Chapter 103
Adrien rose to his feet, surprise evident in his expression. “Tarder? What are you doing here? I thinight you d be at the Grand Pund with poe
The handrem welt taughed, the sound rich and melodione. “Too crowded, too many cameras. Sometimei erm I need a
me, culosity brightrising his part. And who might this be?”
This is Skye Anderson, my Beta,” Adrian said, his hand settling protectively at the small of my hack. The touch west oubtle but deliberate. And this is Ba pose of out. Einest warrions, and Lydia, mut herbal specialist and comincil member ”
Xavier’s gare lingered in my bait, bis eyes widening with genuine appreciation. “Your halt is extresedinary. 1e liquid moonlight.” He franed clover. Insemnation evident in his expression. ‘Is that dyed? The enlin is absolutely perfect.!
“It’s natural, Treplied, feeling a fish rise to my cheeks at his intente scrutiny. Thank you for the compliment, Alpha Zevier.”
His attention shifted seamlesh to Lydia, who had remained characteristically quiet beside un “And your mask, he continued, gesturing forward her decorated face covering. “Abacutely exquisite craftsmanship. You look like a beautiful massin from an ancient legend
Lydia lowered her head slightly, clearly fostered by the unexpected praise. I watched her reaction with interest. Most people’s first response to Lydia’s mask was unosity or discomfort. Their eyes filled with questions they were to polite to ask. But Xavier had immediately framed it as something beautiful. Something to be admired rather than explained.
I was beginning to understand Xavier’s widespread popularity. It wasn’t just his movie–star good looks or his fashionable artire. There was something penuinely magnetic about his personality. A warmth and inclusivity that made everyone in his orbit feel special. This realization sent a ripple of concer through me
The Alpha King election wouldn’t be the straightforward path to victory we’d hoped for. Even powerful packs like Frontshadow hadn’t produced an Alpha King in twenty–eight years.
The competition was steeper than I’d imagined. Truly exceptional Alphas were everywhere.
While I was lost in thought, Xavier leaned casually against our table, his charm tumed up to full wattage. “You know,” he said conspiratorially to Lydia and me, ‘you two remarkable women should consider joining Silverscreen Pack, Texas is no place for beauties with such distinctive features. The Califomia rumahine would suit you both perfectly.”
Adrian playfully punched Xavier’s shoulder, a gesture of familiarity that spoke of their shared history. “The competition hasn’t even started, and you’re already trying to poach my pack members?” He shook his head with mock disappointment. “You must be really insecure about your own team!”.
Xavier’s laughter filled the small dining room, drawing smiles from everyone present. “Just keeping you on your toes, complacent before the real challenges begin.”
old friend. Can’t have you getting
The remainder of dinner passed in a surprisingly pleasant atmosphere. Xavier regaled us with stories from Hollywood and the celebrities who occasionally sought shelter within his pack’s territory. By the time we finished the delicious berry compote, I felt a strange mixture of nostalgia and anticipation for what
- lay ahead. The familiar taste had transported me back to Alaskan summers with my mother.
We excused nurselves early, needing rest before tomorrow’s opening ceremonies. As I walked down the hallway toward my room, Adrian’s voice echoed in my mind through our pack bond.
Skyr, can I see you for a moment? want to discuss tomorow’s strategy for the Council chamber.
I turned toward his room, only to collide with a half–naked figure emerging from a door I’d assumed was a linen closet. Xavier stood before me, a small Towel wrapped precariously around his waist. Water droplets stili glistened on his sculpted chest. I took an instinctive step backward, feeling heat rise to my
“What are you doing here? I blurted out, my eyes stubbornly fixed on his face to avoid looking anywhere else.
Xavier gestured casually toward the room behind him. “I live here,” he replied with that easy smile. “Well, temporarily at least.” He ran a hand through his damp hair, sending water sputtering across the hallway. “There’s no hot water in my shower. I was just going to find someone to fix it.”
The door to Adrian’s room swung open, and he stepped into the hallway
- y. His expression darkened instantly at the some before him. Without besitation, he
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Chapter 40s
Dyed to ity side, his arm sliding ponentively atmund –
chou might want to put the tomi chithës, Kavier: You’ll be the first one eliminated tomorrow.
- his voice carrying
* Kavier à eyes Dickered between uk. Amusement danced in their depths as he registered Adrien’s territorial display, “Always looking mo
aren 1 yes, Adrian?” He adjusted his towel with deliberate downed. “How thoughtful
The awkward silence stretched for a moment too long. I cleared my throat, turning toward Adrian. “Didn’t you want to discuss somethi
“Yes,” Adrian replied, his gaze still locked with Xavier x in sente
sitive made standoff. ‘We shredil talk. In private.”
Once safely inside Adrian’s room with the door firmly cloved behind us, he began pacing. Tration was evident in every line of his body,
“Maybe I should have kept you hidden in the desert,” he muttered, imming a land through his hair in frustration, “the day out in publle, and already there are men circling like vultures.”
1 crossed
Π
arms, raising an eyebrow at his outburst. “What are you talking about? Xavier was friendly to everyone, including Lydu.”
“I’m a man,” Adrian countered, his amber eyes flashing. I know exactly what goes through a man’s mind when he looks at a woman like that.
I sighed, shaking my head at his unexpected jealousy. “What did you actually want to discuss about tomorrow? The opening ceremony starts early, and we all need rest.”
Adrian’s expression softened. His shoulders dropped slightly as he moved closer. “Honestly? I just wanted to see you,” he admitted, his voice lowering. “Is that such a crime?”
I tried to maintain my stem expression, but felt it slipping. “If you don’t have anything important to discuss, then I should get back to my room. We both need sleep if we’re going to make a good impression tomorrow.”
Itomed toward the door, my hand reaching for the handle when Adrian’s fingers wrapped gently around my waist, stopping me in my tracks. The heat of his touch sent electric currents racing up my arm. My body’s immediate response to him was both thrilling and unsettling,
“Don’t gu,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. “Not yet.”
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