Chapter 69. No One Questions It

Desmond’s POV

She gives a slow, mocking bow.

“And yet I still manage to command the room.”

He steps closer.

“You’re one bold woman.”

“And you’re one smug Beta.”

“You gonna keep provoking me?”

“Maybe,” she says. “It’s fun.”

I look at Cleo beside me, arms folded, lips twitching.

“Still sexy?” I asked under my breath.

“Oh, dangerously so,” she says. “They’re going to kill each other or mate right here on the snow.” I snort.

Below, Oliver and Lina have closed the distance. They aren’t sparring now. They are circling each other. The bond between them buzzes like a blade drawn half from its sheath.

Then Lina steps in fast. Her hand closes around his collar and yanks him forward. He stiffens for a heartbeat. I thought she was going to hit him again, but she kisses him instead. Not gently. Not sweetly. It’s a challenge and a declaration. A claim.

Oliver freezes for half a second, then grabs her waist and pu