Page 107 of Fated
Caleb lingered at the altar as the pack moved around him, shoulders that had been hunched now relaxing, hands reaching out to clasp forearms or brush against backs. Cedar incense clung to his clothes as tear-stained faces turned toward the dining hall—not with joy, but with the determination that came from knowing that life, however altered, continued.
Scents of roasted meats, spiced vegetables, and fresh bread filled the air, intertwining with faint traces of incense that followed everyone from the ritual grounds. Long tables stretched the length of the dining hall, adorned with simple greenery and flickering candles that cast soft shadows across the room.
Caleb entered the hall at a measured pace, gaze sweeping over the gathered wolves. Though grief saturated the air, determination had begun seeping through the cracks—a collective will to honor lost lives through shared memories and warmth. Gentle hums of conversation filled the space, punctuated by the occasional scrape of a chair or the clink of a serving tray. It was subdued, but it was life—a testament to the resilience of the Bloodstone pack.
“They grieve, but they do not crumble.”Fenrir’s voice was low but resolute.“This is the strength of a pack, Caleb. Bloodstone will endure.”
Lena’s graceful movement through the crowd drew Caleb’s focus. Sorrow-stricken wolves gravitated to her, drawn by her gentle warmth as she steadied them with whispered reassurances and soft touches. Her presence anchored the pack—a healing balm over the wound of their shared sorrow and marveled at the effortless way she held them together.
Fenrir hummed with a note of proud approval.“The daughter of Moonshadow is a daughter of Bloodstone tonight.”
“Alpha Caleb,” a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
Caleb turned to see Darius approaching, gratitude sparking in his green eyes.
“Alpha Darius,” Caleb greeted, inclining his head respectfully.
Darius clasped Caleb’s forearm in a firm grip. His touch held the steady assurance of a wolf who had weathered countless storms.
“It means a great deal that you stood with us tonight,” Darius said. “Your presence, your warriors—it’s a reminder of the bonds that holdallwolves together, even in the darkest times.”
Caleb watched over the room, finding himself looking at Lena again as the significance of Darius’s words settled in his chest. “It was an honor, Darius. Bloodstone’s strength deserves to be seen and upheld. Crescent Fang will always answer your call.”
Darius nodded, expression softening as he followed Caleb’s gaze to where Lena stood. “You’ve seen the strength of our wolves tonight. It’s wolves like her—like all of them—that make leading worth every trial.”
Caleb continued watching her, noting the subtle shifts in her expression before returning to Darius. “Bloodstone’s heart is strong. Your future will be bright.”
Darius’s lips curved in a faint smile, but the weariness on his face didn’t fade entirely. “It’s leaders like you, Caleb, who remind me why we rebuild after every loss. If you can stay a little longer, I’d like more of my pack to meet the alpha who stood with us when it mattered most.”
Caleb’s relaxed his posture in agreement, expression thoughtful. “I’ll stay a little longer. Thank you, Darius.”
Darius lingered for a moment before he gave a curt nod, attention shifting back to the room. “Excuse me. There are others I need to speak with.”
The ripple of Darius’s aura withdrawing as he moved away left space for the gathering’s energy to flow around Caleb. He moved through the room like water, nodding respectfully and pausing for those who acknowledged him. Each interaction created small eddies of connection, carrying him naturally toward the far side of the hall where familiar faces brought a smile to his lips. There,a group of wolves huddled together in easy camaraderie. Cian noticed Caleb’s approach, brightening with recognition, as Caleb tuned into the group’s dynamic energy.
Cian stood with a relaxed confidence that Caleb admired—a wolf comfortable in his skin and ready to take on the mantle of leadership. Beside him, an older male with dark hair streaked with gray exuded a commanding aura, tempered by a warmth that hinted at an approachable nature. Alpha Raelen, Caleb assumed, the male’s presence sending subtle ripples of authority through the air that raised the hair on Caleb’s nape. Beside him, Ryker’s playful grin and relaxed stance contrasted with the quiet confidence of the russet-colored wolf standing next to him. Their bond a clear, balanced partnership.
Fenrir’s voice rose again, laced with quiet respect.“Their leaders’ harmony flows into the pack. A unity of light and shadow. There is much to be learned here, Alpha.”
Fenrir’s insight settled beneath Caleb’s skin, the ancient wolf’s wisdom integrating into his muscles and bones as he stepped into the group’s orbit.
“Caleb, my friend,” Cian greeted warmly, stepping forward to clasp his forearm. “It feels like it’s been longer than a month.”
“Agreed. The summit feels like a lifetime ago,” Caleb replied with a faint grin, hazel eyes lighting with genuine warmth. “It’s good to see you, Cian. All of you.”
Cian’s expression sobered, speaking more quietly, “You’ve been busy. Bloodstone owes you. I’ve heard Crescent Fang’s strength turned the tide.”
“Bloodstone stood its ground,” Caleb deflected. “We only helped where we could.”
Cian’s smile widened, gesturing to the older wolf beside him. “I’d like you to meet my father, Alpha Raelen.”
Caleb offered a measured bow of respect. “Alpha Raelen, it’s an honor. Moonshadow’s reputation precedes you.”
“The honor is mine, Caleb.” Raelen’s expression warmed, his commanding presence tempered by respect as he clasped Caleb’s forearm. “I’ve heard much about you. You’ve done a great service for Bloodstone, and I look forward to getting to know you better.”
Before Caleb could respond, Ryker leaned in, his typical playfulness replaced by quiet concern. “Speaking of Crescent Fang…how’s Asher? We heard he was wounded.”
“He’s healing well, though the silver slowed him down.” Caleb’s composure cracked, revealing the fear he’d carried. “I thank Selene every day that his wolf is strong. He’s eager to be back at my side, and he’s looking forward to the alpha ceremony in Moonshadow.”
