Page 33 of Fated
Kai’s stomach twisted. He hadn’t been paying attention to the conversation, but those two words snapped him out of his haze. Beneath the alcohol-induced fog, Orion roused at the mention of their mate, sending nausea rolling through Kai’s gut.
His gaze swept the table, landing on Cian Moonshadow. The alpha-heir’s expression was neutral, but Kai caught the slight tick of his jaw before Cian schooled his features, replacing irritation with the polished mask of diplomacy. Something in that controlled reaction made Kai’s shoulders press inward—this was a wolf who would fight for his sister’s honor.
Cian nodded respectfully, voice calm and measured as he addressed the group, “Yes. Congratulations are certainly in order, Alpha Darius. My father is eager to discuss this exciting news. We’ll certainly want to find time to strengthen the bonds between our packs.”
Kai ground his molars as Cian’s attention focused on him. Orion’s hackles rose, muscles bunching beneath Kai’s skin as the wolf sensed a challenge beneath the diplomatic words.
“Perhaps you’d consider joining us, Kai.” Cian’s fingers traced the rim of his water glass with deliberate precision, each movement a controlled contrast to the steel in his tone. “It might be valuable to spend time at Moonshadow after the summit. My father and I would welcome you to our packlands as we prepare for my alpha ceremony at the next equinox.”
The alpha-heir’s power rippled beneath his composed exterior, making the water tremble ever so slightly. “After all, proper introductions should be made...given the circumstances. It would allow our families to bond, and perhaps allow you and my sister to deepen your connection. I believe she deserves a proper courtship, befitting her rank.”
The ultimatum in those words was clear:prove yourself worthy or stay away.
Kai tensed, sinking further into his seat. The last thing he wanted was to spend time at Moonshadow, surrounded by the constant reminder of the fated bond he was desperately trying to ignore. Just the thought of being near Lena, breathing in her intoxicating scent day after day, made both his body and his wolf ache with need.
He forced a polite smile, preparing to decline the offer,privately, once the meeting was over. Before he could open his mouth, Darius cut in, face lighting up as if the moon radiated from within him.
“Splendid!” Darius smacked the table with an open palm. Several heads turned in their direction, curious whispers rippling through the room. The scent of interest and speculation thickened the air until Kai felt like he was drowning in it. “A brilliant idea, Cian. I think that’s exactly what our packs need—time to build trust and unity before the big day.”
Kai’s head snapped toward his father, a cold weight dropping through his chest and settling in his gut.Big day?Even Orion went silent, fur rising at the edge of their shared consciousness.
Darius continued, utterly oblivious to Kai’s internal turmoil. “I’ll send Kai back with you after the summit to start forging relationships with his father-in-law and second family. I’ll join you all for your alpha ceremony. It’ll be the perfect opportunity to start planning for Lena and Kai’s mating ceremony!”
The room went unnervingly quiet, Darius’s insinuation that the mating was inevitable settling heavily over the table. Kai could feel the eyes of the nearby alphas, betas, and heirs boring into him, their curiosity and speculation thick in the air. The pressure of their attention intensified his discomfort, each heartbeat pounding in his skull.
Cian’s lips tightened into a diplomatic smile. “That’s very generous of you, Alpha Darius. I’ll be sure to relay your enthusiasm to my father.”
Kai’s tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth as the oxygen vanished from the room. For the last year, he’d meticulously planned his mating ceremony: the handfasting, the vows, Selene’s blessing, the claiming. Now the image of his bride had fractured. Two faces overlapped, each vying for dominance.
Ava’s confident smile pledging herself to Bloodstone.
Lena’s sincere smile pledging herself to him.
The images clashed, merging and separating: Ava riding him on the altar, wild and demanding; Lena shuddering beneath him, throat bared in submission.
Acid rose in his throat.
Kai barely registered the rest of the conversation as nausea churned in his gut. His gaze dropped to the table, mind racing. He needed to find a way out of this. There was no way he could endure a month at Moonshadow with Lena. Not with the bond pulling at him so intensely. Not when every breath might carryher scent. And certainly not with the specter of Ava looming over every decision he made.
“We must go,”Orion growled, low and insistent.“Complete the bond.”
“Not like this,”Kai thought, fists clenching under the table.
The meeting progressed in a blur. Voices faded into background noise as Kai’s thoughts spiraled. He gritted his teeth, gaze fixed on the polished table, the whispered discussions about trade agreements and alliances falling on deaf ears.
Until a new voice pulled his attention back to the room.
“…grateful for the opportunity to join you all here today. It has been many years since Crescent Fang has taken part in a summit like this, and we are honored to be among such distinguished leaders.”
Kai glanced up, green eyes narrowing as he took in the speaker: a young alpha he didn’t recognize. The male was tall and lean, with sharp, regal features and an undeniable air of confidence. Something about his presence made both Kai and Orion take notice as the alpha stood, addressing the table with a steady voice. His tone was measured and thoughtful as he detailed the accomplishments of his pack.
“Despite operating independently for the last two generations,” the alpha continued, “Crescent Fang has remained steadfast in our traditions and our worship of Selene. We have worked tirelessly to preserve the values instilled in us by our ancestors, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and prosperity of our pack in the face of the rising threat posed by the rogues.”
Kai inwardly scoffed, rolling his eyes at the impassioned speech.What is this male trying to prove?he thought, leaning back in his chair.
Orion growled in disagreement at his dismissal, but Kai ignored him. The alpha went on, voice growing more fervent as he spoke of Crescent Fang’s long history and deep spiritual connection to Selene. The words were reverent, almost poetic, and Kai couldn’t help but scoff at the sentimentality of it all.
Seriously, is this wolf auditioning for Selene’s Number One Fan club?Kai snorted under his breath at his own joke.“Maybe he’s the alpha Lena should be fated to. Seeing as he’s got such a hard-on for Selene’s will,”he muttered to Orion.
