Crowned by Fate Chapter 99

Adrian’s POV

Not lost, not missing—dead.

Nadia’s absence left a void in the pack, in me.

For six months, I buried myself in the Alpha King election, fighting to reclaim my candidacy after the Council’s reassessment, forging alliances with western packs, and rallying support.

But through it all, one truth anchored me: I love Skye.

Choosing her as my mate wasn’t a fleeting impulse. It was a decision carved from months of reflection, from the raw clarity that life offers only one chance to seize what matters.

Nadia’s death taught me that. Life doesn’t give second chances. I won’t let fear or hesitation steal what I have with Skye.

Skye stood before me, her silver hair catching the moonlight, her green eyes wide with a mix of desire and doubt. I knew her guilt, the shadow of Nadia’s memory that haunted her. It haunted us all, but I refused to let it chain us.

“Skye,” I said, my voice steady despite the heat coursing through me, “Nadia wanted us to live, to be happy. This—us—it’s not a betrayal. It’s a choice to embrace what we have.”

Her lips parted, but no words came. I stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face, my fingers lingering on her soft skin.

“I love you.I want you to be my mate.”

That was all it took. The kiss was fire, igniting every nerve in my body.

My hands slid to her waist, pulling her close, feeling the warmth of her through her thin shirt. Her fingers tugged at my jacket, and I helped her, shedding it to the floor, my shirt following.

I lifted her shirt, pausing to meet her eyes, seeking permission. She nodded, and I pulled it over her head, revealing pale skin that glowed in the dim light. Her breasts were soft curves, her nipples hardening under my gaze.

I kissed her neck, tasting her, feeling her pulse race beneath my lips. She shivered, a small gasp escaping, and I smiled against her skin, loving how she responded to me.

Carrying her to the bedroom, I laid her on the bed, her silver hair fanning across the pillow. She was beautiful, every inch of her.

I shed my jeans, my arousal evident, but I focused on her, wanting this to be perfect. Her leggings came off next, revealing long legs and the soft mound between her thighs. My mouth went dry, desire tightening my chest.

“Adrian,” she murmured, reaching for me. I joined her, our bodies pressing together, skin against skin. My lips traced her jaw, her throat, down to her breasts. I took one nipple in my mouth, sucking gently, feeling it pebble under my tongue.

She arched, a moan spilling from her, and my cock throbbed, straining against her thigh. I wanted her, needed her, but this was her first time. I’d be gentle, make it about her.

My hand slid down her stomach, fingers brushing the soft curls at her core. She tensed, then relaxed as I kissed her, my fingers exploring her warmth. She was wet, slick under my touch, and I groaned, the sound muffled against her lips.

I circled her clit, slow and deliberate, watching her face—her eyes fluttered shut, lips parting, a flush spreading across her cheeks. Her pleasure fueled mine, my body humming with the need to please her.

“Tell me what you want,” I whispered, my voice rough.

“You,” she breathed, her hands gripping my shoulders. “I want you.”

I positioned myself between her legs, my erection brushing her entrance. She tensed, her eyes meeting mine, a flicker of nervousness.

“Be gentle,” she said, voice small. “It’s my first time.”

“I know,” I said, kissing her softly, reassuring her. I entered her slowly, inch by inch, watching her face for any sign of pain. She was tight, her warmth enveloping me, and I gritted my teeth, fighting the urge to thrust. Her breath hitched, a small wince crossing her features, and I paused, letting her adjust.

“You okay?” I asked, my voice strained.

She nodded, her hands sliding to my hips, urging me on. “Keep going.”

I moved again, slow, shallow thrusts, letting her body open to me. The sensation was overwhelming—her heat, her tightness, the way she clung to me. Each movement sent sparks through me, my cock pulsing with need, but I focused on her, on the way her breaths grew quicker, her hips starting to meet mine.

The pain in her eyes faded, replaced by wonder, and I kissed her, deep and hungry, our tongues tangling as we found a rhythm.

Her scent filled me, human and clean, no trace of wolf. I loved it, loved how she was wholly herself, untouched by pack markers. As we moved, my scent began to mingle with hers, a primal claim that stirred something deep in me. She wasn’t marked yet, not in the ceremonial way, but in this moment, with my body joined to hers, she was mine. The thought sent a surge of possessiveness through me, my thrusts growing deeper, more insistent.

“Adrian,” she gasped, her nails digging into my back, leaving trails of heat. Her legs wrapped around me, pulling me closer, and I groaned, the pressure building in my core. I wanted to lose myself in her, but I held back, wanting her to feel everything first. My hand slipped between us, fingers finding her clit again, rubbing in tight circles. Her moans grew louder, her body tightening around me, and I felt her edge approaching.

“Let go, Skye,” I murmured, my lips brushing her ear. “I’ve got you.”

She shattered, her climax hitting with a cry, her body trembling beneath me. Tears spilled from her eyes, glistening in the moonlight, and my heart clenched. I slowed, kissing her cheeks, wiping the tears with my thumb.

I held her through it, my own release still at bay, wanting to be her anchor.

When her tremors subsided, I moved again, my need too strong to ignore. Her eyes met mine, soft and trusting, and I let go, thrusting deeper, the pleasure coiling tight. My climax hit, a low growl escaping as I spilled into her, my body shaking with the force of it. I collapsed beside her, pulling her close, our breaths ragged in the quiet.

Her skin was warm, slick with sweat, and I pressed my face to her neck, inhaling. My scent clung to her now, marking her in a way that felt primal, complete.

No formal mark yet, but she was mine, and I was hers.

The thought settled something restless in me, a peace I hadn’t felt since Nadia’s death.