Page 87 of Fated
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
CALEB
Progress hummed in the air as Caleb walked the courtyard—hammers striking wood, patrol boots moving in rhythm, wolves chattering as they coordinated. The past two weeks had been a whirlwind of activity for Crescent Fang, but he couldn’t have been prouder seeing the pack surge forward with purpose, alive with shared vision.
“Alpha!” called a young wolf as he jogged up, beaming with pride. “The eastern garden beds are coming along great. We’ve already started planting those medicinal herbs you suggested.”
Caleb clasped the youth’s shoulder, feeling the eager energy thrumming beneath his palm. “Good work, Nate. Those herbs will serve us well come winter.”
The young wolf beamed before darting back to his post, renewed purpose in his stride.
Caleb continued toward the construction site where Asher directed the action. The sanctuary project’s foundation was already set, wolves moving in synchronized effort at his beta’s calm instructions. When their eyes met across the site, Asher’s smile sent a flutter beneath Caleb’s ribs, heartbeat quickening as he returned the gesture. His beta raised a hand in greeting, and Caleb nodded back.
Farther out, Varek’s patrol teams rotated in from the borders. Caleb intercepted his gamma. “How are the warriors holding up with the new schedule?” he asked as they fell into step.
“Better than expected, Alpha.” Varek wiped sweat from his brow. “Injuries are down thirty percent, and alertness has improved significantly.” He gestured to the returning patrol. “They’re tired, but not exhausted. That’s the difference.”
Caleb nodded, squeezing his gamma’s shoulder. “Well done.”
The warriors had embraced Varek’s revamped patrol system—the balance between readiness and rest impressive in its effectiveness. It wasn’t just about preparing for an attack; it was about sustaining the warriors for the long haul. And the new alarm systems installed along the borders added an extra sense of security.
As he moved towards the forest edge of the pack grounds, Caleb’s thoughts drifted to the summit, to the new relationships he formed and the quiet ripples of change spreading across the region. Correspondence with Renford had reaffirmed a commitment to exploring an alliance between Crescent Fang and Blackwater, while Garrick had proven generous with advice and guidance on navigating regional politics. It was progress—slow but steady—and Caleb could feel the momentum building across his pack.
He thought of the invitation to Cian’s alpha ceremony that sat on his desk. He looked forward to seeing his new friend take his place as Moonshadow’s leader and reconnecting with some of the other alphas who had gathered at the summit.
But first, there was today—and the unexpected request from Darius.
Caleb shed his clothes as he reached the tree line and shifted. Fenrir’s powerful form emerged, paws pounding earth, wind whipping through black fur. As he raced toward Lunaris Sanctum, the Bloodstone Alpha’s call lingered in his mind.
As he reached the sanctum, Caleb shifted back into his human form. The ancient site pulsed with quiet energy, a tangible reminder of Crescent Fang’s connection to Selene. He sank to his knees at the center of the grounds, bowing his head as he let the sanctum’s peace settle over him. With his eyes closed, Caleb let his thoughts drift, seeking guidance from the Moon Goddess and ancestors that came before him.
Fenrir’s presence coiled at the base of his skull, a low vibration that sent ripples of awareness down his spine.“A meeting with Darius Bloodstone. Curious, isn’t it?”
Caleb released a measured breath, considering the alpha who had requested his consult. Darius’s reputation as a domineering male preceded him, but the request for a private meeting had caught Caleb off guard. What could drive such a powerful figure in the region to seek counsel from someone like him, a younger alpha leading a smaller pack?
Fenrir’s voice nudged him.“You’re right to consider what this meeting might bring, but remember—Darius isn’t Crescent Fang. Approach him with curiosity, not expectation. Don’t assume alliance or enmity. Keep your ears open and guard what you offer.”
The warning wasn’t suspicious but measured. Caleb hummed in acknowledgment, taking his wolf’s advice to heart.
The sound of tires crunching gravel announced Darius’s arrival. Caleb straightened from where he stood on the packhouse porch, gaze sharpening as the Bloodstone Alpha pulled to a stop.
Darius unfolded from the vehicle, imposing frame blocking the afternoon sun. His critical gaze swept over the packhouse grounds with the automatic assessment of an alpha accustomed to command. Yet his usual fluid stride had shortened, shoulders hunched forward against some invisible weight. Gravity had carved trenches around his mouth since Caleb had last seen him. Shadows collected beneath his eyes like bruises never given time to heal. His jaw worked side to side, teeth audibly grinding against invisible resistance—chewing words that refused to be spoken.
“Darius,” Caleb greeted with a respectful nod. “Welcome to Crescent Fang.”
“Caleb,” Darius replied gruffly, though lacking his usual sharp edge as he extended a hand. “Thank you for meeting with me.”
Caleb clasped his hand firmly. “Please, come inside.”
The two alphas moved into the packhouse, settling in Caleb’s private office. Darius’s gaze swept over the room, taking in the understated warmth and simplicity. Caleb poured them both a drink, the amber liquid catching the afternoon light filtering through the windows. He waited patiently, sensing that the older alpha needed a moment to gather his thoughts.
Finally, Darius spoke. “You’ve built something remarkable here, Caleb,” he said, voice heavy with an emotion Caleb couldn’t quite place. “Your pack… It feels strong. Balanced.”
Caleb inclined his head, accepting the compliment even as he wondered at the alpha’s true purpose. “Thank you. It’s taken many hands to get us here.”
Darius’s lips twitched into a faint smile before fading. He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees as he cradled his glass. For a long moment, he said nothing, gaze fixed on the liquid as though it held the answers he sought. When he looked up, his eyes were haunted.
“I don’t want to waste your time with pleasantries.” Darius’s voice dropped, vulnerability seeping through his usual commanding tone. “I need your counsel.”
