Page 12 of A Luna's Dynasty
“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 decadentchocolate 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.”
Chapter 8
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.”
