Page 13 of A Luna's Dynasty
“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 stumbledacross 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.”
