Zander’s POV.
The ballroom was packed with people, the resort’s most elite and influential guests mingling beneath the glittering chandeliers that hung high above. The soft glow of candlelight flickered across the room, casting warm, golden hues on everything it touched.
The air was alive with the hum of conversation, the rise and fall of laughter blending into a steady rhythm.
Occasionally, the sharp clink of glasses being toasted or the light ring of silverware against plates cut through the noise.
I was no stranger to events like this. These formal gatherings, with their forced smiles and polite but empty words, had been a part of my life for as long as I could remember.
As an Alpha, it was my job to attend, to project strength and control, to play along with the endless charade of pleasantries. Normally, I could handle it without giving it a second thought.
But tonight, something was different. Something felt off, like the air itself carried a tension I couldn’t quite place.
Maybe it was the way the room seemed to shift as we entered, every head turning in unison to look at Aria. It wasn’t just a glance; it was a collective pause, as if the world had momentarily stopped to take her in. Conversations faltered, and men who had been deep in discussion suddenly fell silent, their gazes locking onto her. They didn’t just look-they stared, their eyes lingering far too long for my liking, their admiration written plainly on their faces.
Or maybe it was the way she carried herself, walking beside me with a grace and confidence that made it impossible for anyone to look away. Her head was held high, her posture perfect, as if she commanded the room simply by existing. Every step she took seemed deliberate, her movements fluid and elegant, yet filled with quiet power. She didn’t just blend into the crowd-she stood out, a beacon of strength and beauty in a sea of faceless strangers.
She wasn’t just beautiful. She was magnetic, the kind of woman who drew people to her without even trying. She radiated an energy that was impossible to ignore, a mix of beauty, power, and something untouchable. She wasn’t just a woman in a stunning dress-she was a force. And as I looked at her, pride swelled in my chest. She was mine.
But the pride didn’t last long. Because as my gaze swept across the room, it landed on someone who instantly made my blood boil. Standing near the far end of the ballroom, holding a glass of champagne in one hand and wearing that infuriating smirk of his, was Asher. He looked far too comfortable, like he belonged there, like he owned the place. And the worst part? He was staring right at Aria.
My wolf stirred restlessly, a low growl rumbling deep in my chest as I tracked Asher’s movements. He started making his way toward us, weaving through the crowd with an ease that made my teeth clench. His gaze never left Aria, and every step he took felt like a challenge.
“Zander. Aria,” he said smoothly when he reached us, his tone casual in a way that only made it more irritating. His lips curled into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “You both look… radiant tonight.” His words were polite on the surface, but there was an edge to them, a smugness that set my wolf on edge.
Aria didn’t respond, but I felt her stiffen beside me. Her posture changed ever so slightly, her shoulders tensing as she stood a little straighter. She wasn’t smiling anymore, and I could tell that Asher’s presence was making her just as uncomfortable as it was making me.
“What do you want, Asher?” I asked, my voice cold and clipped. I didn’t bother with pleasantries; I didn’t see the point. He wasn’t here to make small talk, and we both knew it.
He smiled wider, his eyes flicking to me for only a moment before they settled back on Aria. “I just wanted to make a small announcement,” he said smoothly, his tone light but deliberate. “Something I think you’ll both appreciate.” The way he said it made my instincts flare, warning me that whatever he was about to say wasn’t going to be good.
I narrowed my eyes at him, my jaw tightening as I studied his face. Every instinct I had screamed that he was up to something, that this was another one of his games. And I hated that I didn’t know what it was yet.
Asher raised his glass, tapping it lightly with a spoon to draw the room’s attention. The soft chime rang out, cutting through the noise like a bell tolling, and within seconds, the chatter faded. All eyes turned to him as he stepped onto the small stage at the front of the room, his presence commanding attention with ease.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his voice smooth and confident, carrying easily across the ballroom. “Thank you all for joining us tonight. I promise I won’t take up too much of your time, but I have a special announcement I’d like to share.” His smile widened slightly, and I felt my fists clench at my sides, my wolf growling louder in my chest.
I clenched my jaw so tightly it hurt, forcing myself to stay still even though every fiber of my being wanted to lunge forward and stop whatever he was about to say. My instincts told me this was going to be bad, but I couldn’t act-not yet.
“As of today,” Asher continued, his voice ringing out clearly, “I am the proud new owner of this resort.” He paused for effect, letting the weight of his words settle over the room. Then his smile widened again, this time with an edge of triumph. “And I’d like to dedicate it to someone very special. Someone who has inspired me more than words can say.”
My heart pounded as his gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Aria. His expression softened slightly, his smile turning almost… tender.
“To Aria,” he said, raising his glass higher. “The strongest, most beautiful woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.”
The room was silent for a moment, the weight of his words hanging in the air like a challenge.
“And I decided to transfer half of the shares of this resort to Aria….”
What!!! How dare he!!
Asher said putting a smirk on his face as a winner.