Page 36 of A Luna's Dynasty
Caden’s eyebrows shot up, but he didn’t hesitate. “Consider it done,” he replied, already rising to his feet. Kristen jumped up with him to help out.
Lita’s heart raced, a mix of emotions swirling within her. “Asher, wait,” she started, her green eyes widening. “You don’t have to—” But they were already out the door.
“I do have to. Your comfort means more to me than anything. I’m going to help you. I’ll help you overcome your anxiety with storms first.” His voice was low and soothing.
Asher’s hand gently cradled the back of her head, his fingers threading through her blonde locks. With infinite tenderness, he tilted her face upward, his silver eyes locked onto her green ones.Lita’s breath caught in her throat as he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
The gesture was so unexpectedly gentle that Lita felt her eyes prickling with unshed tears. “Asher,” she whispered, her voice wavering slightly.
“Shh,” he murmured, his lips still brushing against her skin. “I’ve got you. You’re safe here. Lita, I … I want to mark you soon,” he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. “To make you truly mine.”
“Before you mark me, there are things I want to tell you about me. I want you to know so there are no regrets. But I’m feeling really drained right now, and—”
“Shh, Lita. There is nothing you can say that will make me change my mind. But if you want to tell me later, you can wait.” He rubbed her arms. “Baby, I promise I will behave myself. Can I hold you tonight? Please?” His voice was hesitant and vulnerable. Like a child asking for something they knew was off limits.
“Thank you … for asking and not taking, but if I’m being honest, I want to be in your arms tonight. I could use your comfort.”
His reaction was like that of a child who had just gotten what they wanted, and Lita’s heart couldn’t help but swell at the sight. He stood up, lifting her in his arms and carrying her down the hall to her room. With her body still pressed against him, he climbed onto the soft mattress and settled down on his side, holding her close. His arms were wrapped around her tightly as he tucked her head under his chin, relishing in the warmth she provided.
Lita turned to face him, their noses almost touching. “This is nice,” she whispered, her green eyes searching his silver ones. “I never thought I’d have this.”
Asher’s fingers traced delicate patterns on her back. “You deserve this and so much more, Lita. I promise you, I’ll spend every day showing you just how cherished you are.”
As sleep began to claim her, Lita felt a warmth bloom in her chest, unfurling like a flower reaching for the sun. She nestled closer, breathing in Asher’s comforting scent.
Just before she drifted off, Asher’s voice, barely a whisper, reached her ears. “I love you, Lita Silva. More than you could ever know.”
Chapter 21
Lita stirred, feeling herself being held in a strong, warm embrace. She was blanketed with an amazing scent after having had the most incredible night’s sleep. Primal urges weresurfacing as her animal instincts clawed to take over. She was being held by her fated mate, and her instincts demanded she mate with him.
Her wolf, Mira, purred contentedly within her.This is where we belong.
Asher chuckled softly, the sound rumbling through his chest. “You have no idea how much restraint it’s taking not to ravish you right now.”
Heat flooded Lita’s cheeks. She turned in his arms, meeting his intense silver gaze. “Oh? And here I thought the big bad alpha had perfect control,” she teased, arching an eyebrow.
His eyes darkened with desire, but a playful smirk tugged at his lips. “I do. But you test that control like no other.” His fingers trailed along her arm, leaving goosebumps in their wake. “I want nothing more than to show you how much I want you, how much I need you. But I’ll wait until you’re ready.”
Lita’s heart raced at his words. Part of her longed to give in, to let the mate bond take over. But the cautious side of her, the one that had been hurt too many times, held back.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her hand coming to rest on his chest. She could feel the strong, steady beat of his heart beneath her palm. “For respecting my boundaries.”
Asher’s expression softened, his silver eyes filled with warmth. “Always.”
Lita’s gaze flickered to Asher’s lips, her own parting slightly as she imagined how they might feel against hers. The urge to kiss him was overwhelming.
“I want to kiss you.” His hot breath fanned her lips.
She decided to be upfront and get straight to the heart of the matter. “I won’t lie, I do want to kiss you. But I’ve never kissed anyone on the lips before, so this is a significant moment for me. I just want to make sure that this is meant to be.”
“It is.” Asher’s voice was barely above a whisper as he looked at the full, tempting lips in front of him. Desire shot through him like an electric shock, and his breath quickened with anticipation of what was to come. He couldn’t wait to taste those succulent lips.
Lita playfully placed her hand in front of his mouth, which he teasingly nibbled on. “Slow down,” she said with a smirk.
Asher let out a frustrated grumble but couldn’t resist kissing the fingers that were blocking his lips. “I have plans for those lips later,” he said with a sensual and rough voice.
What if this was just the bond talking? What if he really didn’t want her but a fated mate to strengthen the pack? There was her secret, and then there was him. Should she throw caution to the wind and dive in head first? She wanted him so badly.
