Crowned by Fate Chapter 109

Skye's POV

After providing the information and ending the call, I turned back to face Leon. The realization that I would soon have to explain everything to Adrian made my heart clench with dread.

How could I possibly tell the man I'd spent the night with that my former mate—the one who had rejected and humiliated me—might still have a claim on me?

More importantly, how would this affect Adrian's performance in tomorrow's trial? The Alpha King election was too important to be derailed by personal drama, yet I couldn't see how to avoid it now.

As these thoughts tumbled through my mind, I met Leon's icy gaze with newfound determination. Whatever games he was playing, whatever cruel satisfaction he derived from this situation, I wouldn't let him destroy what Adrian and I had built together.

One way or another, I would find a solution that protected both Adrian and the future of Oasisborn Pack. 

***

The tension in the room intensified when Adrian entered. Concern filled his face as he noticed the doctor's presence. He quickly crossed the room and reached for my hands to check me for injuries.

"Skye, what happened? Are you hurt?" His fingers traced my arms, his voice tight with worry.

"I'm not hurt," I assured him, despite the persistent ache in my chest. "Not physically, at least."

Adrian looked between me, Ethan, the doctor, and finally at Leon, who stood with his arms crossed, watching us with cold detachment.

"You said there was something you needed to tell me," Adrian reminded me, turning his attention back to me. "What is it? What's going on?"

I couldn't find the right words at first. How could I explain this cruel twist of fate? I took a deep breath and met his eyes.

"Alpha Leon... he might be my Second Chance Mate," I finally said.

Adrian froze, his expression changing from concern to disbelief. "That's impossible," he stated flatly. "He rejected you four years ago. The bond was broken." He looked at Leon with hardened eyes. "I've never heard of such a thing. Are you sure this isn't some kind of mistake?"

Leon shrugged with contempt. "I assure you, I wish it were a mistake. Unfortunately, the facts are undeniable."

"Ms. Anderson's symptoms strongly suggest a mate bond in distress," Dr. Kingsley added clinically. "It appears the bond with Alpha Leon either was never fully severed, or has been reestablished as a Second Chance bond."

Adrian's jaw tightened as he processed this information. His hand found mine and squeezed gently. Leon's eyes narrowed at our contact.

The silence that followed felt suffocating. Ethan shifted uncomfortably. The doctor busied himself with his medical bag. Leon remained cold and impassive.

I couldn't bear it any longer. This cruel joke had to end.

"You can reject me again," I said to Leon, my voice steady despite my trembling limbs. "Right now. Let's end this farce immediately."

Leon looked genuinely surprised. He clearly hadn't expected me to request rejection.

"So eager to be rid of me?" he asked with arrogance. "You found yourself a boyfriend and now you're in such a hurry to sever our mate bond? As I recall, four years ago you were crying, begging me not to reject you."

My face heated with anger. "That was four years ago," I replied coldly. "Four years ago, I had poor judgment when it came to men. I was young and naive."

Leon's face darkened with fury, his eyes flashing red. Ethan quickly stepped between us with raised hands.

"Let's all calm down," my brother urged with a reproachful look. "This isn't helping anyone."

I noticed a small, satisfied smile on Adrian's face, clearly appreciating my verbal jab at Leon.

Leon looked dismissively at Adrian before turning back to me. "I will sever our mate bond," he declared firmly. "But not now. The first trial of the Alpha King election begins tomorrow. Breaking a mate bond would weaken us both considerably. After the election concludes, we'll make it official."

I glanced at Adrian for his reaction. "Alpha Adrian, what do you think?"

The question showed respect for him as my Alpha while acknowledging our deeper relationship. I needed to know he was okay with this arrangement.

"I respect whatever decision you make, Skye," he said sincerely. "But I agree that right now, with the trials beginning tomorrow, might not be the best time."

I turned back to Leon defiantly. "Fine. We'll wait until after the election to break the bond. I wouldn't want you to have an excuse for when you lose."

Leon's face contorted with rage. "Lose? To him?" He gestured dismissively toward Adrian. "A pathetic Alpha from a makeshift pack of rejects? He won't even make it past the first trial. And you—a Beta who couldn't even shift until recently—you think your judgment of what makes a powerful Alpha matters?"

"I guess we'll see, won't we?" I replied coolly. I turned to Adrian. "Let's go. We need to prepare for tomorrow."

Without hesitation, Adrian bent down and lifted me into his arms. The sudden movement startled me, but I quickly wrapped my arms around his neck for balance. His gesture clearly stated his loyalties to everyone in the room.

My cheeks flushed at how intimate this must appear, especially in front of my brother. I buried my face against Adrian's chest, breathing in his familiar ocean scent.

As Adrian carried me toward the door, Leon's voice stopped us.

"Skye."

We paused. Adrian's body tensed as we both turned to face my former mate.