Crowned by Fate (Skye) novel Chapter 31

drian’s POV

The drive back to my house was a silent affair, but the quiet in the vehicle belied the storm raging inside me.

Every time I recalled the way Kane had placed his tongue against Skye’s neck–that deliberate, possessive lick–I felt an overwhelming urge to turn the car around, track him down, and rip his tongue clean out of his mouth.

1 gripped the steering wheel tighter, my knuckles whitening with the effort of containing my rage. I hadn’t lost control like that in years. As Alpha, I prided myself on maintaining composure at all times, especially in front of my pack.

Yet the moment Kane touched her, something primal had overridden my carefully cultivated restraint.

I’d limited myself to a single punch only because I couldn’t risk throwing my pack into an unprepared battle against Kane’s forces. That restraint had cost me, though. My wolf was still simmering beneath the surface, unsatisfied with the minimal retaliation.

As much as I loathed admitting it, Kane’s depraved actions revealed an uncomfortable truth: the bastard had an eye for recognizing potential. He d immediately sensed Skye’s uniqueness–her extraordinary lack of scent that made her virtually undetectable to other wolves.

It wasn’t just her youth or beauty that had drawn his attention; it was the tactical advantage her abilities represented.

The thought troubled me deeply. Having Kane’s attention was dangerous for anyone, but especially for a newly shifted wolf still learning to navigate our world.

“Tell me about Kane and his pack.”

Skye’s voice pulled me from my dark contemplations.

“What do you know about Gravestone Pack?” I asked.

“Not much,‘ she admitted. “I remember my father mentioning them once–said they were a relatively insignificant western pack without much influence.

A humorless chuckle escaped me. “Your father wasn’t wrong. Compared to established northern territories like Frostshadow, Gravestone is indeed small potatoes.” I gestured vaguely at the arid landscape surrounding us. “As you can see, desert territories offer limited resources and few natural defenses.”

“Before Oasisborn arrived, Gravestone was considered the dominant pack in the Texas region,” I continued, parking in front of my home. “Kane changed their recruitment practices after becoming Alpha. Now they accept virtually any rogue who demonstrates sufficient strength, regardless of past crimes or moral

character.”

“Sounds like they have no standards whatsoever,” Skye commented, unfastening her seatbelt. “Doesn’t the Alpha King have anything to say ab

I couldn’t help but smile at her naivety.

at?

“Welcome to the western territories! The Alpha King rarely concerns himself with what happens in these ‘undesirable‘ regions. That’s precisely why wolves like Venus and Lydia sought refuge here. Kane can operate with minimal oversight as long as he maintains certain appearances.”

We entered my home, the familiar scent of sage and desert mesquite welcoming us.

“I just realized all my things are still at the hotel,” Skye said suddenly, looking down at her clothes with a frown. “I don’t have anything to sleep in.”

‘I can go collect your belongings,” I offered, already reaching for my keys.

She shook her head firmly. “It’s too late, Alpha Adrian. You’ve done enough today, and you must be exhausted. I’ll be fine without changing.

Just Adrian is fine when we’re in private,” I corrected gently. “And it’s no trouble.

When she continued to insist it wasn’t necessary, I relented. “At least let me find you something more comfortable to sleep in.

I disappeared into my bedroom, rummaging through my drawers until I found a soft gray t–shirt that would likely fall to her knees given our height

1/3

Chapter 31

difference. I handed it to her with a towel, directing her to the guest bathroom.

While Skye showered, I settled on the couch with my laptop, attempting to focus on pack business–budget allocations, training schedules, security legérti The words blurred on the screen as my mind continuously drifted back to the confrontation with Kane.

The soft padding of bare feet against hardwood floors announced Skye’s return. I glanced up casually, then found myself staring, completely arrested by the sight before me.

“Your hair… I breathed, setting the laptop aside. “It’s silver.”

wasn’t the shirt that had captured my She stood somewhat awkwardly in the doorway, my oversized shirt hanging nearly to her knees as I’d predicted. But attention–it was her hair, no longer golden blonde but a striking, pure silver that caught the light like moonbeama made tangible.

“Yes, this is my natural color. I’ve been dyeing it blonde for years to be less noticeable among humans.” She offered a small smile. Now that I’m joining a pack, I figured there’s no need to hide anymore.”

It suited her perfectly–ethereal and unique, just like the wolf that had emerged from her after so many dormant years.

My silver wolf, I thought, before immediately checking myself. She wasn’t mine in any sense beyond being a new member of my pack.

An awkward silence settled between us.

“Well, I should get some sleep,” she said finally, breaking the tension. “Thank you again for everything, Adrian.”

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