Page 73 of A Luna's Dynasty
“I can deal with the outcome of that.” It sounded like a decent plan to Caspian. Who doesn’t like lounging around eating food and watching movies? And after what they’d been through the last few days, it sounded like the perfect reward.
“Okay, but I like to watch thrillers.” Grayson smirked as he noticed Lita fidget uncomfortably. He remembered that Lita never did like scary movies.
“Sounds like you have things already planned out. We’re really going to miss you.” Brad rubbed the back of his neck. “I’d like to send some warriors to your pack for extra protection. And if it’s okay, I’d like to visit.”
“Of course. You’re welcome to come and visit anytime.” Lita glanced up at Asher who nodded his head. “And I promise Grayson won’t try to choke you again.” She shot Grayson a look, but he only shrugged.
“As long as he doesn’t touch you, there won’t be any problems.” Grayson grinned and winked at her. “I’m more possessive than your mate.”
“Perfect.” Lita sighed in annoyance. “Just what I need. Another man-boy in my life.”
“Hey!” Grayson and Asher shouted in unison as Caspian chuckled.
“You’re all set to leave. You’re no longer bound to this place.” Brad looked back at his village. “It’s going to feel empty here without your presence, but I’m happy for you, Lita. I’ll come and see you soon. And if you ever need anything, all you have to do is ask. You will always have a home here.”
“Thank you, Brad. I appreciate it.” Lita smiled and then looked at the tunnel exit. Finally, she could leave, and she was ready to. It was nice visiting, but she was ready to really start her life. Back home at the Black Ice Pack.
Chapter 46
Fallen leaves crunched underfoot as Asher and Lita wound through the woods, their clasped hands swinging between them in time with each determined step. The air was alive with thecrisp smell of dirt and pine, a breeze sending shivers through Lita’s bones and scattering her hair in wild, loose strands. She tucked the wayward pieces behind her ears, focusing on Asher’s touch. The heat of his skin against hers. His silver eyes that seemed to burn just for her. And the way he looked at her, as if she were the most important person in the world … she burned this memory in her heart. There was no going back. She was completely in love and was embracing it.
Behind them, Caspian groaned as he picked a leaf from his hair. “If I don’t get a shower soon, I’m going to start sprouting roots.”
Lita grinned back at him. “Is that why you look so rough? I figured you’d have given up and gone home earlier.”
Asher chuckled, the sound deep and intimate. Lita reveled in it. A lifetime of never quite belonging left a shadow in her mind, but she trusted and believed in Asher.
Caspian pulled a face, flicking the leaf away. “Abandoning you would have saved me three days of camping. I never could have done that, though. Ever.”
“I had no idea what the trail was like or how far away it was.” Lita watched as Grayson snapped his head in her direction. “They drugged me and I was unconscious. Otherwise, they never would have taken me.”
Grayson’s low rumble reached them from where he walked, his footsteps heavier than the rest. “Those bastards. Damn nags! I should have laid into them more. I didn’t realize they had drugged you, too.” Grayson growled through his teeth. The idea that someone had taken her was bad enough, but to drug her … he didn’t care what their reason was.
“I know what they did was wrong, but I hope we can maybe form an understanding or an alliance with them. There’s never been one between centaurs and werewolves. Maybe I can be the bond between them.”
“You’re very special, Lita. You can be the bridge for your pack and reach where no one else ever could. The Black Ice Pack is very fortunate to have you.” Grayson glanced back to Asher with a knowing look.
“Not just the pack. I’m lucky to have her.” Asher dropped Lita’s hand and swung his arm around her shoulders, squeezing her into him.
Lita glanced away, feeling the flush rise to her cheeks. Her wolf, Mira, danced in her mind, full of nervous energy. Her connection to Mira was flickering through, and it made her wonder why her wolf was anxious.
She was so focused on Mira that she wasn’t paying attention and tripped over a root. Asher’s steady hand kept her from falling.
“Careful,” he cooed to her, with a grin that reached her soul.
“It must be a moving tree. That root wasn’t there before.” She cleared her throat, trying to mask her embarrassment. “Gray, is that your truck?”
“One of them,” he said proudly.
“You picked that color on purpose?” She curled her nose up and looked at him.
“Hey! You want to walk back? Besides,” Grayson moved quickly to the driver’s side and swung the door open with a shrug. “I hear burnt orange is in fashion.”
Caspian rolled his eyes, tugging off his shirt and tossing it in the bed of the truck. “Anything’s better than the mess I’m wearing.”
“Stop complaining and get in,” Grayson said. Asher and Lita exchanged an amused look as they climbed inside. She settled next to him, allowing herself to be squeezed between his warmth and Grayson’s solid form. A sudden wave of happiness caught her off guard. She was content, as if between these two men was where she was meant to be.
There was an intimidating aura between the two of them. It was like sitting between two alphas. What was Grayson exactly? He only said he wasn’t a werewolf, but he didn’t elaborate. It was just another thing she would have to ask him about later. Maybe he was a powerful wizard that could conjure the elements or something cool like that. It at least gave her something interesting to think about during the ride home. The engine roared and rumbled like a living thing, matching the pulse of anxiety that beat in her chest.
