Page 37 of A Luna’s Dynasty (Celestial #1)

Lita sat by the shimmering pool, the hem of her dress grazing the surface as she dipped her toes into the cool water.

It had been days since she was taken, and although she was trying to make the best of her situation, she was getting a bit impatient.

Asher still hadn’t come for her. She talked with Brad, and he assured her that they wouldn’t harm Asher, but they wouldn’t allow her to leave with him.

She was a bit apprehensive that he still hadn’t come for her, though.

“Mind if I sit with you?” A gentle tenor voice sounded from behind her. She whipped her head around to see a MAN!

“I thought only centaurs lived here.” She listened as the man laughed, sitting next to her. “So, what are you?”

“Someone who came to see you. I don’t live here. I just wanted to meet you.” The man’s blue eyes were as bright as the sky. He had sandy colored hair and a strong chiseled jaw. His skin was so pale it seemed to glow in the sunlight.

“Are you going to tell me what you are? I can tell you aren’t human.” Lita watched as his lips curled up into a smile.

“You want to skip the introductions? You didn’t even ask for my name … Lita.”

She gasped and placed her hand over her mouth. “That was incredibly rude of me. I’m sorry.” She listened to his rich laugh.

“I’m just teasing you. I’m Orion, and I’m part of a rare species where there are also non-shifters.

I am a unicorn shifter, but not all of my kind can shift into humans.

Despite the fact that some can’t shift, we can all communicate with each other, but we lose some of our power when we shift into humans … it’s a give and take.”

“A unicorn … you’re a unicorn!” Lita inched toward him with wide eyes.

“I should be the one acting like you are right now. You’re the one who’s more rare.” He chuckled.

“So they say.” She waved her hand dismissively.

“You don’t believe them?”

“I believe that I’m me.” Lita listened as the man hummed.

“Do you believe in destiny?”

“I never really thought about it. What about you?”

“Of course.” He grinned. “It’s destiny that I’m here talking to you right now.”

“Seriously? And what is so destined about our meeting?” Lita watched as he threw his head back and laughed.

“You think that just because something is destiny that it has to mean something big. You misunderstand. Events that are meant to happen, that can lead you to your purpose … that is destiny. Big or small, minor or major … it can all play a role, each event nudging you toward your path.”

Lita stared at him for a moment. “I like to think I can forge my own destiny.”

“Then you have to wonder if the destiny you think you’re forging is the path you were always meant to take.” He grinned at Lita as she laughed.

“Okay, you can stop making my mind hurt.”

“That’s a better look on you, though. You look much less depressed now.”

Lita looked at the pool of water in front of her. “I have a lot on my mind right now. I wouldn’t call myself depressed, but confused. And I don’t understand … a lot of things.”

“But not just about yourself, right?”

She flipped her eyes at him to see a knowing look on his face.

“I might look young, but I am pretty old. If you want to share with me, I can offer my advice.” Orion scooted so that he faced her fully. “Go on.”

“You’re a stranger.”

“And that will make it easier. I’m like free therapy.” He chuckled.

Lita hesitated for a moment. “My mate … he was engaged before he met me. He canceled his engagement and dropped the woman, acting as if she wasn’t important to him at all.

The pack is very focused on strength and making themselves stronger.

Taking me as his mate aligns with the pack’s ideals, but I find it hard to believe he has no feelings for his ex-fiancée.

And I wonder if his feelings for me are genuine.

I told myself that I wasn’t going to let it bother me, but I had a run-in with the ex-fiancée right before I was taken, and it played on my insecurities.

I don’t want to have these doubts and question my relationship.

I just want to know he is equally as committed to me. ”

“And you came up with a plan for that?”

“Are you psychic?”

Orion laughed. “Like I said, I’ve been around for a while.”

“I was wondering what would happen if I told him I didn’t want to leave here. Am I wrong for testing his feelings like that? That is me being untrusting, and—”

“Has he explained to you about his fiancée? You’re right, he would still have feelings for her, but maybe he decided to ignore them for you. The mate pull is powerful and hard to ignore. Has he ever really talked to you about it?”

“Just that he doesn’t want her, only me. And things along that line.”

“Sounds like he hasn’t been honest either.

I don’t think you telling him you don’t want to leave would be damaging to your relationship.

But you are already marked … I’m not sure you’ll get the answer you want.

In my experience, males usually think they can just force their mate to return with them.

You’re looking to see if he would give up the pack and its strength to be with you, right? ”

“He once told me that he would give up the pack for me.” Her green eyes stared at Orion.

“Then see if he would. If anything, you need to have a real conversation about the ex-fiancée. You need to get through the dirty stuff so that you can move on with a healthy relationship.” He moved to his feet and reached his hand out, helping Lita to hers.

“You are worth giving everything up for. A pack is a small thing to give up to be near your side. And … I think you need to know if he is willing to follow you. No matter where your destiny takes you. You won’t always live in a pack.

” He winked at her. “I have to continue on now. I have a long trip ahead of me … would it be alright if I hugged you?”

“Hug me?” Her voice was a bit hesitant as she stared at the stranger.

“I … guess?” Orion wrapped his arms around her, and Lita was enveloped in a sensation unlike any other—a tingling that spread from the tips of her fingers to the core of her being.

It was as if the very air between them had become charged with an ethereal energy.

The pleasant tingling gave way to a sudden, insistent throbbing behind her eyes.

The strong, tugging sensation was back. She stepped back, grabbing her head.

"Enough!" The word cleaved through the air, sharp and panicked.

Brad burst onto the scene, his normally composed features twisted with urgency. He moved next to Lita, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Orion, your magic will provoke her awakening. You should know better!”

“I meant no harm … I just wanted to hold her light. Her warmth is so gentle and pure. I’m sorry, Lita. I didn’t mean to cause you pain.”

“It’s okay … it’s subsiding. But there was a moment that was really painful. It was overwhelming.” Lita took in a steadying breath.

“A guardian can help with your pain. One better show up soon, because you aren’t going to last much longer. Your scent is getting stronger, too.” Brad released her shoulders and stepped back. They could keep Lita safe here, but they couldn’t do anything to help with her awakening.

“Lita, it was a real pleasure to meet you like this. I know we will see each other again soon. Remember what we talked about, and communicate.” Orion smiled, nodding to Brad. “Keep her safe.”

Orion walked away, disappearing through the village. Lita felt her mind relax completely and noticed Brad’s concerned eyes still on her. “Your prisoner is still fine.”

“Ouch, don’t say it like that.” Brad rubbed the back of his neck with an airy chuckle. “We’re keeping you safe … against your will.”

“Right … I can freely leave. I’m not a prisoner … oh wait.” She gave him a wry smile.

“Prisoner sounds harsh.”

“Changing the word won’t change the meaning.” Lita snorted as a commotion rose from the center of the village. Yelling and the sounds of hooves rushing in chaos shattered the peaceful atmosphere.

“Something’s wrong.” Brad turned to the village.

“Well, let’s go!” Lita ran past him, seeing that he was hesitating on her account. Whatever happened, it sounded like it was urgent. A woman screamed, and Lita felt her heart pounding. Brad galloped ahead of her as they both headed to the village center.