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Chapter 52
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
J. N. SteinYasss!!! They marked! So good! Thank you all for being patient. I thought I'd have this update posted over the weekend, but there was a lot going on in our household. I'll try and get you all an update on Saturdays now that we are towards the tail-end of the book and I've almost completed this story. Thank you so much for reading! -JNS <3
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Choosing Fate Chapter 53
Saph POV This is nothing like when Nathan and I marked each other. We loved each other, there is no doubt. When I marked Nathan, I felt a surge of energy run through me. But there were never sparks, never this primal need to be with him, protect him, or have him deep inside of me. And fuck, does Asher get deep. I’m going to be bruised on the inside, and that very idea makes me even hotter for him. Marking Asher, I can feel his soul enmeshing with mine. My eyes shut tight, and I am pulled into some kind of movie reel. A fast-forwarding of Asher’s life. I see memories of him with his parents back in Australia, him and Archie taking over the pack when they were just teenagers. I watch him meet his first love, Portia. She was gorgeous, vibrant. I see him hold Ruby for the first time and say goodbye to Portia in the same instant. I feel his anger, his defeat, and bewilderment. I’m encumbered with guilt that I couldn’t be there for him, that I hadn’t met him sooner.
Choosing Fate Chapter 54
Asher POV I wish we could have stayed in the clearing, next to Black Hole Pond, curled up in warm blankets, shielded from the early winter chill. I imagined a dozen scenarios of how last night would go, and none of them consisted of Saph and me going at it like rabbits. Ha, maybe I should have since she’s my sexy bunny. Fuck, I’m so into her. She has me experiencing feelings that I believed had died when I lost Portia. I’m so love drunk as we walk back to the packhouse, holding hands. Holding fucking hands! A few weeks ago, Saph could barely stomach being in the same room as me. It’s still early and the sun isn’t fully up, but I need to get back to Ruby. I hope she’ll be excited for me and Saph. “How do we tell her? I mean, what if she doesn’t want this?” Saph asks awkwardly. I’m glad I had the forethought to pack a change of clothes. We’re both bearfoot, our feet crunching against the frosted, leaf-covered grass. I’m in my sweatpants from last n
Choosing Fate Chapter 55
Asher POV Ice water shoots through my veins. I knew Grizz was planning an attack; I just hoped we would have more time. I stand up abruptly, knocking my chair back, causing it to slam against the concrete floor and send small pieces of the wooden chair to splinter off. “What is it, Ash?” Dare asks as both he and Vinny jump out of their chairs, impatiently waiting for me to answer. “Grizz is here. One of my patrollers just reported seeing them trying to cross the border, before they vanished,” I seethe. My head begins to throb as more reports from patrollers and pack members come in. ‘Alpha! Intruders!’ ‘Something just attacked Freddy by the cells! He’s unconscious!’ ‘Alpha! Help!’ “Fuck! They’re here! I need to get to Artemis. I know he and Yaya are the targets for this attack. Vinny, Dare, help my patrollers!” I shout, already storming out of the room. “I’m coming with you guys!” I hear Daya decl
Choosing Fate Chapter 56
Saph POV “Why are they coming to the hospital!” Yaya cries as we hurry upstairs, securing windows and doors. All trained fighters and patrollers are guarding the borders. “They’re probably looking for your witchy brother!” Amy hollers, peering out the window in the door to the room we’ve locked ourselves in. Other staff members of the hospital are running through the hallways. I wanted to help and fight, but Richard demanded that we hide and stay safe until reinforcements arrived. “I can do something, I can use my magic on them,” Yaya suggests as the invisible wolves bang into windows and doors on the lower level- trying to break in. “Save your energy. If you use too much of your magic, you’ll pass out. I won’t risk you hurting yourself,” I tell her as I watch out the window. I can’t see anyone, but I can see branches snapping, and grass shifting beneath invisible paws. “If only I were a full witch, my magic wouldn’t drain me so quickl
Choosing Fate Chapter 57
Asher POV As soon as Saph’s mindlink abruptly disconnects, I feel a chilling sense of fear from her. “Arch! Brick!” I call out to the two who are scanning the hospital for any survivors. Tobias stayed back to help patrollers fend off anyone along the borders. I felt a number of pack links break while fighting the enemy wolves. I lost count and had to ignore the searing pain of losing more friends and innocent lives. “What is it, Ash?” Archie comes running to me, Brickland on his heels. Artemis is coming over as well, still clutching his satchel. “We gotta go! I was just talkin’ with Saph and then she disconnected the link out of nowhere. Somethin’s wrong,” I say angrily. I have the worst feeling- Saph is in trouble. The four of us shift back to our wolf forms. Archie’s wolf is brown and white like mine, except he doesn’t have pink-tipped fur. Brickland’s reddish and white wolf strides beside Archie, and Artemis’ rust-colored wolf runs n
Choosing Fate Chapter 58
Saph POV Everything happened so fast. Yaya is white with shock as Artemis bleeds out. Asher’s large wolf tackles Grizz to the ground, not giving Grizz a chance to shift and defend himself. With Artemis gone, any magic that was affecting Brickland wears off. Brickland shifts mid-air aiming for Foster. Foster shoves Yaya away, shifting in time to meet Brickland’s wolf. I struggle and roll on the ground, trying to break free from the ropes that are rubbing my skin raw. Out of nowhere, two large, black wolves run toward us. ‘Daya! Darius!’ I yell through the link to them. Daya’s wolf runs to Amy and me, ripping through our ropes with her sharp teeth. Darius joins Brickland’s wolf, fighting Foster. I help Amy untie Richard, who is finally conscious. “Richard! Go check Archie. I’ll check Artemis!” I holler over the gruesome sounds of flesh being ripped apart. Daya shifts, and she and Amy undo Yaya’s golden restraints. She collapses
Choosing Fate Chapter 59
Asher POV One Week Later “…We must remember, this moment is not goodbye. We will carry our loved ones with us each day. This moment is our way of honoring the lives of those we have lost. We will grieve their absence, as much as we will savor their memories. Death is a lonely event. That is why we are a pack. Be there for each other. Support and comfort one another. Be the source of light, and hope, when the painful shadows of loss try to take hold. A life lived…” “A life loved!” My pack members finish our pack’s death ceremonial credo. Every death ceremony is complete with that phrase. Our pack has experienced significant losses over the years. We lost hundreds to the Fated Plague, from the time I was born until I stepped into the role of Alpha. My pack members are used to death and loss, but that doesn’t make it easier to accept. Especially when the lives we have recently lost were taken from us. We lost twenty-seven lives in all. Thirteen died from the
Choosing Fate Chapter 60
Saph POV Is it too soon for things to feel so…normal? I walk with Asher, his large, warm hand holding mine. The subtle sparks of our bond pulsing between us. I can’t stop the smile from taking over my face as I nestle into Asher’s side. Enjoying the closeness of his body. He kisses the crown of my head as we continue to make our way to the packhouse. We have been up all night for the death ceremony. I can feel how exhausted he is through the bond. We are both eager to sleep the day away. “Saph! Alpha Asher!” We halt in our steps and spin around to watch as Yaya comes sprinting toward us. Her eyes are filled with tears, swollen and puffy. “Yaya? What’s wrong? Calm down,” I tell her, catching her as she falls into my arms, sobbing uncontrollably. “Breathe, Yaya. Talk to us. Where’s Archie?” Asher asks, patting her on her shoulder. “He’s helping with patrols,” Yaya hiccups between sobs, her face becoming red, and her bo
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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
