Page 3 of A Luna's Dynasty
Lita snorted with a smile. She didn’t have any intentions of leaving the kitchen, until Mira made her head start throbbing. She looked for the nearest door and quickly went through it, running outside to the trees.
Why are you so worked up, Mira?
Do you smell that? That scent …Her tail wagged in Lita’s mind as she bounced around.
Lita smelled the air and realized that what she’d been smelling wasn’t some dessert from inside. The smell was also out here, and getting closer. That was when she heard it. A soft footstep from behind. It was careful, calculated, not a deer but something bigger. She spun around, her eyes scanning the darkness.
“Who’s there?!” she demanded, squaring her shoulder back confidently. There was no fear, only the willingness to fight if she had to.
Silence. Then another step, closer now. A shadow formed behind a tree. Tall, broad shoulders, moving with the grace of a wolf. She could feel Mira pressing against the inside of her ribs, desperate to get closer, to touch him, to understand.
For a moment, he stood there, then slowly stepped into the light. His hair was black and thick, and his handsome face was accented by his silver eyes. Suddenly, Mira let out a loud howl in her mind. A howl of pure need … a howl of recognition.
Mate.
The word slammed Lita in the gut. Mira was beyond reason, yipping and tumbling, already in love.
“So you do feel it too?” An amused smirk spread over his lips while his stormy eyes stayed locked onto hers. “I was beginning to wonder, because you didn’t look my way once inside.”
Lita looked at him in confusion. “You were watching me?”
“My wolf, Bo, demanded it.” He took a step closer and she took one back.
“I’m not going to hurt you.” His eyes suddenly looked wounded.
“I … I don’t know you.”
“Give me a chance.” He gave her a sweet smile as he took another step closer. “I’ve been looking for you. I’m Asher … Alpha Asher Chain of the Black Ice Pack. And I’ve been waiting for my mate to show up. What’s your name?”
Lita chewed on her inner lip for a moment. “I’m Lita Silva, a healer, and daughter of Alpha Nathon Silva from the Red Grove Pack. And I’m not looking for a mate.” She took another step back and he held up his hand.
“Wait … I’ve finally found you. Can we talk?”
“No, because you’re looking at me as your mate.”
“Well, aren’t you?” He chuckled, staring into her beautiful green eyes.
“No. Forget that you found me. I’m doing us both a favor. You’re going to have to trust me. Find someone better to be by your side.” She took a small step back. It was more difficult than she thought it would be. This was the person she was supposed to share everything with. But it couldn’t be. Still, she couldn’t help but stare into his eyes. They weren't just silver. They were storm clouds, summer lightning, the kind of sky that warns you to run for shelter and makes you want to stand outside anyway.
He smiled, slow and crooked. “That’s not what Mira says.”
Lita’s mouth popped open. “How do you—”
“Bo has been howling nonstop. He’s already spoken to your wolf and is whispering her name like the lovesick pup we both are.” He took another step, and the morning sun lanced through the branches, painting his skin in light and shadows. The man was built like a threat and a promise, shoulders broad enoughto block out the sun and abs cut like someone took a chisel to marble. Even through his shirt, it was easy to see his rippling muscles. And that was when she realized she was staring.Damnit Lita, have some willpower!
“Lita,” he said, the name heavy with meaning that she didn’t understand. But his eyes were filled with desire. She had to get away from him. This wasn’t going to end well. She took another step back.
“Now wait a minute–” Asher began to say, but she turned and ran.
I don’t need a mate,she told herself as Mira whined.He isn’t ours to keep, Mira. We both know how this will end. We’ve lived it.She ran along the path and into the back door of the house.
MY MATE!Bo growled as he fought against Asher.
Bo, we’re going after her. Just give me a minute. She isn’t going anywhere.
“Caden!” Asher barked. A large man jogged over to him from the woods. His dark brown hair fell in waves over his forehead, framing sharp brown eyes that held a sense of warmth and strength. His physique was sculpted and formidable, a testament to his role as second-in-command.
“Well, that went swimmingly, didn’t it? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a female run away from you quite so fast.” Caden chuckled as he watched his alpha staring at where she disappeared. “Well, aren’t you going to go after her?”
