Chapter 30
Skye’s POV
Before I could even process what was happening, Adrian’s fist connected with Kane’s jaw.
The force of the blow sent the intruding Alpha stumbling backward, though he managed to maintain his footing.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Adrian roared.
His eyes flashed dangerously, and I could sense his wolf straining against the surface, eager to emerge and defend what it considered its territory–which, apparently, included me.
I stood frozen, my skin crawling where Kane’s tongue had left its wet trail. The violation of such an intimate act–werewolves only scent–marked those they considered mates or pack–left me feeling both disgusted and oddly exposed.
Surprisingly, Kane didn’t return Adrian’s aggression. Instead, he straightened himself, touching his jaw with an almost appreciative expression before a meaningful smile spread across his face.
“Interesting, he drawled, his predatory eyes fixed on me rather than Adrian. “A wolf with no scent. Is she your newest recruit?”
His tone suggested he’d discovered something far more valuable than he’d expected.
“You’ve crossed a line,” Adrian warned, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl. “If you dare touch her again-”
Kane’s emerald eyes peered past Adrian’s shoulder, finding mine despite the barrier.
“A woman as beautiful and unique as you should consider joining Gravestone Pack instead, he called to me, ignoring Adrian completely.
Why waste your talents with these… damaged creatures?” He gestured dismissively at Venus and Marcus. “Power and wealth would be yours for the taking if you came with me instead.”
His repulsive smile made me instinctively retreat further behind Adrian.
Adrian’s hand shot out, gripping Kane’s collar and pulling him close until they were nose to nose.
Show some respect for my packmates,” he hissed, “or I can’t guarantee your people will leave here intact.”
The two wolves behind Kane immediately tensed, their bodies beginning the subtle shift that preceded transformation.
Instead of escalating, however, Kane raised both hands in an exaggerated gesture of surrender. “You really can’t take a joke, can you? We’ll be on our way
now.”
Marcus stepped forward, his sightless eyes somehow more intimidating than any sighted glare could be. “I’ll escort our… guests… to the announced, his voice cold.
As Kane and his companions were led away under Marcus’s watchful presence, I noticed the celebration had effectively ended.
r,” he
Pack members were beginning to clean up, their earlier joy replaced by watchful vigilance. The uninvited visitors had cast a shadow over what should have been a night of pure celebration.
Adrian immediately called an emergency council meeting and, to my surprise, gestured for me to join them.
“You should hear this too,” he said quietly, his hand briefly touching the small of my back as he guided me toward the main building.
In the council chamber, the atmosphere was tense.
Adrian turned to face me as soon as the door closed behind us. “Have you made your decision?” he asked, “Will you join our pack?”
1/3
Chapter 30
Before I could respond, Nadia interrupted her pacing and planted her hands firmly on the table. ‘Since Kane wants to recruit you, I’m absolutely determined not to let him have his way, you must join us!”
The vehemence of her statement, so different from her initial suspicion of me, caught me off guard. I looked around at the assembled council–at these broken but undefeated wolves who had built something remarkable from their pain–and found myself nodding.
“I will,” I said, “But surely you don’t just want me as a bartender? If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Lydia’s eyes crinkled above her mask in what I now recognized as a smile. “Since you understand mixology, perhaps you could assist me with herbal preparations and wolf poisons,‘ she suggested, her melodic voice soft but clear. “You likely have a natural talent for it.”
The door opened abruptly as Marcus returned, his expression grim. “The intruders have left our territory,” he reported before turning in my direction. “She should join my security team,” he said firmly, as though we’d been discussing this for hours. “A wolf without a scent is a natural–born scout. We could use her abilities for border reconnaissance.”
“I disagree,” Lydia countered, leaning forward. “Her talents would be wasted on perimeter duty when she could be helping develop protective remedies for the pack.”
Venus, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke up. “We’re currently establishing an orphanage for displaced wolf cubs,” she explained, her single hand gesturing emphatically. “We’re desperately short–staffed. Why not assign her there first?”
Their eagerness to include me in various aspects of pack life was both overwhelming and deeply touching after three years of solitary existence. They didn’t just want me as a token member–they saw genuine value in what I could offer.
“I think Venus’s suggestion makes the most sense to start,‘ I said carefully, not wanting to offend anyone. “But I’d be happy to help Lydia with herbal preparations in my spare time, and perhaps assist Marcus with occasional border intelligence as well.”
Nadia crossed her arms, fixing me with a stern look. “Don’t forget daily combat training,” she insisted. “I won’t always be around to protect you, and you need to strengthen those underdeveloped muscles.”
Ryder nudged my arm playfully. “I could be your training partner,” he offered.
A warm sensation spread through my chest–not the burning desire of mate–recognition, but something equally powerful. Acceptance. Belonging. Purpose. After years of drifting aimlessly, I suddenly had people who needed me, valued me, wanted me around. The feeling was both foreign and intoxicating.
The moment of camaraderie was interrupted when Adrian’s expression turned serious. “Kane and Gravestone Pack won’t leave us in peace,” he warned, his voice drawing everyone’s attention. “Their sudden interest in our territory–and in Skye–concerns me.”
He turned to Marcus. “Increase border patrols, especially near the lake.”
To Garrett, who had joined us silently at some point during the discussion, he said, “Track Kane’s recent activities online. I want to know what he’s been up
to.”
Nadia received instructions to intensify training for the younger pack members, while Lydia was tasked with examining the lake water
“It’s our primary water source,” Adrian explained, his brow furrowed with concern. “Kane might attempt to contaminate it.”
I found myself admiring Adrian’s meticulous thinking, the way he anticipated threats from multiple angles. He was a natural protector, his focus always on the welfare of those under his care.
As the meeting concluded and council members filed out to begin their assigned tasks, I prepared to head to my temporary accommodations in the pack’s hotel. Before I could leave, Adrian’s hand on my arm/stopped me.
“Tonight you’re staying at my place,” he said, his voice not leaving room for argument. “I don’t feel comfortable with you alone, not with Kane showing interest in you.”
His gaze held mine, concern evident in his expression. I knew this wasn’t a romantic invitation–just an Alpha protecting a member who might be in danger.
Yet as I nodded my agreement, I couldn’t ignore the small flutter in my stomach at the thought of spending the night under his roof once again.
2/3
Crowned by Fate
