Page 8 of A Luna's Dynasty
“Like I said, I don’t care, and it doesn’t matter. I want her. And honestly, you know there isn’t a stronger pack out there. Who can protect her better than me? You’ve been her protector? Well, you haven’t protected her from being neglected by your pack—”
“That isn’t our way!” Drew snapped back.
“Well, it is mine!” Asher growled. “And it should have been that way in your pack, too!”
Drew's brows furrowed, creating deep creases in his forehead as he glared at Asher with a mixture of concern and protectiveness. But if he was being honest with himself … Asher was right. They should have done better, and he hated that they’d never put a stop to it. It was because his father wanted to encourage free will. Well, fuck that. When he became the alpha, things were going to change. What happened to Lita would never happen to anyone else.
“I should have done better,” he admitted. “You’re right … we should have done so much better.” He rested his hands on the table. “Will you promise me something? Promise me that you’ll take care of her.” Drew’s voice quieted then. “Please take care of her. She’s important to me. She is such an amazing person. She is so strong, but she hides her emotions. She pretends so you don’t worry, which means you really have to watch out for her.”
Asher's piercing gaze softened as he stared at Drew. "You have my word," he promised. The corners of his lips turned up into a subtle smile, showing that he truly meant what he said.
Drew's voice trembled as he made his last heartfelt request. "One more thing, please. I beg you, don't leave her alone during a thunderstorm." His eyes pleaded with the man who would soon take his sister away. "The day her mother was killed, there was a horrible storm. She still hasn't recovered from it, and any storm brings back painful memories." Drew's shoulders slumped in sadness as he remembered the tragedy. "I've been there for her through every storm since then." He could only hope this man would be a source of comfort and strength for his sister in times of fear and turmoil. “She needs someone so she doesn’t get stuck in the past.”
Asher's heart swelled with warmth toward Drew, his admiration for the way he felt about his sister growing stronger.It was evident that she held a special place in his heart, and her happiness was a priority. Though he could have done a better job in his own pack with that. "I may come from a pack with a fierce reputation, but there’s no need to worry. Your sister is my luna and will be given the respect she deserves. I’m going to take care of her."
“Alpha Nathon, has everything been resolved?” an alpha asked as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
“Yes.” He moved away from her to go speak with the other packs and Teo came up to Lita.
“Lita, you’re not going, are you?”
“Like I said, it was really only a matter of time before I ended up leaving. I thought it would be after Drew took over as Alpha. I’m sure I won’t end up staying in the Black Ice Pack, and when that chapter closes, I’ll move on to one of the cities. Maybe I’ll work as a human doctor and a supernatural healer.” She forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“Of course it’ll work out. I already told you that you’re amazing. Who wouldn’t want you? I should have made my move earlier. I can’t let you leave without saying how I feel—”
“Teo, please don’t. I have to go. Asher is my mate, and I’ve agreed to go with him. Even if it will only mean more pain later.”
“I’m warning you, beta to beta, keep your distance from my alpha’s luna!” Caden growled, baring his fangs as he challenged Teo.
“I loved her first!” Teo snarled back, reaching for Lita. Then it was a blur. The claws came out, snarls ripped through the room, and it was barely a second before Drew and Asher each had a hold of their betas.
“Caden, out to the car!” Asher ordered, letting go of him to move closer to Lita. His hand moved around her gently but possessively as he glared at Teo. “I understand how you feel. I would fight for her, too. But Lita is my mate, and one day you’ll understand what it means to find your mate. You will grab hold of her and never let go, because you know she is your only chance for happiness.”
Lita glanced up at Asher, his piercing gray eyes gazing down at her. “I’m securing our future. Our happiness. Lita, your pack has made you feel unwanted. I don’t care about their reasons. I don’t care about your secret. It doesn’t matter to me. The Moon Goddess blessed me with you, and she gave me to you. We don’t know better than her, do we? So let’s see what she knows.” He smiled at her and slid his arm around to hold her hand. “Okay?”
“What’s all this?” Kennedy asked as she walked in from the sitting room, completely oblivious. Her eyes landed on Asher and her lips parted in shock. It was the alpha all the girls swooned over at the parties, the one that was sculpted by the gods themselves. She had to try not to drool as she walked to Drew’s side.
“Lita has found her mate, and she’s leaving.”
“Alpha Asher is your mate?!” Kennedy’s mouth popped open as she gawked at Lita.
“Yes,” Lita answered quietly.
“And he wants you even after you told him about yourself?” Kennedy heard the double growls in the room, and her shoulders hunched down in submission. Both Drew and Asher snarled at her.
“Careful, Kennedy.” Drew glared at her.We’re going to discuss this later!
“Disrespecting my luna is like disrespecting me.” Asher felt Lita’s other hand reach over to pat his arm.
“She’s my brother’s mate. It’s okay.” Lita was used to this type of attitude, and it didn’t bother her. What shocked her was how he immediately calmed down with her touch.
“It isn’t okay, Lita. None of this was ever okay.” He lifted her hand to his lips, lightly kissing it. A small pink blush stained her cheeks … the most adorable color in the world to him. He then lifted his gaze to Kennedy. “I will let your rudeness slide only because my mate wishes it. But don’t let it happen again.” He sighed, looking back at Lita. “Ready to go home?”
Chapter 6
Asher's strong hand gently guided Lita to the sleek black SUV, his touch igniting sparks and tingles over her body.
“A moment.” Nathon came running over and pulled Lita into a big embrace. “I love you. You’re perfect and amazing. There is so much more to you than you realize. Trust yourself and stay close to Asher. He can protect you better than I can.” He kissed Lita’s forehead and smiled at her. “I’m proud of the woman you are.”
