All Chapters of Fake Dating The Alpha Hockey Player : Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Zane's POVThe day breaks too quickly. Kaidora wakes in my arms, and for a brief moment, before reality crashes back in, she looks happy and peaceful.Then she remembers what today is, and the peace shatters.“It's time,” she whispers.We're separated immediately after breakfast. Kaidora is taken away by the elder females for final preparations, and I'm taken to the Alpha's quarters where my father and the male elders wait.The day passes in a blur of ritual and tradition. Ceremonial bath. Blessings. Last-minute instructions about pack leadership and sacred duties. Every moment feels like it's pulling me closer to an edge I can't see.Marcus finds me in the late afternoon, when I have a brief moment alone. “How are you holding up?”“I'm terrified.” The admission comes easier with him than it would with anyone else. “Marcus, what if it doesn't work? What if everyone sees the marking fail…”“Then we deal with it.” He grips my shoulder. “But Zane, you need to prepare for the possibility

Kaidora's POVMorning light filters through the ceremonial suite's windows, pulling me from restless sleep. My body aches in places I didn't know could hurt, exhaustion bone-deep after last night's celebration that stretched until nearly dawn.Beside me, Zane sleeps peacefully, one arm draped across my waist in a possessive hold even in unconsciousness. His face is relaxed, younger without the constant tension he carries while awake.I carefully remove myself from his embrace and move to the window. The pack house grounds are quiet, most wolves likely still recovering from the celebration. But I can't rest, can't stop my mind from replaying the moment I saw that ring on the elder's hand.My parents' killer is here in the pack, walking free while they lie cold in graves I haven't visited in years.The rage from last night hasn't left with sleep. If anything, it's turned into something harder and more focused. I know who I'm hunting now. I just need to figure out how he's related to Sum

Kaidora's POVWarren's eyes lock on mine, and for a horrifying moment, I'm certain this is it. He's discovered I'm human. He's about to expose everything in front of Alpha Rowan and Summer, and there's nowhere to run.My hand tightens around Zane's, my heart hammering so hard I'm sure everyone can hear it.“Well?” Alpha Rowan's impatience cuts through the tension. “What is this about, Warren?”Warren finally breaks eye contact with me, turning to face his father. “There's been a breach in our northern border. Security detected unauthorized entry approximately three hours ago.”The relief that floods through me is so intense I nearly sag in my chair. It's not about me, he's not talking about me.“Unauthorized entry?” Rowan's attention immediately shifts from us to his son. “What kind? Rogues?”“No.” Warren's expression is serious. “The scent signatures suggest organized pack wolves. Multiple individuals. They crossed our territory line and retreated before our patrol could stop them.”

Kaidora's POVSummer leaves reluctantly, throwing one last suspicious glance over her shoulder before closing the door. The click of the latch feels final, sealing Zane and me in the suite alone.“How are you feeling?” Zane asks, his hands still framing my face.“I don't know.” The truth comes easier than lies right now. “Everything feels different, sharper, like my senses have been turned up to a volume I can't control.”He studies my face, concern etched into every line. “Your eyes are still glowing. It's beautiful but unsettling.”“What does it mean?” I pull back slightly, needing space to think. “Why would the ceremony do this to me?”“I don't know. But we need to call Thalia. She might have answers—”Heat burns through me again, cutting off his words. But this time it's different. It's more intense and focused. It pools low in my belly, spreading outward in waves that make my breath catch.“Kai?” Zane's voice sounds distant despite him standing right in front of me. “What's wrong

Kaidora's POVEverything narrows to sensation. The heat that was consuming me from the inside begins to ease, replaced by something else. Something overwhelming and electric that makes rational thought impossible.Zane's touch is everywhere, gentle but urgent, careful and demanding. Each point of contact sends sparks through my nervous system, temporarily drowning out the pain that's been tearing me apart.Relief. Finally, finally, relief.I didn't know it was possible to need something this desperately. I didn't understand how something like this could override every carefully constructed wall I've built. But the heat stripped away everything— my control, my plans, my reasons for being here— until only need remained.And Zane. Always Zane. His scent surrounds me, pine and musk mixing with something uniquely him. “I've got you.” His voice is rough against my ear, grounding me when I feel like I might float away. “I've got you.”I can't form words. I can't think past the sensations ov