Page 45 of Fated
Kai’s jaw worked silently, brows furrowing as he opened his mouth—but Darius’s shadow fell across them, the air heavier with dominant pheromones.
“Alpha Caleb.” The Bloodstone Alpha nodded politely. “Apologies for interrupting. Kai, may I have a word, privately?”
Something shuttered in Kai’s expression as he followed his father away. Caleb watched them go, a quiet ache rising beneath his calm. He didn’t envy the crossroads the Bloodstone heir stood at—chosen or destined. The implications of such a question could crush even the strongest alpha.
He bowed his head, not in deference but in silent prayer.May Selene grant him clarity and the strength to walk whatever path leaves him whole.
The evening continued its flow, each interaction building bridges between once-segregated packs. The whispers of rogue movement along northern borders threading through conversations only confirmed what Caleb already knew—no pack could stand alone against such threats. What he once viewed as surrendering autonomy now seemed the only rational path.
Fenrir rumbled agreement.
From across the room, Caleb caught a glimpse of Asher standing with Cian and Aiden, both wolves hanging onto his every word. Pride swelled in Caleb’s chest as he watched his beta shine, grateful for the male who had stood by him through everything.
Caleb slipped onto the balcony, mountain air cooling his skin as moonlight painted the landscape silver. Through the windows, he watched the mingling packs—a living model of what their territories needed to become: one cohesive landscape standing against rogue threats. The summit’s theme—“In Defense of Our Future”—wasn’t merely ceremonial. It was a sign. Crescent Fang could no longer afford isolation, not with what lurked beyond their lands.
Warm fingers threaded through his as Asher joined him. “You’ve done well, my alpha,” he murmured, triumph rich in his voice.
Caleb turned, drinking in the sight of his beta silvered by moonlight. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Hunger sparked in Asher’s eyes. “Damn right. And now, I think you owe me.”
“Oh?” Caleb’s eyebrow arched.
Asher pressed close, breath hot against Caleb’s ear. “Come on, my alpha. I have a hankering to be on my knees worshiping that gorgeous cock of yours before you ride my ass hard.”
Heat flooded Caleb’s veins, pulse jumping at the images Asher’s words painted. He grinned, already tugging him toward the lodge. “As you wish, my beta.”
Their laughter echoed through empty hallways as they raced for the elevator, the promise of pleasure and connection drawing them to their shared sanctuary. The night wasn’t over yet.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
KAI
Aged whiskey burned Kai’s throat as he leaned against the bar, days of accumulated tension pushing down on his shoulders. Magnus stood beside him, his easy smile a stark contrast to the storm brewing behind Kai’s eyes.
“Well,” Magnus drawled, amber liquid swirling in his glass, “we’ve survived another one. Though I have to say, this is the first summit you haven’t disappeared every five minutes to call Ava.” His smile broadened, voice warming with genuine affection. “It’s been nice to have this time with you, Kai. Feels like the old days.”
“I don’t need to call Ava.” Kai snapped. “You’ve been her messenger well enough.” He hadn’t intended to be so brusque—to gloss over his friend’s happiness at their time together—but irritation had been brewing steadily inside him since that first night. He felt like a powder keg bracing for combustion.
“Hey.” Magnus lifted his hands, though concern and a hint of rejection flickered beneath his casual defense. “I only spoke to her that first night. Told her I didn’t know what was happening with those private meetings your dad pulled you into. That she should wait to hear from you.”
“And?”
Magnus sighed, pulling out his phone. “She’s been blowing up my messages all week. Though…” His thumb scrolled through notifications. “Nothing today, though. Maybe she’s finally giving you space.”
Kai’s grip whitened around his glass.
Magnus shifted closer, voice softening. “What are you going to do?”
“It’s not like I have a choice, do I?” Kai said. “Almost a lifetime of history and years of love don’t seem to matter to Selene. And my feelings or happiness definitely don’t matter to Dad.”
Magnus’s gaze held steady. “Look, I love Ava like a sister—we were all thick as thieves when we were pups. I want her happy. You know that. And I’ve got your back, no matter what. But Kai...Lena’s something else. If Selene blessed me with a mate like her, I’d count myself the luckiest wolf breathing.”
The mention of Lena sent tension rippling through Kai’s frame. He’d barely spent time with her since that dinner. She’d been consumed with luna sessions, sparring matches, and charming every wolf she encountered. She’d given him space, sticking close to Ryker or Cian during her down time, a mercy Kai couldn’t voice his gratitude for.
In their rare encounters, she approached with a quiet certainty that left him reeling. The way she’d hook her pinky with his, golden-brown eyes warm with affection. How she’d lean close,breath ghosting his ear as she whispered,“It’s good to see you”or“I missed you.”Each time, she’d press a soft kiss to his cheek—though that morning, her lips had lingered dangerously near the corner of his mouth.“Have a good day, my mate,”she’d murmured, hope and sweetness threading through her voice before she’d slipped away.
The delicate web she wove around him—gentle but deliberate—was maddening. Every touch sparked something in him, threatening to ignite feelings and desires he wasn’t sure he could trust, love that wasn’t built on years of knowing and understanding.
