Crowned by Fate (Skye) novel Chapter 97

Chapter 97

Skye’s POV

I pressed my hands against Adrian’s chest, gently pushing him hack, my heart racing as I broke nur agonizing. The cool desert air sharp against my heated skin.

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The space between us felt both necessary and

“Adrian, we can’t,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Tomorrow, the election campaign starts. I can’t afford to be… distracted.”

He stood motionless, moonlight carving shadows across his strong jaw. His amber eyes held mine, intense and unwavering, searching for something I wasn’t sure I could effet.

“That’s exactly why I needed to do this tonight,” he said, his voice low but charged with emotion. He took a careful step toward me, not quite closing the

Tomorrow, we’re swept into politics and competition. But before that, three’s something you need to know”

My throat tightened, a mix of fear and anticipation. “What?”

“I’m in love with you. Skye,” he said, the words simple yet heavy, settling into the quiet night. “I think 1 have been since that day at The Watering Hole, when you stood up to Nadia, terrified but unbreakable.”

My breath hitched, a par in my chest. “Adrian-

“Let me finish,” he said softly, his bone gentle but firm. “I’ve thought this through. I want you as my mate, Skye. Not just my Beta, not just my second. I want a band with you that goes beyond pack roles.”

His declaration struck me like a blow, crumbling the walls I’d built to honor Nadia’s memory. For months, I’d buried my feelings, convinced that being his Beta ant denying this pull between us

“This is….. so sudden,” I stammered, though we both knew it wasn’t. This had been building since that night in the canyon, maybe even before. “At the election, you’ll meet Alphas and packs from across the continent. You might find your true mate.”

Adrian shook his head, a sad smile on his lips. “I’ve considered that, Siye. And I’ve decided that even if some stranger at Silvercrest Mountain is my fated mate. I’d reject her.”

I stared, stunned. Rejecting a mate was taboo, a painful act that could shatter both wolves, I knew that better than anyone, having fled my own past. “You can’t decide that now,” I argued. “You don’t know how powerful the mate bond is-

“I know what this feel like,” he interrupted, gesturing between us. “Ih my heart, my mind, every part of me, I’ve chosen you. You’re my mate, Skye.”

Tears pricked my eyes, my voice barely audible. “I can only be your Bere. Like Nadia was. I promised her I’d take care of you.”

Has expression softened, understanding dawning. “Is that what’s holding you back? Nadia?”

I couldn’t answer, guilt and confusion choking me. Nadia’s last words echoed Take care of him. Be the Bets he needs. How could I reconcile that with the longing burning inside me?

Adrian stepped closer, his warmth cutting through the chill. “Skye, look at me,” he said, his voice tender.

Reluctantly, I met his guer, his amber eyes steady and karnest.

*I’ll mourn Nadia forever,” he said, his voice thick with grief. “I’ll honor her memory, carry her dicams forward. But her death taught me something–life is – too fragile to waste. We have to cherish what’s in front of us, cherish the present,”

My gate dropped, uncertainty swirling. The fingers gently lifted my chin, guiding my vyes back to his.

“Nadia wanted me to be happy,” he said, soft now. “She wanted us both to be happy. Do you think she’d want us to deny this?

I had no arower. Not had loved him silently for years would she want me to follow that path of unspoken longing? Or would she want something mure for us, something alive?

Chapter 97

As I wavered, my eyes betraying my conflict. Adrian leaned in again, ilis kiss was softer, a question, his hands hovering at his sides, giving me the choice to pull away.

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