Page 19 of Fated (The Bonded Legacy #1)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CALEB

M orning light filtered through floor-to-ceiling windows, casting golden streaks across high-thread-count sheets. Caleb stirred, the warmth of Asher’s body pressed against him a welcome reminder of their intimacy. His beta was already awake, fingers tracing lazy patterns across Caleb’s chest.

“Morning, Alpha.” Asher’s voice was a deep, sleepy rumble.

“Morning.” Caleb blinked with heavy lids, the word thick on his tongue.

Asher shifted, pressing a kiss to Caleb’s collarbone. “You slept better than I thought you would.”

Caleb huffed a quiet laugh. “You made sure I was too exhausted to overthink anything.”

Asher grinned, lips brushing against Caleb’s skin. “My pleasure.” He paused, his tone turning playful. “Or rather, our pleasure.”

Fenrir awakened within Caleb’s mind, the wolf’s presence unfurling like wisps of smoke from a sacred fire.

“Mine.” Fenrir’s purr vibrated through Caleb’s chest, raw possessiveness blending with his own affection.

Caleb rolled them over in one swift movement, pinning Asher beneath him. “If I wasn’t convinced we’d be late, I’d take you again right now,” he growled, nipping at Asher’s jaw.

Asher chuckled, hands sliding down Caleb’s back. “Hold that thought for later.”

Reluctantly, Caleb pulled away, the responsibilities of the day nudging at the edges of his consciousness.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the room as Caleb and Asher settled into the small sitting area near the suite’s windows.

Their breakfast had arrived moments earlier, and while the spread of pastries and fruit remained mostly untouched, the coffee carafe was already half-empty.

The easy intimacy of moments before shifted naturally into the focused partnership that made them such an effective team.

Caleb spread out the summit packet on the table, skimming through the agenda for the day. “The annual review kicks things off,” he said, tapping the schedule.

Asher leaned forward, scanning the page with the careful attention he’d given every challenge they’d faced together. “It’s a good opportunity to get a sense of the region’s dynamics, but it also puts us under the microscope.”

Caleb nodded. “They’ll have questions. Crescent Fang’s generations-long absence isn’t something they’ll overlook. We’ll need to be prepared for curiosity, skepticism, and unsolicited advice.”

Asher’s lips curved into a smirk, that confident expression that always steadied Caleb’s nerves. “Let them ask. They won’t find us unprepared.”

Fenrir rumbled in anticipation as they prepared for the challenges ahead. “Remember our roots. Remember our purpose.”

“I just hope they’re ready to listen as much as they’re ready to talk,” Caleb said, drawing strength from his wolf’s certainty. “Reintegration isn’t just about showing up. We need to stay true to who we are—what we stand for.”

Asher reached across the table, hand brushing Caleb’s wrist. “We’ll remind them.”

Those words again—a mantra for the journey they had embarked on.

The moment lingered between them in quiet understanding as Fenrir stretched beneath Caleb’s skin, muscles rippling with contentment at their beta’s reassurance.

The lodge’s corridors were a flurry of activity as Caleb and Asher made their way toward the conference center.

Designer fragrances and whispered conversations filled the air while curious glances followed them.

Some speculative, others appraising—especially from the females.

Questions about Crescent Fang’s return hung unspoken in every look.

Fenrir stood alert, attention snagging on each tilted chin and each lowered gaze.

Asher leaned in, voice low and teasing. “Seems you’ve caught a few eyes, Alpha.”

Caleb shot him a sidelong glance. “They’re not looking at me. They’re looking at Crescent Fang. Wondering if we’re serious about reintegration—or if we’re just here for the show.”

“Or,” Asher drawled, a hint of protective possession in his tone, “they’re wondering if you’re looking for a mate.”

A cold weight settled in Caleb’s stomach. The thought of strategic marriages to solidify alliances dried his mouth and left a bitter taste.

Asher must have sensed his unease because he added softly, “We’ll handle it. Together.”

Caleb nodded, releasing a slow exhale as the muscles along his spine loosened one by one.

The conference room was mercifully quiet when they entered.

A massive oval table of polished walnut dominated the center, surrounded by ergonomic leather chairs subtly embossed with each pack’s logo.

Smart glass windows lined one wall, currently adjusted to a slight opacity that softened the mountain view without obscuring it.

Only two others were present—a young alpha with a commanding presence and an older beta, both seated near the center of the table. Fenrir’s interest piqued, noting the natural authority the younger wolf carried.

Caleb strode confidently toward them, shoulders squared, Asher at his side. The alpha looked up as they approached, golden eyes assessing them with a predator’s focus before crinkling at the corners.

“I’m Caleb, Alpha of Crescent Fang,” he said, extending his hand. “And this is my beta, Asher.”

The younger male stood, grip firm as he shook Caleb’s hand. “Cian, Alpha-heir of Moonshadow. This is my father’s beta, Aiden.”

Asher exchanged a polite nod with Aiden before settling into the chair beside Caleb.

Cian perked up with interest. “It’s nice to meet you. My nan used to tell my twin sister and me the story of Crescent Fang’s creation. She loved that one.”

Caleb raised a brow. “Did she now?”

“She did.” Cian chuckled, warmth threading through his voice. “She always said Crescent Fang was proof of Selene’s vision. A pack born to lead. To guide. I imagine she’d be thrilled to know you’re here.”

Caleb’s eyebrows rose, lips parting. Moonshadow’s reputation for loyalty and honor had preceded them, but Cian’s genuine warmth caught him off guard.

Fenrir perked up, awareness sharpening in a way Caleb had rarely experienced.

The wolf focused intently on Cian’s aura, detecting something Caleb’s human senses couldn’t fully grasp—an old energy, reminiscent of Crescent Fang’s own sacred connection to Selene.

“Trust this one,” Fenrir urged, the wolf’s immediate acceptance surprising Caleb.

“We’re glad to be here,” Caleb said, his tone genuine.

Asher shifted beside him, a subtle signal of agreement.

Cian leaned forward, his interest clear. “How does it feel, coming back after so long?”

Footsteps echoed through the room as more leaders filtered in before Caleb could answer.

Cian leaned closer. “If you’re free for lunch, we’d love to continue this conversation.”

Caleb glanced at Asher, who nodded almost imperceptibly. “We’d like that.”

The four exchanged small smiles before turning their attention to the elder seated at the head of the table.

The room grew quiet as the meeting was called to order, the start of the summit settling over them like a heavy cloak.

Yet something about the exchange with Cian left both Caleb and his wolf feeling lighter.

As Caleb settled into his seat, a flicker of hope bloomed his chest. Asher’s unwavering presence beside him, Fenrir’s quiet approval, the unexpected respect in Cian’s words—it all hinted at something deeper than politics.

For the first time since taking his oaths, Caleb glimpsed a future where Crescent Fang thrived within the larger community while honoring their sacred purpose. A new beginning where his choices could serve both his pack and his commitment to Asher.