Page 41 of A Luna's Dynasty
“But wait, wait, seriously. Casp–”
“What is it?”
“I don’t … I’ve never—” She pursed her lips. “I don’t know how to dance.”
“It’s easy. I’m a strong dancer. I’ll lead you. And if you step on my feet, I’ll consider it an honor.” He smiled down at her. “You look uncomfortable. Lita, are you okay?”
The tingling from his touch was confusing, but he didn’t seem to be affected by it. So she reverted to the other reason she was uncomfortable. “I’m not used to crowds, and I don’t like not being able to smell. It makes me anxious. I’m always searching for a certain scent, always afraid it’s going to find me.” She stared up at him. She really was always worried the wolf that killed her mother would also come for her. Not that she wasafraid to fight him, but that he would catch her off guard. She needed to be vigilant so she would have the upper hand.
“You’re safe. I won’t let anyone hurt you. I’d lay my life down for you.”
Lita looked at his feathered mask. “Because I’m your future luna?”
“Because you’re important to me.”
She felt herself becoming lightheaded as she stared into his eyes. Her head started to hurt, and she grew tense. There was something about him that made her body react, as if it was trying to tell her something but she didn’t understand what. It all started from his touch, as if it had ignited something inside her.
A loud roar ripped through the dance floor and the crowd parted, moving away from the scene.
“Can’t you just comply for once?!”
“I wasn’t born to comply!”
Two large men were staring each other down in the center of the room. It was clear a fight was about to break out.
“Idiot,” Caspian muttered, trying to lead Lita away from the pending destruction.
“Isn’t someone going to stop them?” She looked back, concerned, as the one man ripped his mask off angrily.
“I am not wearing this damn thing all night. Stupid room with scent blocking. Dumb! This is something idiots who don’t have any enemies do.”
Lita stared at the man in shock. She knew him. The other man snarled back at him loudly. She jerked back, and Caspian looked at her curiously.
“I know him.”
“Do you? How?” She watched as a small smile spread over his lips.
Another loud growl ripped from the man, and Lita quickly sprang into action. This was a party and no place for a fight.She ran over, grabbing the man’s arm mid-swing. “For the Moon Goddess’ sake, can’t you control that temper of yours for one night? I’m done playing referee.” The man looked down at her, his eyes lighting up, then furrowing angrily.
“What the hell are you doing here, Lita?”
“How did you know it was me, Grayson?” She was shocked he had recognized her with her mask on. Grayson was ginormous, easily the tallest man in the room, with bulging muscles to boot.
“Because they can’t block all my senses. I would know you if I were blind.” His voice was calm as he turned to face her. She stared at him as she pondered what that meant. They hadn’t spoken in years, so how would he know her if he were blind? Though there was something about him that she felt alerted her, almost like his presence was part of her. It didn’t make any sense, and it wasn’t like a mate thing. It was hard to explain.
“Awesome, Lita!” the man who growled at Grayson a moment ago said. He tilted up his mask and she could see it was Luke. These were the two men she used to play with when she was younger. “I’ll leave him in your care,” he said with a wink, and then moved away with a woman in his arms.
“Are you here alone?” Grayson asked roughly.
“She isn’t alone. She’s with me.” Caspian moved next to her as Grayson scoffed.
“With you? I can see the armies running for cover now as they shake in their boots,” Grayson mocked, pulling her away from Caspian. “I hate to break it to you, pretty boy, but you can’t protect her. She’s safer with me.”
Lita’s mind reeled.Protect me? From what?
“Her mate is my alpha, and he would rather see her near me than you.”
“If he knew better, then he would be grateful to me for protecting her. Who is your mate?” He looked down at Lita, “I don’t see a mark on her neck.” Grayson’s grip on Lita’s armsoftened, his fierce demeanor melting into concern. “Are you okay, Lita?” he asked, his voice low and gentle. “Do you want me to take you away from here?” He might have been out of communication with her for awhile, but that was because he couldn’t speak with her. Things were different now … and he was going to protect her.
