Xander, ever the commanding diplomat, broke the silence. ‘It’s good to see you,Šarim. You look magnificent.’
Saba turned to him, holding his gaze. ‘Sante. After years of Suri and Shiloh claiming the beauty title, I’m glad the truth is finally catching on.’
For a split second, there was silence, then the room erupted into chuckles.
The men relaxed, the tension fracturing under Saba’s unexpected dig at her demise.
Banter resumed, whiskey poured, and the easy camaraderie of their close friendship and brotherhood folded around her.
Mak, however, remained silent, abandoning his plate and drink, eyes on her.
When she met his stare, that gleam, inscrutable yet possessive, reminded her of one thing.
She had entered his world, but he had still to decide how he felt about it.
MAK
Mak was born to lead an enigmatic order.
The secrets of his people now flowed through his veins, etched into his skin like a living map of their path to light and glory.
He was groomed from birth to command their people, protect their way of life in the face of inevitable change, and ensure their prosperity.
It was a heavy burden, but he accepted it in honor of his ancestors and for the sake of his descendants’ future.
His duties ranged from leading Signet’s legal affairs and contracts to overseeing and managing his family’s trust, as well as juggling the responsibilities of the Sauvage Corporation.
While fulfilling and, at times, rewarding, it was a lonely road to walk.
Because so far, it had come at the expense of his happiness, of the joy he craved with a woman who cherished him unconditionally.
Why did devotion keep evading him?
Didn’t he deserve it just as well as any of hishermanos?
He wanted it, needed it, and yearned for it. So much so that after Suri had jilted him, he had chased after it.
Yet he still had nothing to show for it.
Instead, he had her.
The bride he never sought or asked for.
Now, at dinner, he observed his pack and kin fall in love with her.
It wasn’t intentional, but it was happening right before him.
Xander, Kaal, Santi, Rigo, Zev, Asa, Kelam, and even Koda, his brothers, his closest friends, and warriors who had killed and bled beside him, all adored her.
They filled her glass with wine, plied her with dessert, and showered her with compliments that made her smirk but never blush.
He let them.
He leaned back in his chair, his whiskey untouched, studying how she charmed them.
Not deceitfully.Nada, she was just herself.
Confident, quick-witted, taking up space like she had been at this table her entire life. Like she belonged here.
