Page 23 of A Luna’s Dynasty (Celestial #1)

“ F elicia looked like she was ready to kill!” Kristen giggled in excitement as the vehicle hummed along the road. “I never liked her. Such a horrible brat.” Garrett nodded in agreement, his arm resting around her shoulder.

“Of course, she has to see that she can’t compete. I mean, look at you, Lita. You are ravishing!” Caden winked at her, listening to Asher’s growl.

“She’s mine to look at,” Asher snorted, pulling Lita deeper into his side and crossing his other arm in front of her, covering her body.

He pressed his nose against her cheek, lightly sniffing so the air would tickle her skin.

She let out an adorable laugh, and he softly kissed her beautiful cheek.

Lita was amazing, and he needed to show her that.

He was surprised by his own restraint earlier today.

He had held his gorgeous, naked mate, and didn’t try to take it further.

Honestly, it just proved to him more how the mate pull was different.

The moment he saw her in distress, all he wanted to do was comfort her.

As soon as he could see she was okay, his desire came back strong, and he had to leave her quickly so he didn’t cross the line.

They would spend a beautiful evening together, and then tonight, she would become his official luna.

It was perfect. He wanted to show her how special she was and show her off on the dance floor.

She was his, but he was also hers. A small smile reached his lips as he leaned back in his seat, keeping her body close to his.

He never thought that someone else’s emotions could ever matter this much to him.

Lita’s emotions were directly tied to his.

Right now, he could feel it. A small warmth that was not his own.

They weren’t even marked yet, so how was he able to sense her feelings?

He was certain it was a special bond from the goddess.

“What do you think, Lita? Are you the type to mark your mate back?” Garrett asked, nodding his head at Kristen. “Kristen’s wolf isn’t dominant. Most female wolves don’t mark their mates, but you are an alpha’s daughter, so you might be the exception.”

“I don’t know.” Lita pursed her lips together, feeling a bit shy over the conversation. “None of the females in my old pack marked their mates.”

“It’s one of those things that your beast leads you to do.

There’s no pressure. If your wolf wants it, then you’ll know.

My wolf demands it.” Asher winked at her.

“I’m excited to enjoy the evening with you, but I can’t wait to get you home.

I want to claim you. My canines are itching to mark up that pretty neck of yours. ”

“Here.” Kristen held out a handkerchief to Asher.

“This is for your drool.” Everyone chuckled in the vehicle as it finally approached their destination.

This feeling of being accepted and part of their group was so much more than Lita could have ever imagined.

It was more than she ever thought she wanted.

It made her realize how lonely she had been before.

Asher took her hand, helping her out of the vehicle. “I know you aren’t a big fan of crowds, but don’t worry. I’ll be with you.” She gave him a small smile and nodded her head.

“Looking good, Luna.” Caspian winked as he walked ahead with his date. When they reached the doors, there were a few people directing them.

“Wait, what?! Since when?” Caden asked, flashing Asher a nervous look.

“What’s going on?” Asher approached as Kristen and Garrett were led to another door.

“This is a masquerade. All unmarked males and females have a separate dining experience. All unmarked females are to go into the western wing to change, and all unmarked males the eastern room. The organizers thought it would be more fun. No one has dates tonight,” a man at the door said.

“But this is my mate. I just haven’t marked her yet.” Asher watched the guy shake his head.

“If you don’t have a mark, then you have to attend the singles party.”

“I don’t HAVE to do anything.” Asher scoffed.

“A masquerade … that sounds like fun.” Lita glanced up at Asher with a shrug. “It’s not like we can’t find one another once we’re in there. It might be fun.”

“You want to make a game of it?” Asher growled lowly near her ear. “A game of cat and mouse?”

“She might end up having to dance with other people. What if it takes you too long to find her?” Caspian snorted, shaking his head. “You should just take her home, where she’s safe.”

“Are you telling me how to protect my luna?” Asher arched his brow at him.

“In this case, yes.”

“Well, that settles it for me.” Lita walked forward. “I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. And I won’t be told what to do. Which way?” she asked the man, who pointed her in the right direction.

“There will be costumes and masks for you to choose from inside.”

“Thank you.” Lita turned, her gaze meeting with Asher’s.

“If you don’t find me within the hour, I’ll be sleeping in my own room tonight.

” She listened as he chuckled darkly before she followed the long hall to another room.

Stepping into the room, her eyes widened in shock.

It was like a department store, full of clothing.

“Place your personal belongings here. You can collect them after the party. Whatever you pick is yours to keep, so choose wisely.” A female attendant then motioned to the wall. “You can get changed over there. Once you’re ready, you can leave through the red doors.”

Lita gently ran her fingertips over the array of clothes and masks, feeling each fabric and texture as if she were blind.

She paused when her fingers grazed a luxurious green-feathered mask, adorned with intricate gold designs.

Beside it lay a stunning gown, shimmering emerald green and bedecked with sequins that caught the light at every angle.

Lita couldn’t resist slipping it on, its high slit revealing just enough skin.

As she twirled in front of the mirror, the feathers on her mask danced along to the rhythm of her movements.

She felt like a goddess, ready to attend the most extravagant masquerade ball imaginable.

Well, to her it would be. This was her first party, and she was playing a game of hide and seek with her mate.

The doors to the room opened, and her eyes roamed over all the people with hidden faces. Alright, Asher … come find me.

She walked into the room, noticing there was a gap between the two crowds. On one side were the ladies in dresses with masks, and on the other were the men in suits with masks. There were a few men standing in between, and one lady was at a podium with a microphone.

“Welcome everyone to this brilliant first of Mates and Masquerades. A party we thought would add more excitement. Some of you have already noticed that you can't detect the scents of others. Do not be alarmed. This was all thought of and prepared ahead of time so that you don’t run to the person you came with. The whole point of this is to mingle and get to know others, maybe finding that special mate of yours. I assure you that you will be able to smell your mate if they’re here.

That is another reason for what we did. There have been a couple of parties where fated mates missed the other with all the different scents in the rooms. Now, without dates, we can focus on the point of these parties.

” The woman lifted her head and gazed over everyone.

“Let’s have fun, and remember … you’re all single!

If you have a connection with someone … we do have the entire upstairs floor of guest rooms available.

Whatever you consenting adults want to do is up to you.

If you need a room key, you can get one at the main desk. Okay, DJ, set the mood for us!”

Music began to play, and soon the crowds of people meshed together.

The announcer was right. Lita could smell Asher’s scent, but because her senses were dulled, it was hard to pinpoint.

Eye contact would be the best way to locate him.

But she was the one hiding, and it was his job to seek.

She smiled behind her mask, feeling excited.

She wondered how long it would take for him to find her.