Page 38 of Fated
Cian leaned back in his chair, sharp gaze thoughtful as he posed his question. “Caleb, I have to ask. What’s it like being descended from Caelum, the first alpha? I can’t imagine what it must feel like to carry that kind of legacy.”
Fenrir’s presence surged at the mention of his original counterpart, ancestral memories flickering like shadows at the edges of Caleb’s consciousness.
Caleb’s expression pensive as he weighed his response. “Honestly? I didn’t feel much pressure growing up,” he admitted. “When rogues killed my parents, I was just a pup. Too young to understand. What I remember is the aftermath. Feeling lost, adrift in a void where my world had been.”
Asher squeezed his hand, their fingers interlocked.
Caleb offered a faint smile before continuing. “Asher’s father, Garreth, was my dad’s beta. He saved me. Stepped in as interim alpha and raised me not as some mythological heir, but as a pup who needed guidance and love. He taught me loyalty, tradition, resilience. Those years shaped me. And even after taking the mantle at eighteen, Crescent Fang’s council has guided me every step.”
Cian nodded, empathy evident in his features. “It sounds like you have incredible mentors.”
“They are,” Caleb agreed. “But the real turning point was when I met Fenrir.”
“Your wolf?” Aiden asked, setting down his cup and bracing his forearms on the table.
Asher’s lips curved into a small, smug smile. “Not just any wolf. Fenrir’s the reincarnation of Caelum’s wolf. The first blessing.”
“I didn’t fully understand what that meant at first,” Caleb added. “Meeting him was like finding the missing piece of myself. Not just a counterpart—an anchor. My link to Selene and everything Crescent Fang stands for.”
“You honor me.”Fenrir’s presence warmed like sunlight through Caleb’s chest, the wolf’s affection vibrating through their bond.
Cian’s brows lifted. “That’s…extraordinary.”
“It is,” Caleb said softly, gaze distant for a moment as he communed with Fenrir. “His wisdom is incredible, but he’s always been more than a guide. He’s a reminder of what’s possible when you trust Selene’s will. Even now, as I consider what reintegration means for Crescent Fang, Fenrir keeps me focused on the right path.”
Fenrir rumbled again, his tone resolute.“These wolves. This connection. It feels right. Keep going, Caleb. I will see you through.”
Caleb exhaled, the sincerity of his wolf’s support grounding him. “Coming here has been eye-opening. It’s not just about politics. It’s about connection. Building something that will endure for all our packs.”
Cian leaned forward. “That’s a perspective not many alphas would have. You’ve embraced your role without letting heritage define you.”
Caleb inclined his head with a faint smile. “What drives me is the future. The wolves I lead. The lives I’m responsible for and,” he paused to kiss the back of Asher’s hand, “the people I trust to walk beside me.”
Asher smiled, his earlier humor giving way to something quieter and more intimate. “Always.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
LENA
Lena smirked as she stretched her legs in the back seat, rolling her shoulders with exaggerated ease. “Ah, it feels good to be a champion,” she teased, voice laced with mock superiority.
Ryker groaned dramatically, leaning his head against the window. “Don’t start.”
“Don’t start?” Lena’s smirk widened, savoring her victory. “I took you down three times during warrior training today, Ryker.Three times!”
He jabbed a finger at her defensively. “I let you win.”
“Oh, please.” Lena snorted, flicking her wrist dismissively. “The first time, maybe, but you were actually trying the second and Istillwiped the floor with you.”
“Let’s not forget the Blackwater beta-heir,” Aiden chimed in from the driver’s seat, tone full of pride. “Lena annihilated him in her next match. That wasn’t beginner’s luck, it was skill. You should be proud, Cian.”
Cian arched a brow, glancing at his sister through the rearview mirror. “I am. I always knew she could hold her own. The real question is whether Ryker’s ego can survive this summit.”
Lena laughed, leaning back in her seat. “You know, I was worried at first. I thought maybe Ryker was taking it easy on me, but after seeing him get knocked around a few times, I realized I’m just that good.”
“Watch it,” Ryker grumbled, tone more playful than irritated. “I’ll remind you that I did take down the Bloodstone and Ironclaw betas after I got into my groove.”
“After,” Aiden emphasized, smirking as he caught Cian’s eye. “It took you a few rounds of getting your ass handed to you first.”
