Crowned by Fate Chapter 103

Skye's POV

Adrian rose to his feet, surprise evident in his expression. "Xavier? What are you doing here? I thought you'd be at the Grand Plaza with your entourage."

The handsome wolf laughed, the sound rich and melodious. "Too crowded, too many cameras. Sometimes even I need a quiet moment." His eyes shifted to me, curiosity brightening his gaze. "And who might this be?"

"This is Skye Anderson, my Beta," Adrian said, his hand settling protectively at the small of my back. The touch was subtle but deliberate. "And this is Ryder, one of our finest warriors, and Lydia, our herbal specialist and council member."

Xavier's gaze lingered on my hair, his eyes widening with genuine appreciation. "Your hair is extraordinary. Like liquid moonlight." He leaned closer, fascination evident in his expression. "Is that dyed? The color is absolutely perfect."

"It's natural," I replied, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks at his intense scrutiny. "Thank you for the compliment, Alpha Xavier."

His attention shifted seamlessly to Lydia, who had remained characteristically quiet beside us. "And your mask," he continued, gesturing toward her decorated face covering. "Absolutely exquisite craftsmanship. You look like a beautiful assassin from an ancient legend."

Lydia lowered her head slightly, clearly flustered by the unexpected praise. I watched her reaction with interest. Most people's first response to Lydia's mask was curiosity or discomfort. Their eyes filled with questions they were too 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 attire. There was something genuinely magnetic about his personality. A warmth and inclusivity that made everyone in his orbit feel special. This realization sent a ripple of concern through me.

The Alpha King election wouldn't be the straightforward path to victory we'd hoped for. Even powerful packs like Frostshadow 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 turned 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 California sunshine 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, old friend. Can't have you getting complacent before the real challenges begin."

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 ourselves 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.

Skye, can I see you for a moment? I want to discuss tomorrow'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 still glistened on his sculpted chest. I took an instinctive step backward, feeling heat rise to my face.

"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 spattering 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. His expression darkened instantly at the scene before him. Without hesitation, he moved to my side, his arm sliding possessively around my waist.

"You might want to put on some clothes, Xavier," Adrian said, his voice carrying an unmistakable warning beneath the casual words. "Catch a cold now, and you'll be the first one eliminated tomorrow."

Xavier's eyes flickered between us. Amusement danced in their depths as he registered Adrian's territorial display. "Always looking out for the competition, aren't you, Adrian?" He adjusted his towel with deliberate slowness. "How thoughtful."

The awkward silence stretched for a moment too long. I cleared my throat, turning toward Adrian. "Didn't you want to discuss something with me?"

"Yes," Adrian replied, his gaze still locked with Xavier's in some primitive male standoff. "We should talk. In private."

Once safely inside Adrian's room with the door firmly closed behind us, he began pacing. Tension was evident in every line of his body.

"Maybe I should have kept you hidden in the desert," he muttered, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "One day out in public, and already there are men circling like vultures."

I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow at his outburst. "What are you talking about? Xavier was friendly to everyone, including Lydia."

"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 stern 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."

I turned toward the door, my hand reaching for the handle when Adrian's fingers wrapped gently around my wrist, 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 go," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "Not yet."