Chapter 8. The Request

Kendrick’s POV

The clinking of glassware and murmurs of conversation filled the dining hall, but my focus was razor-sharp, zeroed in on one thing: Alpha Xander’s unwavering gaze on Alison. Each time I looked his way, his eyes were fixed on her, tracking her every movement as she served the guests, her posture humble, head lowered. Irritation flickered in my gut. Xander’s stare didn’t seem like casual curiosity; it held a possessive spark that I recognized all too well.

“The arrogance,” I thought, narrowing my eyes. Dinner hadn’t even begun, and already he’d already began crossing a line. His eyes were too focused, too intense on something or other, someone that wasn’t his to want.

I raised my glass abruptly, cutting through the chatter around the table in a bid to divert his attention. “A toast!” I called out, my voice booming across the hall. Conversations died down as everyone turned their attention to me, lifting their glasses.

“To new alliances and