Page 21 of A Luna's Dynasty
A low growl rumbled in Asher’s chest, his silver eyes flashing. “That’s not true. What about Teo?”
She shrugged. “It ... it never would have worked out. Even if we had tried, Teo would have eventually found his mate. It would have caused a rift between us, torn us apart.”
“A fated mate bond is something special. It shouldn’t be ignored. There’s a reason you’re given a fated mate. It’s someone who makes you stronger. Your other half. That connection is precious.”
“No matter what?” Lita asked, studying his eyes.
“No matter what. The Moon Goddess doesn’t make mistakes. We’re meant to be together. I will honor our bond, no matter what.”
She wanted to believe him, to trust in the certainty of his voice, but years of loneliness and rejection weren’t easily forgotten. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she felt Asher’s hand move to her head, his fingers gently massaging her scalp.
“Relax, my little mate,” he murmured, his deep voice soothing in the quiet room. “Let yourself rest.”
“That feels nice,” she whispered, her voice already heavy with approaching sleep.
Asher chuckled softly, the sound rumbling in his chest. “I aim to please … especially when it comes to you.”
As she drifted toward slumber, Lita felt a warmth spreading through her, a sense of safety she'd rarely known. Her last conscious thought was a fleeting wonder—could this be what it felt like to truly belong?
Asher watched as Lita's breathing evened out, her face softening in sleep. A smile tugged at his lips.
Carefully, he shifted to lay his head on the pillow beside her, his silver eyes never leaving her peaceful features.
"Sweet dreams, my love," he whispered, scooting closer until he could wrap his arms around her slender frame. The possessive wolf within him purred with satisfaction as he held her close, breathing in her scent.
As sleep began to claim him as well, Asher marveled at the contentment he felt. Here, with Lita in his arms, he was whole.
A wave of serenity washed over him, a feeling so profound, it startled him from the edges of sleep. His silver eyes snapped open, confusion furrowing his brow. The feeling wasn't his own … it was so pure.
He gazed at Lita's sleeping form, nestled against his chest. Could it be? Was he sensing her emotions?
"Impossible," he murmured, his voice barely a breath. And yet ...
Asher's mind raced, wrestling with the implications. Fated mates shared a powerful bond, yes, but this level of connection was unprecedented. He could almost taste her contentment on his tongue, feel it settling in his bones as if it were his own.
He closed his eyes, trying to focus. Was this real, or just a product of his exhausted mind? Or was their connection greater than a regular fated mate bond? He nestled his head on top of hers, sinking into her warmth. He had found his mate … and she was in his arms, where she belonged. Today was day one of forever with her.
Chapter 12
Warmth enveloped Lita, a cocoon of safety she hadn’t felt in years. Her eyelids fluttered open, confusion clouding her mind as unfamiliar surroundings came into focus. Thiswasn’t her room in the Red Grove Pack house. Soft sunlight filtered through gauzy curtains, painting the walls in a gentle glow. The arms around her tightened slightly, and Lita’s breath caught in her throat as realization dawned.
Asher.
Hello, morning wood,Mira purred in Lita’s mind.
I don’t remember letting you back out.
Sorry about yesterday. I should have been stronger for you back then. I think I was just in so much shock at the rejection of Red Grove, but everything is clear for me now. This is our pack, and we’re going to lead it.
Lita felt Asher’s breath on her neck and could no longer focus on having a conversation with Mira, focusing instead on how he was holding her so delicately in his strong arms, as if she were precious to him.
We are,Mira added. Lita dismissed her wolf, knowing she would say anything to seal their mate bond.
She shifted slightly, trying to ease the tingling in her arm without disturbing him. But Asher stirred, his silver eyes blinking open to meet her gaze. A lazy smile curved his lips.
“Good morning,” he murmured, voice husky with sleep.
Lita felt heat rise to her cheeks. “Morning,” she whispered back, suddenly shy under his intense gaze.
