The moment Xander stepped into the room, the warmth inside the chamber shifted slowly.
Nate straightened immediately beside Aire.
His entire body language changed in seconds. The softness that had settled around him moments ago hardened again beneath protective instinct.
He grew dangerously alert.
Xander gaze flicked toward Nate first. A sharp glare passed between them immediately. Then his eyes moved toward Aire.
And just like that, his inside softened visibly with relief.
"Aire."
His voice came out quieter than expected.
Aire straightened slightly away from Nate's shoulder.
"Xander."
Nate noticed the way Xander looked at her, and his wolf instantly reacted.
A low territorial feeling moved sharply through his chest before he crushed it down immediately.
Not now.
Not with everything happening.
Still, his jaw tightened faintly anyway.
Xander took a few steps further into the room before stopping.
The silence stretched briefly.
