Page 55 of A Luna’s Dynasty (Celestial #1)

Lita sank deeper into the couch, fingers in her ears. She was humming, blocking out the noise from the movie. Asher watched, barely containing his laughter. She felt his chest rumble and she gave him a side glare.

"Effective," he whispered. She snorted at him, shrugging him off with her shoulder.

The movie stretched toward a tense silence, and she peeked between her knuckles just in time to see a body fly toward the camera.

She was out of her seat before the others could react, beelining for the kitchen.

Popcorn was the goal, and she set to scooping it into bowls with trembling hands, humming again as she rummaged through the fridge for a drink.

Asher snuck up behind her, silent as a shadow, wrapping his arms around her waist. She shrieked, more surprised than scared, and twisted in his embrace to swat at him playfully. "You're cruel!" she accused, her laughter cutting through the tension.

He kissed her cheek, eyes dancing with mischief. "You're easy to spook."

"Only when it comes to scary movies.” She shrugged, feeling his warmth chase away the movie's chill. He pulled her tighter, capturing her mouth with a kiss that sent heat rushing through her.

"We don’t have to watch movies if you’re scared," he cooed, voice low and suggestive, lips brushing against her ear. She felt the flush rise to her cheeks.

"Ha! Nice try," she said, flicking his nose and squirming free of his arms. "You’re just trying to get out of the romance marathon that’s happening later." Her eyes sparkled. He had no idea of her plan to mark him as her mate tonight.

Mmmhmm, can’t wait to sink my teeth into him. In every aspect.

Mira, private thoughts!

“Why are you blushing? What dirty thoughts are going through your mind?” Asher teased her as he traced his fingers over her back.

“Nothing! Let’s get back to the movie.” She grabbed her snacks and sprinted away, listening to Asher’s deep chuckle behind her. For some reason, it felt like she was struggling more tonight than he was. She needed to get her head in the game.

The movie crawled to its terrifying conclusion, and Lita pried herself from Asher's embrace, helping the others reset for round two. "The Exorcist 2?" Lita read the slip in disbelief, and Grayson glanced around, eyes suspicious.

"Seriously?" Garrett grinned, peeking over her shoulder and raising a triumphant fist. "Someone's a horror fan," he accused, eyeing the guys. Asher shifted uncomfortably, and Caden shrugged with feigned innocence.

"Who says it wasn't Lita?" Kristen joined in, shooting a look at Lita. "Girls corner. Come on, we're not sitting with these man brats."

Garrett whined, throwing his hands in the air. "But I want to hold you, baby girl."

She blew him a kiss as she dragged Lita toward the bean bags. "Too bad, babe."

Asher watched them, sulking on the couch. He glared at Caden, who was unaffected by the girls sitting on their own. Instead, he looked amped up as he settled excitedly into a recliner with a bowl of popcorn.

"I'd rather watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre," Grayson mumbled, drawing Asher's attention. "Who actually likes this possession stuff?"

Caden smirked and stuffed a handful of popcorn into his mouth. "Who says we can’t do both?"

Asher sighed and kept his eyes on Lita. She was nestled beside Kristen, doing her best to look brave.

The movie started with eerie music and ominous promises, and three-quarters through it, Lita realized she needed to use the bathroom. She nudged Kristen, who was immersed in the movie.

“I have to pee. I’ll be right back.” Kristen nodded absentmindedly as Lita tiptoed away, Asher’s eyes following her until she left the room. She half hoped he would come with her this time, but she was too proud to ask him to.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the unparalleled, dangerous journey.

It was only a little way, but the thought of navigating the dark house filled her with dread.

At any point, she could easily be snatched.

It was always that one friend who went off on their own that ended up being the target.

She always told herself how foolish that person was, and here she was, being them.

Braving the unknown in order to use the restroom.

It all came down to this defining moment of courage.

The house felt endless and eerie, shadows stretching like threats in the corners as Lita tiptoed her way to the bathroom.

Every thump and crash from the theater set her nerves blazing, but she pushed forward, determined to survive the journey.

She made it to the toilet, her heart racing in the silence, and quickly did her business, washing her hands and heading for the kitchen.

Her mouth was dry from the perilous journey and she needed a drink.

Screams followed her, ghostly echoes, and a possible shadow that moved.

Yeah, she was sure that shadow came closer.

She frantically swiped her hands for the light switch, and a loud, roaring sound pierced the air.

She had hit the garbage disposal instead.

She shrieked in terror, frantically turning it off, breathless and wide-eyed, sliding down to sit against the counter. When she realized what had happened, a laugh bubbled up inside her. She shook her head and began giggling.

The lights flicked on, blinding in their suddenness as everyone rushed in, feet thundering and faces painted with concern.

"What's wrong?" Kristen yelled, eyes darting wildly. "Are you okay?"

Asher knelt before her, the sound of her laughter replacing his panic with relief.

"What happened?" He pulled her into his arms, breath shaky with worry.

She buried her face in his shoulder, muffling her giggles. "I accidentally turned on the garbage disposal." She scrunched up her nose, feeling silly.

There was a moment of silence before laughter erupted. Grayson clutched his chest, shaking his head with relief.

"Seriously," he said. "I think you gave us all heart attacks."

Kristen wiped fake tears from her eyes. "A house full of tough shifters," she managed between laughs, "jumping at a loud noise."

Lita shook her head, cheeks flushed with laughter and embarrassment, but the warmth of Asher's embrace was like a shield protecting her. He hoisted her up, cradling her as he turned to leave.

"You guys can go back to your movie." He smiled down at her, feeling his own heart rate calming down. "I’ve got her."

She tried to protest, tried to insist that she still needed a drink, but the easy strength in his arms left her weak and more than willing to give in.

"I can walk," she mumbled, but the words were as halfhearted as her resistance.

The others swapped stories on their way back to the theater about how they thought it was a banshee or a ghost attack. Asher carried Lita back toward the theater and to his seat.

“You’re staying with me.” He set her between his legs on the couch with a playful sternness that made her laugh and nestle closer.

Caden eagerly restarted the movie, and she flinched at the immediate screams. The tension made her forget about anything but Asher's breath on her neck and his hands on her arms. He lightly kissed her neck, making an invisible shudder ripple through her body.

She knew his plan before it was fully underway and pulled away, avoiding the warmth that was about to unhinge her.

She flashed him a defiant smirk before relocating to the floor, where she let the dark hide her blush.

He let out a frustrated groan that turned into a resigned chuckle, watching her as she settled in.

Lita pretended to focus on the movie, though she could feel Asher's eyes and intent burning through the dimly lit room.

The others were absorbed, and the tension that gripped her seemed to seep into everyone.

She fought the urge to flee the intense sounds and images, but each suspenseful scene made her want to bury herself back in Asher's arms.

She felt him slide down to the floor next to her and engulf her with his massive arms. “I won’t try anything.

Just let me protect you from the scary things in the movie.

” The mirth in his voice made her want to elbow him.

But having his arms around her increased her bravery.

She settled against his chest and tuned out the rest of the movie.

When it was finally over and the lights came on, she wiped the film of fear from her face and turned to find Caden, who was eagerly watching her, waiting for her reaction.

She huffed and raised her eyebrows. "Now I know what kind of sick movies you like. I'm going to need to sleep with the lights on for weeks."

Caden leaned forward with a grin. "How about we finish the series?"

Lita shook her head, crossing her arms in mock indignation. "You guys watch the whole Exorcist lineup, and I swear you're doing a Love Saga marathon next."

Caden considered this, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "A slasher movie, then?"

The other guys cheered at the suggestion and Lita threw her hands up, laughing at their persistence.

"No way! You'd love that too much," she said, standing and edging toward the door. "I'm getting out of here while I still can."

Asher was beside her in an instant, his hand catching hers. "Leaving me again, mate?"

"Only if you aren’t following me up." A playful smile teased her lips. "But I'm saving the romance marathon for next time."

“I’m with her, guys. You can watch the movies on your own.

” He listened as the men chuckled and turned another movie on.

He let her lead him upstairs, feeling his own anticipation burning eagerly.

He could tell she was thinking something and got hints of her eagerness in his chest. Whatever she was planning, he was game.