normal werewolf. It’s … nice.”

“Lita.” Drew’s voice was a pained whisper.

“Mmm, it's okay. At least I was able to experience it, and I am grateful for that. It’s a memory I’ll hold onto, but it’s time for reality.”

“I doubt he’ll reject you. You’re strong, capable, and have a heart of gold. There isn’t anyone out there who could be a better luna than you.”

“And yet, my own pack rejected me.” She snorted.

“It’s funny how, had I been your full sister, I would have been accepted.

It’s fine. Honestly, I’ve made my peace with it.

Sure, it still hurts, but I think this has also made me stronger.

I just have to peel this final bandage off. I’m just having trouble doing it.”

“If he rejects you, we’ll take care of you here.”

“I’m not … coming back home,” she whispered. “Drew, Red Grove was where I lived, but it wasn’t my home. I’ll head to the city. Maybe I’ll establish my own practice and have actual patients.” She listened to his pause on the other line as he processed what she’d just said.

“I’m going to be the alpha soon, and I promise that—”

“It’s okay, Drew. I don’t want to live where I’m not wanted. Thank you, though.”

"Listen, I'm here for you, no matter what. You know that, right?"

"I do," Lita replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, Drew. I’m glad that I have a brother like you."

“Drew, are you ready?” Lita heard Kennedy’s voice calling out to her brother.

“Sounds like you’re running late. I’ll talk with you later.”

“Lita, if you do leave, call me and let me know. Let me help you get established.”

She smiled and nodded. Just the thought of leaving Asher made her chest constrict. “I will. Love you, Drew! Bye.” Quickly ending the call before she got too emotional, she took a few deep, calming breaths.

She had a wonderful night’s sleep, thanks to Asher, and she was going to enjoy the day. Today, she would embrace pack life and soak it all in. That way, she’d have a wonderful memory that she could hold onto.

She selected a deep emerald sweater that complemented her eyes and paired it with dark jeans, hoping to blend comfort with a touch of elegance.

As she opened the bedroom door, several voices drifted up from below.

Lita's breath caught in her throat. She inched toward the banister, her fingers curling around the polished wood as she peered down at the bustling foyer.

There were dozens of strangers waiting below, and she could see a large crowd standing outside.

A warm chuckle sounded behind her, followed by strong arms encircling her waist. "Don’t jump." Asher's deep voice rumbled against her ear.

Lita instinctively turned into his embrace, burying her face in his chest. His arms immediately wrapped around her, his fingers tracing over her back in a soothing motion. “I can send them all away,” he cooed to her. “They’re just excited to meet you. I promise they’ll love you.”

“I’ve never been good with crowds.”

Asher's silver eyes softened with understanding. "Your past doesn't define you here. Black Ice is a strong pack. We don’t scare easily.”

Lita nodded, grateful for his reassurance. Still, memories of cold stares and whispered judgments from her old pack threatened to resurface. She straightened her spine, pushing the thoughts away. “I’m good. Go ahead and feed me to the wolves.”

He chuckled, tilting her chin up to meet his eyes. “The only wolf I’m feeding you to is mine.”

Asher’s arm tightened around her waist as he led her down the stairs. “Everyone, I’d like for you to meet Lita, my mate and your new luna.”