Chapter 23

Author [Snap!!!] The sound of Lorelei breaking free from Zayden's grip echoed through the forest clearing. She stepped back with visible disgust, her violet eyes flashing with contempt. Watching her disdainful gaze, Zayden's chest heaved violently. Through gritted teeth, he growled low enough for only her to hear, "I'm coming for you tonight. You'd better have a good explanation ready." Before his threat could fully register, Xander stepped forward with powerful strides, positioning himself between them like a shield. "Zayden," Xander's voice carried the natural authority, "you're with Team A, and Lorelei is with us in Team B. There shouldn't be any conflict between you two." His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Yet here you are, a grown man, physically grabbing a woman in public. What exactly are you trying to accomplish?" The territorial undertone in Xander's voice—highlighting their separate team affiliations while implying Zayden was bullying a female—seemed to jolt Zayden back to aware