Chapter 18
Skye’s POV
I stared at him, certain I’d misheard.
Just moments ago, they were interrogating me about my identity and motives, suspicious I might be some kind of spy. Now he was inviting me to join his pack?
Werewolf packs were notoriously selective, protective of their territories and secrets. They didn’t just extend meinbership to random lone wolves they’d known for all of two days.
“What?” The word burst from my lips before I could stop it.
But my shock was nothing compared to Nadia’s reaction. Her eyes widened to comic proportions, her mouth falling open in disbelief before she erupted.
“What?” she practically shrieked, whirling to face Adrian. “Alpha Adrian, I have supported every decision you’ve made since we left Stormhowl, but this is reckless even for you!” Her hands slashed through the air in agitation. “We can’t just take in a lone wolf with unknown origins! Especially one without a wolf!”
Something flickered across Adrian’s features–a hardness I hadn’t seen before. In that moment, I glimpsed the Alpha beneath the charming exterior.
“Have you forgotten why we established Oasisborn in the first place, Nadia?” His voice remained quiet, but carried an edge that made even me want to take a step back. “How many lone wolves have we welcomed already? How many outcasts and misfits? That’s our very foundation.”
“Those wolves were different. We vetted them. We knew their histories,
“We know nothing about her.”
While they argued as if I wasn’t present, my mind was racing.
Oasisborn Pack?
m their
In my years at Frostshadow’s pack school, I’d memorized the territories and names of every established w ever hearing of Oasisborn.
olf pack in North America. I couldn’t recall
And then there was the matter of Adrian’s scent–that distinctive ocean undertone that seemed completely at odds with this desert environment. Werewolves typically carried the essence of their territories in their scent; Adrian smelled like he belonged near the sea, not in this arid landscape.
“Thank you for the invitation, but I must decline. “I cleared my throat, interrupting their heated exchange.
They both turned to look at me, equally surprised by my immediate refusal.
“I appreciate your help–truly, I do,” I continued, avoiding Adrian’s intense gaze. “But I have no intention of joining another pack.”
I glanced at Nadia, whose expression had shifted from anger to curiosity. “I don’t want to cause any conflict. As soon as I’m well enough to travel, I’ll leave Boring and move on.”
Where I would go next, I had no idea. Perhaps I could risk a brief, secret visit home to see my parents and Ethan from a distance, just to know they were okay. Or maybe I’d simply continue my nomadic existence, drifting from town to town.
Adrian studied me for a long moment, his amber eyes unreadable. Finally, he nodded. ‘I won’t force you. That’s not how I operate.”
And I’ll personally drive you back to Boring. I doubt you’d find transportation otherwise–we’re quite isolated here.”
I hesitated, then reluctantly nodded.
I’ll wait outside while you get dressed, Adrian said, turning to the door. Ife paused, glancing back at Nadia. “Give our guest some privacy, please.“
Nadia looked like she wanted to object, but after a challenging stare from Adrian, she followed him out, closing the door behind them with perhaps more force than necessary.
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Chapter 18
Once alone, I quickly changed into the simple dress Nadia had provided. The fabric was soft against my skin, the loose cut comfortable over my healing
Wound.
I was still amazed by how rapidly I’d recovered.
Adrian was waiting in the hallway, leaning casually against the wall. He straightened when I emerged, his eyes briefly traveling over me before returning to my face.
This way,
As we moved through the building, I realized it was much larger than I’d initially thought–not just a clinic but a full medical facility. The halls were bright and clean, the equipment modern.
How had they established something like this in such a remote location?
But my questions died on my lips as we stepped outside into the morning sunshine. The sight before me stole my breath away.
What should have been barren desert was instead a vibrant oasis nestled against the backdrop of distant mountains.
And everywhere I looked, werewolves went about their daily lives. Children played in the safety of a fenced area, their laughter carrying on the breeze. Adults worked at various tasks–some constructing a new building, others tending to gardens or carrying supplies.
Unlike the rigid hierarchy I’d grown up with in Frostshadow, where status and rank dictated every interaction, these wolves seemed more relaxed, more… equal.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Adrian’s voice drew my attention back to him. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he observed my awestruck expression. “Having second thoughts? My invitation still stands.”
“It is beautiful, I admitted. “I never would have imagined something like this could exist here.” I hesitated, then added, “But my answer remains the same.”
Despite having left Frostshadow Pack three years ago, I’d never seriously considered joining another. Perhaps deep down, I still thought of Alaska as home, still considered my family my true pack. Joining another would feel like a betrayal, a final severing of ties I wasn’t ready to cut.
Adrian shrugged, disappointment flashing briefly across his features. “May I ask why? Nadia was right a One thing–you don’t have your wolf. Most lone wolves in your position would jump at the protection a pack offers.”
“Why would you want me?” I countered. ‘Like Nadia said, I have no wolf. I’m of no value to your pack.”
“Value?” Adrian repeated, his brow furrowing slightly. “And what exactly do you consider ‘valuable,‘ Skye? Strength? Wealth?” He paused, his eyes suddenly intense as they locked with mine. “Or perhaps… your youth and beauty?”
Heat rushed to my cheeks at the unexpected compliment, and I quickly turned away, pretending to examine a nearby flowering bush.
“You don’t need to escort me personally, I said, changing the subject. “I’m sure you have more important things to do. Can’t one of your pack members drive me back?”
I insist, he replied smoothly. “It’s the least I can do.”
As we walked toward the parking area, pack members nodded respectfully to Adrian, greeting him with quiet “Alpha‘ acknowledgments. Many cast curious glances my way, some friendly, others more cautious.
I felt suddenly self–conscious, acutely aware of being an outsider.
We had just reached the parking lot when a stabbing pain shot through my body so intense it drove me to my knees.
It felt as if my bones were attempting to rearrange themselves, my muscles stretching and tearing. A strangled cry escaped my lips as I clutched at my chest.
“Skye!” Adrian was beside me instantly, strong arms supporting me as I doubled over. “What’s wrong?”
But I couldn’t answer.
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Chapter 18
The pain was overwhelming, as if my body was being torn apart from the inside out.
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