Page 38 of A Luna’s Dynasty (Celestial #1)

The first thing Lita saw was a trail of blood.

Next were the centaurs gathered in a circle.

She didn’t hesitate, pushing through when Brad did.

Three centaur warriors were dripping with blood, one of them lying on the ground, breathing heavily.

He had deep gash wounds on his side, and they were life threatening.

It was clear to Lita that these wounds were caused by werewolves.

Her mind immediately went to Asher. What if he got into a fight with them trying to get to her?

“We ran into some demon wolves. It seems they’re sending more and more scouts daily.” One of the warriors looked at Brad. “We won, but they got the jump on Rhett. Is the healer back from his supply run?”

“He isn’t due to return until tomorrow. Let’s get him to the medical ward. We’re going to have to do the best we can. We have to stop the bleeding …”

Lita knelt next to the warrior on the ground, her eyes scanning over the damage. “I’ve never worked on a centaur before, but I have studied healing. His wounds are mainly on his human torso. If that anatomy is the same, I know where all the vital organs are.”

“Lita, do the best you can, but if you can’t save him, we—”

“I’m going to save him,” she said firmly. “No time to talk! We need to hurry!”

Lita followed Brad into a tall log cabin, where there were several large examination tables made specifically for centaurs.

Brad opened up a door to a closet that was full of medical supplies, and she swiftly gathered the things she needed, including something for pain.

She was going to have to stitch him up and close off any arteries that were slashed open.

The wounds on the centaur were deep, crimson gashes that carved through his flesh. They bore the unmistakable imprint of razor-sharp canines sinking into his flesh, accompanied by vicious claw marks that raked down his muscular back.

The demon werewolves were becoming an escalating menace for everyone.

They weren’t a problem before, so why were they popping up all of a sudden?

Were they searching for something? From the nature of the injuries, it was clear that this wolf had intended nothing short of a kill.

The centaur’s survival now rested firmly in her hands.

It was the first time since healing school that she had faced such a critical life-or-death situation.

She had spent years studying and preparing for a critical moment like this.

Inhaling deeply, she steadied her nerves and stepped forward with determination.

She was about to administer medical aid to a centaur, something she had never practiced doing before.

But this was life or death, and she was the best chance he had.

“Brad, hold his head steady and make sure he drinks this,” she instructed in her calm voice, passing him the vial of liquid pain medication.

Lita weaved the needle through flesh, and with every knot tied and bandage secured, the bleeding came to a stop. Her hands were steady as she sutured his skin. What if the reason Asher hadn’t come was because of the demon wolves? What if they were fighting against them too?

The need to be with the pack and protect them grew inside her. She was marked as their luna, and the need to protect her pack was strong. She needed to speak with Asher, though. There were some things they needed to work out.

Nothing would keep our mate from us. He’ll come as soon as he can. Lita was shocked to hear Mira’s voice enter her mind. She’d been very quiet lately.

Mira, how are you feeling?

Tired, but I can feel your unease. I wanted to reassure you. We are bonded to Asher and the pack. And he will come for us, no matter what.

I know, Mira. That also worries me. The ‘no matter what’ part … what exactly are his reasons? And maybe something is wrong, since he hasn’t come yet.

Lita, do you want Asher because he is the alpha of the Black Ice Pack?

OF COURSE NOT! That is not a fair comparison.

I know what you’re trying to do, but that isn’t fair.

I didn’t have a boyfriend, let alone a fiancé.

I didn’t abandon anyone. I need to know why he’s being like this with Felicia.

I need the truth, because I don’t want to be just a power boost for the pack.

You’re not.

I need to know, though. It’s okay if he still cares for Felicia, as long as he’s committed to me. I don’t expect him to fall out of love overnight, but it seems like he’s trying too hard to push her away.

He doesn’t want her.

Then why was he engaged to her?

Mira’s presence drifted from her. The fairy magic was conflicting with her feral nature making it difficult for her, and she needed to rest. She hoped it would get easier on her soon.

She looked over the stitching work she had just done. The centaur would make it, but he needed to rest now.

“He’ll be okay.” Lita glanced up at Brad before leaving to wash her hands.

The clear water was tinged red for a moment before running clear again.

She had been focusing on her relationship and the deeper meaning, but the sudden realization hit her.

She’d just saved a life, instinctively, effortlessly, like it was second nature.

Her hands worked, knowing exactly what to do.

“Lita, you are incredible. We owe you so much. Thank you for saving Rhett’s life.” Brad handed her a towel to dry her hands.

“He will need to rest for a few days, but he should make a complete recovery.” Lita glanced up at Brad’s eyes. “Please don’t judge all werewolves based on demon werewolves. There is a difference.”

“I’m not a fan of them, but I will try to be a bit more open-minded in the future. Especially since you are part werewolf.”

“Not just part werewolf, but a luna … who needs to be with her pack.”

“Others need you as well. You are so much more than a luna. Because of that, you can’t leave here.”

Lita snorted and tossed the towel in the dirty linen bin. “I think that, regardless of all that, I should be allowed to leave freely. This is still my life after all, and I should be free to make my own decisions.”

“After you have awakened … but you haven’t yet.

I agree, it isn’t fair, but neither is life.

You have to be protected. Besides, is staying here really that bad?

Take a couple of days and really just try to envision a life here.

Make the most out of your stay, and maybe this experience will end up being for the best.”

“For now, I will. I mean, what choice do I have? I would rather think of this as a magical vacation. But this can’t be forever, and eventually I’m going to lose my patience.”

“Let’s hope a guardian shows up before then.” Brad chuckled, holding the door open. “How about dinner? Deedle will stay with Rhett and watch over him.”

“You know,” Lita said as she walked through the doors, stepping outside. “I did get to meet a unicorn shifter.”

“That’s the spirit! Tomorrow, I’ll invite some of the nymphs to meet you.”

“Nymphs?!”

Brad chuckled. “There is a much bigger world out there, just waiting to meet you, Lita. Don’t be hyper-focused on just one thing.

Open your mind and see what you’ve been missing.

Your pack isn’t going anywhere. You can always return to it once a guardian has arrived.

But for now, maybe try learning about fairies? Try to think of this as going to camp.”

“I never attended camp,” she said, and Lita noticed a slight frown appear on Brad's face before it quickly turned into a smile.

“In that case, you’ll get twice the fun. Tonight, we’re going to roast marshmallows and share stories. The kids really enjoy storytelling.”

Despite her longing to return to her pack, a part of her was intrigued by the new experiences she could have here.

She couldn’t deny the curiosity that stirred within her at the mention of meeting nymphs and hearing fairy stories.

The idea of exploring this new world and meeting things she’d never dreamed of excited her.

“You know what? I think that sounds like a great idea,” A smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Maybe this abduction—I mean, vacation—won’t be so bad after all.”