Page 23 of A Luna's Dynasty
"Listen, I'm here for you, no matter what. You know that, right?"
"I do," Lita replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, Drew. I’m glad that I have a brother like you."
“Drew, are you ready?” Lita heard Kennedy’s voice calling out to her brother.
“Sounds like you’re running late. I’ll talk with you later.”
“Lita, if you do leave, call me and let me know. Let me help you get established.”
She smiled and nodded. Just the thought of leaving Asher made her chest constrict. “I will. Love you, Drew! Bye.” Quickly ending the call before she got too emotional, she took a few deep, calming breaths.
She had a wonderful night’s sleep, thanks to Asher, and she was going to enjoy the day. Today, she would embrace pack lifeand soak it all in. That way, she’d have a wonderful memory that she could hold onto.
She selected a deep emerald sweater that complemented her eyes and paired it with dark jeans, hoping to blend comfort with a touch of elegance.
As she opened the bedroom door, several voices drifted up from below. Lita's breath caught in her throat. She inched toward the banister, her fingers curling around the polished wood as she peered down at the bustling foyer. There were dozens of strangers waiting below, and she could see a large crowd standing outside.
A warm chuckle sounded behind her, followed by strong arms encircling her waist. "Don’t jump." Asher's deep voice rumbled against her ear.
Lita instinctively turned into his embrace, burying her face in his chest. His arms immediately wrapped around her, his fingers tracing over her back in a soothing motion. “I can send them all away,” he cooed to her. “They’re just excited to meet you. I promise they’ll love you.”
“I’ve never been good with crowds.”
Asher's silver eyes softened with understanding. "Your past doesn't define you here. Black Ice is a strong pack. We don’t scare easily.”
Lita nodded, grateful for his reassurance. Still, memories of cold stares and whispered judgments from her old pack threatened to resurface. She straightened her spine, pushing the thoughts away. “I’m good. Go ahead and feed me to the wolves.”
He chuckled, tilting her chin up to meet his eyes. “The only wolf I’m feeding you to is mine.”
Asher’s arm tightened around her waist as he led her down the stairs. “Everyone, I’d like for you to meet Lita, my mate and your new luna.”
Chapter 13
Lita stood there with her lips parted as she watched all the members bow their heads respectfully to her. Never, not in a million years, did she ever expect something like this. Notonly were they excited to see her, but they acted as if they were humbled by her presence. She had to blink away the tears that were threatening to spill from her eyes.
One of the pack members commented, “You’re quite protective of her, keeping her tucked into your side so tightly, even among your own pack.” Asher glanced down at Lita, then back up at the man.
“If she were yours, wouldn’t you be protective, too?” Asher said with a grin of contentment.
“If she were mine, I would do whatever it took to keep her safe and secure. You are truly beautiful, my dear.”
“Thank you.” Lita blushed lightly. She wasn’t accustomed to receiving compliments, especially not ones that were given so openly.
Asher chuckled and gazed lovingly at his mate. She was absolutely adorable, and he couldn’t be prouder to call her his own. He wished she would trust him enough to confide in him about whatever secret she was hiding.
Caden walked over to them, smiling. “There’s my favorite lady,” he said, gesturing toward Lita. “And my hand is feeling much better, thanks to you. You’re now my favorite person in the world, until I find my own mate of course,” he added with a wink.
“Welcome, Luna,” a gruff voice called out from the crowd, followed by a chorus of agreeing murmurs.
Asher’s large hand settled on the small of her back, a comforting presence that anchored her. She glanced up at him, catching the proud gleam in his silver eyes as he surveyed his pack. The corners of his mouth lifted into a smile that was equal parts tender and possessive.
“My mate,” he announced, his deep voice resonating through the hall. “Lita Silva. Soon to be Lita Chain!” The crowd cheered excitedly. Lita felt a surge of belonging, so different from thecold indifference she’d known in her old pack. Here, she wasn’t just the unwanted member of the pack. She was welcomed and accepted.
“You seem to be quite taken with her,” a burly pack member chuckled, his eyes twinkling with good humor.
Asher’s arm tightened around Lita’s waist, drawing her even closer to his side. “Can you blame me?” he replied, his voice a mix of playfulness and steel. “I’ve waited a long time for my mate. Now that I have her, I’m not letting go.”
Lita’s cheeks warmed at his words and she smiled, a pleasant tingle spreading through her body. She’d spent so long believing her mate would reject her, and yet here was Asher, proudly claiming her before his entire pack.
