Casts 47_Crowned by Fate

Chapter 47 

 Skye’s POV

 The morning sun filtered through my curtains, bathing my small apartment in golden light. I stretched cautiously, wincing at the lingering ache in my muscles from yesterday’s punishment.

 With no morning training scheduled on Saturdays, I could finally enjoy a leisurely start to my day.

 A reached for the bedside table, picking up one of the small vials of herbal oil–unable to remember whether it was Adrian’s or Ryder’s—and worked it into my shoulders and arms with slow, methodical movements.

 The warming sensation spread through my sore muscles, bringing immediate relief.

 I thought I should also get Ryder a thank–you gift.

 As I went to grab my wallet, I noticed the envelope of cash Buck had given me when we parted ways–two thousand dors tucked away in my drawer.

 Seeing the money reminded me of Buck’s parting words: Call me when you get settled somewhere.

 I’d been in Oasisborn Pack for nearly three weeks now, and despite the asional drama, I felt more settled than I had in years.

 I picked up my phone and dialed the familiar number.

 “Hello, The Watering Hole,” Buck’s gruff voice answered, the background noise of clinking sses and country music bringing an unexpected wave of nostalgia.

 “Buck? It’s Skye.”

 Well, I’ll be damned! How the hell are you, darlin‘? You finally settled somewhere like you promised?” 

 “I am. I found a nice ce with good people.”

 “That’s wonderful to hear! And how’s that stomach of yours? Still giving you trouble?” There was genuine concern in his voice. 

 “My stomach?”

 *The gastro–whatever that had youid up right before you left. You scared the hell out of me, girl. Thought you might have something serious.”

 I paused, momentarily confused until I remembered the hasty excuse Nadia had

 for

 my absence when I was recovering from the gunshot wound. 

 “Oh, that. It hasn’t bothered me since I left Boring,” I assured him. “I’m doing really well here, actually. The past three weeks have been… healing.”

 “Good to hear it! These new folks treating you right?” 

 “They are,” I confirmed, surprised by how much I meant it. “Despite some initial wariness, they’ve weed me. Made me feel like I belong.”

 Buck gave a satisfied grunt. “That’s how it should be.” He cleared his throat. “Speaking of belongings, that new bartender I hired? Complete disaster. Can’t mix a decent drink to save his life. Some of the regrs still ask about you–Dale especially. Says nobody could outdrink you, and he misses the challenge.”

 Iughed, remembering the burly rancher who’d passed out after our drinking contest on my first day. “Tell Dale I said hello.”

 “Will do. And listen–if things don’t work out where you are, The Watering Hole’s door is always open. Your job’ll be waiting.”

 “Thank you, Buck. That means a lot.”

 Suddenly, there was a </bmotion on Buck’s end of the line, followed by a familiar high–pitched voice. “Is that Skye? Buck, is that Skye on the phone? Give 

 me that!” 

 1/3 

 Chapter 47 

 There was a brief scuffling sound, then Jessie’s excited voice exploded in my ear. “SKYP! Oh my God, it’s really you! Feant believe if you have to heate news–1M ENGAGEDI

 I held the phone away from my ear slightly, grinning at her enthusiasm. Congrattions, lessic! That’s wonderful news.”

 *Jake proposedst weekend! We’re nning the wedding for next spring, right here in Baring. Nothing fancy, just friends and family at the consemnity center. But you HAVE toe, Skye, Promise me you’ll be there!*

 Her immediate inclusion of me in such an

 “Not ‘try‘—you have to promise! I’m making you a

 event caught me off guard. “L… Of course I’ll try to be there.

 bridesmaid. I need someone who can handle their liquor at my bachelorette party!

 Iughed, genuinely touched. ‘Then I promise. I wouldn’t miss

 “Perfect! I’ll send you all the details

 A sharp knock at my door interrupted our conversation, followed by Nadia’s voice calling my name from outside.

 “Jessie, I have to go. Someone’s at my door,” I said quickly. “Congrattions again. Give my best to Jake, and say hi to Buck for me.

 “I will! Don’t be a stranger, okay? Call more often!”

 I promised I would, then hung up just as another knock came, more insistent this time.

 I hurried to open the door, finding Nadia standing in the hallway, her expression uncharacteristically tense.

 “Nadia? Is everything alright?” I asked, stepping aside to let her in.

 She entered my apartment, eyes scanning the room quickly before settling on me. “Do you remember what you promised me?” she asked without preamble.

 I blinked, caught off guard by her directness. “What promise?” 

 “You promised you wouldn’t get involved with Adrian,” she stated tly. “That you wouldn’t develop feelings for him. That you understood he wasn’t your 

 mate.”

 ‘I did promise that,” I acknowledged, crossing my arms defensively. “And I’ve kept that promise. Last night was just dinner. A thank–you for his help after the wolf liquor incident. Nothing more.” 

 “A private dinner in your apartment?” Nadia raised an eyebrow skeptically.

 ‘It wasn’t private–Ryder was there too,” I pointed out.

 ‘Yes, about that.” Nadia’s expression shifted to one of frustration. “Ryder came to me this morning, announcing that he and Adrian are in some kind of fairpetition‘ for your affection. He seemed quite excited about the whole thing.” 

 “What?” I gasped, genuinely shocked. “That’s ridiculous! They left together after dinner. I have no idea what they discussed afterward.”

 “So you’re saying you knew nothing about this?” Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

 “Absolutely nothing,” I insisted. “Ryder must have been drinking again. There’s nopetition because there’s nothing topete for.”

 Nadia studied me intently, her dark eyes searching mine for any hint of deception. After a long moment, she reached into her jacket and pulled out a folded

 document.

 ‘If you want me to believe you,” she said slowly, “then sign this.”

 I epted the paper with a puzzled frown, unfolding it to reveal what appeared to be some kind of formal agreement. My eyes widened as I read through the 

 detailed uses: 

 1, Skye Anderson, hereby agree to:<ol><li>Refrain from initiating social engagements with Alpha Adrian outside of official pack business.</li><li>Decline any private invitations extended by Alpha Adrian for meals, outings, or other non–pack activities.</li><li>Avoid being alone with Alpha Adrian in either his residence or my own.</li><li>Maintain appropriate physical distance during all interactions.</li><li>Immediately report any romantic overtures from Alpha Adrian to Beta Nadia.</li></ol>

 The document continued with several more increasingly invasive stiptions, concluding with a line for my signature and the date.

 I stared at the paper in disbelief, then back at Nadia, who was watching me expectantly.

 “Are you serious?” I finally managed, my voice rising with incredulity. “This is… this is absurd! You want me to sign a contract regting who I can spend time with? What I can do in my own apartment?”

 Chapter Comments 

 Donna Miller

 oh my I think Nadia has a very skewed sense of possessiveness over her alpha!<fne32b> Follow current nov?ls on Find_Novel(.</fne32b>

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Casts 47