Page 27 of Fated (The Bonded Legacy #1)

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CALEB

C aleb hadn’t planned on attending the closing reception, but the past three days had shifted his perspective. He’d arrived at the summit expecting thinly veiled judgments and banalities. Instead, he’d been greeted by unexpected warmth, finding deeper insights than anticipated.

He stood just inside the banquet hall’s grand doors, surveying the space—warm wooden beams and soft chandeliers casting elegant light over the gathered wolves. Laughter and music intertwined with the delicate chime of glasses as the summit’s final night reached its peak.

Even Fenrir, his ever-cautious wolf, settled into the evening’s energy. “You’ve done well, Caleb.” The wolf’s approval resonated through their shared consciousness. “Selene’s will unfolds. Keep going.”

Caleb glanced to his left where Asher held court with a cluster of betas, his natural charm and quick wit drawing raucous laughter.

Affection bloomed in Caleb’s chest at the sight.

Asher had woven himself seamlessly into their community, particularly bonding with Ryker, Moonshadow’s future beta.

A soft chuckle escaped as Caleb recalled overhearing their conversation during last night’s Night Walker party—Ryker’s eager questions about progressing from rimming and fingering to pegging, and Asher’s delighted, and very detailed, responses.

“He’s a marvel, isn’t he?” Fenrir’s affection colored the words.

“He is,” Caleb agreed, pride swelling in his chest.

What struck deepest throughout the summit was the acceptance he and Asher received from the other leaders.

No sideways glances or skepticism, only respect.

One conversation with Blackwater’s Alpha, Renford, kept replaying in his mind: “You two seem to have a love that strengthens your leadership. Have you considered seeking a chosen mate who could bond with you both?”

The possibility of a shared fated had taken root in Caleb’s mind, sparking both curiosity and cautious hope.

Across the room, Asher caught his eye. His beta’s smile turned devilish as he excused himself and crossed the floor. Without hesitation, he slid an arm around Caleb’s waist and pulled him close for a kiss that tasted of wine and want.

“Don’t look so serious.” Asher’s words vibrated against Caleb’s lips. “This is supposed to be a celebration.”

Caleb leaned into his touch, shoulders softening. “I suppose you’re right.”

“Good.” Asher stepped back just enough to straighten Caleb’s tie, fingers lingering on the knot.

“Now go. Make the rounds.” He nodded toward the Blackwater wolves.

“Start with Renford. He’s been watching you all night.

Seems open to collaboration. Then Garrick from Redridge.

He’s prickly, but Fenrir’s spiritual edge will resonate.

And don’t forget Moonshadow. Aiden’s been raving about your historical insight during training all summit. ”

“How do you know all this?” Caleb’s lips quirked.

“I’m me,” Asher replied with a wink, stealing another quick kiss. “Now go. Work your magic.”

Following Asher’s guidance, Caleb chatted with Renford first. The Blackwater Alpha’s warm greeting led to an easy discussion of trade possibilities and joint warrior training. Each exchange fueled Caleb’s confidence, handshakes firm and smile genuine as he circulated through the gathering.

By the time he reached the bar for a refill, the pleasant buzz of conversation and music had settled into a comfortable rhythm around him.

He wasn’t usually one to linger at parties, but tonight, something in the air felt worth sinking into.

The bartender refilled his bourbon, and as Caleb reached for the glass, he noticed a familiar figure down the bar—broad-shouldered, silver-flecked, and watching the room like he was cataloging every threat and opportunity it held.

Garrick Redridge.

Beside him stood a lanky teen with sharp cheekbones and soft brown eyes—clearly his son.

Caleb stepped closer, drink in hand. “Alpha Redridge.”

The older wolf turned, offering a handshake. “Caleb Crescent Fang.” He tilted his head toward the young male. “You’ve met my son, Niko?”

“Only in passing,” Caleb said, extending a hand to the heir. “It’s good to meet you properly, Niko.”

The teen shook his hand with steady confidence, despite the slight edge of nerves in his scent. “You too, Alpha.”

“Bonfire still going?” Garrick asked, tone casual but knowing.

Niko perked up. “Yeah. The younger heirs were headed that way. Can I...?”

Garrick raised a brow. “Don’t light anything on fire. Or anyone.”

With a grin and a muttered “Yes, sir,” Niko vanished into the crowd.

Garrick watched him go, then took a slow sip of his whiskey. “His first summit. Was a little overwhelmed at first, but he’s warmed up. Holding his own.”

Caleb nodded, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I can relate. It’s been...intense. But I’m glad we came.”

Garrick’s expression shifted, more reflective now. “Redridge has only been with the Collective a little over fifty years. My grandfather made the call. Ruffled feathers. Some said we were selling out. Didn’t want to answer to anyone outside our borders. Still don’t, really.”

Caleb studied him, then asked, “Do you think it’s worth it?”

The older alpha grunted. “Most days.” He swirled his drink. “Of course, there’s bureaucracy and posturing—especially at events like this. But the connections? The right ones? Those matter. You’ll find that’s what turns tides—not money, not power. Wolves . Trust.”

Caleb absorbed the words in silence, Fenrir’s consciousness rising closer to the surface, ears pricked forward in keen attention.

“And how do I make the right ones?” he asked quietly, the wolf’s curiosity blending with his own.

Garrick’s gaze sharpened. “By watching what matters to them. Not what they say in public. Where they send their sons. Who they ask to train their warriors. Who they toast when they think no one’s watching.

” He set his glass down, facing Caleb fully.

“Your territory’s valuable. And your budget.

..” He let out a low whistle. “Damn near triple what other packs your size operate on. That’ll attract attention, but that’s not what I find most impressive. ”

His voice softened just enough to land the blow with grace. “The way you and Asher carry yourselves... It’s changed how people talk about your pack. You lead like wolves with nothing to prove. That kind of clarity? It’s hard to ignore.”

Caleb didn’t speak right away. Garrick’s words resonated deep in his chest, pride building with each heartbeat. When the older alpha lifted his glass in casual toast, the simple gesture tightened Caleb’s throat in unexpected recognition.

“You’ll be hearing from Redridge soon,” Garrick said. “We’d like to send a delegation.”

Caleb blinked. “Selene willing, we’ll be ready to receive them.”

Garrick gave a nod of acknowledgment before making his way back into the fray.

Caleb lingered for just a moment longer, then glanced back toward the gathering.

He let his eyes move intentionally—Moonshadow’s Beta talking with Silver Hollow’s Alpha, Renford deep in discussion with Darius, and Lucien Night Walker circling the edge of the room like a hawk.

He didn’t just see wolves anymore. He saw potential.

He squared his shoulders and stepped back into the crowd, newly attuned to subtle dynamics—shifts in posture, tracked gazes, unguarded smiles. When he reached the far side of the hall, Kai Bloodstone’s approach surprised him.

“Alpha Caleb.” His tone was polite but carried an undercurrent of hesitation. “Do you have a moment?”

“Of course.” Caleb studied the Bloodstone heir with interest.

As they moved to a quieter corner, the rigid line of Kai’s shoulders began to soften, fingers fidgeting with his cuff links.

“I’ve been thinking about what you said about Crescent Fang’s history,” he admitted, voice dropping to barely above a whisper.

“Your connection to Selene, your traditions—it’s fascinating, but I also have. ..questions.”

The tone of Kai’s voice spoke of something deeper than mere curiosity. Caleb waited, letting silence draw out the real purpose behind this conversation.

“I heard that you and Asher have been together since you were fifteen,” Kai continued. “But you’re not fated.”

“That’s right.” Caleb watched understanding dawn in those emerald eyes.

“What will you do when you find your mate?” Raw vulnerability bled through Kai’s practiced restraint. “Will you...follow Selene’s will? Or do you think She would allow you to choose Asher instead?”

“Selene’s will is sacred,” Caleb said quietly.

“But so is what we build, day by day, with the ones we love. Asher and I weren’t gifted a bond.

We choose each other, every day. Our wolves accept each other, not just as partners in leading our pack, but as lovers.

We’ve built a life—one rooted in trust and respect.

In something that feels holy in its own right. ”

He held Kai’s gaze. “I believe Selene sees that. That She values love just as much as destiny. I trust that whatever comes, Asher and I will face it together.”

Kai’s jaw worked silently, brows furrowing as he opened his mouth—but Darius’s shadow fell across them, the air heavier with dominant pheromones.

“Alpha Caleb.” The Bloodstone Alpha nodded politely. “Apologies for interrupting. Kai, may I have a word, privately?”

Something shuttered in Kai’s expression as he followed his father away. Caleb watched them go, a quiet ache rising beneath his calm. He didn’t envy the crossroads the Bloodstone heir stood at—chosen or destined. The implications of such a question could crush even the strongest alpha.

He bowed his head, not in deference but in silent prayer. May Selene grant him clarity and the strength to walk whatever path leaves him whole.

The evening continued its flow, each interaction building bridges between once-segregated packs.

The whispers of rogue movement along northern borders threading through conversations only confirmed what Caleb already knew—no pack could stand alone against such threats.

What he once viewed as surrendering autonomy now seemed the only rational path.

Fenrir rumbled agreement.

From across the room, Caleb caught a glimpse of Asher standing with Cian and Aiden, both wolves hanging onto his every word. Pride swelled in Caleb’s chest as he watched his beta shine, grateful for the male who had stood by him through everything.

Caleb slipped onto the balcony, mountain air cooling his skin as moonlight painted the landscape silver.

Through the windows, he watched the mingling packs—a living model of what their territories needed to become: one cohesive landscape standing against rogue threats.

The summit’s theme—“In Defense of Our Future”—wasn’t merely ceremonial.

It was a sign. Crescent Fang could no longer afford isolation, not with what lurked beyond their lands.

Warm fingers threaded through his as Asher joined him. “You’ve done well, my alpha,” he murmured, triumph rich in his voice.

Caleb turned, drinking in the sight of his beta silvered by moonlight. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Hunger sparked in Asher’s eyes. “Damn right. And now, I think you owe me.”

“Oh?” Caleb’s eyebrow arched.

Asher pressed close, breath hot against Caleb’s ear. “Come on, my alpha. I have a hankering to be on my knees worshiping that gorgeous cock of yours before you ride my ass hard.”

Heat flooded Caleb’s veins, pulse jumping at the images Asher’s words painted. He grinned, already tugging him toward the lodge. “As you wish, my beta.”

Their laughter echoed through empty hallways as they raced for the elevator, the promise of pleasure and connection drawing them to their shared sanctuary. The night wasn’t over yet.