Page 39 of A Luna’s Dynasty (Celestial #1)

T he cascade’s melody serenaded Lita as she sat by the waterfall, the cool water lapping at her toes.

Despite the circumstances, last night was amazing.

She didn’t feel like an outsider—she felt like part of the village.

It was very enlightening to see how strangers treated her better than the pack she grew up in.

It did make her feel lonely for the new friends she’d made at Black Ice, though.

“May I join you?” A gentle voice broke through her reverie, as soft and unassuming as the morning mist. Lita turned to see Brad walking toward her.

“Of course.” She watched as he stepped in the shallow pool of the water.

“Did you enjoy last night’s stories?” Brad asked as he dangled his fingers in the water.

“Their enthusiasm was infectious,” she confessed, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

“The children get very animated when they talk about Elysia.” The fairy kingdom that was a refuge for all magical creatures.

The children talked about the beautiful flowers and the sense of peace they felt there.

All beings existed in harmony, and the fairy queen reigned over them with her wisdom and grace. It sounded like paradise.

“It’s like a second home for them. You know … this could be like a second home for you.” She stared into his eyes as a small smile reached his lips. “You have a home here, if you ever want it. We would love to have you, and—”

“I appreciate it. I really do. But I couldn’t. I miss Asher so much that it’s painful. I feel anxious and flighty. I need his presence in my life.”

“As your mate … we would allow him to stay here with you.”

She went to object, but stopped. It was exactly what she needed to see—what was more important to Asher. But asking him to give up the pack for her was also unfair. She could use it as a test, though.

“I couldn’t ask him to give up his pack. It would be … cruel and unfair. The alpha blood in his veins would cry to protect them. Even if he would choose being with me over the pack, I would never allow him to make that choice.”

“Every choice carves its own path,” Brad said softly. “Yet, I wonder if love might guide him on a journey unforeseen.”

“What does that mean?” She arched her brow at him as he chuckled.

“I’m just saying that you never know where life will lead you.

And if you both truly love each other, your paths may end up colliding together in a different direction.

” His voice softened as he looked at her.

“Tracking anyone through the woods is a challenge, especially since we had to hide our trail because of the demon wolves. Having said that … it has been quite some time. It’s been long enough to wonder… ”

“Whether he’s even looking for me,” Lita finished for him.

“Exactly.” Brad turned to face her, his eyes reflecting a sincerity as deep as the ancient forest. “You’ve seen how the centaurs have welcomed you, Lita. Here, you’re treasured for who you are, not for what you can do for us.”

“If Asher isn’t here, it’s because something’s kept him from coming.

Maybe even because of the demon wolves. The truth is that no matter what, Asher would come for me.

As his fated mate, I strengthen his pack.

Strength is something the Black Ice Pack values.

” Lita noticed how Brad shifted, his eyes seemingly studying her.

“You’re not just some accessory to make a pack stronger. If that is his only motive, then we will not allow him to take you back.”

Lita swiftly shook her head no, denying his words even if they might be true. “I didn’t mean that. I meant that no matter what, if he could, he would come for me.”

“I hope you’ve felt appreciated and are at home here.” Brad changed the topic, wanting for her to think more about staying with them.

“You have all been very kind to me. Besides missing my pack, my only complaint is … not to sound ungrateful—” She hesitated as he nodded his head.

“Go on.”

She swallowed and looked away. “The clothes.” She was wearing a sundress when she was taken, and they had given her clothes to wear.

Clothes was a term used very loosely. The top was a scanty bra, a garment that left little to the imagination with its minimal coverage and snug fit.

This was the classic attire for the women in the tribe.

The bottoms were ingeniously crafted from a baby blanket, transformed into a light tan mini skirt that clung to her hips and revealed the curve of her lower buttocks.

The soft fabric draped delicately, unintentionally blending practicality with a touch of daring.

Lita was comfortable with nudity, but wearing these types of clothes every day was not something she was comfortable with.

Brad rubbed the back of his neck with an airy chuckle. “I’m sure we can work out having more clothing for you. If it means anything, you look nice in these clothes. Or maybe that’s inappropriate to say? I mean … uh—”

SPLASH

A ball landed right in front of Lita. Water droplets covered her body as some of the children galloped up to her.

“You need to be careful!” Brad immediately reprimanded them.

“It’s okay.” Lita reached for the ball and then tossed it over to the young boy closest to her. “It was an accident.”

“We’re really sorry. It’s all because Ducky doesn’t know how to catch a ball.”

“I DO TOO! You can’t kick one to save your life.”

“Really?! I can kick your head just fine, and it looks like a ball.”

“Come and try it—”

“You two have some nerve to argue like that in front of Lita.” Brad hopped out of the water and trotted toward them. “The truth is you both need to work on your skills. Go over to the clearing near the small pool. There’s plenty of room there, and no one’s there right now.”

Lita watched as the children swiftly galloped away. “You didn’t need to scold them. I’m fine.”

“I know you’re fine. The children need to be taught consistent respect.” Brad then looked her over. “You’ll want to change. Even for a werewolf, it's chilly in our dome when wet. Especially for you right now—” He stopped himself mid-sentence, but it was too late. Lita snapped her head toward him.

“What does that mean?”

“Right now, with your fairy magic … I imagine it’s taking up a lot of your body … and mind. Enough that your wolf can’t heal you quickly, or keep you warm.”

“I won’t lose her, right?” The words vomited from her mouth quickly. She had been worrying about it ever since she felt Mira receding from her.

“I don’t know. I think things will be clearer once you’ve awakened. You’ll know then. But right now, it’s like a bubble is growing inside of you. It keeps expanding, and until it’s released, it’s squeezing your wolf out.”

As the wind picked up, a cool breeze danced around her legs, causing Lita to shiver slightly, the chill seeping through the scant material and trailing goosebumps across her exposed skin. Brad grabbed her hand and lifted her, holding her against his side.

“Let’s get you warmed up.” His voice was kind, but what he said had Lita in a mild panic.

She couldn’t lose her wolf. What kind of luna didn’t have a wolf?

Especially in a pack like Black Ice. Would this be a dealbreaker for Asher?

If Mira disappeared from her life, would he no longer want her by his side?

She couldn’t imagine a life without Mira.

She had been with her for so long and had been her confidant, her friend when she was lonely, and her protector.

Was it really possible that she could lose her?

As they arrived back at her temporary home, the distant sound of yelling and shouting pierced the air.

The cacophony echoed through the quiet neighborhood, a jumble of voices rising and falling, carrying with it a sense of urgency.

The noise seemed to ripple through the still afternoon, demanding attention like a booming storm.

Then she heard it: a monstrous roar that thundered through the encampment, shaking the very ground beneath her feet. The sound was a deep, resonant bellow that sent shivers down her spine. She knew that roar all too well. It was Asher.