Page 19 of A Crown of Fates

Orphaned children being uncared for is at the top of that list.

I stride down the hallway, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings. Unlike yesterday, though, I’m capable of sorting through them without losing control. My rage isn’t governing my actions, just fueling my motivation.

Bounding up the stairs two at a time to the next floor where I hope to find Theo, I do my best to keep my mind open. While he’s to blame for hiding away in this castle while his people suffer, Keera not having a family to call her own didn’t happen within the last year. She said she didn’t know her parents, which means she’s been alone since she was only a babe.Thattells me I also have the previous alpha—King Airik—to blame.

Still, Theo’s finally going to open his eyes and make strides to fix the broken pieces of his land, whether he wants to or not.

For his sake, I hope it’s the former.

The office I ran from last night comes into view, the carved mahogany doors looming in the dimly lit hallway. I reach outto knock, my knuckles grazing the cool wood. The door swings open, and I’ve suddenly forgotten why I’ve come here.

Theo towers over me, stealing the air from my lungs. He’s different today. Stronger. Confident. A far cry from the disheveled man I met yesterday. He’s wearing a charcoal shirt that hugs his broad shoulders and tapers toward black slacks that cling just right to his powerful legs, making my mouth go dry. He’s freshly shaven, his jawline sharp and clean, and the unruly hair from before now lies in soft waves around his forehead.

Those dark, grey eyes lock onto mine. They appear alive today, glittering with a hidden light that wasn’t there before, and his stare wraps around me, pulling me in as if I have no choice in the matter. As if we’re the only two people in this castle. In the world. The air around us is heavy with something electric, making it so that I can barely move.

The space between us crackles with tension, hot and tense, and I don’t know if it’s my wolf awakening or just me, but I’m hyper-aware of every inch of room that separates us. My skin feels as if it’s buzzing, my chest is tight with emotion that’s almost akin to excitement, like my wolf knows something that I don’t. She prowls within my mind, close to the surface, pacing back and forth, encouraging me to step closer.

Yet, despite all that, I stand my ground, my hands curling into fists at my side to steady myself. And still, he just stares. Like he’s drinking me in, trying to memorize every detail of my face, my eyes, my soul. His chest rises and falls, the movement almost imperceptible.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, he swallows, the sound almost too loud in the charged silence. “Estee.” My name falls from his lips like a desperate prayer.

Gods, isthisthe bond? Is Theo reallymine?

Or maybe this is merely lust because while I’m finding this version of him suddenly irresistible, the uncontrollable need to touch him still isn’t present. His essence isn’t the air I need to fill my lungs.

And as those thoughts become a truth in my mind, the attraction begins to crumble. My chest shudders, and I close my eyes, fighting off the growing disappointment within me, a feeling I don’t understand nor want. Yet, one that is as real as the beat of my heart.

I don’t know what that was, and I’m not sure I want to, considering how overwhelming it was… But I came here for a reason, and I’m not leaving.

I clear my throat, trying to steady my voice, but it still comes out softer than I intend. “Are you going to let me in?”

For a moment, he just stands there, and I can see the struggle on his face—he looks like he wants to say something but can’t find the words. Then, with a slow, almost reluctant nod, he steps back, opening the door wider. “Please, join me.”

As I cross the threshold, my arm brushing his for the briefest second, I swear a bolt of lightning passes between us, scorching my heart.

Gods, what is happening to me?

CHAPTER TEN

THEO

The thundering in my chest makes my legs shake as I struggle to make it back to my desk. Estee’s presence does something to me I’ve never experienced in all my lives. Her scent, rich and sweet, brings my wolf prowling to the forefront of my mind. And those eyes—the way they softened when she looked at me for those few moments, completely unguarded—it was like the sun breaking through darkened clouds.

For the briefest second, the bond between us flared, and I saw a glimpse of what could be: a world with no shadows, no underhanded deals, no secrets. Just the two of us—bound, whole. My wolf felt it too, and for that sliver of time, everything was right. And then…it shattered. Estee’s gaze hardened, her walls went back up, and I was left scrambling for words that suddenly felt too small.

I manage to sit behind my desk, steadying my breathing. I’m desperate to ask if she felt the same, but I already know what she’ll say. Her defenses are like steel, impenetrable and unforgiving.

“I didn’t expect to see you so soon,” I offer lamely, every word tasting like ash.

It’s a poor attempt at beginning a conversation but also the truth. I thought she would avoid me, not seek me out first thing this morning. Unless she’s changed her mind, and she’s not giving me the day to convince her to stay.

Panic claws at my chest, and I grip my thighs beneath my desk. I have to keep control of myself before I lose her completely. I know this, but it doesn’t make my mind stop racing.

“And I didn’t expect to be greeted by a sixteen-year-old handmaiden,” she fires back. “What’s going on here, Theo? Why are children working in your castle?” Her voice is cold, sharp as broken glass, and I can’t meet her eyes.

I look away, shame creeping up my neck like a noose. As Alpha King, I should know the answer to that question, but I don’t. Something that’s unacceptable on more levels than I can analyze right now. “I’m sorry, Es?—”

“Don’t you dare tellmethat you’re sorry. What about Keera? The child who woke up today thankful to have a job she shouldn’t need if this pack was being run as it should be?” Tears glisten in Estee’s golden eyes, but they never fall. “How many more are out there just like her?”