Page 18 of A Luna's Dynasty
Garrett's laugh was rich and warm, filling the quiet kitchen. "Work? This isn't work, Luna. It's just ... normal." He shrugged, his eyes gleaming with pride. "It's the least we can do to keep our pack safe. Enemies are everywhere, just waiting for the right moment to attack." He lifted the remaining half of his sandwich, offering it to her with a grin. "Here, want some? Nothing beats a midnight snack for chasing away worries."
Lita couldn't help but laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Thanks, but I'll pass," she said, her green eyes twinkling with amusement. “Just the tea will be fine.” As she spoke, Caden sauntered in.
“Tea? I’ll get the hot water started for you.” He moved to the stove. “I guess we’re all night owls here.”
"What's got you up at this hour?" Lita watched him as he moved around the kitchen.
Caden flashed her a roguish grin. "Growing boy, remember? Need my midnight snacks before I start my shift at patrol." His gaze slid to Garrett's sandwich, eyebrow raising in mock hope.
Garrett clutched his food protectively. "Make your own. This one is mine.”
“Sheesh, so protective over food.” Caden snorted, moving around in the kitchen as the water began to whistle.
Caden reached for a nearby glass, and Lita's contentment shattered along with the cup. Hot water cascaded over Caden's hand, steam rising as glass shards embedded themselves in his skin.
"Shit," Caden hissed, more annoyed than pained.
Garrett clicked his tongue, utterly unperturbed. "Wrong cup, genius. Those ones can't handle the heat."
Lita's healer instincts kicked in instantly. She rushed to Caden's side, heart pounding. "Let me see," she commanded,gently taking his arm. Her eyes scanned his face, checking for signs of shock. "Are you okay? Did any steam hit your eyes?"
Caden's expression softened, a mix of surprise and something deeper flickering in his gaze. "I'm fine, Lita. Really. Werewolf healing, remember?"
But Lita couldn't shake the image of glass buried in his flesh, her chest tight with worry. She'd seen too many wounds left to "heal on their own" go badly.
Lita's eyes narrowed as she noticed Caden's skin already attempting to knit itself back together. "Stop," she commanded, her voice firm but tinged with concern. "You can't heal with glass still in there. It'll just trap it deeper."
She turned to Garrett, who was watching the scene with mild curiosity. "First aid kit. Now."
Garrett blinked, his sandwich frozen halfway to his mouth. "Uh... we have one of those?"
Lita felt a flash of exasperation. "You're telling me a pack of werewolves doesn't keep basic medical supplies?"
As if summoned by the mounting tension, a woman with auburn hair appeared on the stairway. "Did someone say first aid kit?" she asked, her gaze quickly assessing the situation. "I know where we keep one. I'll grab it."
"Thanks, Kristen," Garrett called after her retreating form. “That’s my mate.” He beamed proudly.
Lita guided Caden to a nearby chair, her touch gentle but insistent. She grabbed a clean dish towel, pressing it beneath his injured hand to catch the blood. "Hold still," she murmured, her professional aura rising to the surface.
Caden's lips quirked into a wry smile. "It's really not necessary. The glass will work its way out eventually."
Lita clicked her tongue, annoyance flaring. "And risk infection or improper healing? Not on my watch." She paused, a troublingthought occurring to her. "Wait, is this how your pack usually handles injuries? Just ... letting them sort themselves out?"
Caden had the grace to look slightly sheepish. "We don't exactly have a dedicated healer. There are some nurses and midwives around, but for anything serious, we'd go to a hospital in town."
Lita stared at him, momentarily speechless. Here was a whole pack of werewolves, and they didn’t have a healer?!
"Well," she said softly, meeting Caden's eyes, "maybe it's time that changed."
“It has,” he grinned. “You’re here, so now we have a luna healer.”
Chapter 11
The side door swung open and Kristen bustled in, a battered first aid kit clutched in her hands. A thin layer of dust coated its surface. She set it on the counter with a hesitant smile.
"I hope everything inside is still good," Kristen said, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Her gaze flicked between Lita and Caden, a mixture of curiosity and concern in her eyes. "I'm Kristen, by the way. It's a pleasure to meet you, even under these circumstances."
"Thank you, Kristen. I'm Lita. I really appreciate your help."
