Page 97 of A Luna’s Dynasty (Celestial #1)

“Oh my sweet boys …” She squeezed both Brody and Chasen, hugging them both.

Her babies were growing up on her. Her baby werebears were now officially teenagers at the age of thirteen.

No matter how big they would get, they would always be her sweet little bear cubs.

“You didn’t really think that was it, did you? Just a cake?”

“We fooled them good,” Grayson boasted loudly with a big grin. “Come on, Hunter!” He reached down, hoisting the boy up onto his shoulders.

“Uncle Grayson, I’m getting too old for this,” Hunter said, though he was smiling happily.

“Your Uncle Grayson is a tank! I could carry Brody and Chasen too, all three of you at the same time, and not even break a sweat.”

“Can we show them?!” Reiya asked animatedly.

“Yes, we’re showing them now.” Asher chuckled.

“We had to have Hunter and Reiya keep you busy while your presents were delivered.” Lita walked holding onto both of her boys’ arms. It seemed like only yesterday she met them in Elysia, and now they were teenagers.

They walked down the path to where the pack lake was. Standing at the lake were their close friends and family. The next generation of children were running around, laughing and playing. Lita smiled as she looked over at her two boys. “Why don’t you see what’s behind them, on the lake.”

“Wait a minute …” Brody said as his eyes widened.

“Are those … jet skis?!” Chasen bounced on his feet excitedly.

“Happy birthday boooooffff—” The air was squeezed out of Lita’s lungs as her two sons lifted her, squeezing her tight.

“Thank you so much!” Brody said, moving over to hug his father.

“Go have some fun,” Asher beamed, patting both of his boys on the back.

“Put me down, Daddy!” Reiya squirmed. Her feet took off at a run as soon as they were placed on the ground.

“Take me for a ride, Chase!” Hunter yelled, bouncing on the shoreline.

“Let them get used to the things first.” Grayson chuckled, placing his hands on Hunter’s shoulders.

“Want to race, Brody?” Chasen asked, as he smirked at his brother.

“Let’s go to the other end to see who wins!” Reiya yelled, and a stampede of children followed behind her.

Lita felt Asher’s arms snake around her torso, pulling her into him. They both watched as their sons laughed, racing across the lake.

“Let them live it up. The burden those boys bear is a lot, especially Brody. He has the burden of the fairy princess. It’s an incredible weight to bear.” Grayson’s eyes followed the jet skis over the lake as Caden stepped closer to him.

“I guess that’s why they give that burden to bears to bear it.” Caden said with a smirk.

“Wow, just because you’re a dad now doesn’t mean you have to make dad jokes.” Caspian laughed as he held Merida close.

“What are you talking about? He was never a funny guy.” Garrett chuckled as Caden turned to glare at him.

“You’re right. I was always the stronger guy.” Caden and Garrett began to debate back and forth in playful banter that had everyone smiling.

“You pups are always yipping about who’s stronger. You see, I don’t have that problem. It’s nice to just know that you’re at the top of the food chain.” Grayson smirked, turning to face the wolves.

“I still think we can take him,” Garrett said, and Caden cleared his throat, shaking his head.

“I saw the hellhound he fought against and defeated. I’ll concede. I know when I’m outmatched.” Caden chuckled, shrugging his shoulders.

“Yeah, I’m not getting involved in a fight with a guardian.” Caspian laughed at the stupidity of it. That battle was over before it even began.

Lita leaned into Asher’s embrace and watched her sons racing back and forth across the lake.

This time right now was precious. They were surrounded by their family and friends.

Their children were happy and thriving. The future …

well, it was coming whether they wanted it to or not.

The best they could do was give their children the best memories and start at life that they could.

Though they would always be there to support them, there would be challenges their children would have to face alone.

They’ll never be alone. Asher kissed the side of Lita’s head as she slowly nodded. He was right. They were a family, a powerful one. They would always have each other’s backs and fight for their future together.

Lita watched as Brody turned too sharply and fell into the water. Her eyes traced over the lake’s surface, and she sighed with relief as Brody’s head popped up, laughing. A moment later, his head disappeared again. This time, he came up, choking on water.

“What they heck?!” Brody growled, looking at the water’s surface.

“You’ve contaminated it! It used to be a nice lake, but now it’s contaminated with wet bear!” A girl with raven black hair popped out of the water.

“Stay out of our lake, Chelsie!” Brody growled. Chelsie was a kelpie, Rowan’s daughter, and she was close friends with Reiya.

“Go hibernate,” Chelsie snorted as she swam to shore. “Reiya!” she yelled happily.

Lita and Asher laughed as they watched the interaction. Kelpies were very interesting creatures with unique personalities. However, they were powerful and very loyal friends. Chelsie was going to be a great ally for Reiya.

Soon, the jet skis were racing across the lake again as the children on the shore goaded them on. The sound of their laughter filled the air. The sun began to set, its orange glow reflecting on the water’s surface as a slight breeze swirled in the air. Everything was perfect.

This was the perfect ending to their day, but not their story. The sun would set on their perfect day, but the stars of their story still burned bright. Some tales end with sunset … theirs was just catching fire.

To continue with book 2: The Dragon’s Gambit.