Chapter 18....Duel

Xavier sat beside Ana, his fingers lightly tracing the curve of her jaw. The weight of Leon's words still hung between them, but for now, all he wanted was to feel her close.

Ana let out a shaky breath as Xavier leaned in, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss against her lips. His touch was gentle yet possessive, as if reminding her who she belonged to. She melted into him, her hands gripping his arms, feeling the heat of his skin against hers.

After a moment, she pulled back slightly, eyes searching his. "Are you sure about this?" she asked hesitantly.

Xavier brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his voice unwavering. "I've never been more sure of anything."

She shook her head. "No, I mean this… choosing another mate. In my world, monogamy is ingrained in us from birth. I can't just… have two mates."

Xavier sighed, tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to look at him. "You don't need to have another mate immediately, Ana. You just need to choose someone."

She frowned. "And what if I don't want to?"

His golden eyes darkened. "Then they will never accept you as part of this clan. And I will have to fight every single one of them just to keep you by my side."

Ana bit her lip. She hated this. Hated that their safety came at such a cost.

Xavier exhaled and continued, "Look, I thought about it. Xander is strong, powerful. If you choose him, he can stay close, protect you, help you with things."

Ana hesitated. "And what about you?"

A slow smirk formed on Xavier's lips. "You are mine. Always. You will only truly be his after we have mated and had our own children. And even then, no man touches you without my permission." His grip on her waist tightened slightly. "I make the rules here."

Her heart pounded at his words, at the way he claimed her so completely. It was possessive, almost overwhelming, yet a part of her didn't hate it.

Still, doubt lingered in her expression, and Xavier noticed. He cupped her face with both hands, his thumb stroking her cheek. "Don't overthink it. I will handle everything. You just need to trust me."

Ana swallowed hard, but she nodded.

Satisfied, Xavier turned toward the door. "Leon!"

The Tiger Clan leader was already waiting outside, as if expecting the call. He stepped in, his piercing gaze sweeping over the pair.

Xavier didn't hesitate. "I accept your condition. She will choose a mate from your clan. But there will be a fight."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "A fight?"

Xavier smirked. "Whoever defeats the others and stands on top will have the right to be her mate—if she is willing."

Leon considered this for a moment before nodding, satisfaction flickering in his eyes. "Very well. We will hold the match this evening."

Xavier watched as Leon turned to leave, a knowing look in his eyes. The Tiger Clan leader wasn't worried.

Because they both knew exactly who would win.

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Leaving Xavier and Ana, Leon immediately went to the castle to inform the others about the opportunity Xander was going to have. When he asked for Xander, the guard said that he had gone hunting to vent his frustration over his lack of strength in claiming Ana.

Hearing this, Leon commanded a guard, "Go and bring Xander back immediately." The guard obeyed and left to find him.

When Xander returned, he looked worn out, his body covered in sweat, exhaustion evident in his stance. His expression held traces of disappointment and frustration.

Leon frowned. "You're already exhausted? You shouldn't waste your energy, especially when there is a chance for you to have Ana as your mate!"

Xander's tired eyes sharpened. "What are you talking about?"

Leon smirked. "I have already cornered Ana and Xavier, telling them that the Tiger Clan will not accept a Feral as a clan's mate. So, if they want to live here, Ana must choose someone from our clan."

Xander's eyes narrowed. "There's no way Xavier would accept that."

Leon chuckled. "He didn't accept it at first. But beyond his ego and possessiveness, he is more concerned about Ana's protection. So, he agreed to let her choose."

Xander's heart pounded. "So they both agreed to have me as her mate?"

Leon smirked. "No, they didn't accept you immediately. But it has already been decided that you have a chance. Xavier declared that the one who defeats every other warrior in the clan will have Ana as his mate—if she accepts him."

Xander's lips curled into a determined smile. His chest swelled with hope and excitement. Finally, he had a real chance to claim Ana. If he could prove himself in battle, she could be his.

Leon's voice turned serious. "The fight will be held this evening. Don't waste your energy uselessly before then. Prepare yourself for the duel."

Xander clenched his fists, feeling the rush of adrenaline. "I won't lose."

Leon watched him with a knowing look. "Then prove it."

As Leon left, Xander took a deep breath, his mind already racing. He had waited for this moment, and now, nothing would stop him from winning. He would fight. He would conquer. And he would claim Ana.