Crowned by Fate Chapter 135

Skye’s POV

The moment Adrian and I took our seats at the long banquet table, I felt dozens of eyes analyzing our every move. Alphas from all corners of the country sat with their chosen companions, an array of power gathered in one extravagant room.

Alpha King Thomas rose from his seat at the head of the table, commanding immediate silence. He stood tall and broad-shouldered, his salt-and-pepper hair swept back to reveal a face etched with both wisdom and ruthlessness.

The ceremonial medallion of the Alpha King gleamed against his chest, catching the light with every slight movement.

For a brief moment, I found myself picturing Adrian wearing that medallion, standing tall as Alpha King.

"Distinguished Alphas," his deep voice resonated through the hall, "I congratulate each of you on surviving the second trial." His eyes, sharp as a predator's, swept across the room. "Your strength, cunning, and determination have brought you this far—but the true test of leadership lies ahead. Tonight, however, we feast as equals, as brothers and sisters of the moon."

He raised his crystal glass. "To the future of our kind, to the strength of our packs, and to the worthy Alpha who will next wear this crown."

I took a small sip of the champagne, thankful when servers began bringing out the first course.

I took a small sip of the champagne, thankful when servers began bringing out the first course. Leon sat directly across from me, his eyes never leaving mine. The less I had to speak, the better.

Adrian leaned closer, "Try the smoked salmon," he murmured, serving a portion onto my plate before I could respond. "It's excellent."

Throughout the first course, Adrian continued his attentive care—cutting my venison into perfect bite-sized pieces, ensuring my wine glass remained filled, his fingers occasionally brushing mine in reassurance.

"How domestic," a melodic female voice commented from my other side. I turned to find a striking woman with copper-colored hair and calculating eyes watching us with amusement. "Alpha Adrian personally cutting his Beta's meat. How... unusual."

I recognized her immediately—Alpha Morgan of the Cascade Pack, the woman who had warned me at the lake during the first trial.

She was the only female Alpha present at tonight's banquet, with her Beta, a middle-aged man, sitting respectfully beside her.

"Alpha Morgan," I acknowledged with a polite nod.

Her lips curled into a knowing smile. "You two certainly don't behave like a typical Alpha and Beta. When I saw you dive into that lake after him during the first trial, I knew there was more between you than pack hierarchy."

"Thank you for your warning that day," I said, genuinely grateful despite my embarrassment. "I didn't realize who you were then."

Morgan waved a dismissive hand. "I simply hate to see any young, beautiful girl in danger." Morgan looked at Adrian, then turned back to me. "Is he your mate?"

I shifted uncomfortably under her perceptive gaze.

"We're family," I answered her question, acutely aware that Leon could hear every word.

The word 'family' felt safe—true in its own way without revealing too much. I couldn't bring myself to call Adrian my mate or lover with Leon sitting directly across from us, the mate bond between us thrumming like a taut wire despite my efforts to ignore it.

Adrian, however, had no such reservations. He leaned across me, his amber eyes meeting Morgan's with unwavering confidence.

"Skye is my future Luna," he stated firmly, his hand settling possessively on my lower back.

The temperature around our section of the table seemed to drop several degrees. I didn't need to look up to feel Leon's fury—it crashed against my consciousness through our bond like waves against a cliff.

The knife in his hand bent slightly under his grip.

"Adrian," I murmured, placing my hand on his arm. "My arms are healing well. You don't need to fuss over me so much."

The flash of hurt in his eyes made my chest constrict, but I couldn't risk a confrontation between him and Leon.

Not here.

Alpha Morgan's gaze darted between us and Leon, her expression shifting to one of delighted realization.

"Oh my," she chuckled softly. "The plot thickens. A Luna claimed by one Alpha while bonded to another? You're going to make this election very interesting, Skye Anderson."

Across the table, Maya placed a perfectly cut piece of salmon on Leon's plate, leaning close to him.

"Your favorite," she purred.

Leon didn't even glance at the offering, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that made my wolf whine in distress.

Maya followed his gaze to me, her expression morphing into one of pure hatred.

I leaned toward Adrian, my lips nearly touching his ear.

"I told you we shouldn't have come."

***

After dinner came the dancing. Crystal chandeliers dimmed to create an intimate atmosphere as a small orchestra began playing.

Adrian rose from his chair and extended his hand to me.

"Dance with me,"

I hesitated, looking at his outstretched hand. "I should warn you—during those years I wandered, I worked a lot of jobs. Bartender, waitress, even bouncer once. But never a dancer."

His smile, warm and reassuring, made my heart flutter. "I'll teach you."

Before I could protest further, he led me to the dance floor, positioning one of my hands on his shoulder while his own settled at my waist. The warmth of his palm burned through the thin fabric of my dress.

"Just follow my lead," he whispered, beginning to move with confident grace.

For someone so physically powerful, Adrian moved with surprising elegance. His steps were precise, guiding me effortlessly across the floor until I began to relax into the rhythm.

"You're really good at this," I admitted, impressed by his skill.

"Required course at the Alpha Heir Academy," he explained with a slight smile. "Before my father died, I was being groomed as Alpha. Dancing, diplomacy, even proper dining etiquette—all part of the curriculum."

The mention of his father brought a shadow across his features. I squeezed his hand gently.

"He would be proud of you," I said softly. "Seeing the Alpha you've become, the pack you've built—he'd be so proud, Adrian."

The music swelled around us as Adrian pulled me closer, his cheek resting against my temple. For a moment, we moved as one, forgetting the politics, the trials, and the watching eyes. Just Adrian and me, swaying to the music.

Then Alpha King Thomas's voice broke through the spell.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, "for our next dance, I invite you all to exchange partners. Tonight we are not rivals but friends celebrating our shared heritage. Please, select a new partner for this next waltz."

Adrian's grip on my waist tightened momentarily before he reluctantly stepped back.

I glanced around nervously, spotting Leon making his way toward me with determined strides. My heart hammered in my chest—I wasn't ready for this confrontation.

Before Leon could reach me, however, an older man with silver-streaked dark hair and familiar amber eyes intercepted me.

"May I have this dance, Ms. Anderson?" Maxwell's polished voice held no room for refusal.