Casts 12_Crowned by Fate

Chapter 12 

 Skye’s POV

 An Alpha showing up out in the desert–that was definitely not something you saw every

 day.

 I shifted my gaze toward Caleb, trying to act casual, hoping that Alpha wouldn’t pay me any mind. I asked Caleb, “Hey, what were you just trying to tell me?”

 Caleb started, “I got a new job lined up, and I’m leaving Boring next week. I can…“.

 But before he could finish, that Alpha cut him off.

 Without hesitation, he plopped down in the empty seat right next to Caleb, then looked straight at me and said, I heard this ce has a bartender who can outdrink any man in Texas. That you?”

 I finally dared to meet his gaze, searching for any sign of recognition or suspicion. His expression revealed nothing beyond casual interest.

 Maybe he hadn’t detected anything unusual about me after all.

 That’s what they say,” I replied cautiously.

 He smiled then, a slow, deliberate curving of lips that transformed his face into something almost boyishly charming.

 I’ll have your house special–‘Heartbeat 144,‘ I believe it’s called.”

 I nodded and began preparing the drink, hyperaware of his presence as I worked. I’d created the cocktail myself–bourbon infused with bitter herbs, wildflower honey, and a dash of cayenne pepper, stirred over ice with fresh lemon juice. It was both sweet and harsh, </bforting and painful all at once. 

 As I handed him the ss, our fingers brushed briefly. Heat shot up my arm, electric and unexpected, and I quickly pulled back. If he noticed my reaction, he gave no indication.

 He took a sip, his brow furrowing slightly. “Bitter,” hemented, “and stronger than I expected. Not the kind of drink I’d imagine someone like you creating.

 “I contain multitudes,” I said dryly, already turning to serve another customer.

 “Why call it ‘Heartbeat 144‘?” he asked, stopping me in my

 tracks. 

 Because that was my exact heart rate when I first scented my mate three years ago, I thought. The moment before everything fell apart.

 Just a random name,” I lied with a shrug.

 The truth was far more painful.‘

 On the hunting night, the moment I’d detected Leon’s scent in the forest, my brother’s gift–a fitness tracker–had recorded my heart rate spiking to exactly 144 beats per minute. I’d only noticed the numberter, after everything had gone to hell.<fn43f1> Latest content published on find(?)ovel</fn43f1>

 The stranger didn’t press further. He simply nodded and continued drinking in silence.

 Unlike most customers, he didn’t attempt to make small talk or flirt. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that his eyes never left me. His steady.gaze followed my every movement, making the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

 The weight of his attention was so distracting that I identally mixed up salt and sugar while making a Margarita, earning me a </bint from a regr and a disapproving look from Buck.

 Through it all, the stranger just watched with what seemed like amused interest, his lips asionally quirking into the faintest smile whenever I made a mistake. 

 His silent observation ended when Ruby, a local woman who offered services to lonely men, sauntered over. Her bleached blonde hair was piled high. Her 

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 Chapter 12

 makeup was thick but expertly applied. Her low–cut top left little to the imagination.

 *Haven’t seen you around before, handsome, the purred, leaning against the bar so that her ample cleavage was prominently disyed. Her perfume- something floral and far too strong–wafted across the bar. “Looking for somepany tonight? I know all the most interesting spots in town. 

 The stranger turned to her with a smile that was both kind and firmly detached. “I appreciate the offer, ma’am, but I’m just passing through.”

 Ruby wasn’t so easily deterred. She slid onto the stool next to him, her handing to rest on his forearm. “Passing through is exactly why you should take me up on it. No strings, just a good time with someone who knows how to show a man a proper Texas wee.”

 I found myself inexplicably tense as I watched their interaction.

 The stranger gently removed her hand from his arm, but instead of dismissing her harshly, he gged me down. ‘Miss, could you bring thedy whatever drink she’d like? On my tab.

 Ruby’s painted eyebrows rose in surprise.

 What’ll it be?” I asked her.

 “Cosmopolitan, Ruby replied, looking slightly confused by the turn of events. 

 As I prepared her drink, I could hear the stranger speaking to her in a low, respectful tone. “I’m ttered by your interest, truly. But I’m afraid I’d be poorpany tonight. Business matters on my mind.”

 When I returned with Ruby’s cocktail, she was nodding, seemingly not offended. “Well, if your business clears up while you’re still in town…” She slid a napkin with her number toward him before taking her drink and moving to another part of the bar.

 The stranger’s eyes found mine again, that same unreadable expression on his face. He finished his drink, left a generous tip and departed without another word.

 Lreleased a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. He hadn’t recognized me as a werewolf.

 My secret was safe, at least for now.

 I looked at Caleb, who was still sitting beside me in a daze. Gently, I approached him and asked, “Caleb, what was it you wanted to say to me just now?”

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Casts 12