Chapter 23

Xander's POV

I step behind the bag to steady it for her, bracing my stance as she squares up. Then she unleashes—and holy fuck. I’m instantly grateful for the barrier between us because watching Zahra fight is like watching a goddess made of lightning and fury. Every strike lands sharp and precise, fists and feet moving in a blur. The bag jolts against my grip with every hit, the power behind her punches enough to make my arms ache just holding it steady. She’s all strength and rhythm, a Valkyrie in motion.

She’s always been an incredible fighter, but this? This is next-level. The last time we sparred was three years ago at camp, and even then, she nearly wiped the floor with me. Now I can barely keep the bag from swinging. Sweat beads down my spine from the effort, and I realise I’m breathing harder than she is. I’m so caught up in watching her move, in the coiled grace of her body, that I forget to think, forget to do anything except stare and hold on.

By the time her alarm blares, my arms are shaking. Zahra stops immediately, breathing fast but steady, her chest rising and falling in controlled rhythm. There’s a light sheen of sweat on her skin that makes her glow in the low gym light. She looks powerful, calm, utterly at home in her body—and I’m completely undone by it.

“Goddess, you’re a beast now, Titch,” I say, half-laughing as I let go of the bag. “You’re not even winded, and you’re barely sweating.” I take the opportunity to admire her openly, though my blood is pounding too hard in my arms to let it settle anywhere else. “I think I had more of a workout than you did, and I was only holding your bag.” The words tumble out rougher than I intend, and I drag a hand down my face to hide the smile threatening to break through.

The need to touch her again hits like a physical ache. Her scent is stronger now—jasmine and citrus, It’s so uniquely Zahra that makes my wolf push against my control. I try to ignore it, try to stay still, but the relief of having her home, the worry over her bastard boyfriend, the years of missing her—it all crashes over me. Before I can stop myself, I step forward and fold her into my arms.

Atlas hums in approval in the back of my mind. 'Where she belongs, at last.' I don’t understand how he can say that when we both know she’s Tobias’s mate, but I can’t disagree. She fits against me perfectly. Her arms come around my waist, strong and sure, and the tension I’ve been carrying since the day she joined the academy, melts away.

“It’s fucking amazing to see you, Titch,” I murmur into her hair. “I’ve missed you so much.” The words come out rough, too honest, but I can’t take them back. Her scent fills my lungs, grounding me, soothing me.

“I’ve missed you too, Xander. You have no idea,” she says softly, her voice muffled against my chest.

Something tightens in my gut. The thought of another man holding her like this sends a spike of white-hot jealousy through me, quick and vicious. I shove it down, bury it under the calm she’s bringing me. i take another sniff her rich scent flooding my senses and calming me. 

“Goddess, Titch, you smell good,” I murmur without thinking. She snorts and pushes back, trying to pull free. “I smell gross. I really need a shower.”

I tighten my hold slightly, not ready to let go. “Just a sec. I really need this right now.” Smooth, Xander. Begging for a hug. Real alpha move. But she doesn’t pull away immediately. Instead, she tilts her head up to look at me, eyes full of quiet concern.

“Are you alright?”

No. Not even close. I haven’t been alright in three years—not since I watched her walk away, not since Seb, not since Max. I’m hollow most days, running on duty and obligation, and I hate how easily she fills that emptiness just by standing here.

“So much has happened, Titch,” I admit. “I don’t know where to begin. This is the closest to alright I’ve been since the day we left you at the academy.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” she asks gently.

Yes. No. Maybe. But not now. “Honestly, yeah,” I say after a moment, “but we don’t have much time.”

She looks up at me then, really looks. Her head is level with my shoulder now, which, given my height, is impressive. She’s grown so much. Her eyes are wide and bright, a perfect mix of blue and green, flecks of silver glinting under the lights. I’ve never noticed how beautiful they are before, but now I can’t look away. I want to drown in them. The sudden urge to pull her closer, to kiss her, hits so hard it steals my breath.

“You’ve grown so much, Titch,” I whisper. “You’re not so titchy anymore. Just as beautiful as ever, though.” The words hang between us, thick and charged. Atlas is pacing, pushing, urging me forward. I lean in, my lips brushing her cheek before I can stop myself. It’s meant to be a quick kiss, harmless. But it’s not. The air shifts, heavy with everything unsaid, and I can’t stop thinking about the dream I had last night. 'kiss her you idiot'

I’m just about to give in when a shrill, grating voice cuts through the silence.

“Xanny, where are you, babe?”

Fuck. Helena.

The sound of her makes every muscle in my body lock. Her scent—cheap perfume and hairspray—hits me before she even steps through the door. My moment with Zahra shatters.

“There you are, babe. It’s time to get ready. Your mum says the guests will be here soon.” She waves her manicured fingers at me like she’s calling a dog. My stomach turns.

Then she looks at Zahra and sneers. “I’m sure Zahra will want to make herself presentable as well.”

Atlas snarls so loud in my head it’s almost a physical sound. My jaw clenches until it aches, fury coiling low and sharp in my gut. I want to tear into her for speaking to Zahra like that, but I hold it back. Not here. Not in front of her.

Zahra, ever composed, just smiles. “I’m on my way to shower, actually. Thanks for the reminder, Helena.” Her voice is sweet but her words land like a slap. She grabs her towel and water bottle, sauntering out past Helena and up the stairs. The loss of her warmth hits me instantly.

And now I’m alone. With Helena.

“Come on then, babe,” she says, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. “You need to clean up. You’re all sweaty and gross.” Her eyes drag over me, and the hunger there makes my stomach churn. “If you want to get all sweaty, I can show you a better way.” She laughs, the sound grating.

I glare at her, and she raises her hands in mock surrender. “I know, I know, you’re saving yourself. I just think it’s such a waste. What if you’re terrible the first time? You don’t want your poor mate to be disappointed. Why don’t I give you a test run?” Her hand slides up my stomach, slow and deliberate.

I grab her wrist before she can go further. “I’ve told you before, that’s not happening.” My voice is low and final.

For a second, I consider ending it right here, right now. But I can already picture the scene she’d cause. Best to wait until after dinner. Then I’ll send her home—for good.

I let go of her hand and stride out of the room. Her heels click as she hurries to keep up, but the security lock on the stairs keeps her from following me up to my floor. The moment the door shuts behind me, I hear her muffled huff of frustration and the sharp stamp of her foot.

It makes me smile. For the first time all day, it actually makes me smile.