Crowned by Fate Chapter 131

Skye’s POV

As Leon stormed away, I exhaled slowly, trying to calm my racing heart.

As we crossed toward the elevators, I spotted Alpha Xavier lounging in one of the plush armchairs, scrolling through his phone.

When he glanced up and saw us, a smile spread across his face. He stood, pocketing his phone.

"Congratulations on making it to the finals, Alpha Xavier" I offered, trying to sound sincere despite my frustration.

Xavier shrugged. "Just lucky, I guess. The 'spy' in my game turned out to be a fan."

"Luck is part of strength," I replied.

His expression turned more serious as he looked at my bandaged arms. "I heard about what happened. That's some seriously messed up shit."

He turned to Adrian. "For what it's worth, I think the Elders will make this right. I look forward to facing you in the next round."

"Count on it."

As Xavier walked away, I couldn't help wondering if we'd found an ally or just another competitor playing a more subtle game.

Once inside our room, Adrian carefully locked the door behind us before turning to me with concern etched across his features.

"Let me see those bandages," he said softly.

I sat on the edge of the bed as he knelt before me, gently unwrapping the gauze from my arms. His touch was feather-light, but I still winced when the air hit my raw skin.

"They're starting to heal," he murmured, examining the burns. "The redness is fading a little."

As he applied fresh ointment and rewrapped my arms with clean bandages, his jaw tightened.

"I'm sorry, Skye. I should have protected you better. I never should have let you enter that damn oven."

"This isn't your fault," I insisted "We couldn't have known."

"Maya warned you that someone wanted to eliminate me in the second trial, but you're the one who got hurt." His hands stilled on my bandages. "Whoever is behind this, I swear I'll find out."

I frowned, thinking about Maya's cryptic warning.

"Do you think Maya was lying? Maybe she was trying to mislead us from the start?"

I couldn't imagine what she would gain from such deception, but nothing about this situation made sense.

"But who's pulling the strings here?"

Adrian finished securing my bandage, then stood, pulling me gently to my feet. "Don't overthink it tonight. What you need now is rest."

In one smooth motion, he lifted me into his arms, cradling me against his chest.

"And a proper shower," he added with a small smile. "Let me take care of you tonight."

My wolf purred with contentment as I relaxed against him, allowing myself this moment of vulnerability.

***

The shrill ring of my phone jolted me awake the next morning.

I fumbled for the device on the nightstand, wincing when I accidentally stretched my injured arm.

The display showed an unfamiliar number.

Hoping it might be news from the Council about their investigation, I quickly answered.

"Hello?"

"You wanted a statement. I've written it." Leon's deep voice sent an unwelcome shock through my system. My wolf instantly stirred, alert and agitated.

I sat bolt upright, forgetting my injury. "I'll come get it right away."

Pain shot through my arm, and I hissed involuntarily.

"Don't bother. I'm already downstairs in front of your hotel."

I moved to the window and pulled the curtain aside. A sleek black Porsche was parked directly below, and there was Leon, leaning against it with his phone pressed to his ear.

Even from this distance, his presence commanded attention. A group of young women passing by turned their heads to stare at him, giggling among themselves.

If I didn't know what a jerk he could be, I might have found myself staring too.

"Wait there. I'll be down in a minute," I said, ending the call.

Adrian wasn't in the room—he always woke earlier than me. I carefully changed into a loose t-shirt, trying not to disturb my bandages, and made my way downstairs.

Leon straightened as I approached, his eyes immediately going to my bandaged arms. He looked infuriatingly good in dark jeans and a fitted gray henley that emphasized his broad shoulders.

"Alpha Leon," I greeted formally, keeping my distance.

 "Here."He handed me a sealed envelope.

I took it, surprised at how quickly he'd prepared it. "Thank you."

His lips curved into a smirk. "Don't thank me. I'm not doing this to help you. I just want your boyfriend to lose fair and square." His voice hardened. "Someone like him shouldn't have been allowed to compete in the first place."

My gratitude evaporated instantly.

Leon's gaze lingered on my injured arms, his brow furrowing.

"Why aren't those healing properly? You've shifted now, haven't you? Your self-healing abilities should be stronger."

"They're getting better," I replied stiffly. "Don't worry, I won't affect your chances in the election."

I knew that even though Leon had never marked me, our mate bond still existed on some level. My injuries could potentially affect him, however slightly, and that knowledge made me uncomfortable.

"Skye."

Adrian's voice came from behind me. I turned to see him approaching. Without hesitation, he removed his jacket and draped it over my shoulders.

"You're wearing too little, you'll catch a cold," he murmured, his hand lingering protectively at my back.

I handed him the envelope. "Alpha Leon brought his statement."

Adrian regarded Leon coolly. "Thank you."

"Don't you have a proper doctor looking after her?" Leon asked, his tone accusatory. "If not, I could take her back to my suite. My pack physician should examine those burns."

Adrian's arm slid around my waist, drawing me closer to his side.

"That won't be necessary."

Leon glanced up at the hotel behind me, his expression openly disdainful.

“You’re staying here? This dump?” His gaze swept over the cracked sign and faded walls. “If you can’t afford the election, don’t show up at all.”

He stepped closer. “Come on. I’m taking you somewhere better.”

I stiffened. “It’s quiet here. We’re fine.”

Adrian moved between us in a flash. “I appreciate your statement. But take one more step, and I won’t stay polite.”

The air shifted—thick with challenge. Leon’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing.

“Are you threatening me?” he asked, voice low.

“I’m promising,” Adrian replied.

They stood just feet apart, tension crackling like lightning. My wolf tensed, ready for the clash.

I stepped between them, forcing a smile. “This hotel has amazing coffee. The owner grinds it herself every morning. Leon, you want to try some?”

Leon looked at me like I’d lost my mind.

“I didn’t come here for coffee.”

“No, but maybe you should sit down before you say something you’ll regret,” I said softly.