Page 9 of Fated
Lena barked a laugh, scooping up a pinecone and chucking it at his head. “Goddess, you’re impossible!”
Jace dodged it with ease, catching the pinecone mid-air and tossing it aside. “I’m just saying,” he continued, grin widening into something entirely too smug, “don’t close the door on greatness, darling.” His voice softened, teasing giving way to sincerity. “Seriously, though. You’re going to be fine, Lena. Whether or not you find your mate, you’ll make the right choice. And we’ve got your back, no matter what.”
Lena shook her head, laughing despite herself. The earlier tension melted away, replaced by the warmth of their friendship. Ryker grinned, recovered from his mock horror, while Jace watched her with that steady certainty that always made things better.
They sat in comfortable silence as the fire burned low and night deepened around them. Their pack bond embraced them like the forest itself—strong, unspoken, and as natural as breathing. The future might be uncertain, but with these two and Cian at her side, Lena knew she’d never truly be lost.
Some bonds, she realized, were stronger than fate itself.
CHAPTER FIVE
KAI
Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Darius’s study, casting long shadows across the massive dark oak desk, worn smooth by generations of alphas who’d sat in this very room. The scent of books and polished wood permeated the air.
Kai watched his father review the stack of papers before him, noting how the silver threading through Darius’s dark hair caught the light. Even in a simple cable-knit sweater, his father cut an imposing figure. Broad-shouldered and stern. Those distinctive Bloodstone green eyes, penetrating as ever, beneath strong brows. The creases framing his mouth deepened when he spoke, geography carved by decades of unquestionedcommands. Lesser wolves still averted their gaze when those lines appeared.
“The annual summit is in a week.” Darius’s deep voice filled the room as he looked up from the papers, fixing Kai in his crosshairs.
Kai leaned back in his chair, the leather cool against his palms as he braced himself. “I know.”
“You know,” Darius repeated, voice edged with sarcasm. “But are you ready?”
Kai’s shoulders locked into place, vertebrae stacking tight. “Of course I’m ready. I’ve been to the summit every year since I was fifteen.”
“Watching is not leading, Kai.” Darius’s words cut like steel. “This time, you won’t just stand behind me. You’ll speak.”
“Speak?” Kai blinked, surprised. “What do you mean?”
His father set the papers down, folding his hands with deliberate precision. “Some of the regional alphas have decided to let their heirs take part as surrogates to prepare for their pending alpha ceremonies. Given our pack’s proximity to the rising rogue threat, I must still attend, but you’ll present our position on the northern border dispute. The abandoned Denali lands have become a point of contention. The alphas from Ironclaw and Redridge will be there to assert their claims. You’ll argue for our interests.”
Kai’s heartbeat thundered against his ribs. This was his chance—to prove himself, to step out of his father’s shadow—but the suddenness of it left his fingertips tingling, the taste of metal sharp on his tongue. “You trust me to handle this?”
“Trust is earned, Kai.” Darius’s eyes narrowed. “You think you’re ready to lead this pack? Show me you understand the intricacies of regional politics, how to balance our hold and influence with the greater needs of our community. Prove that it’s your time.”
Kai met his father’s gaze, determination hardening his spine. Orion’s pride surged through their bond. “I will.”
“Good.” Darius crossed his arms. “Don’t embarrass me.”
A heavy pause filled the room before Darius continued, his expression unreadable. “There’s one other thing you should know. Some packs are sending their unmated females to the summit this year.”
Kai’s stomach twisted. “Why?”
Darius’s lips curled into a humorless smile. “The Collective wants to acknowledge the changing demographics in our community. They hope the she-wolves will learn from the lunas and beta-females in attendance and perhaps even find their mates.” He fixed Kai with a steady look. “I think this may be a chance for you to find your fated as well.”
“I don’t want a fated mate,” Kai said, the words worn smooth with repetition. “I want Ava. I trust Selene will bless our chosen bond because Ava is the only one I will ever love.”
His father’s alpha aura filled the room like a gathering storm. “I know what you want, but the pack needs strength. A bond with your fated mate will bring you into your power and could solidify alliances we need.” He pounded a clenched fist on the desk. “The region faces tenuous times. The rogue attacks keep increasing and growing more vicious. Or have you forgotten how Ava came to join our pack to begin with?”
Kai’s jaw tightened as Orion growled inside him.“Fate again,”his wolf muttered.
The stern lines of Darius’s face softened. His shoulders slumped as he rubbed at his temples. “Look, I know you care deeply for Ava, but I’m not convinced she cares just as deeply for you.” His father’s voice carried the force of Bloodstone legacy. “I don’t want to see you forsake your destiny and the vitality of the pack for someone who’s not meant for you.”
Kai rose, but Darius held up a hand, expression softening even further into something almost painful to witness. “My heart breaks for the loss Ava endured at such a young age.”
The rare expression of vulnerability drained the resistance from Kai’s limbs as he sank back into his chair.
“Yes, she is beautiful and smart.” Darius’s fingers drummed once against the ancient desk. “She has a strong will that would make for a fortuitous luna, but…” He leaned forward, voice dropping to barely above a whisper. “I sense she aspires to be Luna of Bloodstone more than she wants to beyours.”
