The gala confrontation

Zina POV 

The limo ride had been its own storm of intensity. Jared's commanding words still lingered in my mind, pulling at the thread of control I tried so desperately to maintain. But as the sleek car rolled to a stop and the blinding lights of the red carpet flooded my vision, I forced myself to push his dominance aside.

This was my battlefield now.

I stepped out of the car first, my heels clicking against the pavement as I straightened my dress. The silver fabric clung to my figure, daring anyone to look away. Jared followed, his tall frame radiating authority as he extended his hand. I accepted it, letting him help me out, but the subtle smirk I gave him was all my own—a reminder that he couldn't control me entirely.

"I see you're enjoying the attention already," Jared murmured, his lips brushing close to my ear.

"Just setting the tone," I replied, my smile sharp as I walked ahead of him, forcing him to keep up.

Flashes from cameras went off like tiny fireworks as reporters shouted questions from every angle. Jared's hand settled on my waist, pulling me closer as he guided us forward. His touch was firm, possessive—a silent message to anyone watching: I was his.

"Smile, sweetheart," he said, his voice low and coaxing. "You don't want them thinking you're unhappy."

I tilted my head up to him, keeping my voice just as low. "They might be onto something."

Jared chuckled, but his grip tightened ever so slightly. "Careful, Zina. Let's not give them more gossip than they already crave."

We made our way into the grand hall, a breathtaking display of wealth and power. Crystal chandeliers bathed the polished marble floor in shimmering light, and champagne flutes sparkled in the hands of the elite.

I scanned the crowd, forcing myself to focus, but then the room tilted.

He was here.

Xaden.

The man who had once been my husband, my confidant, my biggest regret. He stood across the room, effortlessly commanding attention as he spoke to a small group of men. His jet-black suit was tailored to perfection, and his sharp features hadn't softened in the years since I'd last seen him.

Jared noticed my sudden stillness and followed my gaze. "He's here," he said, his voice low and steady.

"I see him," I whispered, my nails digging into his sleeve.

Jared leaned closer, his lips brushing my temple. "Breathe. He can't hurt you."

Xaden's piercing eyes locked onto mine from across the room, and a slow, deliberate smile spread across his face. My stomach churned.

"He's coming this way," I murmured.

Jared's body tensed. "Let him."

The crowd seemed to part for Xaden as he approached, his every step deliberate, his gaze never leaving mine.

"Jared," he said smoothly, stopping just in front of us. "It's been a while."

"Not long enough," Jared replied, his tone cold as ice.

Xaden's attention shifted to me, his gaze sweeping over me in a way that made my skin crawl. "Zina. You look… exquisite."

"Xaden," I said evenly, lifting my chin to meet his stare.

Jared's hand slid from my waist to my lower back, his touch grounding me. "What do you want, Xaden?"

"Relax," Xaden said, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "I'm here for business, not to dig up old wounds."

"Funny," I said sharply. "You seem to have a way of bringing them up anyway."

Xaden chuckled, but his eyes darkened. "Some things are hard to forget."

Jared stepped forward, partially shielding me. "If you're done, we have better things to do."

Xaden's smile faded. "Careful, Jared. You and I still have unfinished business."

Jared's jaw clenched, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl. "I don't owe you anything."

The tension between them crackled like a live wire, and I felt trapped between two storms. Xaden's gaze flicked back to me, softening slightly. "Enjoy your evening, Zina."

He walked away, and I released the breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

"You okay?" Jared asked, his hand gently rubbing my back.

I nodded, though my voice betrayed me. "Fine."

Jared turned me to face him, his expression serious. "You don't have to lie to me. I know seeing him rattled you."

"I'm not rattled," I said stubbornly, though I knew we both heard the tremor in my voice.

Jared's hand moved to cup my cheek, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Zina, you're stronger than he is. Don't let him get in your head."

His words settled something in me, and I nodded again. "I'll be fine. Let's just get through the night."

The evening pressed on, and Jared stayed close, his presence a steadying force. But I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

As we moved through the crowd, a rival alpha approached us, his smirk already irritating.

"Jared," he said smoothly, his eyes raking over me. "Who's your stunning date?"

Jared's hand tightened on my hip. "Zina."

The alpha's smirk widened. "A beauty like her must be hard to keep. I'd say you're a lucky man, but luck doesn't last forever."

Before I could respond, Jared stepped forward, his voice low and lethal. "Say another word, and I'll make sure you regret it."

The alpha chuckled, holding up his hands. "Relax, Jared. Just admiring."

"Admire someone else," Jared snapped.

The alpha sauntered away, leaving me staring at Jared in disbelief.

"You didn't have to do that ," I said, crossing my arms as I stared at Jared, my voice laced with frustration. "I could've handled him."

Jared turned to face me fully, his piercing eyes narrowing. "And let him disrespect you in front of everyone? Not a chance, Zina."

I sighed, shaking my head. "You can't fight all my battles for me."

His hand brushed mine lightly, a gesture so subtle yet disarming. "I'm not fighting them for you. I'm standing beside you."

Before I could respond, the sound of clinking glass drew our attention. Someone was making an announcement.

A tall, elegant woman with auburn hair stepped onto the small stage, microphone in hand. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight. This gala isn't just about glitz and glamour—it's about unity, strength, and the alliances that bind us."

Her words were diplomatic, but I couldn't help glancing toward Xaden, who stood near the bar, his posture relaxed yet vigilant. His eyes, however, found mine again.

"Drink?" Jared offered, breaking my line of sight.

I nodded, needing the momentary escape. "Please."

As Jared walked off, weaving through the crowd toward the bar, I stayed rooted in place. My breathing was steady, but my thoughts were anything but.

"Still letting him coddle you?"

The voice, smooth and mocking, sent a shiver down my spine. I turned to see Xaden standing uncomfortably close, a glass of amber liquid in his hand.

"Don't you ever get tired of sneaking up on me?" I snapped, refusing to let him see my unease.

He smirked, taking a sip of his drink. "I'm not sneaking. You're just too preoccupied with your watchdog to notice me."

I squared my shoulders. "He's not my watchdog. Jared respects me—something you've never been able to do."

Xaden's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before returning in full force. "You always did have a sharp tongue, Zina. It's one of the things I liked about you."

"Liked," I repeated bitterly, crossing my arms. "If you'd ever truly liked anything about me, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

His gaze darkened, the charm in his expression vanishing. "You think you're better off with him? That he's any different than me?"

"Absolutely," I said, without hesitation. "He doesn't treat me like a pawn in his games."

Xaden stepped closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You're playing games now too, Zina. Don't pretend you're above it."

I didn't flinch, though every instinct screamed at me to back away. "The difference is, I know when to stop."

The sound of Jared clearing his throat cut through the tension like a blade. "Is there a problem here?" he asked, his tone icy as he handed me a glass of champagne.

"No problem at all," Xaden said, flashing a fake smile. "Zina and I were just reminiscing."

Jared stepped between us, his towering frame blocking Xaden from my view. "Find someone else to reminisce with. Zina's done here."

Xaden chuckled, raising his glass in mock salute. "For now."

He turned and walked away, leaving Jared and me standing amidst the swirling crowd.

"You okay?" Jared asked again, his hand brushing against mine.

I nodded, though my grip on the champagne flute was tight enough to make my knuckles whiten. "I'm fine. Let's go."

Jared didn't argue, guiding me toward a quieter corner of the room. The tension from the confrontation was still thick, but I forced myself to focus on the night's purpose—strengthening alliances and solidifying our positions.

As we mingled with other guests, Jared remained close, his presence both protective and grounding. Despite my earlier frustration with him, I found comfort in his unwavering support.

Hours passed, the gala eventually winding down. But as we left the grand hall and stepped back into the cool night air, I couldn't help but glance back. Xaden was nowhere to be seen, but his words lingered, a dark shadow over an otherwise dazzling evening.

Jared opened the limo door for me, his expression unreadable. "You don't have to face him alone, Zina. Remember that."

I hesitated, meeting his gaze. "I know."

Sliding into the car, I exhaled deeply. The battle with Xaden wasn't over—far from it. But with Jared by my side, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I could win this war after all.