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Chapter 28
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
J. N. SteinWhat did you do Artemis?! Thank you all so much for reading! More updates after the weekend! -JNS <3
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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
Choosing Fate Chapter 32
Asher POV “I hardly know you…” Her words cause me to freeze on the spot. I’m thrown into a trance. My entire nervous system feels like it is shutting down and my wolf is howling in the back of my mind; she rejected us. If only she knew. “Ash…Ash…Fuck! Asher!” My body jolts, and I blink, coming back to my surroundings. The pack hospital is teeming with medics trying to help all the pack members who are being brought in with the same mysterious symptoms. Family members are crying in confusion and fear. There’s people throwing up and shaking with cold sweats, while some are completely unresponsive. What is happening? I shove my internal turmoil down; my pack comes first. Straightening my posture and schooling my face, I focus on Archie, who has Yaya reluctantly under his arm. She tries to shake him off, but he’s not allowing it, and simply tugs her closer. She rolls her eyes, but a light shade of blush creeps up her cheeks, telling me she has some form
Choosing Fate Chapter 33
Saph POV I see red. I have never felt such an intense level of anger as I do when I see Yaya. I have heard enough about her and her brother over the months. I have created this image of her in my mind. I’ve conjured up this portrait of a crazed-looking woman, with long fingernails, an evil grin, and a sinister cackle. It was easy to hate her when I believed she was evil personified. Seeing her now, that image has been shattered. She’s just a young woman, maybe the same age as me. She looked confused and tormented by her own internal demons and regrets. I am even more disgusted with myself now for hating someone so fiercely. All I have done for the last few months is vacillate between depression and fury. I step out of the rear exit of the pack hospital, feeling a refreshing shiver of cold air wash over me. When I slump against the cold brick of the building, my legs give out from under me. I drop my head to my knees, letting my tears fall freely.
Choosing Fate Chapter 34
Asher POV I’m such an idiot! I shouldn’t have said anything. I shouldn’t have pushed her. When she didn’t pull away from me…fuck, I was ready to toss her up against the wall and make her mine in every way possible. I haven’t kissed anyone in years. I basically took a vow of celibacy after I lost Portia. I couldn’t imagine touching or being touched by anyone else. Sure, plenty of opportunities have come my way. Female pack members have tried to use my grief as an excuse for them to ‘try to heal me.’ They were always sorely disappointed when I pushed them away, but news spread quickly around the pack that I wanted no assistance in that department. Archie was more than happy to run interference. Kissing Saph, oh Goddess. Kissing Saph, even for that brief moment, was different than any kiss I’ve ever had. The sparks from the mate bond shook me to my core and I felt like the empty spaces in my heart were finally being filled with blood. Once I kissed her, I th
Choosing Fate Chapter 35
Grizz POV An eye for an eye. Whoever said that, clearly never lost an actual fucking eye. Asher is nothing. Every day that passes, I get closer to making him crumble, turning him into a shell of who he is. We used to be best friends. Imagine that? We had fucking playdates and shit. I know everything about him; that’s my biggest advantage. I know how he thinks, I know what loves- or rather, who he loves. A grin spreads across my face as I play the voice message on my phone. “Grizz, their patrol numbers are less than half. Over 25% of his pack is now in the hospital, on their deathbeds. The other night, his own daughter came in with the same illness.” I replay it another dozen times. Poor Ruby. She was such a sweet girl. A small part of me hates to get her involved in my feud with her father, but that’s what war is- ruthless. A true man is willing to do the unthinkable to win. That’s where Asher will always lose. He has too much of a conscience.
Choosing Fate Chapter 36
Saph POV It’s been two days since Syl, Ruby, and I’m not even sure how many others were brought to the hospital; I’ve lost count. There aren’t enough beds. We have multiple patients in rooms together. All we can do for them is provide fluids through IVs. Yaya has been trying to heal people, using small amounts of her magic to ease their pain, but it tires her so quickly; Archie isn’t willing to let her risk her well-being. At the end of the day, nothing we do is working. Asher…I can’t even think about him without getting choked up. He has been sleeping in Ruby’s room this entire time. He hasn’t left her side once. I catch myself looking for reasons to walk by her room every hour throughout the day. I want to see them. I don’t know why I feel this need to help them and protect them or why I think my presence can make any difference at all. “Just go inside, Saph,” Archie says from down the hallway. He’s caught me stalking outside Ruby’s hospital room again.
Latest chapter
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
