Page 43 of Fated
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, throat tightening around words that felt inadequate against such profound loss. “That must have been unbearable.”
Tessa nodded, tears glazing her eyes. “For years, I felt...empty. Like part of me died with him. My father pushed me to come here—not to find a chosen mate, necessarily, but to make connections. To heal.” A bittersweet smile curved her lips. “Then I met Ryker.”
“And?” Lena leaned closer.
“He’s…” Tessa laughed softly, wiping a tear from her cheek. “He’s everything I didn’t know I needed. He’s made me laugh again, awakened something inside me that has long felt dead.” Her laugh died as she shook her head vigorously. “But I won’t let him throw away his chance at a fated bond—not even for me. If Selene wills it, we’ll find our way back to each other.”
Before Lena could respond, Tessa’s father called her away, leaving Lena alone with her thoughts.
She sank into a nearby chair, mind drifting to Kai. Elara brightened, sending warm pulses through their shared consciousness. The bond between them had grown stronger over the past few days, and both Lena and her wolf had delighted in the dangerous game of testing Kai’s resolve. Every touch, every whispered affirmation, every innocent kiss on the cheek—all designed to draw him closer, to help him understand the inevitability of their connection.
Yet, as much as she wanted him, he wasn’t truly hers… Not yet. Not until he ended things with Ava.
Pressure clamped around Lena’s ribcage at the thought. She rose, determined to find Kai. Winding through the banquet hall, she searched for his scent. Finally, she spotted him through the glass doors of the lobby, but he wasn’t alone.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CALEB
Caleb hadn’t planned on attending the closing reception, but the past three days had shifted his perspective. He’d arrived at the summit expecting thinly veiled judgments and banalities. Instead, he’d been greeted by unexpected warmth, finding deeper insights than anticipated.
He stood just inside the banquet hall’s grand doors, surveying the space—warm wooden beams and soft chandeliers casting elegant light over the gathered wolves. Laughter and music intertwined with the delicate chime of glasses as the summit’s final night reached its peak.
Even Fenrir, his ever-cautious wolf, settled into the evening’s energy.“You’ve done well, Caleb.”The wolf’s approval resonatedthrough their shared consciousness.“Selene’s will unfolds. Keep going.”
Caleb glanced to his left where Asher held court with a cluster of betas, his natural charm and quick wit drawing raucous laughter. Affection bloomed in Caleb’s chest at the sight. Asher had woven himself seamlessly into their community, particularly bonding with Ryker, Moonshadow’s future beta. A soft chuckle escaped as Caleb recalled overhearing their conversation during last night’s Night Walker party—Ryker’s eager questions about progressing from rimming and fingering to pegging, and Asher’s delighted, and very detailed, responses.
“He’s a marvel, isn’t he?”Fenrir’s affection colored the words.
“He is,”Caleb agreed, pride swelling in his chest.
What struck deepest throughout the summit was the acceptance he and Asher received from the other leaders. No sideways glances or skepticism, only respect. One conversation with Blackwater’s Alpha, Renford, kept replaying in his mind:“You two seem to have a love that strengthens your leadership. Have you considered seeking a chosen mate who could bond with you both?”
The possibility of a shared fated had taken root in Caleb’s mind, sparking both curiosity and cautious hope.
Across the room, Asher caught his eye. His beta’s smile turned devilish as he excused himself and crossed the floor. Without hesitation, he slid an arm around Caleb’s waist and pulled him close for a kiss that tasted of wine and want.
“Don’t look so serious.” Asher’s words vibrated against Caleb’s lips. “This is supposed to be a celebration.”
Caleb leaned into his touch, shoulders softening. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Good.” Asher stepped back just enough to straighten Caleb’s tie, fingers lingering on the knot. “Now go. Make the rounds.” He nodded toward the Blackwater wolves. “Start with Renford.He’s been watching you all night. Seems open to collaboration. Then Garrick from Redridge. He’s prickly, but Fenrir’s spiritual edge will resonate. And don’t forget Moonshadow. Aiden’s been raving about your historical insight during training all summit.”
“How do you know all this?” Caleb’s lips quirked.
“I’m me,” Asher replied with a wink, stealing another quick kiss. “Now go. Work your magic.”
Following Asher’s guidance, Caleb chatted with Renford first. The Blackwater Alpha’s warm greeting led to an easy discussion of trade possibilities and joint warrior training. Each exchange fueled Caleb’s confidence, handshakes firm and smile genuine as he circulated through the gathering.
By the time he reached the bar for a refill, the pleasant buzz of conversation and music had settled into a comfortable rhythm around him. He wasn’t usually one to linger at parties, but tonight, something in the air felt worth sinking into. The bartender refilled his bourbon, and as Caleb reached for the glass, he noticed a familiar figure down the bar—broad-shouldered, silver-flecked, and watching the room like he was cataloging every threat and opportunity it held.
Garrick Redridge.
Beside him stood a lanky teen with sharp cheekbones and soft brown eyes—clearly his son.
Caleb stepped closer, drink in hand. “Alpha Redridge.”
The older wolf turned, offering a handshake. “Caleb Crescent Fang.” He tilted his head toward the young male. “You’ve met my son, Niko?”
