Page 75 of A Luna's Dynasty
She let out a breath through her nose. “I thought I was going to burn to death. It was like a fire was burning inside me and holding me down at the same time. What were you doing?”
Grayson’s deep, calm voice filled the cab of the truck. “Caspian was suppressing your presence. Someone’s searching for you, Lita. Hard.”
“I could feel it. The presence. The darkness.”
Grayson’s brow furrowed, surprise flickering across his face. “You could sense it?”
“Vaguely,” she admitted. “It was—terrifying.”
Asher pulled her to him, the warmth of his arms banishing the last traces of fear. “You’re safe,” he promised, the conviction in his voice settling deep into her bones. “I’ll never lose you again.”
Grayson’s brows furrowed and he glanced up at the rearview mirror at Caspian. Things were going to be coming to a head soon, and they needed to be ready.
Asher pulled her into his side so he could inspect her body, tenderly rubbing her arm and smoothing her hair. He wanted to pull her away from Caspian when he saw her in pain, but he knew he was protecting her. Caspian had explained several things to Asher about himself and abilities. It had helped him understand what Caspian was doing just a moment ago.
“I feel really tired.” Lita’s eyelids drooped heavily. Whatever happened a moment ago took a lot out of her.
The truck rumbled to a stop outside the pack house, and Asher swept her up as if she weighed nothing at all. She barely had the strength to protest as he carried her inside, pushing past an excited Kristen and Caden.
“Thank goodness you’re back!” Kristen’s voice was bright and eager. “And all in one piece, too.”
Caden’s grin was quick and teasing. “Look who finally decided to show up. It’s about time.”
Lita managed a weary smile, resting her head against Asher’s shoulder. He carried her up the stairs and into his room, laying her down with the gentleness of someone handling a fragile treasure.
“I’m right here,” he murmured, settling beside her and pulling her close. His arms were like steel around her, the fierce embrace of someone who couldn’t bear to let go.
Lita pressed against him, the steady beat of his heart a lullaby that coaxed her into sleep. The presence, the pain, the terrible threat—it all seemed distant now. All that remained was Asher’s warmth and the quiet promise that he wouldn’t leave her side.
This was the first time she had been back in their bed since he marked her. The memory of that night stirred Asher’s desire for her. He wanted nothing more than to be able to taste her here at home. He had time, though. She was back, and he made a promise to himself that he would never lose her again.
He leaned his head on hers and listened to the sound of her rhythmic breathing. She had fallen asleep so quickly as Asher laid there holding her. The past several days were a nightmare for him that he never wished to experience again. She was so precious to him. She was home and safe, for now, but it wasn’t over. There was still a threat out there, after his angel. They wouldn’t be totally at peace until the threat was eliminated, something that would not be an easy feat. That was a problem for another day, though. Lita was home, and they had worked out their relationship problems. He was going to enjoy this time and enjoy her. His body relaxed as he melded into her side, slowly drifting off to sleep with her.
Chapter 47
Lita began to stir ever so slightly, causing Asher to wake up. They were both exhausted and had slept through the evening, not waking until the following morning. He looked down at herdelicate face as she buried her head deeper into his chest. He kissed her forehead and gently pulled away from her, chuckling as he heard her whimper in protest.
“I’m going to get your bathwater going. Then I need to check on the pack. What do you want to have for dinner tonight?” Asher tucked her hair away from her face as he watched her eyes pop open.
“Pizza. We’re having a pizza and movie night in the game room.” Lita’s eyes lit up as she remembered the plans she had made the day before.
“Oh? We are?” Asher watched her nod her head and smile up at him.
“I decided on it yesterday, remember? Your job is to make sure you supply plenty of pizza … Oh, and breadsticks too, with sauce.” Lita was making herself hungry just thinking about her dinner plans.
Asher chuckled quietly. “Alright, sounds like a plan.” He walked into the bathroom and turned on the water before walking back over to the bed. “Enjoy your bath, and I’ll see you soon.” He leaned down and kissed her lips tenderly before reluctantly pulling away. With one last, longing glance, he turned and left the room.
Lita stretched her arms over her head and sighed with happiness as she heard the tub filling up. She was going to enjoy this bath. She’d been dreaming of it for days, and now she was finally going to relax. She walked into the steamy bathroom and slipped her clothes off, dipping her toe in to test the water out first before she eased herself into the heavenly warmth. The heat hugged and soothed her body as she slid herself down into the water. This was a much-needed bath.
After soaking until she was wrinkled and flushed, she finally parted from the water but promised she would visit again soon. She quickly got dressed and made her way downstairs.
Before she’d even fully found her footing on the first floor, she was pounced on by Kristen.
“I was so worried about you! Are you alright? How were you treated? What was it like? You have to tell me everything!” Kristen excitedly held onto Lita’s hands as she spewed a barrage of questions.
Lita giggled. “Let’s start with ‘I missed you too, Kristen.’”
“How are you feeling?” Grayson walked up to her from behind.
