Page 27 of A Luna’s Dynasty (Celestial #1)

L ita’s eyes fluttered open, her senses immediately overwhelmed by unfamiliar scents and textures. Warm, strong arms encircled her waist, and she was hit by an amazing scent. Her body hummed with a new power and connection. It was then that last night’s events crashed over her.

Carefully, she turned in Asher’s arms, so she could look at her mate. HER MATE! She did it. She’d accepted his mark and was now the luna of Black Ice. Internally, she was squealing. He was hers. This was real and not a dream.

“You can touch me, you know?” Asher’s deep voice rumbled, thick with sleep. His silver eyes opened, fixing her with an intense gaze that made her shiver. “I’m very real, and very much yours.”

“How did—”

“I could feel it … your feelings. They pop in and out, but I can sense them inside of me sometimes.” He smiled, tightening his arms around her waist and pulling her flush against him.

“It doesn’t seem real.”

“This is real, and it’s forever.” He kissed the top of her head. “So, did you see something you like? With the way you were staring at me, I was prepared to be attacked.” He smirked, making her blush.

“Maybe,” she replied, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “I’m still deciding.”

Asher chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest. “Is that so?” He propped himself up on one elbow, his free hand tracing the curve of her waist. “And what’s the verdict so far?”

Lita’s breath hitched at his touch, her skin tingling. “The jury’s still out,” she managed, her voice breathy. “But I’d say the evidence is ... compelling.”

“Compelling, huh?” Asher’s grin widened as he leaned in, his lips ghosting over her ear. “I think I can make a stronger case.”

Yes, we can make a stronger case. And we will, tonight, when we mark him.

Mira? Lita sat up. What happened to you?

When you broke the necklace, I was blocked out. The magic swarmed around you, and I was disconnected. I missed the best part, but tonight, we’re claiming our mate.

Is everything alright?

Yes, it was just a lot. I was able to connect with memories that I had forgotten.

What do you mean?

It’s nothing.

Mira? Lita frowned as her wolf went silent.

“What is it?” Asher asked, sitting up. “Are you okay?”

“Mmm, I was just checking on Mira. When I broke the necklace, it blocked her from me temporarily. She said that she connected with memories she had forgotten but didn’t elaborate.”

“I’m sure she will when she’s ready. Maybe she needs time to process them?” Lita nodded as Asher rubbed his hands over her shoulders. “That mark on your neck looks beautiful.”

Lita’s eyes widened and she jumped out of bed.

She raced over to a mirror and turned to look at the mating mark.

“Oh my goddess,” she breathed, leaning closer to examine it.

There, stark against her pale skin, was Asher’s mark.

His mark formed a crescent moon shape. His personal mark, meant for her.

She tilted her head, proudly displaying the mark to Asher. “So, what do you think?” she asked, her voice playful.

Asher’s silver eyes gleamed as they raked over her, a predatory smile spreading across his face. “I think,” he drawled, rising from the bed with feline grace, “that you look absolutely delicious.” He prowled toward her, his muscular form radiating power and desire.

“You’re not so bad yourself, Alpha,” she teased, reaching up to run her fingers through his tousled black hair.

Asher caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm that sent sparks shooting through her entire body.

“As much as I’d love to keep you like this,” he murmured, his voice husky, “we should probably get dressed. You’ll want to meet the pack as the marked luna.

” He turned, rummaging through a drawer before tossing her a soft, oversized shirt.

“We can move your things in here later.”

“Well, if I’m going to meet the pack, then I need a shower.” She pulled his shirt over her head.

Asher’s silver gaze darkened with desire. “Need some company?” he asked, his voice low and tempting.

Lita laughed, dancing just out of his reach.

“Nice try, Alpha,” she said, her tone playful but firm.

“But I think I can manage on my own.” She paused at the doorway, tossing a flirtatious glance over her shoulder.

“Besides,” she added with a wink, “good things come to those who wait.” And tonight, she was going to mark him, but she was going to keep that a surprise.

She slipped through the door and rushed to her room to shower.

Maybe it was being newly mated or being mated to a powerful alpha, but she felt different.

She finished her shower and quickly got dressed, feeling confident, energized, strong, and something else …

a tugging sensation in the back of her mind.

She admired her mark as she pulled her hair up, wanting to show it off.

Asher walked into Lita’s room, and the moment he saw her, the corners of his mouth curved up.

She was wearing shorts and a tank top, but she had her hair pulled up in a high ponytail, revealing her well-marked neck.

He couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride at how she wasn’t being shy about it.

She was going to show it off proudly, and his heart was bursting with …

love. But it wasn’t just his he felt. It was her love for him too, swirling inside of him. It was the best feeling in the world.

"You're beautiful," he murmured, crossing the room to take her in his arms.

Lita’s cheeks flushed, but she met his gaze steadily. “Quit with the flattery.” She swatted at him playfully.

Asher caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm.

“I still can't believe you're mine,” he admitted softly.

"That I get to spend forever with you." He kissed her mark, feeling her shudder from his touch.

Literally, overnight, their relationship had changed by leaps and bounds.

This happened because they were fully mated and bonded.

What took humans months or even years to feel, a marked and mated pair of werewolves could feel instantly.

“Ready, Luna? The pack will feel the new connection and will be excited to celebrate.”

Lita wrapped her arm around his and the two walked out together. The moment they descended the stairs, the pack members had their eyes on them. She didn’t squirm or feel uncomfortable under their gaze—not this time. This time she walked confidently next to Asher.

”Lita, you’re glowing. Like seriously, you seem more radiant today.” Kristen beamed as she saw her. She was afraid she would need some time to recover after what happened to her last night. Caspian had explained everything to them on the ride back to the pack house after the party.

Their laughter was interrupted by a low whistle from across the room. Lita turned, her breath catching as she saw Caspian sauntering towards them. There was something different about him today, a sort of ethereal glow that she couldn't quite place.

"Well, if it isn't the lovely Lita," Caspian said, his blue eyes twinkling. "You're looking particularly radiant this morning.”

“Caspy, you look so pretty!” Lita exclaimed as she looked at his sparkling body.

Asher growled, and Lita giggled. She turned around and cupped Asher’s face in her hands.

“I said pretty, not devastatingly handsome, my jealous alpha.” Lita stood on her tiptoes and pulled his head down to peck his lips.

The answer must have satisfied him because he chuckled happily. “Don’t you guys think he looks pretty?

"The shimmer around me … it's only visible to those with fairy blood. They can’t see it." Caspian watched as her lips parted.

“I have fairy blood?” She watched as he nodded his head.

“You took your necklace off. That’s why you can see it now.” Caspian watched as she looked up at Asher.

“I guess I’m part fairy.”

“I think that’s much better than being part troll.” He winked at her, kissing her forehead. “You’re perfect, and you’re mine. I told you, I don’t care what you are.” Asher then looked at Caspian. “I didn’t know you were part fairy. Are there any others in the pack?”

“No, just the luna and I.” Caspian looked over at Lita, who seemed to be studying him closely.

“Is this light around you your powers? Or is it the glow from your dust?” Lita asked as she motioned around him.

Caspian’s eyes grew wide. “You can see that?”

“Am I not supposed to?” Lita bit her bottom lip nervously. She didn’t know anything about fairies.

“You’re beginning to wake up.” Caspian's voice was quiet, and he looked at her seriously, furrowing his brow.

“Wake up? I’m not awake?” Lita was confused by his statement. What did he mean by waking up? Her fairy powers had to wake up?

Asher studied Caspian’s face as waves of concern washed over it. “Is that a bad thing? Can you elaborate?” Asher did not like guessing games, especially when they pertained to his mate.

“Fairies are pretty secretive. It’s why I never told you I was part fairy. But this is something I can’t talk about. We don’t want Lita in pain. She will need to wake up naturally. But Lita is in danger, and—”

“So my mother was a fairy? Why didn’t she fight back that day? Why did she just—” Lita’s head began to throb as a strange tugging pulled in her mind.

“Lita, stop.” Caspian’s voice was firm. “Don’t think about it. Please, you’re going to hurt yourself.”

“Lita.” Asher cupped her cheeks, staring into her green eyes. He rubbed his thumb over her cheek as he felt her body calm down. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I don’t want you to hurt yourself, so listen to Caspian.”

“Alright, but I’m going to need some answers.” Lita glanced over at Caspian. “Like, what is that other light around you? The one that’s swirling. Do I get a swirling light?” She listened as he chuckled.

“All fairies are different. We come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities. And we keep our secrets.” He held her gaze and could see her understanding.

Your light … is it an attractant? It draws females and makes them more willing to listen to you. It’s why you always have women around you! Her eyes lit up as she mindlinked him.

Caspian stared at her in awe. She wasn’t even fully awakened and she had more power than he ever imagined.

She was right. He wasn’t a cupid who drew couples together, but he was a fairy who drew single or unhappy women to him.

It was a power to seduce. If people knew about his power, he would probably be cast out.

“Okay, you are dangerous.” Caspian chuckled out in amusement.

“What is it?” Asher asked and Lita giggled up at him.

“Nope, it’s a secret.” Lita giggled.

“Well, if my luna is in danger, then we will keep the pack on high alert. No one will hurt my mate. I’m going to need to know how she’s in danger.

Tell me as soon as you can.” He finally had his luna, and he would be damned if anyone or anything was going to hurt her.

His pack was strong, and they would protect her with their lives.