Page 3 of A Luna’s Dynasty (Celestial #1)

Lita rushed into the kitchen, glancing back over her shoulder. A second later, she collided into a strong chest. Arms encircled her, and she looked up at the familiar face.

“Where’s the fire?” Teo chuckled as he tucked her hair behind her ear. “Are you okay?” He immediately looked behind her. “Did something happen?” Anger began to pulse in his veins as he searched for the threat.

“Uhm, no. Everything’s okay. Can we leave, though? I want to go home.” Lita licked her lips as she pivoted on her toes to look behind her.

“Your father and brother are having a serious conversation with the alpha of the Sulfur Pack. Apparently, they’re having some issues with magical creatures and suspect manipulation. I didn’t stay to listen to it all, but I could tell the tone was serious. I don’t think we’re leaving anytime soon.”

Lita chewed on her inner lip anxiously. She had finally found her mate, and the intensity of their bond was beyond anything she had ever imagined.

But in a moment of panic and uncertainty, she fled.

Her heart raced with conflicting emotions—the relief of escaping a predetermined fate and the ache of leaving behind someone she barely knew.

She couldn't deny the intense connection she felt toward this person, even though they were practically strangers.

But despite the rush of emotions, she knew she had to do what was best for both of them and run away.

Her heart protested with every beat, but she knew it was the right decision.

She recalled his beautiful silver eyes that captivated her, and the way his muscles rippled when he walked.

Alpha Asher … she had heard of him. She remembered hearing about how attractive he was.

The she-wolves would flock around him at the mating parties, hoping to catch his eye.

At the time, she didn’t care about their stories of how the alpha was a god chiseled out of stone, a sight to behold.

Now, though, she understood—and totally agreed.

“Lita, are you alright? Your cheeks look flushed.”

Lita rubbed her cheeks and tried to banish the impure thoughts invading her mind.

It didn’t matter what he looked like. He wasn’t hers.

She needed to accept that. However, they didn’t reject each other properly.

That would still need to be done in order to break the bond.

She was so flustered she ran, and now she felt like a child.

What she should have done was properly reject him in private and allowed him to do the same.

They would have gone through the agonizing pain of severing their bond, and it would have been over.

Now, she was just prolonging the inevitable.

“I’m fine, just a lot of people here. I’m not used to them or having them talk to me so much.

None of them know about me. None of them knew that my mother wasn’t a wolf.

I feel like I’m here under a false identity.

The alpha’s daughter, a pure-blooded wolf who would be a great addition to any pack.

But it isn’t true. I don’t even belong in a pack—”

“Lita!”

She looked up at Teo pointedly. “When have I ever belonged? In our own pack, I’m isolated and barely acknowledged. If my own pack treats me like an unwanted parasite, it will only be worse in other packs. I’m doing myself a favor and getting out of pack life.”

“Lita, what do you mean?”

“It means I’m leaving. I’ve already decided. I’m moving to the city as soon as I find a place.”

Teo stared into her eyes as he tried to wrap his mind around what she was saying. He couldn’t leave the pack as the future beta. He needed to come out and tell her how he felt. She needed to know that he would always be there for her.

“You can’t leave, Lita. I—” He suddenly stopped as he heard Drew’s voice enter his mind.

He was asking him to escort Kennedy to the sitting room and guard her.

“I have a lot I want to say to you, but your brother needs me to guard Kennedy. Guard her from what? Does he really think these other wolves want to slobber over her?” He snorted in agitation.

“That’s your job.” Lita gave him a small smile. “Better go before you get in trouble.”

“Come with me,” he commanded softly.

“Sit in a room with Kennedy and listen to her fake shrill of a laugh? No thanks. I’d rather take my chances with the wolves.” She smirked at her own joke.

“I’ll be in the sitting room if you need me. I’m only a mindlink away. Just … don’t decide anything, okay? We need to talk first.”

Lita watched him leave, his body weaving through the crowd.

It was already decided, and nothing he could say could convince her to stay.

The Red Grove Pack was never home for her.

It was a hard truth she’d realized, and it hurt.

No matter what, she would always be an outsider.

Her position there would only hurt her brother and Teo.

It would drive a wedge between them and the pack, putting them at odds.

If she left, not only would it be better for them, but it would be better for her as well.

The city was friendly to hybrids. Humans wouldn’t know what she was unless they were a witch.

It was the best chance she had at finding a home and routine.

A place where she could at least have a chance to fit in.

We can fit in with Asher. Mira snorted as she clawed at Lita’s mind.

And do the same thing to him? Even if he did accept us … what position would we be putting him in with his pack? It isn’t fair to either of us. I don’t want that pain, Mira.

I trust his wolf. He said they’d be glad to have us.

His wolf doesn’t know about us, though. He’s just going on his instincts to take a mate, make pups, and secure his line.

It isn’t like that! Mira growled, not appreciating the indignity of Lita’s words. We’ve both been hurt, but this is a chance for us. And an alpha, Lita! He’s powerful … and devastatingly handsome. Mira purred.

He doesn’t want us. He didn’t even come after us.

Guess again.

His scent filled her nostrils only a moment before his hands found her shoulders. He gently spun her around, and she found herself staring into his captivating stormy eyes.

He’s here for the rejection, Mira. Lita felt her arms tingling from his touch. A sensation that rippled through her body and screamed at her.

“Should we do this in private?” Lita asked and watched his lips curl into a crooked smile.

“You can read my mind? That would explain why you want the privacy,” he drawled, keeping his hands on her shoulders.

“Rather than making a public spectacle of the rejection, it would—”

“Who’s rejecting who?” This time his voice was a growl.

His eyes darkened with his beast as he gripped her tighter.

“There will be no rejection here. Do you object to me this much? Are you afraid of me because of the rumors? I’m not a cruel alpha.

I command the strongest pack and demand excellence, but I’m not a bad guy.

Give me a chance … please.” His voice turned into a whisper as he pleaded.

She was overwhelmed and felt her body betraying her, but he didn’t know. He couldn’t want her.

“I won’t be a good mate for you.” His scent was wrapping around her, a smell that beckoned her, testing her resolve.

Impure thoughts began to invade her mind as his silver eyes attacked her.

The pull between them was like a strong magnet.

The world began to fall away, and her animal instincts demanded she claim him.

“Don’t be silly. How could you insult the Moon Goddess like that? Of course you would be a good mate for me. You were made for me. You are mine! My mate.”

“Alpha Asher of the Black Ice Pack has found his mate!” a woman squealed loudly near the kitchen. “And it’s Alpha Nathon’s daughter of the Red Grove Pack!”

As soon as the words left her mouth, everything was a blur. She went from being in Asher’s arms to being ripped away. Growls and snarls rippled through the room. Drew stood in front of her protectively, while Teo held her behind him.

“Quite the welcoming committee you've got here, Red Grove.” Caden, Asher’s beta, growled in a mocking voice as he stepped next to his alpha. “I’m sure you don’t mean any disrespect … or an act of war,” he threatened as Lita’s father came into the room.

“What is going on here?” Nathon moved next to his son and looked at Asher, who was standing there confidently. A small, arrogant smirk rested on his lips as he looked past them and at his daughter.

“You heard exactly what’s going on. Your daughter is my mate. I want her to come home with me tonight.”

“What?” Nathon breathed, his gaze darting between Asher and Lita.

Lita’s mind raced. He wants me? He just doesn’t know enough … and for the Moon Goddess’ sake, quit looking at him! she argued with herself.