Page 30 of Fated
“Morning, Alpha.” Asher’s voice was a deep, sleepy rumble.
“Morning.” Caleb blinked with heavy lids, the word thick on his tongue.
Asher shifted, pressing a kiss to Caleb’s collarbone. “You slept better than I thought you would.”
Caleb huffed a quiet laugh. “You made sure I was too exhausted to overthink anything.”
Asher grinned, lips brushing against Caleb’s skin. “My pleasure.” He paused, his tone turning playful. “Or rather,ourpleasure.”
Fenrir awakened within Caleb’s mind, the wolf’s presence unfurling like wisps of smoke from a sacred fire.
“Mine.”Fenrir’s purr vibrated through Caleb’s chest, raw possessiveness blending with his own affection.
Caleb rolled them over in one swift movement, pinning Asher beneath him. “If I wasn’t convinced we’d be late, I’d take you again right now,” he growled, nipping at Asher’s jaw.
Asher chuckled, hands sliding down Caleb’s back. “Hold that thought for later.”
Reluctantly, Caleb pulled away, the responsibilities of the day nudging at the edges of his consciousness.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the room as Caleb and Asher settled into the small sitting area near the suite’s windows. Their breakfast had arrived moments earlier, and while the spread of pastries and fruit remained mostly untouched, the coffee carafe was already half-empty. The easy intimacy of moments before shifted naturally into the focused partnership that made them such an effective team.
Caleb spread out the summit packet on the table, skimming through the agenda for the day. “The annual review kicks things off,” he said, tapping the schedule.
Asher leaned forward, scanning the page with the careful attention he’d given every challenge they’d faced together. “It’s a good opportunity to get a sense of the region’s dynamics, but it also puts us under the microscope.”
Caleb nodded. “They’ll have questions. Crescent Fang’s generations-long absence isn’t something they’ll overlook. We’ll need to be prepared for curiosity, skepticism, and unsolicited advice.”
Asher’s lips curved into a smirk, that confident expression that always steadied Caleb’s nerves. “Let them ask. They won’t find us unprepared.”
Fenrir rumbled in anticipation as they prepared for the challenges ahead.“Remember our roots. Remember our purpose.”
“I just hope they’re ready to listen as much as they’re ready to talk,” Caleb said, drawing strength from his wolf’s certainty. “Reintegration isn’t just about showing up. We need to stay true to who we are—what we stand for.”
Asher reached across the table, hand brushing Caleb’s wrist. “We’ll remind them.”
Those words again—a mantra for the journey they had embarked on.
The moment lingered between them in quiet understanding as Fenrir stretched beneath Caleb’s skin, muscles rippling with contentment at their beta’s reassurance.
The lodge’s corridors were a flurry of activity as Caleb and Asher made their way toward the conference center. Designer fragrances and whispered conversations filled the air while curious glances followed them. Some speculative, others appraising—especially from the females. Questions about Crescent Fang’s return hung unspoken in every look. Fenrirstood alert, attention snagging on each tilted chin and each lowered gaze.
Asher leaned in, voice low and teasing. “Seems you’ve caught a few eyes, Alpha.”
Caleb shot him a sidelong glance. “They’re not looking at me. They’re looking at Crescent Fang. Wondering if we’re serious about reintegration—or if we’re just here for the show.”
“Or,” Asher drawled, a hint of protective possession in his tone, “they’re wondering if you’re looking for a mate.”
A cold weight settled in Caleb’s stomach. The thought of strategic marriages to solidify alliances dried his mouth and left a bitter taste.
Asher must have sensed his unease because he added softly, “We’ll handle it. Together.”
Caleb nodded, releasing a slow exhale as the muscles along his spine loosened one by one.
The conference room was mercifully quiet when they entered. A massive oval table of polished walnut dominated the center, surrounded by ergonomic leather chairs subtly embossed with each pack’s logo. Smart glass windows lined one wall, currently adjusted to a slight opacity that softened the mountain view without obscuring it.
Only two others were present—a young alpha with a commanding presence and an older beta, both seated near the center of the table. Fenrir’s interest piqued, noting the natural authority the younger wolf carried.
Caleb strode confidently toward them, shoulders squared, Asher at his side. The alpha looked up as they approached, golden eyes assessing them with a predator’s focus before crinkling at the corners.
