Page 62 of A Luna's Dynasty
“I was wondering what would happen if I told him I didn’t want to leave here. Am I wrong for testing his feelings like that? That is me being untrusting, and—”
“Has he explained to you about his fiancée? You’re right, he would still have feelings for her, but maybe he decided to ignore them for you. The mate pull is powerful and hard to ignore. Has he ever really talked to you about it?”
“Just that he doesn’t want her, only me. And things along that line.”
“Sounds like he hasn’t been honest either. I don’t think you telling him you don’t want to leave would be damaging to your relationship. But you are already marked … I’m not sure you’ll get the answer you want. In my experience, males usually think they can just force their mate to return with them. You’re looking to see if he would give up the pack and its strength to be with you, right?”
“He once told me that he would give up the pack for me.” Her green eyes stared at Orion.
“Then see if he would. If anything, you need to have a real conversation about the ex-fiancée. You need to get through the dirty stuff so that you can move on with a healthy relationship.” He moved to his feet and reached his hand out, helping Lita to hers. “You are worth giving everything up for. A pack is a smallthing to give up to be near your side. And … I think you need to know if he is willing to follow you. No matter where your destiny takes you. You won’t always live in a pack.” He winked at her. “I have to continue on now. I have a long trip ahead of me … would it be alright if I hugged you?”
“Hug me?” Her voice was a bit hesitant as she stared at the stranger. “I … guess?” Orion wrapped his arms around her, and Lita was enveloped in a sensation unlike any other—a tingling that spread from the tips of her fingers to the core of her being. It was as if the very air between them had become charged with an ethereal energy. The pleasant tingling gave way to a sudden, insistent throbbing behind her eyes. The strong, tugging sensation was back. She stepped back, grabbing her head.
"Enough!" The word cleaved through the air, sharp and panicked.
Brad burst onto the scene, his normally composed features twisted with urgency. He moved next to Lita, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Orion, your magic will provoke her awakening. You should know better!”
“I meant no harm … I just wanted to hold her light. Her warmth is so gentle and pure. I’m sorry, Lita. I didn’t mean to cause you pain.”
“It’s okay … it’s subsiding. But there was a moment that was really painful. It was overwhelming.” Lita took in a steadying breath.
“A guardian can help with your pain. One better show up soon, because you aren’t going to last much longer. Your scent is getting stronger, too.” Brad released her shoulders and stepped back. They could keep Lita safe here, but they couldn’t do anything to help with her awakening.
“Lita, it was a real pleasure to meet you like this. I know we will see each other again soon. Remember what we talked about, and communicate.” Orion smiled, nodding to Brad. “Keep her safe.”
Orion walked away, disappearing through the village. Lita felt her mind relax completely and noticed Brad’s concerned eyes still on her. “Your prisoner is still fine.”
“Ouch, don’t say it like that.” Brad rubbed the back of his neck with an airy chuckle. “We’re keeping you safe … against your will.”
“Right … I can freely leave. I’m not a prisoner … oh wait.” She gave him a wry smile.
“Prisoner sounds harsh.”
“Changing the word won’t change the meaning.” Lita snorted as a commotion rose from the center of the village. Yelling and the sounds of hooves rushing in chaos shattered the peaceful atmosphere.
“Something’s wrong.” Brad turned to the village.
“Well, let’s go!” Lita ran past him, seeing that he was hesitating on her account. Whatever happened, it sounded like it was urgent. A woman screamed, and Lita felt her heart pounding. Brad galloped ahead of her as they both headed to the village center.
Chapter 38
The first thing Lita saw was a trail of blood. Next were the centaurs gathered in a circle. She didn’t hesitate, pushing through when Brad did. Three centaur warriors were drippingwith blood, one of them lying on the ground, breathing heavily. He had deep gash wounds on his side, and they were life threatening. It was clear to Lita that these wounds were caused by werewolves. Her mind immediately went to Asher. What if he got into a fight with them trying to get to her?
“We ran into some demon wolves. It seems they’re sending more and more scouts daily.” One of the warriors looked at Brad. “We won, but they got the jump on Rhett. Is the healer back from his supply run?”
“He isn’t due to return until tomorrow. Let’s get him to the medical ward. We’re going to have to do the best we can. We have to stop the bleeding …”
Lita knelt next to the warrior on the ground, her eyes scanning over the damage. “I’ve never worked on a centaur before, but I have studied healing. His wounds are mainly on his human torso. If that anatomy is the same, I know where all the vital organs are.”
“Lita, do the best you can, but if you can’t save him, we—”
“I’m going to save him,” she said firmly. “No time to talk! We need to hurry!”
Lita followed Brad into a tall log cabin, where there were several large examination tables made specifically for centaurs. Brad opened up a door to a closet that was full of medical supplies, and she swiftly gathered the things she needed, including something for pain. She was going to have to stitch him up and close off any arteries that were slashed open.
The wounds on the centaur were deep, crimson gashes that carved through his flesh. They bore the unmistakable imprint of razor-sharp canines sinking into his flesh, accompanied by vicious claw marks that raked down his muscular back.
The demon werewolves were becoming an escalating menace for everyone. They weren’t a problem before, so why were they popping up all of a sudden? Were they searching forsomething? From the nature of the injuries, it was clear that this wolf had intended nothing short of a kill. The centaur’s survival now rested firmly in her hands. It was the first time since healing school that she had faced such a critical life-or-death situation. She had spent years studying and preparing for a critical moment like this. Inhaling deeply, she steadied her nerves and stepped forward with determination. She was about to administer medical aid to a centaur, something she had never practiced doing before. But this was life or death, and she was the best chance he had.
