Page 7 of A Luna’s Dynasty (Celestial #1)
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered. She thought she lived in a big house, but this place made her father’s place look modest. It was overwhelming.
“Not nearly as beautiful as you are, but I don’t think anything exists that can compare to you.”
“Flatterer.” Lita turned to look at him, surprised to see his serious eyes locked onto hers.
“It’s the truth.”
As the car came to a stop, Asher swiftly exited and circled around to open Lita's door. He extended his hand, helping her out with a flourish that made her feel like royalty. Before she could fully regain her composure, Asher leaned in and pressed a warm kiss to her cheek.
“Welcome home, Lita,” he said, his silver eyes gleaming with genuine happiness.
Lita's cheeks flushed scarlet, the tender gesture catching her completely off guard. Her skin tingled where his lips had touched, and she found herself at a loss for words. No one had ever shown her such affection before, and the rush of emotions it stirred within her made her heart slam against her chest. The warmth of his touch sent little bolts of lightning through her body. She wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around his neck and place her lips on— no no, Lita, you’re setting yourself up for pain, she scolded herself.
“I ... thank you,” she stammered, her heart pounding so loudly she was sure Asher could hear it. She struggled to maintain her usual wit and bravery, feeling suddenly vulnerable in the face of his open adoration.
Asher's smile widened, clearly pleased by her reaction. “Come,” he said, offering his arm. “Let me show you around your new home, my luna.”
As Lita hesitantly placed her hand on his arm, she couldn't help but wonder if this was all a beautiful dream.
She would wake up and remember that no mate would ever want her.
But the warmth radiating from Asher was real.
His touch was awakening her insides, and she found herself wanting this.
Maybe she would pretend the dream could be her reality before the storm hit again.
Caden strode past them, effortlessly bringing in the bags they received from the get-together today. These meetings or parties usually distributed elaborate gifts to be sent home with all who attended. “I'll just play pack mule, shall I?” he quipped, stepping inside the house.
Once entering her new home, she looked around in awe.
The first half of the floor was open concept.
There was a large kitchen to the left with a bar to sit and eat at, and to the right was a big theater area.
In front of her was a large, wide staircase.
The entryway allowed for you to look straight up to the third-floor ceiling, and from each floor, you could peer down and see the entry level. It was very elaborate and overwhelming.
“I’ll show you to your room, and then I can have you shown around,” Asher said as he led her up the stairs. He escorted her down a long hall where Caden was waiting for them.
“Your chambers, milady,” he announced with an exaggerated bow that made Lita chuckle despite her nerves.
“Thank you,” Asher said, his tone warm but dismissive. Caden nodded, shooting Lita a friendly wink before sauntering off down the hallway.
Asher pushed the door open, revealing a spacious bedroom bathed in soft, natural light. “This is all yours,” he said, leading Lita inside. “I hope it's to your liking.”
Her eyes darted from the plush four-poster bed to the cozy reading nook by the window.
There was a TV on the wall and two floor-to-ceiling windowed doors to the outside balcony.
To the side, she noticed another door that led to her own bathroom suite.
It was amazing, more like a small apartment than a bedroom. “It’s perfect.”
Asher's silver eyes gleamed with mischief as he gestured toward the door. “My room is right beside yours. This is your room for now, until you’re ready for your permanent room. And you can make that happen any time you want.” His voice dropped to a husky whisper.
Lita's cheeks flushed, as she scrambled for a witty comeback. “Confident, aren't we?”
“Just hopeful.” He shrugged. “And if you get scared, you’re welcome to come to my room at any time.”
“I won’t get scared.”
“What if I get scared?” He held her gaze.
“Then perhaps you aren’t qualified to be my mate after all,” she quipped with a smirk. He rewarded her with a chuckle.
“Touché. Maybe I’ll just sneak into your bed if I get cold.” He winked at her. “Are you hungry?”
She nodded. She hadn’t eaten dinner yet.
"Perfect," Asher said, his hand finding the small of her back. "I'll have Caden give you a tour of the grounds while I address the pack.”
"The whole pack?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Asher's expression softened, sensing her unease. "They're going to love you, Lita. You're their luna now."
“Prospective luna,” she corrected him. He grabbed her hand, bringing it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles.
“Just say the word. I’m ready when you are.” He would take his time with her, but he wanted her to know that she was the only one preventing him from marking her. All she had to do was say she was ready. He guided her out of the room and looked over the banister.
“Caden!” Asher barked.
“I’m right here!” Caden yelled, coming into view below.
“Show Lita around. I’m going to address the pack and let them know their luna is here.”
Lita’s footsteps echoed through the cavernous halls of the Black Ice Pack mansion, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the opulent surroundings. Caden strode beside her, his chest puffed with pride as he gestured to various rooms and corridors.
“This wing houses our beta and gamma residences,” he explained, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. “We believe in keeping the pack’s leadership close, both for convenience and unity.”
Lita nodded, admiring the intricate woodwork that adorned the walls. “It’s incredible,” she breathed, her fingers trailing along a polished banister. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Caden’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Wait until you see what’s next,” he said, leading her down a narrow staircase hidden behind an ornate tapestry.
The air grew cooler, and she could smell the faint scent of leather and sweat. When they reached the bottom, Caden pushed open a heavy wooden door, revealing a vast, underground training room.
“Welcome to our little secret,” he announced with excitement.
Lita gasped, taking in the array of equipment and the padded sparring area. Her wolf, Mira, stirred within her, eager to test her strength in this new environment.
“This is amazing,” Lita said, her voice filled with awe. “Do you think ... could we train together sometime?”
Caden’s laughter was tinged with nervousness, and he rubbed the back of his neck. “Ah, well, that might not be the best idea, Lita. You see, our dear alpha has quite the possessive streak.”
Lita’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
Caden’s eyes darted around the room as if checking for eavesdroppers. “Let’s just say that if Asher caught me training with his mate, it’d probably be my last day on this earth. And I’m rather fond of breathing, you know?”
“I’m sure he wouldn’t—” Lita began, but Caden cut her off with a knowing look.
“Trust me, Lita. I’ve known Asher longer than anyone. When it comes to you, he’s ... well, let’s just say ‘protective’ is an understatement. Come on, there’s more for you to see.” Caden motioned toward a pair of connecting doors.
With a flair, Caden threw open the double doors. “Ta-da!” he exclaimed, gesturing grandly.
An enormous indoor pool stretched before them, its crystal-clear water reflecting the soft lighting above. The air was warm and humid, carrying the faint scent of chlorine.
“This is incredible,” Lita breathed, her voice tinged with awe.
Caden grinned, clearly pleased with her reaction.
“And that’s not all. See that door over there?
” He pointed to a frosted glass entrance at the far end of the pool.
“That leads to a spa. Excellent for soothing those aching muscles after a long day of ... well, whatever it is you and Asher get up to.”
Lita felt her cheeks flush at the implication. To distract herself, she asked, “So, which room is your favorite? This has to be it, right?”
Caden’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Oh, Leetle Beetle, you haven’t seen the best yet. Follow me.”
“Leetle Beetle?” She giggled.
“Yep, it suits you.” He beamed as he led her back to the first floor. They turned the corner into a state-of-the-art kitchen. Stainless steel appliances gleamed under warm lighting, and a large island dominated the center of the room.
“This,” Caden declared, spreading his arms wide, “is by far the best room in the house.”
Lita couldn’t help but laugh. “The kitchen? Really?”
“Hey, don’t mock the sacred space of culinary delights,” Caden retorted, his tone playfully defensive.
“Some of us appreciate the finer things in life, like a perfectly seared steak or a decadent chocolate soufflé. Or just a humble peanut butter and jelly sandwich.” He winked at Lita. “The bottom line is that food is king.”
As if on cue, Lita’s stomach growled audibly. She placed a hand over her midsection, feeling slightly embarrassed. “Well, I have to say, it might be my favorite room right now, too. I’m famished.”