Page 64 of Fated
Cian nodded. “And more than that—his wolf is believed to be the reincarnation of Fenrir, the first alpha wolf…Caelum’s wolf. Caleb’s connection to divination gives him insights that most of us can’t even begin to understand. He spoke about the need for unity and strategy, and his ideas gained traction throughout the summit. Darius, Renford, even Garrick—leaders who don’t impress easily—took a keen interest. He’s not just a strong alpha, Dad. He projects the kind of aura that makes you wonder if he’s destined for something greater—something we can’t yet see.”
Lena, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. “Caleb is...compelling. He’s strong, but he listens. He cares about his pack, but he’s also thinking about the bigger picture. He’s someone worth watching—someone that might be able to pull more packs together. If we want to expand our alliances beyondBlackwater, especially into the Washington territories, Crescent Fang would be a good fit.”
Raelen leaned back, clearly intrigued. “And what about Caleb’s beta?”
“Asher,” Cian supplied. “He’s sharp, charismatic, and fiercely loyal. Together, they’re a formidable pair. Crescent Fang has been out of the Collective for a long time, but I think they’re ready to reengage. I invited Caleb and Asher to my alpha ceremony. I thought it would be a good opportunity for you to meet them and for us to solidify our ties.”
Raelen nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. “That was a wise decision. I look forward to meeting them.” His gaze shifted to Lena, holding her eyes with the gentle intensity she’d known since childhood. “And how are you feeling about all of this? About Kai? What’s ahead?”
The question caught her off guard. “I feel...conflicted,” she admitted after a pause. “The bond is strong, but so is his struggle. I’ve seen his anguish.” She looked down. “I’ve been praying to Selene for guidance—strength to persevere or strength to let go. My answer changes with each heartbeat.”
The room fell quiet, her vulnerability hanging in the air.
Cian reached out, resting a reassuring hand on her arm. “Whatever happens, Lena, we’re here for you. You’re not alone.”
Raelen nodded, his expression solemn. “Your path isn’t set in stone, Lena. You have time to figure this out. Whatever decision you make, you’ll have my support.”
A knot formed in Lena’s throat. She managed only a nod, the pressure in her chest making words impossible.
Raelen exhaled deeply, leaning back. “For now, let’s focus on what’s next. Cian, your alpha ceremony is fast approaching. I want you to spend more time at the ritual grounds—meditating, communing with your wolf, and praying to Selene. This is a pivotal moment, and I want you to be fully prepared.”
Cian nodded, his rare grin replaced with his usual seriousness. “Understood.”
“And Lena,” Raelen continued, turning to her. “I’d like you to assist Ryker’s mother with planning the ceremony. It’ll be a tremendous learning experience for you, whether or not you step into the luna role at Bloodstone. I think you’re ready for this kind of responsibility.”
Lena blinked, then nodded enthusiastically. “I’d be honored, Dad.”
Raelen beamed, rubbing his hands together with the excitement of an alpha father ready to set his children’s future in motion. “Good. Then let’s get to work.”
Lena rose, mind already spinning with the importance of the task ahead. She nodded to her father and brother before stepping toward the door. The study door closed behind her with a soft creak. Pine scent and kitchen voices drifted through the dimly lit corridor as Lena moved toward the staircase. Her shoulders bowed beneath invisible weight—her father’s pride and Cian’s revelations warring against Kai’s unresolved feelings and the pressures of decisions she wasn’t ready to make.
The bond ached with each step up the stairs. At the landing, her feet veered toward the guest suite without permission as though pulled by an invisible force. Each step felt both reluctant and inevitable, her body drawn to the male behind the door despite her hesitation.
Her hand hovered over the knob, fingers trembling in the space between approach or withdrawal. The polished brass reflected a distorted image of her face—uncertain, torn. She drew in a slow breath, the scent of pine and cedar from the hallway mingling with something else. Something raw and broken that seeped from beneath the door.
Then she heard it. A muffled sob crept through the cracks of the door like smoke, curling around her lungs until she couldn’tbreathe. Another followed, sharper—suppressed then released. It tore through her, resonating in the hollow beneath her ribs where their bond pulsed.
A vise tightened around her lungs, making each breath a struggle. The mating bond vibrated like a plucked wire, the frequency building until her teeth ached with it.
“Mate is hurting.”Elara surged from dormancy, clawing through layers of Lena’s restraint. The wolf’s consciousness flooded her system with foreign chemicals—anxiety that tasted of copper, longing that burned her sinews, protective fury that sharpened her vision at the edge.
“He needs us. He needs the bond.”Elara’s instincts coursed through Lena’s veins, sharpening her senses until Kai’s pain became almost tangible—tremors she could feel beneath her skin.
Her windpipe closed. Her vision swam, saltwater rising unbidden, scorching trails down her cheeks before she could blink them away. Her other hand moved to her chest, pressing against the ache that had taken root there. The door’s cool grain imprinted itself on her palm, each whorl and line telegraphing what lay beyond as every cell in her body thrummed with conflicting impulses.
Go to him.
Run from him.
Heal or be healed.
Elara howled—not with her voice but with her essence. The wolf’s anguish reverberated through Lena’s bones, a primal call that needed no words.
“Mate’s heart breaks,”she finally managed. The wolf paced restlessly within Lena’s consciousness, bristling at her hesitation.“Our bond frays. We are stronger together. Please.”
Tear tracks cooled on her cheeks.“And what happens if I go to him? When today’s comfort becomes tomorrow’s wound?”
Her forehead met the door. Cool wood. Thin barrier. Vast divide.“Some wounds need space to heal.”
