Page 30 of Destined Mate

So, she knew exactly who Kage was. She’d done her homework.

When her drink arrived, she rose smoothly from the booth with it in hand. “This has been enlightening,” she said over her shoulder as she walked away.

“Well, that was a dismissal if I’ve ever seen one,” Theo said, jamming a fry into the ketchup.

“She came prepared,” Keith said.

“Yes, she did. But that’s okay. I’m prepared too,” Wesley said.

Now that he’d seen his competition, the twisting, burning desire within him to claim alphaship of Cross Creek was growing ever more intense.

The primal urge of his wolf was relentless, a fierce insistence that victory was imperative, and defeat was simply not an option.

Once they finished their meal, they exited the restaurant. As soon as they were outside, Wesley’s senses heightened, becoming more in tune with the pulsating energy surrounding them.

“She didn’t get under your skin, did she?” Keith asked, falling into step next to him.

“Nope. Just makes me want it even more.”

Keith nodded. “Good.”

As they walked through the parking lot, he put Anya’s presence out of his mind. Her presence was unexpected, yes, but she had every right to be there.

The competition wasn’t just about brute strength and force. It was also a test of cunning and strategy. Wits played a crucial part too. He couldn’t afford even the smallest distractions if he wanted to come out on top, he mused, as the streets of San DeLain blurred past as they did some sightseeing.

The city felt restless, buzzing with energies both familiar and new. Wesley’s thoughts flickered to the stories he’d heard—the old legends about how the alphas had formed these packs, how they’d claimed dominance over San DeLain.

Now it was his turn to leave a mark.

They parked and strolled into a bustling marketplace, where they indulged in a bit of shopping for loved ones back home. The vibrant chatter of vendors and the colorful display of goods lining the stalls filled the air.

Tourists meandered aimlessly, their faces lit with excitement and curiosity, blissfully unaware of what walked with them. Hewatched them with detachment. They were so different from them.

“Think the others are already here?” Duncan asked cautiously.

Wesley laughed without humor. “I would bet most are here or arriving soon.”

They passed a group hanging around an outdoor café, and Wesley sensed other paranormals—there was no mistaking certain scents.

Eventually, they made their way back to the SUV. Once inside, he exhaled slowly, wrestling with the mounting tension simmering inside him.

“It’s going to be a long few days,” Duncan said.

Wesley nodded. Duncan voiced what they were all thinking as they headed back to the hotel. “Yes, it is.”

NIGHT FELL swiftly over San DeLain, embracing it in a cloak of darkness.

After enjoying a satisfying meal at the hotel, they parted ways to pursue their own interests. The sparkling charm of the hotel pool enticed Theo and Duncan, and they were eager to take a dip.

Keith opted to stick around with Wesley, and they leisurely made their way to the bar that adjoined the restaurant. The dim glow of the bar’s ambient lighting and the hum of quiet chatter offered a cozy retreat for the evening.

He looked forward to tomorrow’s meeting. He’d never met a dragon. That should be fun.After a few beers, they retired to their room. Keith checked on Theo and Duncan to make sure they were settled in for the night.

Wesley and Keith watched TV for a bit, then went to bed.

When sleep finally came for Wesley, it brought with it dreams filled with the guttural growls of unseen wolves and sharp pangs of fear. Each sensation was vivid and unsettling.

In his mind’s eye, he saw frightened eyes staring back at him, eyes that followed his every step within a mysterious stone circle—a place he had not yet encountered in reality, but which loomed large and foreboding in his subconscious.

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