Fated

Chapter Eight

Mia and I are out in the market, moving from stall to stall, picking out decorations and planning the food for the upcoming bonfire. The air is filled with the scent of fresh produce and the lively chatter of vendors and shoppers. As we browse through a display of lanterns, Mia starts explaining the details of the bonfire event.

"The alpha will send the new wolves on a quest to the mountains behind the woods," Mia says, examining a string of fairy lights. "There's something they have to collect and bring back. The rankings of these wolves will be determined by how long they take to retrieve their object and how soon they make it back. The pack council and other wolves will stay by the bonfire until they return."

I look at her, intrigued. "So, it's like a rite of passage?" I ask, thinking about how different this is from anything I've experienced before.

"Exactly," Mia replies with a smile. "It's a way to prove their strength and dedication to the pack."

Curiosity gets the better of me. "Would this apply to me too? I mean, I'm technically new to the pack."

Mia pauses, looking thoughtful. "I'm not entirely sure, Gaia. But we can talk about it with Lex and see what he thinks."

The idea of participating excites me. Being part of a pack tradition feels like a step towards truly belonging, rather than just being seen as the Alpha's mate—a role I'm still uncertain about. As we continue shopping, our conversation shifts to ideas for food and decorations. We laugh and brainstorm, filling our cart with supplies.

When we get back to Mia's apartment, Olivia is there, pacing with a phone pressed to her ear. Her eyes lock onto mine briefly before she heads to her room, her expression unreadable. Mia keeps talking about the bonfire, but my mind is distracted, wondering if Olivia is talking to Lex.

"Hey, Mia," I interrupt, "what's the latest on the border situation?"

Mia's cheerful demeanor falters, a look of concern crossing her face. "It's tense. The neighboring pack hasn't been responding to our meeting requests. Everyone's worried about more wolves getting attacked or seriously injured."

The weight of her words settles over me. I think about the dream I had, the black wolf and the grey wolf fighting in the woods. It feels like an omen, a reflection of the growing tension. I shake off the feeling, focusing back on Mia as she continues detailing the bonfire plans.

We unpack our shopping bags, laying out the decorations and making lists for the food. Despite the underlying worries, I find myself looking forward to the event. It's a chance to integrate into the pack and maybe even find some clarity about my place here.

As we work, I can't help but steal glances at Olivia's closed door. The unease lingers, but I push it aside. There's too much to do and too much at stake to get lost in speculation. One step at a time, I remind myself.

LEX

Luke and I stand by the dividing river, the cool night air filled with tension. Luke is frowning down at his phone, probably trying to get in touch with the alpha of the neighboring pack for the umpteenth time. I keep my eyes on the other side of the border, my senses on high alert. I don't think they'll attack now, but we can't afford to be complacent.

"This guy is impossible," Luke mutters, finally looking up from his phone with frustration etched on his face. "He hasn't answered any of our requests to have a civil conversation. I don't even know why they're being this hostile. We haven't done anything to antagonize them."

I sigh, my gaze still fixed on the shadowy tree line across the river. "They don't need a reason, Luke. They're asserting dominance, trying to intimidate us. It's a power play."