Page 24 of A Luna's Dynasty
“I might be possessive and protective over her, but my mate is strong. She is a gifted healer too … a wonderful asset to our pack.”
Her healing abilities, often overlooked in her old pack, were valued here. She was valued here.
As the pack members pressed closer, eager to meet their new luna, Lita felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. But with Asher’s steady presence beside her and the welcoming smiles of her new pack, she allowed herself to hope. Perhaps here, finally, she had found a place to truly belong. At least for now, she would pretend it was real and wouldn’t end.
A familiar voice cut through the murmur of the crowd. “Speaking of healing abilities,” Caden called out, his tone playful as he pushed through the throng of pack members. He held up his hand, flexing his fingers dramatically. “I’d like to personally thank our new luna for saving me from a life of one-handed beta duties.”
Lita began to laugh. “Dramatic much?”
Caden grinned, his brown eyes warm as he addressed the pack. “Seriously though, you should have seen her. One momentI’m contemplating a future of awkward handshakes, the next—poof! Good as new.” He wiggled his fingers for emphasis, eliciting chuckles from those gathered around. The crowd around him laughed, knowing their beta liked to joke.
Asher’s arm tightened around her waist and Lita closed her eyes, savoring the moment. This feeling was so foreign, yet so right. Is this what belonging truly felt like?
In her mind’s eye, she saw flashes of her past. The lonely nights in the Red Grove Pack house, forced smiles at gatherings where she was always an outsider. The contrast was stark, almost painful in its intensity.
We’re home,Mira’s voice echoed in her head. Lita’s eyes fluttered open, meeting Asher’s silver gaze. The love and pride she saw there made her breath catch.
Asher’s fingers traced a gentle path along Lita’s spine, sending tingles through her body. He leaned down, his breath warm against her ear. “Are you ready to meet the rest of the pack, my luna? They’re all waiting outside.”
She took a deep breath, inhaling Asher’s comforting scent. “I think so,” she whispered.
Asher’s lips brushed her temple, a reassuring kiss that made her melt against him. “They’re going to love you.”
As Lita gazed up at him, a realization dawned on her. The longing she’d always felt, the desire to belong, was all leading her here, to this moment, to this pack. To Asher. She wanted this, wanted to be part of the Black Ice Pack, to carve out a place for herself at Asher’s side. But her damn secret was still looming between them. She found herself hesitant to tell him the truth about herself. If she didn’t … could she keep him?
We could have a home here, Mira’s voice echoed in her mind, mirroring her own thoughts.
Before Lita could respond, a sudden commotion erupted outside. Asher’s head snapped up, his body tensing beside her.Through the open window, his voice boomed, amplified by speakers.
“Get. Out.”
“How easily you’re discarding me now. I’ve been a loyal pack member … just like my family was.” Next, they heard Felicia’s cry.
They stepped outside to see Felicia trying to take her phone away from another pack member. “Give it back. Don’t play that!”
Lita’s fists clenched at her sides. Even from this distance, she could see the calculated look in Felicia’s eyes, the way she batted her lashes at the surrounding pack members.
Mira’s rage surged within Lita, a molten fury that threatened to consume them both. The black wolf snarled, her hackles rising.Let me at her. I’ll tear that manipulative bitch apart.
Lita’s heart raced, but she fought to maintain control.No, Mira, this is Asher’s battle to fight. We can’t interfere.Mira growled but quieted down.
Asher growled low in his throat. “I’ll handle this.”
His towering form approached Felicia, his silver eyes flashing with fury. “You recorded me?!”
“It was an accident. I didn’t know. I never would have played it. I don’t want anyone to think badly of you.” Felicia’s lower lip trembled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Asher, please,” she pleaded, her voice breaking. “I know you’re angry, but can we talk? For ... for my brother’s memory?”
The change in Asher was immediate and visceral. His shoulders sagged, the fire in his eyes dimming to embers. Lita watched, her heart constricting as guilt etched itself across his features.
“Felicia,” Asher said, his voice softer now.
Caden stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. His brown eyes swept over the gathered pack members, his voice ringing out clear and authoritative.
“Listen up, everyone. I know this is a difficult situation, but we need to remember what’s truly important here. Asher has found his fated mate in Lita.”
Lita felt a flush creep up her neck as all eyes turned to her. Caden continued, his words measured and firm.
“A fated pair strengthens not just each other, but the entire pack. Lita will make Asher stronger, and in turn, make us all stronger. As pack members, it’s our duty to show respect to both our alpha and our new luna.
