Casts 21_Crowned by Fate

Chapter 21 

 Adrian’s POV

 The silver woll before me was a magnificent sight–sleek and lithe, with fur that caught the desert sunlight and reflected it like freshly fallen snow.

 Even in the northern territories, pure silver wolves were extraordinarily rare. I’d heard tales of them from the elders, whispered legends about silver–coated wolves possessing unique abilities, but I’d never seen one myself until now.

 Her movements were uncoordinated, almost coltish, as she tried to navigate her new form.

 Despite her clumsiness, her wolf was vibrant and healthy, brimming with an energy that suggested years of pent–up power finally finding release.

 As I watched her race across the desert floor, her joy palpable in every bound, an unexpected pang of disappointment settled in my chest.

 She wasn’t my mate. 

 I’d known it from the first moment I’d encountered her at The Watering Hole, of course. The distinctive pull of a mate bond was unmistakable, and I’d felt nothing of the sort.

 After being forced from my father’s pack by my uncle and establishing Oasisborn Pack as a haven for outcasts, I’d still harbored the quiet hope of someday finding my destined partner. Two years had passed since then, with no sign of my mate. 

 Despite that disappointment, something about Skye had sparked an interest I thought long buried beneath the responsibilities of leadership.

 By midday, the desert heat had grown punishing even for werewolf constitutions. Skye’s enthusiasm gradually yielded to fatigue, her tongue lolling from her mouth as she panted heavily.

 I guided her back toward theke, where shifting back to human form would be morefortable with water to cool her overheated body.

 Her naked form, briefly glimpsed, was seared into my memory: small but perfectly shaped breasts, the curve of her hip narrowing to her waist, skin pale and smooth as porcin.

 I forced these thoughts aside, ufortable with my own inappropriate observation of someone under my protection.<fn55be> Readplete version only at Find?Novel</fn55be>

 The drive back to thepound was an unexpected test of willpower. The confined space of the SUV quickly filled with Skye’s scent–not the normal werewolf musk that should have emerged after her first shift, which was peculiar enough, but something far more primal.

 The sweet, heady aroma of female arousal grew more pronounced with each passing mile. 

 I knew well that a werewolf’s first shift often triggered intense sexual desire. It was a biological imperative, the body’s way of celebrating itspletion and seeking to perpetuate the bloodline.

 “Danions, w

 I recalled my own first transformation at sixteen, how I’d spent that night with two of the pack’s designated who helped young males through this challenging transition.

 Trapped in the vehicle with her intoxicating scent, my body responded despite my best intentions. I was grateful for the dark material of my jeans, which concealed the evidence of my arousal. 

 My mind kept returning to forbidden images: her naked form emerging from the shift, the feel of her slick skin against mine as I’d held her in theke water, the way her breasts had pressed against my chest as I steadied her. 

 I shook my head sharply, disgusted with myself for these thoughts. She was vulnerable, newly shifted, and under my protection–not an object for my base desires.

 From the corner of my eye, I saw Skye resting/her head against the window, which she’d rolled down halfway. The hot desert air tousled her golden blonde hair as she kept her eyes nearly closed. Whether she was genuinely dozing or simply avoiding the awkwardness between us, I couldn’t say.

 Neither of us acknowledged the tension, maintaining a fragile silence for the remainder of the journey.

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 Chapter 21 

 Given her condition, taking her directly to the medical facility seemed inappropriate. The sexual energy radiating from her would be obvious to every wolf in the <bpound. For her dignity, and to prevent unnecessaryplications, I détoured toward my private residence instead.

 Skye, were here, I called softly as I pulled into the driveway of my modest home.

 Her eyes opened, surprise registering as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings.

 “This is my house,” I exined. “I think perhaps I should bring you to see Dr. Chen tomorrow instead… when you’re feeling more… settled.”

 Understanding dawned in her eyes, a crimson blush spreading across her cheeks as she nodded wordlessly,

 My home was deliberately simple–a single–story structure with clean lines and minimal decoration. I had insisted on living quarters no more luxurious than those of other pack members, despite Nadia’s protests that an Alpha should maintain certain appearances.

 Leadership, in my view, had nothing to do with material disys.

 “Lucy,” I called to the old maid who helped maintain my home. “Could you prepare the guest room? And find some suitable clothes for our visitor?”

 Lucy emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dishcloth. Her eyes widened slightly as she assessed Skye, a knowing smile ying at the cornes of her mouth, wrinkles deepening around her eyes.

 “Well, this is a first, she remarked with undisguised interest. “I’ve never seen you bring a woman home before, Alpha.

 “It’s not what you’re thinking,” I replied stiffly, embarrassment heating my neck.

 Skye retreated to the guest room immediately after Lucy showed her in, closing the door firmly behind her. She remained there until I knocked at dinner time, calling her to eat. By then, her scent had faded to manageable levels, the most intense phase of her post–shift response apparently subsiding.

 We ate in rtive silence, the awkwardness of earlier gradually giving way to a morefortable quiet. 

 I found myself studying her when she wasn’t looking–the graceful movement of her hands, the way she tucked her golden blonde hair behind her thoughtful expression that crossed her face as she gazed out the window at the desertndscape.

 After dinner, Nadia mind–linked me, her voice familiar in my thoughts.

 Alpha, the training facility designs for the pups are ready. I’ll stop by your house tonight to drop them off if that’s convenient.

 That’s fine, I responded. I’ll be here.

 ear, 

 the

 I hadn’t mentioned Skye’s presence, not out of any desire for secrecy but simply because it hadn’t seemed relevant to pack business. Helping a newly shifted wolf was an Alpha’s duty, nothing more.

 When Nadia knocked that evening, I opened the door to find her holding a roll of blueprints. She handed them over, then stepped inside without waiting for an invitation, heading directly toward the kitchen.

 I need some lemonade after the day I’ve had,” she announced, already opening the refrigerator. “The construction crew messed up the measurements for the eastern perimeter expansion again.”

 I considered stopping her, exining that Skye was here, but hesitated. There was nothing improper about the situation; hiding it would only create unnecessary suspicion.

 Nadia had just filled a ss with the tart beverage when the bathroom door opened, releasing a cloud of steam as Skye emerged, her hair damp from the shower, dressed in borrowed clothes that hung loosely on her frame.

 Nadia froze, the ss halfway to her lips. Her eyes widened almostically before narrowing to suspicious slits.

 “What the fuck?” she blurted, staring at Skye. “Why are you here?”

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Casts 21