Chapter 50
Adrian’s POV
The next morning, I found myself–leading a caravan of vehicles toward Crescent Canyon. What should have been a private, contemplative journey had become a lively procession, with music blaring from windows and excited chatter filling the desert air.
In my SUV, I had the dubious pleasure of Nadia in the passenger seat, while Ryder and Skye occupied the back. Through the rearview mirror, I caught glimpses of Skye’s animated expressions as she conversed with Ryder.
The desert light streaming through the windows highlighted her silver hair, making it shimmer like liquid mercury.
More striking was the change in her eyes–those forest–green depths had softened considerably since she’d joined our pack, losing the guarded warmes of a lone wolf and gaining something warmer, more open.
‘I can’t thank you enough for the shooting lessons these past few weeks,” Skye was saying to Ryder, her voice carrying easily in the confined space of the vehicle. “I wouldn’t have scored so high without your help.”
Ryder beamed with pride. “You’re a natural. I’ve never seen anyone improve so quickly.”
“Now I understand why you have such an important place in Oasisborn Pack despite your age, Skye replied with genuine admiration. “Your skills are extraordinary.”
“It’s all about finding what you’re good at,” Ryder shrugged modestly, though his pleased expression betrayed his delight at her praise. “And you definitely found your niche with marksmanship.”
My knuckles whitened slightly on the steering wheel as I listened to their exchange.
The easy familiarity between them sent a spike of irritation through me that I couldn’t entirely justify.
I recalled Ryder’s bold declaration a month ago about ‘fair competition” for Skye’s affection–something I’d dismissed as youthful impulsivity. Now, watching their interaction, I realized the young wolf had been entirely serious.
Nadia shot me a knowing glance, her expression somewhere between vindication and sympathy. I pointedly ignored her, focusing on the winding desert road ahead.
Glancing in my rearview mirror, I counted at least fifteen wolves making the journey–not just the newly qualified warriors, but also Nadia (who had insisted on coming to ‘supervise“), Ryder (who had somehow managed to pack/not only his guitar but an entire sound system), and even a few other pack members who had attached themselves to the expedition at the last minute.
My frustration gradually ebbed as we reached the canyon’s edge. The genuine awe on the faces of the younger pack members as they took in the magnificent view helped put things into perspective.
Many of these wolves had never ventured this far from our oasis; some had never experienced the raw beauty of the desert wilderness at all.
It’s breathtaking,” Skye murmured, coming to stand beside me at the canyon’s edge. The afternoon sun painted the stratified rock in shades of amber and gold, the shadows deepening the vibrant reds and purples in a display that no photograph could ever truly capture.
“Even better at night,” I promised, allowing myself a moment to enjoy her proximity before Ryder inevitably appeared between us.
Setting up camp became a community effort. Tents sprouted across the designated campsite, gear was unpacked, and responsibilities were distributed. I watched with a mixture of amusement and irritation as Ryder enthusiastically helped Skye with her tent, their easy camaraderie evident in their laughter and casual touches.
As twilight descended, the canyon was transformed. The fading sunlight painted the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink, while the first stars began to appear overhead. Nadia and Skye organized the food preparation, working together with surprising efficiency despite the tension I knew existed between
them.
I built the central fire, arranging logs in a circle around it to create a gathering place. Soon, the scent of roasting meat filled the air, mingling with the clean desert breeze and the earthy fragrance of juniper and sage. The pack members assembled around the fire, plates heaped with food, their faces illuminated by the dancing flames.
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Chapter 50
Looking around at my pack–my family–1 felt something shift within me. The disappointment of not having Skye to myself gradually dissolved, replaced by a profound sense of contentment. These young warriors, so full of life and potential, represented Oasisborn’s future. Their strength, their unity, their obvious joy in simply being together filled me with hope for what our pack could become.
After dinner, as the last traces of daylight faded from the sky, revealing a canopy of stars so brilliant they seemed close enough to touch, Ryder reached for his guitar. The conversations around the fire quieted as he began to tune the instrument, his usually playful demeanor giving way to something more
serious.
I’ve been working on something,‘ he announced, his fingers finding their positions on the strings. “A song I wrote for someone special. His eyes flickered briefly to Skye, who sat across the fire from him, her silver hair gleaming in the firelight.
As I watched Ryder strum his guitar, his eyes never straying far from Skye, my wolf stirred with restless energy, a low growl rumbling in the back of my mind.
“Well,” he said with a smug chuckle, “looks like you’re trailing by one point, Alpha.”
I gritted my teeth, ignoring the amused glint in my wolf’s voice. It wasn’t a damn game!
At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.
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