Semua Bab Scarred by fate : Bab 91 - Bab 100

Lucas's POVI release the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Crisis averted.Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Drew and James watching the exchange. They’re both smiling, clearly amused by the whole thing. I can’t help but shake my head slightly… teenage boys…Ali’s delicate frame catches my eye as she approaches, her presence soothing me more than the whiskey I just downed. “I’ve put drinks and some nibbles in the dining room for you all,” she says softly, her voice like a calming breeze. “Dinner’s at eight. Link me if you need anything else while you’re in there.” She pats my chest gently and presses a quick kiss to the corner of my mouth before turning to Sophie, who’s smiling warmly at her.I glance at James, and we share a brief nod, an unspoken agreement that it’s time to get this over with. The sooner we dive into business, the sooner we can relax and enjoy the evening as friends.We move into the dining room and settle around the table, the weight of what’s about to be

Lucas's POVNow that we've left the formal setting of the dining room and re-joined the others in the great room, I can feel the tension slowly seeping away from the group. Ali, ever the perfect hostess, has already ensured that everyone has a drink in hand, and a lavish spread of nibbles is laid out on the two console tables by the door and across the coffee table. She really knows how to ease the mood.The atmosphere is lighter now, conversations flowing more easily. I’m standing with Beta Nicholas, Hugo, Greg, and Austin, and though we’re still discussing a few important details that need to be ironed out, I can feel my shoulders finally beginning to relax. There’s something about having this team at my side that gives me a sense of stability, even when things are chaotic. We've managed so much already, but my mind refuses to let me fully unwind just yet. Always thinking, always calculating the ne

Xander's POVWhen the Alpha King’s convoy pulls into the driveway, a familiar knot of nerves tightens in my gut. Hosting a royal visit isn’t exactly a casual affair, even if King James is good friends with my dad. This time, though, it’s different. The stakes are higher, and with everything going on, I can feel the weight of it pressing down on me. I glance at the others, making sure they’re ready.We all move out into the hallway to greet them, slipping into the roles we’ve been trained for at the Alpha King’s summer camp. It’s one thing to stand tall when you’re sparring or running drills, but this is the formal stuff—the kind of training that tests your discipline and poise. Thankfully, the guys fall into line without hesitation. I find some relief in the fact that we’ve drilled this so many times.As the hosting pack, we s

 Xander's POVI force myself to look away, to push down the gnawing jealousy. But as my gaze shifts, it locks with Max’s. He’s staring right at me, his emerald eyes full of something I can’t quite place—anger, frustration, pain, maybe a combination of all of it. The intensity in his eyes sends a flash of heat through me, igniting something deep and primal. It’s like we’re both magnets, drawn toward each other, and the pull is so strong it nearly gets me on my feet.I need him. And I feel, in this moment, that he needs me too.But this is neither the time nor the place. I bite down on my instincts, willing myself to stay seated, even as every fibre of my being screams to go to him.As Dad starts to speak again, I manage to tear my eyes away from Max. His voice sounds worn, and I c

Xander's POVWe head straight toward the cinema room once we reach the floor. As we enter, I hear Zahra’s small gasp. She’s never been up here before, and I can tell by her wide eyes that the size of the suite has taken her by surprise. I can’t help but flash her a small smile over my shoulder, and she playfully rolls her eyes at me, trying to cover her awe. Typical Zahra.Inside the cinema room, there are three massive couches arranged along the walls, with beanbags and cushions scattered on the floor. Normally, we spread out and lounge around without a second thought, but with five extra people tonight, we’ll need to be a little more organized with our seating arrangements. I grab the remotes and turn on the projector, quickly setting everything up as the others settle in. Eliot heads off to make popcorn and grab drinks.I turn around and take in the scene. Sebastian and Zahra are already curled up together at one end of the sofa, her small frame tucked against his, while Zach sits