Page 4 of Fated
Lena snorted but didn’t let her guard drop. The familiar banter couldn’t mask the strange tension in the air. She felt it everywhere—in Cian’s movements, in the way he studied herbetween strikes. As if he were trying to memorize something about this moment.
Is he testing me?she wondered.Am I finally getting my chance to make elite warrior?
Around them, grunts silenced as warriors paused to watch. They were always watching, always judging, the scent of their curiosity and assessment sharp as pine in winter. Their stares pressed against Lena’s skin like a physical heat, prickling along her spine and tightening the muscles between her shoulder blades.
The alpha’s daughter—watched and judged—not for my skill or strength, but for my potential value as a mate.
Elara snarled, driving Lena harder with every strike.“Let them watch. Let them see.”
A flicker of movement pulled her focus, ears catching the sound of hurried footsteps. Jace jogged up, a teasing grin lighting up his face. “All right, Thing 1 and Thing 2. Break it up. Alpha Raelen wants to see you in his office. Now.”
Cian lowered his fists, expression softening, but his jaw tightened ever so slightly. That same anxiety spiked in his scent.
“Don’t worry, Lena.” He wiped the sweat from his brow, leaning close. “It’s nothing bad.”
“You know what it’s about, don’t you?” Lena’s eyebrow arched.
His smile turned crooked, usual confidence faltering. “Maybe.” He glanced toward the packhouse, stance shifting subtly protective as his gaze lingered on her. “You’ll see soon enough.”
The walk to the packhouse felt longer than usual, each step heavy with anticipation. Pack life continued around them—warriors on patrol routes, pups racing through gardens, dinner scents wafting from kitchens.
Moonshadow thrived under their father’s leadership. Alpha Raelen’s tactical brilliance and diplomatic skill had created arespected force in the region. But with Cian poised to take over? Everything balanced on a knife’s edge. The pack needed a smooth transition, especially with rogues threatening the northern territories.
Lena caught Ryker joking with Jace as they walked behind Cian. The future Beta and Gamma of Moonshadow, already falling into their roles—just like Cian would step into their father’s. Everyone had their place.
Everyone except her.
As they climbed the front steps of the packhouse, Cian’s hand caught her arm, grip gentle but insistent. “Whatever happens in there, you’re ready for it.”
Lena searched his gaze for any hint of what was coming, but her brother’s expression held only that strange mix of pride and hope that made Elara whine in confusion.
She squared her shoulders and pushed open the door. Ready or not, change was coming.
The quiet atmosphere of their father’s office greeted them as they entered. Raelen looked up from his desk, gaze warm but serious.
He gestured for them to sit. “I’ll get right to it.” Raelen leaned forward, hands folded on his desk. “Cian, you’ve spent the last year preparing to take your oaths. This year’s summit will be your opportunity to step into the alpha role more fully.”
Cian nodded, expression steady.
Raelen went on, “You’ll attend the summit as my surrogate. You’ll represent the Moonshadow pack, participatein discussions with the other alphas, and begin solidifying your place as our next leader.”
Pride swelled in Lena’s chest for her brother, but under it churned a hollowness that sank like a stone to her gut. Elara’s presence coiled tight against Lena’s spine, ears pricked forward inside her mind, sensing more to come.
Raelen’s gaze shifted to her. “And you, Lena. You’ll accompany your brother.”
Lena froze, heart skipping like a stone on water, mouth coated with cotton. She hadn’t expected this. The summit—where pack leaders from across the region gathered, where alliances were forged and futures decided—was an event Lena had long been told would be critical if she ever took on the role of a pack luna or beta-female.
Lena blinked, startled from her ruminations. “Me?” The word came out softer than she intended.
“Yes,” Raelen said firmly. “You’ve grown into a strong, capable she-wolf. The summit is not just about leadership—it’s about relationships, alliances, and understanding the larger dynamics of our world.”
Lena shifted in her seat. “But why now?”
“This year’s summit focuses on defending our future while honoring our faith—addressing both the rogue threat and our community’s changing dynamics. The northern and central packs will be watching closely given the attacks. With Cian coming into his role, some might see an opportunity to test our borders. Having both of my children there sends a message about Moonshadow’s strength.” Raelen paused, attention focusing entirely on her. “And perhaps you may even find your fated mate amongst the wolves in attendance.”
“I’m not part of the pack hierarchy or a warrior.” Lena’s words came through gritted teeth as her wolf stalked beneath her skin, caught between hope and uncertainty.
Raelen’s expression softened, but there was steel beneath it. “Your path may differ from your brother’s, but it’s no less important. The Collective is considering changes to traditional pack hierarchies.” He leaned forward. “With more female first-borns, they’re debating formal leadership roles for she-wolves. Your presence could influence their thinking.” He held her gaze. “You wouldn’t just be proving yourself, Lena. You’d be opening doors for others.”
