Casts 43_Crowned by Fate

Skye’s POV

 30

 I woke to a pounding headache, the bitter taste of heths lingering on tongue. When I tried to stand, the room titted violently, and I nearly conned to the floor, Clutching the edge of the nightstand for support, I squinted against the morning light slicing through a gap in the curtains.

 With a groan, 1 dragged myself to the window and yanked the curtains fully open, immediately regretting the assault of bright sunlight on my sensitive ejeri The digital clock on my nightstand shed 9:00 AM in angry red numbers.

 “Shit!” I gasped, my heart jumping into my throat. I’dpletely missed morning training with Nadia. The thought of facing her disapproval only intensified the throbbing behind my temples.

 I stumbled to the bathroom, sshing cold water on my face in a futile attempt to wash away the lingering effects ofst night. As I raised my head to look in the mirror, my reflection startled me–silver hair tangled wildly around my flushed face, body swallowed by an oversized t–shirt I didn’t remember putting <ol><li>on. </li></ol>

 That’s when the question hit me: How did I get homest night?

 Fragments of memory shed through my mind. Ryder calling after the council meeting… The tavern… A ss filled with amber liquid that smelled of pine and moonlight. Wolf liquor–the legendary brew that could intoxicate even werewolves. Back in Frostshadow, it had been strictly forbidden. I’d never even seen it beforest night.

 I remembered Ryder’s challenge, his mischievous grin as he slid the ss had overridden my better judgment.

 toward me. “Bet the famous bartender is too scared to try it, he’d teased. My pride 

 After that first sip, things became increasingly hazy. Ryder telling jokes that had me doubling over withughter. Nadia’s disapproving frown gradually softening as she ordered her own drink. Then… Adrian appearing? His face tight with anger as he towered over our table? 

 I pressed my palms against my temples, trying to extract more details from my foggy memory. Nothing. Just a vague impression of strong arms lifting me, the rumble of an engine, then darkness.

 Who had brought me home? And more disturbingly–who had changed my 

 clothes? 

 I shook my head, immediately wincing at the renewed stab of pain. Perhaps Ryder would know what happened after Adrian arrived. With this thought propelling me, I quickly showered, threw on clean clothes, and rushed toward the training grounds, hoping I might still catch the tail end of the session. 

 By the time I arrived, the main training area was empty–most pack members had already dispersed to their daily duties. But near the sparring circle stood three figures I immediately recognized: Adrian, his tall frame rigid with authority; Ryder, his usual carefree demeanor reced by unusual solemnity; and Nadia, her stance defiant despite the tension in her shoulders.

 I slowed my approach, catching Adrian’s words as they carried across the empty space.

 ‘Five hundred push–ups!” he ordered, his voice colder than I’d ever heard it. “And you’re banned from alcohol for a month–regr drinks included, not just wolf liquor.”

 Ryder’s head dropped in resignation, but he made no objection.<fn2f37> This text is hosted at find?novel</fn2f37>

 Adrian turned to Nadia, his expression unyielding. “The same goes for you. No alcohol for a month. And wolf liquor is now forbidden for all pack members except elderly wolves requiring it for pain management.” 

 I faltered mid–step, suddenly reluctant to draw closer. In all my time at Oasisborn, I’d never seen Adrian disy anger toward any pack member. His leadership had always been characterized by patience and understanding, even when enforcing discipline.

 Before I could decide whether to approach or retreat, Adrian’s gaze locked onto mine. His amber eyes hardened, and I instinctively lowered my head in submission.

 “I’m sorry I’mte,” I managed, my voice smaller than I intended. “And aboutst night… I shouldn’t have drunk the wolf liquor. Please don’t punish Nadia- it wasn’t her fault. I made my own choice.” 

 Adrian’s jaw tightened. “You certainly share in the responsibility,” he said, his tone clipped. “Five hundred push–ups. Now.” 

 Ryder, who had already dropped into position to begin his punishment, sprang back in his feet

 “Five hundred?” he eximed, eyes widening in disbelief. Alpha Adrian, Skye only shifted a month ago! That kind of intensity could be feas much for al His voice dropped to a pleading tone. “Let me take her punishment. I’ll do a thousand instead!”

 Adrian’s expression darkened further, his shoulders drawing back as he faced Ryder. And who are you to her that you can take her punishment? What ele you that right?

 The dangerous edge in Adrian’s voice sent a chill down my spine. I quickly stepped between them, cing a restraining hand on Ryder’s an

 “I can do it,” I assured him, tugging gently at his sleeve to silence any further protest. “It’s my responsibility.”

 Reluctantly, Ryder backed down. The three of us dropped to the ground fit.

 scolded children, beginning our punishment under Adrian’s watchful gate

 As he prepared to leave, Adrian paused beside me, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

 *One hundred is enough for you,” he said, the brief softening in his tone catching me off guard before he walked away. 

 By the time we finished, my arms trembled uncontrobly, and sweat stered my silver hair to my forehead. We copsed onto our backs, staring up at the clear desert sky as we caught our breath.

 Was it you who took me homest night?” I finally asked Nadia, turning my head to see her sprawled beside me.

 She scoffed, still clearly annoyed by the whole situation. “No. Adrian carried you out the tavern like a sack of potatoes. Threw you over his shoulder and marched right out. Her eyes narrowed as she studied my face. “Last night, did you two…?” 

 “Nothing happened,” I said quickly–perhaps too quickly. “At least, I don’t think so. I don’t remember anything after the tavern, but I’m sure he just dropped me off and left.”

 Nadia seemed satisfied with my answer, but a new awareness crept through me, bringing heat to my cheeks that had nothing to do with exertion. 

 If Adrian had taken me home… had he also been the one who changed my clothes? 

 The thought sent a wave of embarrassment washing over me. Thankfully, my flushed face from the push–ups and the sheen of sweat provided perfect cover for my sudden difort.

 I stared up at the sky, trying to process what this might mean. How much had Adrian seen? What had I said or done in my intoxicated state? And why, despite my embarrassment, did the thought of his hands carefully removing my clothes send an inappropriate thrill coursing through me? 

 These were dangerous thoughts–thoughts I had no business entertaining about my Alpha.

 I closed my eyes, willing the forbidden images away, telling myself it was just the after–effects of the wolf liquor making me imagine things that couldn’t possibly have happened.

 After a few moments of shared misery, Ryder pushed himself up with a groan, extending his hand toward me.

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Casts 43