Page 50 of Noah

Adrian barely had time to smirk before I shoved him back, the force of it sending him stumbling a step. My pulse pounded as anger surged through me.

"What the hell do you think you’re doing?" I demanded.

Adrian shrugged, utterly unbothered.

"Since you seem undecided, I figured I’d just claim my reward. And we both know you want me,” Adrian said, smirking.

I stared at him, incredulous. Was he actually deluded?

I took a breath, steadied myself.

"I’m not interested in you. Not now, not ever. And if you were even a half-decent alpha, you’d take responsibility for what you just did out there. You nearly turned this event into a bloodbath,” I pointed out.

Adrian scoffed. "My pack can handle any conflict. Or any enemies."

I clenched my jaw, but before I could respond, Jackson was suddenly at my side, his presence a wall of heat and fury.

Jackson was human again, and just as naked as Adrian.

He didn’t hesitate. He grabbed my waist and pulled me firmly against him, his grip possessive and sure. I let him, wanting Adrian to see that I was spoken for.

Adrian’s gaze darkened. "You have no right questioning my decisions, Jackson. You’re not my second.”

Jackson’s voice was low, almost a growl. "No, but I know you didn’t earn that title fairly."

The weight of his words settled like a storm cloud. A subtle, dangerous accusation. Adrian’s face remained impassive, but something flickered in his eyes.

I felt the tension rising again, felt the situation inching toward something irreversible. So I placed my hand on Jackson’s arm, grounding him.

Adrian watched us too intently, his gaze lingering longer than I liked. Then, with a lazy smirk, he stepped back.

"I have better things to do," Adrian said. "Like claim my real prize for winning."

With that, he turned and strode away.

Jackson exhaled sharply, his grip on me tightening before he turned me to face him fully. "Are you okay?"

I nodded. "I can stand my ground, Jackson."

I needed him to understand that I could now fight my own battles. That I didn’t need him to come to my defence all the time.

His expression softened. "I don’t doubt that for a second. But it took all of my willpower not to tear him apart."

I smiled, brushing my fingers along his jaw. "I appreciate the restraint."

Jackson let out a breath, his shoulders relaxing just a fraction.

Then, without warning, he pulled me in, capturing my lips in a kiss that was all heat and certainty.

It was a declaration.

And I kissed him back, just as certain, just as fierce.

Chapter 14

Noah

The moment our lips parted,I became aware of the weight of countless eyes on us. Heat flushed up my neck, but I didn’t look away from Jackson.

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