Casts 22_Crowned by Fate

Chapter 22 

 Skye’s POV

 Thefortable atmosphere that had settled between Adrian and me during dinner instantly evaporated. I shifted ufortably, my damp hair dripping onto the borrowed clothes that hung loosely from my frame.

 1… I began, but Adrian stepped forward, his voice calm yet authoritative.

 Skye shifted today,” he exined, moving to stand slightly between us. “Her first transformation. She has a lot to learn, so I invited her to stay the night. Dr. Chen will examine her tomorrow.” 

 Nadia’s eyes widened, darting between us as understanding dawned in her expression. She set her ss down with more force than necessary, liquid sloshing over the rim. 

 ‘So you brought her to your house?” Her voice rose slightly. “Adrian, you know what happens after a werewolf’s first shift. The urges, the- She cut herself off, ncing at me with undisguised disapproval.

 Heat rushed to my cheeks. I knew exactly what Nadia was implying–that I might seduce Adrian, taking advantage of my post–shift state and his generosity.

 The usation stung, especially when my body was still humming with unfamiliar sensations that I was desperately trying to ignore. 

 “I understand your concern,” I said quickly, wanting to defuse the tension. “I’m feeling much better now. If possible, perhaps someone could drive me back to Boring tonight instead.”

 Adrian’s expression hardened slightly, a sh of rare impatience crossing his features.

 “Nadia, why are you so prejudiced against Skye? She’s a guest who needs our help, nothing more.” 

 “I’m your Beta,” Nadia reminded him, chin lifted defiantly. “It’s my responsibility to protect you and look out for your best interests.” 

 The tension between them crackled in the air like static electricity. I stood awkwardly to the side.

 After a moment, Nadia’s posture shifted, a decision clearly made.

 She marched to the living room and dropped onto the sofa with dramatic finality. “If Skye’s staying here tonight,” she announced, patting the cushion beside her, then I’m staying too. Right here on this couch.”

 Adrian’s shoulders rose and fell in a resigned sigh. The mix of exasperation and affection in his expression spoke volumes about their rtionship–clearly deeper and more <bplex than just Alpha and Beta.

 “While you’re being so vignt,” Nadia–continued, triumph edging her voice, “we might as well discuss the training facility designs I brought,”

 Adrian shook his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. “You truly are tireless, aren’t you?” 

 He turned to me, his expression softening. “Skye, please feel free to stay. After Dr. Chen examines you tomorrow, I’ll take you out for another shift training session.”

 I hesitated, weighing my options. The truth was, I had nowhere else to go, and the promise of learning more about my wolf–this new part of myself I’d waited so long to discover–was too tempting to refuse. 

 “Alright, I agreed quietly. “Thank you.” 

 As I turned to head back to the guest room, I caught sight of Nadia moving closer to Adrian, spreading blueprints across the coffee table. She threw me a quick nce, a small, satisfied smile ying at her lips–like she’d won some contest I hadn’t known we were in.

 There was something familiar in the way she positioned herself near Adrian, in the barely contained adoration that shone in her eyes when she looked at

 him.

 I recognized it because I’d once felt something simr for Leon, that mixture of respect, admiration, and longing.

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 Chapter 22 

 Adrian and Nadia’s rtionship clearly went beyond professional boundaries. The way he indulged her interference in his personal life spoke of a deep bond.

 But it wasn’t my ce to analyze their rtionship. I was just a temporary visitor in their world, a passing stranger who would soon return to my solitary existence. 

 Besides, after my transformation today, I’d confirmed what I’d already suspected–Adrian wasn’t my second chance mate.

 That peculiar, visceral connection I’d felt with Leon, however painful its oue, was absent with Adrian despite his kindness and undeniable appeal.

 I closed the guest room door behind me, leaving them to their blueprints and ns for a future I wouldn’t be part of.

 The next morning, I woke to the scent of coffee and bacon wafting through the house.

 When I emerged from the guest room, Lucy was setting tes of food on the dining table, Adrian already seated reviewing documents on hisptop while Nadia poured herself coffee.

 Breakfast was a strange affair. I remained mostly silent, picking at my food and offering brief responses when directly addressed.

 Nadia, by contrast, barely paused for breath as she detailed various cost–saving measures for the training facility, her enthusiasm for the topic seemingly inexhaustible.

 Adrian listened attentively, asking asional questions, but I couldn’t help noticing how his eyes would drift to me during Nadia’s more technical exnations.

 After we finished eating, Adrian announced he would drive me to the pack hospital for my examination. Predictably, Nadia immediately volunteered.

 I’ll take you both,” she insisted, already grabbing the car keys from the hook by the door. “I need to speak with Dr. Chen about medical supplies for the new facility anyway.” 

 Dr. Chen’s examination room was bright and modern, equipped with medical technology I hadn’t expected to find in such a remote location. She conducted a thorough checkup, listening to my heart, examining the now–healed gunshot wound, and drawing bloc or testing.

 “Your physical condition is excellent,” she concluded, removing her stethoscope. “Remarkably so for someone who just shifted for the first time.” She nced at her tablet, scrolling through notes. “Your sudden transformation was most likely triggered by thebination of life–threatening trauma and the presence of Alpha blood in your system.”

 “Alpha blood?” I repeated, confused.

 Dr. Chen looked surprised.

 “Yes, from the transfusion. When you arrived with the gunshot wound, you had lost too much blood. Without your wolf active, you wouldn’t have survived the surgery to remove the bullet.” She gestured toward Adrian, who stood quietly in the corner of the room. “Alpha Adrian donated his blood for your transfusion. It’s what saved your life.*

 x

 I stared at Adrian in shock. “Your blood?” 

 The magnitude of what he’d done hit me suddenly. Alpha blood was precious, known for its healing properties and rarely given to anyone outside immediate family or high–ranking pack members. For him to have shared it with me, a lone wolf he barely knew….

 “That’s why you healed so quickly,” Dr. Chen continued. “Alpha blood contains powerful regenerative properties, especially when given directly from Alpha to recipient.”

 A wave of emotion washed over me–gratitude mixed with a sense of indebtedness that felt almost overwhelming.

 In three years of solitary existence, I’d grown/ustomed to fending for myself, to expecting the worst from strangers. Adrian’s selfless act was more kindness than I’d experienced from anyone since leaving my pack.

 How could I ever repay such a debt? I wondered silently. And why would he do this for a stranger? 

 2/3 

 Chapter 22 

 I looked up, meeting Adrian’s amber eyes across the room.

 Why didn’t you tell me yesterday?” I asked softly.

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Casts 22