Page 165 of A Luna's Dynasty
“I think you’re right. This is going to hurt me more than it’ll hurt you, Hunter,” Chasen said with a fake frown.
Chasen and Brody grabbed their victims’ heads and raised their arms, slowly moving their armpits toward their faces.
“Okay okay! I’ll tell! I’ll tell!” Reiya squealed as she pushed away from her brother.
Suddenly, Brody and Chasen were both effortlessly hoisted in the air. “Now, that is no way to treat your younger siblings.”
“Uncle Grayson, let go!” Chasen growled as he struggled to get free.
“I think a lesson must be learned,” Grayson said with an evil glint in his eyes. In a swift movement, he lodged both boys’ heads under his armpits. “Now, now, boys, you struggle in vain. You’re too young to have a chance against me.”
“And you wonder where they learned such dirty tactics.” Asher chuckled as he headed their way.
“Pleeeeaaaasssse …” Grayson drawled out in an arrogant tone. “I teach them good lessons. Don’t listen to your father, he isn’t aging well … mentally,” he teased as he released his two hostages, turning to face Asher.
“Well …” Asher began as Reiya ran up to him.
“Daddy!” she cheered, leaping into his arms.
Asher raised her above his head before bringing her down to his chest. “Reiya, you and Hunter are too close to the pack borders. You know your mother and I don’t allow you to be this far from the pack house.”
“But Daddy, we were just doing like you asked,” Reiya said, batting her eyelashes at her father.
“We never said to go this far out just to keep your older brothers busy.” Asher sighed and shook his head. He couldn’t be mad at his little princess. “Just remember to stay farther away from the borders. It’s safer near the house.”
“Safer from what, Daddy?” Reiya asked and watched as her father looked over at her Uncle Grayson quietly.
“From the many dangers of the world,” Asher said, giving her a small smile.
“What kind of dangers, Daddy?”
“The kind of danger you’ll be in for disobeying your momma.” Lita’s voice rang out as she walked up to everyone. “The rules aremade for a reason—to keep you safe. You children know this is too far out.” She then raised her eyes at Asher. “You’re being too easy on them.”
The rules were made to keep the children safe. Demons had been found too close to the pack territory, and they were afraid they were spies sent by Abaas. They hadn’t seen or heard from him since their last battle, but they knew he made it out of the river. It was only a matter of time before he would come for Reiya. Lita figured he was waiting for her daughter to get older. The safest place for Reiya would be Elysia. They knew they would have to take her there in order to truly keep her safe. Until then, it was imperative that the children follow the rules they had in place.
“Sorry, mom. I should have kept a better eye on her.” Brody looked down at the ground, feeling bad for letting his parents down. He remembered the dangers of the demons out there. It was another reason why he was so protective of Reiya. He felt arms wrap around him in a gentle embrace as his mother patted his back.
“You’re still a kid, Brody. Reiya isn’t your responsibility. That goes for both of you. Be kids. Have fun. You don’t have to worry about these two. That’s your father’s job, and mine. Speaking of you two still being kids …” Lita reached out and grabbed onto Chasen’s hand. “We have a surprise for you two.”
“A surprise? For what?” Chasen asked.
“Your birthday!” Hunter said, jumping around excitedly.
“But we already celebrated our birthday last week,” Brody said, as Lita giggled.
“Oh my sweet boys …” She squeezed both Brody and Chasen, hugging them both. Her babies were growing up on her. Her baby werebears were now officially teenagers at the age of thirteen. No matter how big they would get, they would alwaysbe her sweet little bear cubs. “You didn’t really think that was it, did you? Just a cake?”
“We fooled them good,” Grayson boasted loudly with a big grin. “Come on, Hunter!” He reached down, hoisting the boy up onto his shoulders.
“Uncle Grayson, I’m getting too old for this,” Hunter said, though he was smiling happily.
“Your Uncle Grayson is a tank! I could carry Brody and Chasen too, all three of you at the same time, and not even break a sweat.”
“Can we show them?!” Reiya asked animatedly.
“Yes, we’re showing them now.” Asher chuckled.
“We had to have Hunter and Reiya keep you busy while your presents were delivered.” Lita walked holding onto both of her boys’ arms. It seemed like only yesterday she met them in Elysia, and now they were teenagers.
