Page 65 of A Luna's Dynasty
“It’s okay.” Lita reached for the ball and then tossed it over to the young boy closest to her. “It was an accident.”
“We’re really sorry. It’s all because Ducky doesn’t know how to catch a ball.”
“I DO TOO! You can’t kick one to save your life.”
“Really?! I can kick your head just fine, and it looks like a ball.”
“Come and try it—”
“You two have some nerve to argue like that in front of Lita.” Brad hopped out of the water and trotted toward them. “The truth is you both need to work on your skills. Go over to the clearing near the small pool. There’s plenty of room there, and no one’s there right now.”
Lita watched as the children swiftly galloped away. “You didn’t need to scold them. I’m fine.”
“I know you’re fine. The children need to be taught consistent respect.” Brad then looked her over. “You’ll want to change. Even for a werewolf, it's chilly in our dome when wet. Especially for you right now—” He stopped himself mid-sentence, but it was too late. Lita snapped her head toward him.
“What does that mean?”
“Right now, with your fairy magic … I imagine it’s taking up a lot of your body … and mind. Enough that your wolf can’t heal you quickly, or keep you warm.”
“I won’t lose her, right?” The words vomited from her mouth quickly. She had been worrying about it ever since she felt Mira receding from her.
“I don’t know. I think things will be clearer once you’ve awakened. You’ll know then. But right now, it’s like a bubble is growing inside of you. It keeps expanding, and until it’s released, it’s squeezing your wolf out.”
As the wind picked up, a cool breeze danced around her legs, causing Lita to shiver slightly, the chill seeping through the scant material and trailing goosebumps across her exposed skin. Brad grabbed her hand and lifted her, holding her against his side.
“Let’s get you warmed up.” His voice was kind, but what he said had Lita in a mild panic. She couldn’t lose her wolf. What kind of luna didn’t have a wolf? Especially in a pack like Black Ice. Would this be a dealbreaker for Asher? If Mira disappeared from her life, would he no longer want her by his side? She couldn’t imagine a life without Mira. She had been with her forso long and had been her confidant, her friend when she was lonely, and her protector. Was it really possible that she could lose her?
As they arrived back at her temporary home, the distant sound of yelling and shouting pierced the air. The cacophony echoed through the quiet neighborhood, a jumble of voices rising and falling, carrying with it a sense of urgency. The noise seemed to ripple through the still afternoon, demanding attention like a booming storm.
Then she heard it: a monstrous roar that thundered through the encampment, shaking the very ground beneath her feet. The sound was a deep, resonant bellow that sent shivers down her spine. She knew that roar all too well. It was Asher.
Chapter 40
Lita ran to the tunnel entrance, with Brad at her side. He had finally come, and she couldn’t wait to see him again.
“I’m not asking! My mate is here!” She heard him growl as she rounded the bend. Her gaze connected with his. His stormy eyes rested on her, and she could see the relief in them. Two centaurs were blocking his path, stopping him from entering the village.
“Let him through.” Lita’s voice was kind but firm. “He’s my mate.”
“Do as she says.” Brad nodded his head as the two centaurs looked to him for approval.
As soon as they moved to the side, Asher ran to her. He engulfed her in his arms, lifting her off the ground.
“I’m never letting go of you again. Lita, I’m sorry it took me so long, but I’m here.” His arms tightened around her as he slowly lowered her back to the ground.
“Is everything okay? I was worried.” She glanced behind him. “Did you come alone?”
“I had to. I couldn’t wait another minute. I left the pack in the middle of the night while everyone was asleep. Caspian wanted to wait for a guardian to come for you. I couldn’t wait any longer, so I left on my own. I mindlinked Caden and told him to watch over the pack, but I had to find you now. I didn’t want to risk a war, so I thought if I came on my own it would be less threatening.”
“Werewolves can think.” Brad hummed with a small smirk. “You are welcome here, since you’re Lita’s mate. However, Lita is not allowed to leave without a guardian. If you need anything, Lita, I’ll be around.” Brad nodded to her before turning and walking away.
“They’re bigger than I thought they’d be.” Asher chuckled, interlacing his fingers with Lita. “What are you wearing?” He stepped back, getting a good look at the revealing clothes.
“They don’t exactly have pants here.” Lita blushed under his burning gaze. “Let’s go back to my house so we can talk.”
“Your house?” Asher frowned, not liking the sound of that.
“The centaurs gave me my own home here,” she said carefully as they walked away from the entrance.
