Casts 63_Crowned by Fate

Chapter 63 

 Skye’s POV 

 Boring slowly disappeared in the rearview mirror, the chaos of the ruined wedding left behind like a smudge in the distance. I sat pressed against the car door, the cold metal biting into my skin, trying to calm my pulse. But peace never came.

 Because just when I thought we had a moment to breathe, a shadow surged ahead of the vehicle–thennded directly in our path.<fn19d6> Fresh chapters posted on F?nd-Novel</fn19d6>

 The driver mmed on the brakes. Tires screeched.

 The car jerked violently, and I lurched forward, caught only by the seatbelt across my chest. My heart mmed into my throat.

 Standing in front of uspletely unharmed, without a trace of exhaustion–was Kane.

 Not shifted. Not panting. Not even sweating.

 He had chased down a speeding car on foot.

 Even Nadia, usually unshaken, widened her eyes. “What the hell…” 

 I swallowed hard, trying to force down the rising dread.

 He was a monster. But in that moment, I had to admit–he was a powerful one. 

 Kane strolled casually toward the vehicle, as if he hadn’t just defied physics. The rear door opened, and a moment <bter, he slid into the seat across from us with infuriating ease, like this was a joyride, not a kidnapping.

 He leaned backfortably, then reached into the car’s built–in mini fridge and pulled out a can of ice–cold beer. The hiss of the tab echoed in the silence.

 “Beer?” he offered, holding the can up in mock politeness. “It’s been a stressful day for everyone.”

 Nadia and I both turned our faces away, refusing to dignify him with a response.

 He didn’t seem offended. Instead, he chuckled softly and took a long drink, the sound of the c can crinkling under his fingers filling the tense space between <ol><li>us. </li></ol>

 “Why?” I finally asked, breaking the tense silence. “Why did you have to ruin their wedding? Why are you doing this?” 

 Kane sat across from us in the spacious vehicle, his emerald eyes glinting with amusement as he straightened his already–perfect tie. His two enforcers upied the front seats, the driver’s eyes asionally flicking to the rearview mirror to check on us.

 “Must there always be a profound reason?” Kane replied with an exaggerated sigh. “Sometimes I simply enjoy the chaos.” 

 Beside me, Nadia’s body remained rigid with barely contained fury. Her fingers curled into fists on herp, knuckles white with the effort of restraining

 herself.

 “Adrian wille for us,” I said, injecting as much confidence into my voice as I could muster. “And when he does, he won’t show mercy. 

 Kane’s lips curved into a predatory smile. “Oh, I’m counting on it.”

 The realization hit me like a physical blow. “This is about Adrian. You’re using us to get to him.”

 ‘Clever girl,” Kane praised mockingly. “Although using‘ sounds so crude. I prefer to think of you two as… incentives for negotiation.”

 Nadia leaned forward, her dark eyes shing “What kind of negotiation?

 “Initially, I only wanted ess to your water source,” Kane exined, gesturing casually as if discussing a minor business transaction. “A reasonable request between neighboring packs, I thought. But your Alpha proved… uncooperative.*

 Chapter 63 

 “Theke you poisoned,” I realized aloud. That was you.” 

 He inclined his head slightly, acknowledging without explicitly confessing. A regrettable esction, but sometimes one must demonstratemitment one’s goals.”

 “And what are those goals now? Idemanded.

 Kane’s expression hardened, the fa?ade of civility momentarily slipping to reveal the predator beneath. “Total surrender, Oasisborn Pack will evacuate Texas entirely. Your territory, your resources, your infrastructure–all of it bes mine.”

 “You’re insane,” Nadia spat. “Adrian would never agree to that.”

 Kane leaned forward, his gaze shifting between us with calcted assessment. “Won’t he? For his loyal Beta who’s stood by him since childhood? His eyes settled on me, a slow smile spreading across his face as he studied me through the rearview mirror.

 “And for you… I saw how he looked at you during your pack celebration. The possessiveness in his eyes when I touched you. His voice dropped to a silky purr. “You’re clearly his most cherished…panion. I wonder just how much he values you.”

 My stomach turned at his insinuation, but I maintained myposure. “You’ve miscalcted. Adrian prioritizes the pack above everything–above me, above Nadia, above himself. He won’t sacrifice Oasisborn’s future, even for us.” 

 Kane settled back in his seat, looking utterly unconcerned. “We shall see. Alphas often believe themselves capable of such noble sacrifice–until the moment arrives when they must actually make the choice.”

 Hours passed in tense silence. The desertndscape gradually transformed, bing more barren and hostile as we traveled deeper into Gravestone territory. Unlike the vibrant oasis Adrian had created, Kane’s domain was deliberately intimidating–andscape of jagged rock formations and twisted, ominous trees that seemed to w at the darkening sky.

 As night fellpletely, we approached a fortress–likepound nestled against a cliff face. High walls surrounded a collection of austere buildings, with armed guards patrolling the perimeter. The architecture was all sharp angles and imposing stone, a physical manifestation of Kane’s leadership style.

 The SUV passed through heavily secured gates, </bing to a stop in a central courtyard. Unlike Oasisborn’s weingmunity space, this area resembled a military instation more than a home. Wolves in human form watched our arrival with predatory interest, their expressions cold and assessing.

 Kane motioned for his men to escort us from the vehicle. “Wee to my humble abode,” he announced with theatrical grandeur. “I trust you’ll find your amodations… adequate.”

 We were led through dimly lit corridors to a lower level of the main building. The temperature dropped noticeably as we descended a stone staircase, the ai bing damp and heavy with the scent of earth. At the bottom, a heavy metal door opened to reveal what could only be described as a dungeon-plete with barred cells set into the rock walls.

 “Your temporary residence,” Kane announced, gesturing for his men to ce us in thergest cell. “Don’t look so disappointed. The alternative was chains, but I thought this more civilized.*

 The cell door nged shut behind us, the sound echoing ominously through the underground chamber. Kane instructed the guard stationed at the entranc “Watch them carefully. No one enters without my express permission.”

 He turned to another nearby wolf, a lean man with a scar bisecting his left eyebrow. “Prepare a proper meal for our guests. I won’t have Gravestone Pack neglects its hospitality.”

 said that 

 As his men hurried toply, Kane approached the bars, his eyes lingering on me with unsettling intensity. “If you find these amodations ufortable,” he offered, his voice dropping to a suggestive murmur, “my personal quarters are always avable.” 

 His hand shot through the bars with surprising speed, fingers gripping my chin before I could retreat.

 ‘I promise I can satisfy you both far better than Adrian ever could.”

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Casts 63