Page 67 of A Luna's Dynasty
“If it wasn’t for his sacrifice, I’d probably be dead right now. He was all she had. As he was taking his last breath, he said his sister’s name. It was all he managed to say. His last thought was of her. I knew he wanted me to take care of her in his place. And I did, you know? I made sure she was involved. I kept her close. I interacted with her a lot, and she developed feelings for me. I cared for her, but never on a romantic level. I was discouraged about not finding my mate, and I knew that she wanted to be with me more than anything. It was a hasty decision that I made out of frustration and guilt. I indulged her, thinking that, as my mate, I could always look out for her. I was wrong. It was such a big mistake … but I couldn’t shake the guilt. That she had no one because of her brother’s sacrifice. It became a heavy weight on me. I couldn’t sleep at night. I had no idea how I was going to be a good mate to her. Then I met you, and the world wasn’t so dark anymore. The suffocating weight began to lift, and beside you … I was finally able to sleep. It was the first time I’d slept throughthe night in months. Being next to you … the wounds and guilt I was carrying—it was like you were a balm to my soul. I wasn’t suffocating from them anymore, and they healed. I couldn’t even be more sympathetic to Felicia, because I was free … I wasn’t in emotional pain. You healed me. You gave me a new life—a new beginning. The world finally made sense again because I had you. It wasn’t just the mate bond. It was you. I couldn’t move on before. I was stuck in the past, stuck in my pain and loss. Not anymore.” He reached out, grabbing her hands and bringing them to his lips.
“As much as I love my pack, I can live without them. But I can’t live without you. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Felicia before. I didn’t want you to think badly of me, but I didn’t know how to say it without it sounding bad. I was wrong to take her as my fiancée when I didn’t care for her. I made it clear to her that I only want you. And if I need to prove that to you by leaving Black Ice Pack, then I will. Gladly.”
“Asher—” Lita shook her head swiftly as her eyes welled up with tears. “I don’t want you to leave your pack. They need you, just like I do. I’m sorry. I have insecurities, and I struggle to accept being wanted. It’s easier for me to believe there’s an alternative reason rather than to believe you actually want me. I don’t think badly of you for what you did. Your heart was in the right place, even if it was a little misguided. You were sacrificing your own happiness, and I’m sure her brother never wanted that for you. And, if I may, I think Felicia knew of your guilt and took advantage of it.”
“I think you’re right. I let my guilt blind me to things.” He peppered tiny kisses on her fingers.
“Was she okay? She took off when the wolves appeared. I ran after her, but she disappeared.”
“She was fine.” Asher growled. “I can’t forgive her for abandoning you. As my luna, it’s her job to stay by your side and defend you.”
“Luckily, the centaurs came. Of course, they did abduct me.” Lita smiled as Asher growled again. “But everything’s okay now, isn’t it? We are—”
“We’re more than okay. I love you, and I don’t ever want to be away from you this long again.” He dropped her hands to wrap his arms around her, holding her tight and breathing in her scent. “You know,” he smirked against her head. “I am kind of like your knight. I’ve come for the princess who was abducted.”
“Oh? And how should I reward my hero?” she asked coquettishly.
“I’d settle for a kiss … for now.”
She tilted her head up to him and he met her lips, melting into them. He leaned in, capturing her soul as the kiss deepened. Their tongues passionately danced together as his hands roamed over her. She felt the hard lines of his body as her fingers sprawled out against his chest.
As they slowly parted, breathless and hearts racing, Lita heard Mira purr with delight.
I told you so,Mira chided.
Mira! I was wondering when you were going to speak up.
I’ve just been listening and waiting for when I was needed, but you seemed to figure it out on your own.Her voice sounded tired, which made Lita frown.
Mira, will I lose you? When my fairy magic fully awakens, will you still be here?
It was quiet for a moment before she finally replied.I’ll always be part of you, even if we can’t mentally communicate. Things will happen how they’re supposed to. No matter what, it’ll be okay. And if I’m not around to confide in, then trust our mate.Confide in him. You aren’t alone anymore … you’ll never be alone now.
Asher caught the flicker of a shadow across Lita's face, a brief clouding of her bright green eyes. He lifted her chin gently with a finger, concern etching lines into his brow.
“Is everything okay?”
“It’s Mira. Lately, it’s a struggle for her to communicate with me. With the awakening of my magic, I’m afraid I might lose her forever. She’s been part of me for so long. The idea of her not being there makes my chest hurt.”
“I wish I could do something, but I can promise that I will be by your side. No matter what happens, I’ll be with you every step of the way.” His silver eyes poured the depth of his promise into hers.
“I love you,” she whispered, seeing his eyes light up from her words.
“I love you.” He leaned in, kissing her forehead.
“It’s okay, Asher. I’ll be okay here until the guardian shows up. Now that you found me, you can—”
“No,” he said firmly. “I’m not leaving you. I’m staying right here until that damn, good-for-nothing guardian shows up. I told you, I’m not letting you leave my side again.” He prodded her nose as a soft rap at the door interrupted them.
"Come in," Lita called out.
The door creaked open and a young boy, no older than eight, poked his head through the gap. His eyes sparkled with excitement. "Miss Lita, mama said to fetch you and your mate to come to the dining hall. There is a feast, a big one! It’s to celebrate the arrival of your mate.”
"Thank you," Asher said, offering the boy a gentle smile. “We’ll be there.” The child scampered away, leaving the door open. Through the cracked door, the scent of roasted meat and sweetherbs wafted in the air. “My arrival is being celebrated. I’m kind of a big deal,” he said with a cocky wink.
Lita giggled and made her way to the door. “I was hungry for something else, but you already accepted their dinner invitation.” She looked back to see the objection on his lips. “Too late now. Let’s go to dinner.” She listened to his dark chuckle as he caught her by the waist.
“Dinner now … dessert later.”
