Page 79 of A Luna’s Dynasty (Celestial #1)

Asher looked at the concerned faces in front of him. “We don’t know what’s going on and we’re hoping that you might have the answers, or at least be able to point us in the right direction.”

“What’s wrong with her?” Alice's voice was filled with worry, while Nathon was quietly taking in everything. He was definitely the rock in their relationship. The idea that something might be wrong with his baby girl had him panicked as well, but he couldn’t show it for Alice’s sake.

“Well, this is really strange. Of course, there has been a lot of strange lately, so it’s hard to know what’s strange and what’s normal.

” Lita chuckled dryly as Asher rubbed her arm reassuringly.

“The thing is, I’ve been feeling really weak.

I get dizzy sensations. It feels like my energy is being drained out of me.

The weird thing about it is it goes away when Asher shows me affection.

It actually gets better, and I feel energized.

” Lita watched as their expressions eased into relaxation.

Dylan and Nathon both had a small smile on their lips while Alice seemed on the edge of her seat.

“When did it start?” Alice asked hurriedly.

“Just a couple of days ago.” Asher glanced between the people who seemed to know exactly what was going on.

“How long can you be apart before you start getting weak?” Alice’s eyes dashed between the two of them.

“Two hours.” Lita responded.

“TWO HOURS?! Oh my. Nathon, did you hear that? He can’t be away from her for more than two hours already. Wow! Oh my …” Alice looked floored.

“Okay, what do you all know that we don’t?” Grayson was cutting right to the chase. He wanted to know what was wrong with his princess.

Alice and Nathon looked at each other and exchanged a warm smile. Nathon looked at Asher and Lita, clearing his throat. “The thing is …”

“We are going to be grandparents!” Alice interrupted excitedly.

Lita and Asher stared at the people in front of her. They were waiting for the punchline that didn’t come.

“We’re … pregnant?” Asher looked at Lita. A smile spread across his face, and he leaned his head into hers.

Baby, you’re having my baby. Asher’s voice echoed into her head. She smiled and gazed back into his eyes.

Two big arms wrapped around Asher and Lita. “I’m going to be an uncle!” Grayson grinned as he shook their shoulders. “Atta boy, Ash!” Grayson slapped his shoulder hard and then continued to shake them. Asher beamed at him proudly.

“What in the world is going on with my body, then?” Lita focused her attention back to Alice.

“When you’re pregnant with a powerful child, it takes a lot out of you.

The baby is constantly draining you, both physically and magically.

I could go four hours away from your father in the beginning.

The time gets shorter the further your pregnancy progresses.

If you’re at two hours now, I don’t think you will be able to be apart at all toward the end.

” Alice felt a bit nervous saying the last part.

“You should know that you aren’t taking his energy from him.

You’re revitalizing your own. Your love and affection for each other is turned into strength and energy.

So, the stronger your relationship, the better you will feel. ”

“I think we have a pretty solid relationship. Never leaving her side doesn’t bother me at all. I’d prefer not to feel the childbirth part, though … I mean, I’m not looking forward to that.” Asher chuckled and Grayson laughed heartily.

“I ain’t taking that pain away, so you’ll just have to endure it, mutt,” Grayson teased.

“Be a team player, Grayson.” Asher laughed as Alice looked at him curiously.

“Why would the childbirth part bother you? Lita will be just fine. She’ll be able to make it through the pain of delivery.” Alice couldn’t understand why this was something HE was nervous about.

“Because we can feel each other’s pain and hear each other’s thoughts. What’s weird is that I never felt her fatigue. I don’t know why that is, though.” Asher just realized that he couldn’t feel her fatigue. Even with her blocking her thoughts, he should have felt her fatigue.

“Wow, that’s amazing! The soulmate link has only ever been rumored.” Nathon seemed intrigued hearing this news. This was big. This was the first time this had ever happened, but he supposed the rumor came from somewhere.

“I wonder … her pregnancy is laced with magical elements. You know, because it’s magical, you may not feel the labor pains either.

They would be a physical symptom of the magical pregnancy, just like the fatigue.

I guess time will tell. I think there will be a physical disconnect during her entire pregnancy, though.

That is, if I know a thing or two about magic.

” Alice winked at him. How powerful was the child her daughter was carrying if she already needed him by her side every two hours?

“I’m so excited!” Grayson beamed as he poked his head between them from behind.

Alice giggled. “The three of you seem really close.” This was a good thing. They would need a strong bond in order to endure the times ahead.

“We are. We’re family.” Lita patted Grayson’s head.

“So … any chance we can kill this Abaas now and prevent this battle in the future?” Grayson straightened up and looked at the fairy queen. Lita would be pregnant with a daughter. He didn’t want to worry about Abaas coming after her next.

“It would be great if that was the case. However, the future has been fairly clear about an impending war. With or without Abaas, I think it’s coming.

Demons are not well liked, which can be used to our advantage in gathering allies.

I do have to apologize to you, Lita. This is my fault.

I could have killed Abaas before, and I let him live.

I’m sorry. I just don’t have a killer instinct. ”

“Well, I do. I think it comes from Daddy. Though, I am pretty forgiving too, which I know has to come from you.” Lita giggled as she looked at her dad who did not have a forgiving nature.

“I have a question. What happens if something comes up and Asher can’t get to Lita? Or what if something happens to Asher? What will happen to Lita?” Grayson couldn’t help but wonder about this. Would her life be in danger?

“She wouldn’t die from it, if that is what you’re asking.

However, the fatigue is only the first stage.

After that, she would have pain. Her body would become weak and hurt.

She would barely have the energy to walk.

It would be a very unpleasant experience for her.

” Alice didn’t know exactly how she would feel, but she had a general idea of how things would progress.

“There’s no way anyone else but Asher will work here.

It has to be your partner, your mate. So make sure you’re around. ”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Asher grinned. He leaned in and kissed the side of Lita’s head. They were going to have a baby. She was going to have his pup. In an instant, his world had changed. It grew even brighter, and his love for her was bursting. They were starting a family.

“Lita, will you take a little stroll with me?” Alice looked into her daughter’s captivating green eyes. She saw her nod her head. “I won’t keep her long. She can be away from you for a little bit. She might as well take in the few moments she can now, since she won’t be able to soon.”

Asher stood and helped Lita up. She giggled at him. He was already treating her like she was heavily pregnant. She felt his lips brush the side of her head one last time before she felt his hands drop away from her.

Alice saw Dylan start to follow them. “Dylan, you stay here, too.” She held onto Lita’s hand and the two of them walked down the long corridor.

“I hated leaving you, Lita. I wanted nothing more than to stay by your side and to teach you everything. It was … it was incredibly lonely these past several years.”

Lita hadn’t thought of it like that. Her mother had left her partner and her daughter. She had to live separated from them. She’d never thought about how lonely it must have been for her. She'd sacrificed her time with her family in order to protect her daughter.

“Why didn’t you just take me with you?” Lita asked quietly.

Alice nodded her head. “I’m not going to lie.

I selfishly wanted to. I wanted to bring you here, but that wasn’t what was best. Maybe best for me, but not for the future.

You are the key, Lita. You and your children will be the key to there being a future.

It was necessary for you to grow up among werewolves and your father.

You needed a fighting spirit, and that’s something I could never give you.

Your father couldn’t leave. He had his obligation to groom Drew into the future alpha first, so we had to live apart.

I’m sorry you had to live in ignorance. In order to dull your magic, we had to make you not believe in it.

I’m so sorry. It has been hard and confusing for you. ”

Lita listened to her mother, considering what she’d said.

“I don’t think I would change anything. Because of how I was treated by my pack, I really appreciate what I have now.

My life experiences are not something that I regret.

I treasure them. They turned me into the person I am today.

I wish you could have been there while I was growing up, but I understand.

You can be there for the rest of the journey now.

” Lita saw the small tears trickle out of her mother’s eyes.

“I didn’t think you would ever forgive me.” Alice sobbed quietly.

Lita wrapped her arms around her, and the two stood there, embracing one another. A mother and daughter finally reunited. She could feel the bond they shared. It never went away. It would be different, but it would give them a foundation to start with.

They walked out into a small garden just off the edge of the palace.

“Your majesty. I’m sorry to interrupt, but could I borrow you for just a moment?” a kind-looking older woman asked Alice.

“I’ll be right back.” Alice walked off, leaving Lita alone.

Lita walked into the garden and explored the various paths.

The flowering trees were breathtaking and smelled sweet.

A small stream trickled around the flower beds.

It looked like a natural watering system for the plants.

In the distance was a small child tossing pebbles into the stream, and he seemed angry.

“Hi there, I’m Lita. What’s your name?” Lita watched the boy turn and look at her.

He had dark hair and the most amazing amber eyes.

He was maybe four years old, but he was absolutely adorable.

“You have to be the most handsome little man I’ve ever seen,” Lita gushed, looking at him.

She saw his cheeks stain red, and he gave her a cheesy grin.

“My name is Xander. You’re pretty. Will you be my wife?” His amber eyes sparkled at Lita.

“If I didn’t already have a mate, then you would be my next choice. I promise.” Lita giggled and bent down to his level. “You seem like you’re upset. Anything I can help with?”

The little boy sighed. “Just tired of no one taking me seriously.”

“I’ll take you seriously, young man. Let’s be friends. Friends listen to each other.” Lita reached out and took the young boy’s hand, shaking it. His eyes widened and he smiled at her happily.

“My hand didn’t hurt you?” he asked in amazement.

“Not at all. Should it have?” Lita giggled and the boy shrugged.

“I don’t know. I guess it hurts others sometimes. Can I ask you something?” Xander looked at Lita, who nodded her head. “Do you have to be friends with someone just because it benefits others? Even if this person is not really nice?”

“Hmm … I think there’s a difference between being friends and trying to get along.

You can try to get along with someone for the benefit of others, but that doesn’t mean that person has to be your friend.

A friend is a person you can trust. Like you, you’re my friend now and I trust you.

” Lita watched as Xander grinned at her widely.

“Really? Can we be friends forever?” Xander asked.

Lita giggled and kissed the boy on his forehead. He was adorable. “Yes, we can be friends forever.”

“Pinky swear?” Xander asked, extending his pinky.

“Pinky swear.” Lita latched her pinky with his.