Page 8 of A Luna’s Dynasty (Celestial #1)

Caden’s eyebrows shot up in amusement. “Ah, a woman after my own heart. Shall I whip something up for you? I make a mean grilled cheese sandwich.”

Lita’s wolf, Mira, perked up at the mention of food. The idea of a hot meal was tempting, but Lita hesitated, not wanting to impose. “Oh, you don’t have to—”

“Nonsense,” Caden interrupted, already moving toward the refrigerator. “Consider it part of the grand tour. You haven’t truly experienced the Black Ice Pack mansion until you’ve tasted one of Caden Thorn’s culinary masterpieces.”

As Caden busied himself gathering ingredients, Lita leaned against the island, watching him work.

She felt a warmth spreading through her chest, a sense of belonging she was surprised to feel already.

For a moment, she allowed herself to imagine a future here, surrounded by people who genuinely cared for her.

Well, in her imagination, that was how it was, but reality had taught her better, and she was certain it wouldn’t end well.

Would Asher’s pack accept her the way Caden seemed to?

And what about Asher himself? Could she truly open her heart to him, knowing the pain rejection could bring?

The kitchen’s warm ambiance shattered as the door swung open with a bang. A statuesque woman with fiery red hair and piercing blue eyes strode in, her gaze immediately locking onto Lita. The newcomer’s lips curled into a sneer, her voice dripping with venom.

“So, this is Asher’s new toy?” she spat, looking Lita up and down with undisguised contempt.

Lita turned to face the woman, straightening her spine and holding her head up confidently. “I’m Lita. Who are you?”

The redhead’s laugh was cold and brittle. “Oh, darling. I’m Felicia, Asher’s fiancée.” She held up her hand, wiggling her fingers to display a glittering diamond ring. “Or at least, I was until you showed up.”

Lita’s heart plummeted. Fiancée? Asher had never mentioned being engaged. She struggled to maintain her composure, even as her mind reeled with questions and doubts.

“I ... I’m sorry,” Lita managed, her voice softer than she intended. “I didn’t know—”

“Of course you didn’t,” Felicia interrupted, her tone sickeningly sweet. “Asher probably didn’t want to complicate things. It’s so much easier to seduce the new girl when she doesn’t know about the woman he cast aside.”

Lita’s fists clenched at her sides, anger warring with the shock and hurt roiling inside her. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to respond calmly. “I’m sure there’s been a misunderstanding. Asher and I—”

“Save it,” Felicia snapped. “I don’t need your pity or your excuses.

Just know that you’re nothing more than a passing fancy.

Asher will come to his senses soon enough.

After all, he chose me, remember? Mate instincts forced you on him.

Did you know I was at the meeting?” Lita’s eyes widened as she saw the woman’s eyes narrow into slits.

“Yeah, that’s right. I was there as his future luna.

Then suddenly, I was told to leave. They forced me into the car and sent me off.

As if I was NOTHING! As if I didn’t matter.

I wasn’t even allowed to meet you. I felt so … discarded.” She sniffled.

Lita felt her heart pang with hurt and guilt for this woman. She couldn’t imagine how horrible that must have felt.

“Felicia.” Caden smiled as he came to the island. He waited until she looked up at him. “GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE PACKHOUSE.” He turned to Lita and grinned. “Damn, that felt good. I’ve always wanted to tell her that.”

“How could you?!” Felicia’s lips parted as she took a small step back. “I just wanted to meet the alpha’s mate. I think I deserve that,” Felicia spat at Caden, who noticed the small phone in her hand. She had recorded the last part, no doubt trying to seek sympathy.

“This is not your home. It would be better if you left on your own so that I don’t have to force you out.”

“Just like that?! Suddenly I’m the outcast in the packhouse?!” Felicia’s expression was wounded.

“Just like that. I don’t like you. You were never good enough for Asher. Thank the gods he found his mate in time.” Caden gestured toward the door. “Please leave.” He kept his composure so he didn’t feed her recording.

As Felicia turned on her heel and stormed out, Lita sagged against the counter, her mind whirling. How could Asher have kept something so important from her? And what did it mean for their future?

Lita’s chest tightened as a low growl rumbled within her. Mira, her wolf, paced restlessly beneath her skin, hackles raised and teeth bared.

How dare she? Mira snarled in Lita’s mind. We are the direct bloodline of an alpha. How dare she disrespect us! She insulted us. She insinuated things about our mate. I’m going to destroy her!

Enough!

Lita’s hands trembled as she gripped the edge of the counter. Her breath came in short gasps as she struggled to rein in her wolf’s aggression.

Caden’s warm hand on her shoulder startled her. “Are you okay? She was out of line. She had no right to speak that way. She’s bitter and looking to cause trouble.”

Lita’s gaze dropped to the floor. “He never told me about her.”

Caden sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. “That’s on him, and you two will need to talk about it, but don’t let Felicia’s venom poison what you and Asher have.” His tone softened. “You belong here, Lita. With us. With him.”

Felicia’s piercing wail shattered the moment of camaraderie. Lita and Caden rushed to the window, witnessing Felicia’s dramatic exit. Tears streamed down her face as she stumbled across the lawn, collapsing into the waiting arms of a group of sympathetic friends.

“Yep, just what the bitch was planning.” Caden snorted.

As they watched Felicia’s entourage guide her away, the kitchen door swung open and Asher strode in. “What was that about?” he asked, brow furrowed.

“Just Felicia being Felicia,” Caden explained, his tone casual despite the concern etched on his face. “Trying to gain sympathy and attention, as usual.”

Asher looked at Lita. Her pupils seemed to be dilating and she looked like she was in pain. “Are you alright?”

Lita’s skin tingled as he got closer, but Mira was howling angrily inside of her. She was a dominant female and was demanding to put Felicia in her place. “I’m fine.”

Asher’s hand brushed her arm, sending electricity through her body. “You don’t look fine,” he murmured, worry evident in his eyes.

Lita’s resolve wavered, torn between the urge to lean into his touch and the need to maintain her composure. “It’s just ... a lot to take in,” she admitted, meeting his gaze. “There’s so much I don’t know about you, about this place. You could have told me. I’m not a child.”

Asher’s expression softened. “I know, and I’m sorry. We have a lot to talk about.” He glanced at Caden, who nodded understandingly and quietly slipped out of the kitchen.

Left alone with Asher, Lita felt Mira’s presence intensify. Her wolf was becoming feral, demanding to claim their mate, to erase any lingering doubts. Lita closed her eyes, fighting the internal battle.

“Lita.” Asher’s voice was gentle, grounding her. “Look at me.”

She opened her eyes, finding herself lost in the depths of his silver gaze. His hands cupped her face, thumbs gently caressing her cheeks.

“Whatever Felicia said, whatever doubts she tried to plant—know this …” he paused, his voice thick with emotion. “You are my mate, my future. Nothing and no one will change that.”

“She was at the meeting today?” Lita pursed her lips and Asher nodded his head.

“She was, but once I found you, I had her taken home. I didn’t want her to cause a scene. And trust me, she would have.”

She took a shaky breath, stepping back. “I ... I need a moment. A shower might help clear my head.”

“Of course. Take all the time you need.”

As Lita turned to leave, she heard Asher sigh. “I should check on Felicia before she causes a bigger scene. We’ll talk later, I promise.”

The words hit Lita like a punch to the gut. She hurried from the kitchen as Mira growled in frustration, fighting her to be freed. Once in the safety of the bathroom, Lita leaned against the door, closing her eyes.

Why does he need to check on her? Mira snarled within her mind.

He’s just being responsible, Lita countered, though doubt gnawed at her. They didn’t really have a chance to talk earlier. This took all of us by surprise.

She stripped off her clothes and sank into the warm embrace of the bathtub, letting the water soothe her frayed nerves. As she soaked, her mind wandered to the complexities of her situation with Asher.

What if he still has feelings for Felicia? Lita wondered, vulnerability seeping into her thoughts.

Mira bristled. He’s our mate. He belongs to us.

Lita sighed, running her fingers through the water. It’s not that simple, Mira. There’s history there, a connection I don’t understand.

Then we make him understand our connection, Mira insisted, her presence a warm, insistent pressure in Lita’s chest.

Lita closed her eyes, letting the water lap at her chin. He isn’t going to want us anyway. We’re different, remember?

The doubt that had plagued her throughout her life in the Red Grove Pack resurfaced, threatening to overwhelm her. She took a deep breath, trying to center herself.

We are strong … capable. We’re his mate, Mira growled, her conviction unwavering.

Listen to you being all confident now. You seem to have changed your mind about pack life.

Wolves were naturally social animals. It went against their nature to go off on their own.

Of course, Mira wanted to seize this first chance to belong.

But Mira … you have to stop fighting me for control like this.

You’re going to hurt me. Ultimately, I’m the one in charge here, and you’re being disrespectful.

She listened as Mira whimpered in response.

They were partners, but the human was the one in charge during both wolf and human form, unless the human allowed their wolf to take over their consciousness.

Mira, being the rebel she was, would often fight for control, which caused Lita great pain, and it took a lot of effort for her to stay in control.

There was a reason she didn’t have divine control over Mira.

It was also the reason why Lita and Mira could not quickly heal themselves if they were wounded.

Lita stepped out of the bathroom, her damp hair clinging to her neck. Her bags had arrived from her pack. Judging by the job, it looked like the pack omega just tossed her stuff inside. They didn’t even bother to organize it. Even the omegas didn’t respect her.

She rummaged through one of her bags and stopped.

Her fingers brushed against the soft fabric of Teo’s shirt.

She had stolen it from him months ago and had kept it in her drawer.

A soft smile rested on her lips as she held it up to her nose.

The scent of him and her room was heavy on it.

She was in a strange place, and the familiar scent from her room would help her sleep. It offered her a small bit of comfort.

Her stomach grumbled, reminding her she was still hungry. She quickly finished putting clothes on and stepped out of her room. Catching a whiff of Asher’s scent, she turned toward his door. Now that Mira wasn’t fighting her, she wanted to talk to him more about Felicia.

The door to his room was slightly ajar. Lita hesitated, then pushed it open. “Asher, I—”

The words died in her throat. Asher stood before her, gloriously naked, water droplets glistening on his sculpted body. His silver eyes locked onto hers, a smirk playing at his lips.