Crowned by Fate by Author T.S Novel

Chapter 26 Skye's POV By nightfall , the oasis had transformed . String lights illuminated the central gathering area where over two hundred pack members had assembled For a pack only two years old , the size was impressive - most new packs struggled to attract even fifty members in their first few years . I supervised final preparations for the bar area , arranging bottles and confirming that the ice supplies would last the night .

The setup was professional but festive , with colorful lanterns illuminating the drinks station and handwritten signs describing the special cocktails I'd created for the occasion . As the celebration officially began , Adrian delivered a brief speech about Oasisborn's progress , followed by a traditional Alpha howl that the entire pack joined - a sound that stirred something primal and lonely within me .

It had been three years since I'd participated in such a ritual , and the harmonious voices rising together in the desert night made my throat tighten with unexpected emotion . Once the formalities concluded , music began playing through speakers disguised among the vegetation , and pack members broke into smaller groups - some dancing , others gathering around food tables or collecting drinks from my station .

I found myself enjoying the simple pleasure of mixing drinks , chatting briefly with pack members who approached the bar . Unlike in Boring , I didn't need to hide what I was here . When a young female wolf shyly asked if I could show her how to mix a particular cocktail , I didn't have to pretend I couldn't lift the heavy bottles with one hand or that I couldn't smell the faint traces of nervousness in her scent .

" Here you go , " I said , sliding a vibrant blue drink across the bar to Venus , who had approached during a momentary lull . " Ocean Breeze - my own creation . She accepted it with a nod of thanks . " You seem to be fitting in well , " she observed , taking a sip and raising her eyebrows in appreciation . " I was skeptical when Adrian said he'd invited an outsider to help with our celebration , but you've proven me wrong .

" Before I could respond , Ryder appeared , practically bouncing with energy as he leaned across the bar . " Come on , bartender ! You've been stuck behind this counter all night . Time for a dance break ! " " I can't just leave the bar- " I began , but Venus interrupted with a dismissive wave . ' Go ahead . I'll keep an eye on things for a while. " Seeing my hesitation , she added , " I worked my way through college bartending in New Orleans .

I might be missing an arm , but I can still pour a decent drink . " hrough With that settled , Ryder eagerly pulled me toward the dancing area where dozens of pack members moved to the rhythm of an upbeat song . It had been so long since I'd participated in anything resembling normal socialization that I felt awkward at first , my movements stiff and self - conscious . * Loosen up ! " Ryder shouted over the music , demonstrating with his own enthusiastic if slightly uncoordinated dance moves .

" Nobody's j Gradually , I allowed myself to relax , the music and energy of the crowd working their magic . you here ! * Here , amid the dancing , laughing wolves , the music pulsing through the desert night , and the occasional harmonious howls rising above it all , I experienced a fleeting sense of belonging . As Ryder spun me in an impromptu twirl , I caught sight of Adrian standing at the edge of the gathering , a drink untouched in his hand .

Even from a distance , I could feel the weight of his gaze - intense , assessing , and heated in a way that sent an unexpected shiver down my spine . For a moment , our eyes locked across the crowded space , and everything else seemed to fade away - the music becoming distant , the dancers around me blurring into insignificance , Then someone jostled me , breaking the connection , and I turned away.

I excused myself from the dancing crowd and made my way back to the bar , where I quickly poured myself a glass of ice - cold lemon water , hoping it would calm my unusually racing heart . I had barely taken a few sips when Adrian materialized beside me , his quiet approach almost startling . Chapter 26 " Would you like to take a walk ? Adrian asked , " There are some things I'd like to discuss with you . Privately My fingers tightened around the cold glass .

* 1 should stay here , " I replied , gesturing to the bar area . " I'm responsible for → " The celebration will be winding down in about an hour , " Adrian said , his gaze sweeping over the gathering . " Most have already had their fill of drink . His eyes returned to mine , patient but somehow insistent . " Venus can manage if anyone needs anything else . " I hesitated , caught between curiosity about what he wanted to discuss and the safety of staying in this public space .

The sensible choice would be to politely decline , to maintain the professional distance that would make my inevitable departure easier . Alright , I found myself saying instead , setting down my half - finished water . " A short walk . " , We made our way through the celebration , gradually leaving among the desert plants . The sounds of the party faded to behind the music and laughter until we reached a quieter path illuminated by scattered lanterns on the sandy path .

a distant hum , replaced by the gentle chorus of night insects and the soft crunch of our footsteps ' It's been a while since you've attended a werewolf celebration , hasn't it ? " Adrian asked , breaking the silence between us . " How does it feel ? " " It's … nice , " I admitted . " I feared they wouldn't … " I trailed off , unsure how to finish my thought without sounding insulting . Adrian glanced at me , his expression thoughtful .

" You thought Marcus , Venus , or Lydia wouldn't accept you ? " He shook his head slightly . " You seemed quite shocked when you met them today . " Heat rushed to my cheeks as embarrassment washed over me . " Was I that obvious ? " I asked , mortified . " Please believe me , I don't have any prejudice against them . It's just … they're so different from any pack council members I've ever encountered .

" Adrian sighed , his expression softening as he looked toward the distant celebration lights . " They're all excellent partners and warriors , ' he said , his voice filled with unmistakable respect . " They're survivors of life's cruelties . No- he corrected himself , they're fighters . " I hesitated , curiosity warring with politeness . " May I ask … what happened to them ? How did they become … " I stumbled over my words , suddenly self - conscious .

" I'm sorry , that's probably too personal . I shouldn't have asked . " Chapter Comments イ