Page 41 of Fated
Acid churned in Kai’s gut as servers rearranged the tables. He glared at his father, who gestured for more wine without acknowledging his son’s silent fury.
“Whatever my Moonshadow family needs,” Darius declared, “add it to my bill.”
Once the tables were joined, Darius facilitated the introductions. “This is my beta, Maxim; our beta-heir, Magnus; and you already know my son, Kai.”
Cian followed suit. “Aiden, my father’s beta; Ryker, my future beta; and, of course, my sister, Lena.”
The crumbs on Kai’s plate blurred as he stared downward, jaw muscle pulsing, while Magnus leaned toward Lena with undisguised admiration.
“You were phenomenal in warrior training today,” Magnus said. “The way you had the Blackwater beta-heir on his back wheezing…it was impressive.”
Lena blushed. “Thank you. I’m grateful for the training my father provided.” Her gaze flicked to Kai before returning to Magnus. “It’s given me the confidence to support my future alpha in any way I can.”
Kai’s eye twitched at the insinuation of her claim on him. He forced himself to stay silent, teeth grinding together. Orion, however, was nearly purring with approval.
“Perfect,”his wolf murmured.“She will fight by our side. She will protect the pack, our family.”
Reluctant appreciation flickered through him at her tactful response. She’d managed to acknowledge their bond without making him seem weak or cornered. He also couldn’t deny the appeal of having a fighting luna by his side. Ava might have a mind for strategy, but she wasn’t interested in bruising her fists or getting blood and dirt under her claws.
If circumstances were different—Kai slammed a mental door on the thought, burying it beneath his resentment.
Darius beamed, his pride unmistakable. “What an impressive female,” he said warmly. “I couldn’t picture a better luna to usher in the next era of Bloodstone leadership.”
Kai’s expression hardened, the praise for Lena scraping against his raw nerves. Meanwhile, Orion stretched languidly within their shared consciousness, radiating with delight at their mate’s acknowledged strength.
The meal progressed in a haze of forced smiles and polite conversation. Kai watched Cian’s posture soften by Darius’s enchantment with Lena. Watched Ryker’s easy humor bridge both packs. Watched Lena include Magnus in their banter without hesitation, her natural charm drawing everyone closer.
Kai even felt jealousy flare as she laughed with Ryker, golden-brown eyes alight with affection. He hadn’t felt such a genuine warmth since his mother passed and couldn’t help but crave all of Lena’s affection be directed at him, and him alone.
He found himself leaning forward, despite himself, drawn to the sound of her voice, hanging on to every word, completely dazzled by the way she interacted with everyone at the table. She was kind and captivating, and Goddess was she beautiful. He leaned closer, elbows braced on the table, as she and Ryker told Magnus a story in tandem, one effortlessly picking up where the other dropped off.
I want to know all your secrets.The thought came unbidden.I want to know your memories, make new ones with you that we can tell our—
He caught himself before he could finish the thought and jerked back, scowling at how easily his traitorous body and mind responded to her.
“She’s everything.”Orion’s conviction radiated through Kai’s bones with marrow-deep heat.“Ours.”
Aiden’s voice interrupted the wolf’s musings. “Alpha Raelen is eager to host you after the summit, Kai. He’s looking forward to your visit and seeing Darius at Cian’s ceremony. He’s sending the gamma-heir, Jace, with a car so you can ride back with Lena and Ryker.”
Lena’s gaze snapped to Kai, voice bright with hope. “You’re coming home with me?”
Unwanted images flashed—walking Moonshadow’s territory with Lena, seeing her home, sharing her bed. The speculation snuffed itself out before taking root, leaving him unsettled by his wayward curiosity.
Darius cut in before Kai could respond. “Yes, we’re very excited, but no need to send a car. Our gamma-heir, Elias, will bring Kai’s car down personally.”
Kai’s shoulders tensed, a flash of panic crossing his features as he glanced at his father. “That’s not necessary,” he said even as Orion snarled in protest. “I’d be happy to return to Bloodstone with you, pack some things, and address a fewpersonal obligations. I can make the journey to Moonshadow the following day.”
“Liar,”Orion snapped.“You’re running.”
“No. Ineedto see Ava.”Kai felt another wave of anger surge at the corner his father had backed him into.“What am I supposed to do, disappear for a whole month then show up with Lena on my arm hoping Ava gets the message and doesn’t lose her mind? I know you don’t like her, but she deserves better than that.”
“I’ll just need the day, Dad.” Kai kept his tone steady, but his eyes pleaded with Darius for this small reprieve.
Darius’s smile didn’t falter, but his tone left no room for argument. “It’s already arranged.”
Kai’s knuckles whitened as he swallowed his retort, Darius already turning the conversation back to Cian’s upcoming ceremony.
When the meal ended, the groups moved toward the exit. Lena lingered outside the restaurant, waiting until the others had moved ahead, then approached Kai.
