Page 7 of Fated
CHAPTER FOUR
LENA
The crackling sound of the fire echoed through the quiet forest, its warm golden glow casting shifting shadows across Lena’s face and the relaxed forms of Ryker and Jace seated on either side of her. Pine and wood smoke mingled with the earthy smell of damp soil and leaves, filling the air with a rich forest scent that clung to her skin and hair. Above the clearing, the trees creaked in the breeze. Their branches swayed like nature’s own lullaby as cool night air carried whispers of the coming spring.
Lena’s gaze fixed on the flames as she stretched her legs forward, thoughts wandering back to the discussion of mates. Her destined mate wasn’t a son of Moonshadow—a bitter pillthat had taken years to swallow—and the thought of leaving home made her chest tight. Regardless of Elara’s protests, choosing a mate who would keep her in Moonshadow didn’t seem so unappealing.
Her gaze drifted over to the pack’s training grounds, now empty in the gathering dark except for memories of countless sparring matches and training sessions. She could almost see the warriors there still—their broad shoulders and lean builds, the way they moved with deadly grace. She’d fought alongside them enough to appreciate more than just their combat skills. Bonding with one of them—having a strong mate who would fightbesideher, not justforher—wasn’t the worst future she could imagine. At least then she’d know exactly what she was choosing, instead of waiting for fate to decide.
Her mind settled on Ryker and Jace next. The two constants in her life alongside Cian. They’d grown up together, training and causing trouble in equal measure.
But as mates?
Heat bloomed beneath Lena’s skin, prickling outward until her cheeks burned. Her pulse quickened at the thought of them, that familiar tug beneath her ribs whenever they laughed or touched her. She’d yearned to mate with them when they were younger, but would choosing either of them now fracture what they’ve built? Was it selfish to want to maintain something already so perfect?
“You’re awfully quiet tonight.” Jace lounged against a log, poking idly at the fire with a stick. Firelight danced across his features, making his rust-colored hair look like living flame against fair skin. He looked both ruggedly handsome and boyishly charming even in repose. “What’s on your mind, Thing 1?”
Lena rolled her eyes at the familiar nickname. “Just thinking.” But she knew better than to expect that would satisfy him.
“About what?” Ryker shifted closer, wearing that particular expression that meant he wouldn’t let go until he had something to gossip about.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, weighing her words. “I talked to my dad today. I’ll be attending the summit this year...with Cian.”
Ryker shot to his feet. “No way! That’s awesome! You’re going to love it. The meetings are boring as hell, but the parties are incredible! You’ll get to meet wolves from all over the region. And Cian and I can show you around. Trust me, it’ll be great.” He bounced on his toes, practically vibrating with possibility. “Oh! And if Alpha’s not coming, I might finally get in on some of that orgy action everyone always whispers about!”
Jace groaned, throwing his head back with a mock-suffering sigh. “Fantastic. Ryker gets to live his best degenerate life while I’m stuck here holding down the fort.” His grin undermined his complaint.
“Someone has to keep the pack running while we’re gone.” Lena’s lips quirked into a smile. “Who better than the future gamma?”
Jace sat up, tossing his stick into the fire with theatrical flair. “It’s a travesty, really. Gammas get no respect. We’re the backbone of the pack—training warriors, organizing patrols, keeping everything from falling apart.” He spread his hands wide in exasperation. “And what do we get? No invitations to summits, that’s what. There should be a summit just for us.”
Lena and Ryker burst out laughing, and even Jace cracked a smile.
“Don’t worry.” Ryker clapped Jace on the shoulder. “We’ll bring you back a souvenir. Maybe a nice ‘World’s Best Gamma’ mug.”
“Gee, thanks.” The corners of Jace’s mouth twitched despite his flat tone.
Their laughter rang through the clearing, but Lena’s smile faded as she gathered her courage.
“There’s more,” she continued, voice softening. “Dad...said that if I didn’t find my mate at this year’s summit, I could choose a bond. Maybe with someone in the pack.”
Jace’s eyebrow shot up. Ryker, however, looked like he’d just swallowed silver.
“Like who?” Jace asked, leaning forward.
“He said there are plenty of warriors who’d make excellent mates, but he also mentioned…” She glanced between them meaningfully.
Ryker’s jaw dropped with dawning horror. “Oh, no. No, no, no. He didn’t.”
“He did.” Lena bit back a smile. “He suggested I could consider pursuing the chosen mate blessing with one of you—if none of us found our fateds, of course.”
Ryker dragged a hand down his face. “I can’t believe this. My dad is probably in on it too. They’ve been plotting our arranged marriage behind my back.”
“Relax,” Lena said with a laugh. “It’s just an option. And honestly, you should be flattered. My dad thinks you’re good enough for me, and you know I would be a kickass beta-female.”
“Flattered?” Ryker’s eyes bulged comically. “Lena, I love you. But as a mate? No offense, I’d rather be shackled in silver and sent to wrestle a rogue.” His grin turned wicked. “Or have you forgotten the Incident?”
Lena groaned, burying her burning face in her hands. “Goddess, don’t remind me. I had a complex for years about how you laughed at my lopsided nipples!”
