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Chapter 23
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
J. N. SteinMore sparks are flying! When will they kiss? This slow burn is killing me (but I love it!) Thank you for reading! -JNS <3
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Choosing Fate Chapter 24
Asher POV I almost kissed her. She almost kissed me. I don’t think she would have stopped it. I was millimeters away from pressing my lips to hers. When Archie hollered at me through the mindlink. Fucking Archie. I’m going to kick his ass later for interrupting that moment between me and Saph. I watch her walk back toward the hospital, her hips swaying in red hospital scrubs. I force myself to look away before I grab her and confess everything to her- that she’s my mate, that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her since the full moon last week. ‘Ash, now or never to talk to Yaya. I have to run patrols and continue a search party for Grizz.’ Archie grumbles through the link again. He’s been so on edge the last few days. I can’t blame him. I’ve been enraged since we realized Grizz managed to help Artemis escape. I believe in my gut that those two are the reason why my pack members are sick. I reluctantly walk away from Saph and toward the cells where Yaya is. ‘On my way, Ar
Choosing Fate Chapter 25
Archie POV “SHE’S MY MATE!” I shove Ash away from Yaya and hurry over to her. I unhook her chains, ignoring the burns on my hands from the silver. I bring her down to the floor, and she collapses into me. All I have wanted this last week was to hold her and have her close to me. She cries uncontrollably, hissing and groaning when my fingertips graze the raw slashes across her back. Her beautiful skin is now marred because of me. I’ve been so concerned about not letting anyone find out about us- about being judged. I rest my chin atop her head, brushing her wild hair away from her face. Ash is stunned, unmoving from his spot outside the cell. “I’ve got ya, Bright Eyes. I’ve got ya,” I promise her. I’ve been a shit mate since our bond snapped into place almost two weeks ago, and I will do everything I can to prove to her that I want this- that I want her. “Arch…” Ash’s voice cracks. He drops to the ground, sliding against the wall opposite Yaya’s cell. I hear the whip thump against
Choosing Fate Chapter 26
Asher POV Walking out of the cells, knowing my brother- my best friend- has chosen to stay locked in the cells, chained in silver, to stay with his hybrid mate, breaks my heart. He is choosing his mate over his pack, over me. “Everything alright, Alpha? Where is Beta Archie?” One of the guards outside of the security building asks. “No one is allowed down there. Not even to bring down food or water,” I spit out, fuming. “Y-yes, Alpha,” the guards say in unison. I don’t say anything else. I can’t think straight. The maelstrom of emotions is eating away at me. I let my wolf come forward, my clothes ripping and tearing away from my body. I make my way to the forest. Having pulled back most of the patrollers, our borders are now vulnerable. The safety of my pack falls entirely on my shoulders. - - - It’s dark by the time I get back to the pack house. I shift back to my human form, my body is covered in dirt and sweat. I grab a pair o
Choosing Fate Chapter 27
Saph POV I am such an idiot! Of course he doesn’t want me making cookies for him and his daughter! He probably thinks I’m being weird and trying to worm my way into their tradition. I don’t know why I offered to make them cookies, but here I am, mixing flour with baking soda, cracking eggs, and preheating the oven. I’m such an idiot. I pull the first batch out of the oven and rest the cookies on a cooling rack. As I’m placing the second batch in the oven, I hear footsteps racing down the stairs. I close the oven door and turn my attention to the stairs. Asher. He’s back in that pair of gray sweatpants. Just a pair of gray sweatpants. I have felt his body through his clothes. I knew he was muscular, but holy shit. He is lean and cut perfectly. Small beads of water run over the grooves of his abs and disappear into the fabric of his pants. “Gonna burn a hole through me if you keep starin’, Bunny.” I throw my hands over my face and drop to the floor
Choosing Fate Chapter 28
Artemis POV I pace back and forth in the small motel room on the outskirts of a local town. Just one more batch. Grizz promised after this batch we could get Yaya. Then she and I can run away for good. I wring my hands, my palms sweaty. He should be back by now. I never get to leave this room. Grizz said too many people would be looking for us and we can’t risk me being recognized. I told him I could make a potion that would conceal my appearance, but he refused. So, I wait. One cell for another. That’s what my life has become. Fifteen minutes later, the door is unlocked. “Finally! Did you get everything I need?” I rush over to Grizz as he closes the door, locking it behind him. He’s carrying a small sack, and I can smell the different herbs and ingredients I need to make this last batch. This is the last one. “Calm down. This isn’t exactly as easy as grocery shopping,” Grizz scoffs as he rolls his eyes- I mean his eye- at me. He told Y
Choosing Fate Chapter 29
Asher POV I feel something poking the side of my face. I scrunch my eyes together, batting away whatever is tapping me. “Wake up, Papa,” Ruby whispers directly into my ear, pulling me out of my deep sleep. “Wha- what’s the matter?” I spring up, my protective instincts kicking in. Ruby giggles as I work to calm my racing heart. “You were snoring, Papa,” she teases as she mimics a loud snoring sound, then bursts into more giggles, falling back onto her bed. I look around the bed, searching for Saph; she’d dozed off before I finished reading the story. When did she leave? It felt like we truly had a moment last night. We were staring into each other’s eyes, and it seemed like she could sense that there was something between us. It was at that moment that I truly wanted her as my mate. Up until last night, I have been following my wolf’s instincts and keeping Saph close because the bond has been drawing me to her and making me pro
Choosing Fate Chapter 30
Saph POV Distance. Space. That is what I need. I have been letting myself forget. What kind of mate am I to Nathan if I allow myself to have feelings for another man? Let alone, the same man that Nathan died protecting. I can’t do it. Even though seeing him with Ruby last night filled my heart with feelings I believed would never be possible to feel again. I felt hopeful. My life has no place for hope. Hope is life’s cruelest emotion. It makes you think you have a chance of happiness and you blindly trust in the unknown. I used to be hopeful- even after losing my parents. I know better now. Unable to sleep, I decided that the best way to clear my head is to keep busy today. Rather than go to the hospital and help with the patrollers, I walk to the pack gardens to be with Syl. Being outside in nature is calming for me, and I haven’t spent much time with Syl since I started helping at the hospital. My chances of running into Asher…no
Choosing Fate Chapter 31
Saph POV Syl and I spent the entire day in the garden. She worked towards the back area for most of the day, but once the rain started, we decided to call it a day. I asked Syl if I could stay at her place for a couple of days; I’m too nervous to go back to the packhouse. Fortunately, Syl didn’t ask me why. I think our conversation from earlier was a lot for us both, and we are both looking forward to a relaxing evening in comfy clothes. “I got facial kits and cheesy romantic comedies for us. Are you good with Chinese for dinner? I don’t have the energy to cook tonight, I’m feeling so exhausted after today,” Syl whines as she collapses onto the couch, wrapping herself up in a blanket. I’m not feeling nearly as tired as she looks, but then again, my mind is racing with a million thoughts. “Are you sure you’re okay with hanging out tonight? If you’re tired, I can go back to the packhouse so you can get some sleep,” I suggest, feeling like I’m impos
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Choosing Fate Epilogue
Saph POV One Month Later “I’m just sayin’, bro, Archie is a very good name for a boy,” Archie jests as we make our way through the common area of the pack. Winter is in full force and the ground is covered in beautiful, white snow. Today is a mild day, without too much windchill. I wanted to take advantage of that and go for a walk. I’ve been getting stir crazy staying indoors. “Blame me, Archie. I vetoed that name on day one,” I toss back to my new brother-in-law. Archie fakes being offended, holding a hand to his chest and sucking in a gasp. “Oh stop. It’s her babies. She can name them whatever she wants. And let’s face it, the world can’t handle two Archibold Sorrens,” Yaya says as she swats her hand at Archie’s arm. He simply smiles at her and pulls her in close. “Bright Eyes, I don’t know what you’re suggestin’, but if we have a son, he’s gettin’ my name. That’s a done deal,” he retorts. It’s so hard to tell if he’s joking or not.
Choosing Fate Chapter 69
Chapter 70 Asher POV Fuck, my mate is sexy as fuck. Watching Saph ride my speaker- which is not a euphemism- was the hottest thing she’s done. Watching her shake and rattle from every note I played for her almost had me coming in my pants. I love how uninhibited she is around me and that we can be ourselves around each other. “Fuck me, Daddy,” she demands of me. I was already planning on doing just that. After her performance, my dick refuses to go to sleep until I combust inside of her. My impatient mate continues dominating my mouth with her tongue while undoing my pants. I appreciate the help. She grabs my cock and slowly lowers down on it. “Fuck, Bunny! I’m gonna blow from just havin’ the tip in. Your pussy is fuckin’ heaven!” I throw my head back, maintaining a firm grip on her ass. Saph continues lowering herself, sliding each inch of me into her pussy at a torturous pace. My dick is thumping, demanding I impale her and
Choosing Fate Chapter 68
Saph POV It’s twilight. Ruby’s birthday was perfect. Pearl did an amazing job helping me to plan it, down to the last detail. I didn’t miss how Asher spoke with her, and her spirit immediately shifted. He has not only helped me, but now he’s helped my sister too. I’ll forever be grateful for him, and how he fought for us before I even knew there was an us. “Sleep tight, Cupcake,” Asher whispers as I pull Ruby’s comforter up to her chin, making her cozy within her oversized bed. She yawns, hugging a pink teddy bear close to her body. “Goodnight, Papa. Goodnight, Saph.” Her words fade as she drifts off to sleep. I place a gentle kiss on the crown of her head. The pack house is quiet. Archie and Yaya are temporarily staying in the guest wing until their new home is built. It will be a few months until that’s finished. I slowly close Ruby’s door, holding my breath, careful not to make a sound, hoping she stays asleep. I slowly rel
Choosing Fate Chapter 67
Asher POV “Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, Princess Ruby! Happy birthday to you! Hip, hip! Hooray!” The entire pack sings out to my daughter in the dining room of UGET. Sam and Cam wanted to host this special occasion and made all the food for tonight. Everyone is dressed for the occasion. It truly looks like an elegant ball. Saph and her sisters, well, mostly Pearl, took the lead on planning this party and the décor. Everyone takes to the middle of the dining room, which has been cleared out to become a giant dance floor. Temporary black and white, faux marble floors have been placed over the rustic hardwood. String LED lights hang down from the ceiling, looking like we are in a blue cavern. The floor has snowflake-shaped spotlights spinning around, highlighting the dancing pack members. The buffet tables are adorned with white tablecloths and mini-ice sculptures. It looks like a dreamy, Winter Wonderland. I walk up
Choosing Fate Chapter 66
Asher POV “I’m so glad that Daya and I have a son. There’s no way Calson will want a party like this. He’ll be perfectly content with a funny movie and microwave popcorn. Isn’t that right, little man?” Dare tickles baby Calson’s tummy, causing the plump pup to erupt into a fit of giggles. Fuck, I love the sound of a baby laughing. Dare is looking dapper in a black, velvet tuxedo jacket. The kicker is that he got to dress his baby. And, yup, the poor baby is also in a velvet suit. It wouldn’t be my fashion choice, but Calson does look adorable. “For fuck’s sake, Dare! Did you put him in a velvet diaper too?” Archie clucks, sipping his club soda. “Fuck you, Arch! What is it that your mate calls you? Mop Top? How about you keep your opinions to yourself. My son is the most handsome looking guy in this room. Not that he has much competition between you fucks,” Dare snaps, rocking his son, who is gnawing on one of his tiny fists, and drooling all over
Choosing Fate Chapter 65
Saph POV 1 Month Later “I can’t believe I’m wearing this. This is ridiculous,” Daya huffs, looking at herself in a full-length mirror in mine and Asher’s bedroom. I fully moved into the packhouse with him and Ruby. Not long after moving my things here, and officially joining Red Mountain Pack as their Luna, Ruby insisted that I help her plan ‘the best princess birthday party ever!’ She is too cute to say no to. And, given everything this pack- our pack- has been through, a large celebration is needed. With the theme of a princess party, Ruby demands that everyone be dressed as a prince or princess- tiaras, crowns, and all. Again, nobody has the heart, or the gall, to say no to her. Even Daya, who hates her frilly dress, is all too happy to appease my little princess. “I think you look adorable,” Pearl says sweetly, strutting ever-so-comfortably in her own gown. A beautiful champagne, sleeveless gown, with a fitted bodice and a ruffled A-line skirt. Her
Choosing Fate Chapter 64
Amy POV I feel bad interrupting Saph’s and Tatty Daddy’s tryst, but we are driving back to Running River Pack this afternoon. I want to talk with them about some things. “Come back later!” Asher shouts, clearly frustrated that I’m disturbing their sexy time. Oh well. I’m sure he and Saph will be happy once they are clued into the information I have. “Can’t do that brother-in-law,” I say cheerfully. “Amy?!” Saph squeals. My cheeks are aching from the stupid grin that I’m sporting. I’m not a fan of cock-blocking, or box-blocking, but this is important. “Yea, sis. Just wanted to have a quick chat with you two before I head back home,” I maintain my overly sweet tone while twisting my torso as if I’m a little kid asking for permission. I mean, I’m the same size as one, so might as well lean into the role, right? “Remind me to pummel your sister after this,” Asher mutters, but not lowly enough for my werewolf he
Choosing Fate Chapter 63
Saph POV We should be working. There is so much paperwork and reorganizing that we need to do, but how can I think of anything besides Asher’s body on top of mine right now? This man brings out a freaky side of me that I love exploring with him. Watching him throw his computer and supplies off his desk makes me drip with need. “Asher! You’re crazy!” I laugh as I watch the formerly neat stack of papers litter the office floor. “Crazy for you and your pussy, Bunny,” he growls into the shell of my ear, sucking my lobe between his teeth. I moan, arching my back into his chest, feeling his long, smooth cock press between my ass. How this man is hard and ready to go again is a medical mystery to me. I know werewolves rebound fast, but this is impressive. “You want it, Bunny? You want me to bend you over this desk, shove myself deep inside you and fuck you until you can’t walk?” He thrusts his hips into me, grinding himself against my backside, our bodi
Choosing Fate Chapter 62
Asher POV Humans have an interesting way of thinking about trauma. I see all of these inspirational quotes, usually accompanied with kittens hanging on a tree branch; they all send the same message. Bounce back. It’s all going to be okay in the end. Some would argue that I bounced back after Portia’s death. And I did, to an extent. But I didn’t bounce back to where I was. Maybe this is the scientist in me, seeing things too literally, but I didn’t really bounce back. That would require that day to have never happened. I bounced forward, after rolling in the darkest, and thickest mud. It took Archie beating the shit out of me and reminding me that just because Portia’s life ended, mine didn’t. It took me realizing that Ruby still had one parent, and I was doing a shitty job at being even a decent father. A couple of months ago, my life was bippity bopping along, and then Saph crashed into me. I saw her and I knew her pain better than anyone else. She was s
