Page 98 of Fated
They were greeted by a flurry of activity as they entered the cottage, Crescent Fang’s strength evident in every familiar face. Asher’s mother, Carys, stood at the end of the hallway, coordinating healers as they arranged Asher’s old room. The former beta-female’s composure cracked once she spotted them.
“Asher!” She rushed forward, hands fluttering over him as though confirming he was real. “Look at you—pale as winter and trying to walk around like nothing happened.”
“I’m fine, Mom,” Asher protested weakly. “Just need a few days of rest, that’s all.”
Carys’s sharp gaze shifted to Caleb, one eyebrow arching in a way that made him feel like a pup caught sneaking treats. “I hope you’re not planning on staying here too, Alpha.”
Caleb blinked, heat creeping up his neck. “I—”
“Years of you two under my roof,” she continued, gesturing between them. “I know very little actual resting gets done when you’re together.” She crossed her arms. “You can have him back when he’s at full strength.”
“Mom!” Asher groaned, though his cheeks flushed pink. “Pretty sure getting our dicks wet is the last thing on either of our minds right now.”
Carys flicked his nose. “Language! Now hush and get your hide in that bed.”
For the first time since he’d seen Leif fall during the attack, Caleb laughed—a real, genuine sound that broke through the fog hanging over him. He and Garreth helped Asher to his room, Carys right on their heels, fussing and muttering about “stubborn males” and “no sense of self-preservation.”
Caleb settled Asher into bed, tucking the blankets around him with gentle hands. “I need to meet with the council, but I’ll check on you after.” He pressed a soft kiss to Asher’s forehead.
As Asher’s eyes drifted shut, Caleb turned to Carys, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I’m so sorry I didn’t get to him faster,” he whispered.
She blinked through tears, shaking her head firmly. “No. This is not your fault.” Her gaze moved to Asher, already asleep. “He’s home. He’s going to be okay.”
Caleb nodded, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. He stole one last look at Asher’s peaceful face before slipping from the room.
“Stand tall, Alpha. This is only the beginning,”Fenrir murmured as he left the beta house.
Caleb breathed deep, shoulders squaring as he nodded to his wolf’s words. This was only the beginning, but they would be ready to face whatever lay ahead—together.
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
KAI
Kai skidded to a stop in front of the Bloodstone hospital, tires screeching against pavement. He didn’t bother turning off the engine or putting the car in park. His only thought was Ava. Wrenching the door open, he stumbled out and sprinted toward the entrance.
The hospital doors slid open with a mechanical hiss. Antiseptic assaulted his senses, failing to mask the scent of blood and smoke that followed him in. Every breath tasted bitter, making Orion bristle beneath his skin, a low growl rumbling in Kai’s chest that he couldn’t suppress. His canines lengthened, pricking his bottom lip as his wolf pushed forward, demanding action.
“Kai.”
The voice cut through the haze, sharp and commanding. He turned to find Darius standing near the reception desk, broad shoulders hunched with exhaustion. His father’s green eyes softened as they met Kai’s, and he took a hesitant step forward, arms lifting as though to pull him into an embrace.
Kai recoiled, shaking his head violently. “Where is she?” he demanded, voice breaking. “I need to see her.”
Darius frowned, lips pressing into a tight line. “Kai, listen—”
“Where is she?” Kai shouted, fists clenching at his sides. The raw edge of his voice drew the attention of the nurses and other wolves gathered in the waiting room. He barely noticed.
Darius exhaled heavily, raising a hand in a placating gesture. “She’s in Room 12, but—”
Kai didn’t let him finish. Shoving past his father, he bolted down the hallway, footsteps echoing off the sterile walls. The numbers on the doors blurred together until he reached the one he was looking for. Without hesitation, he shoved the door open and barreled inside.
The sight froze him. Ava lay dwarfed by machines, skin ashen except where purple-black bruises bloomed like violent flowers. The monitors’ rhythmic beeping hammered against his eardrums, each tone marking another second she remained broken. Her chest was wrapped in bandages and the small gash on her temple was just beginning to heal, its edges red and angry.
Her swollen eyes turned toward him as the door slammed against the wall. A piercing wail escaped her lips, body shuddering with the force of her sobs. Tears streamed down her face, unchecked and unrelenting, as she clutched at the blanket covering her.
“Ava,” Kai whispered, voice cracking. He crossed the room in two long strides, collapsing onto the edge of the bed. He didn’tcare about the cramped space or the tangle of wires. He gathered her into his arms, pulling her trembling body into his lap.
“I’m here,” he murmured. “I’m so sorry… I should’ve been here. I should’ve protected you.”
