Chapter 19....Her mate

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the battle for Ana's fate began. Xavier led Ana to the open ground, where dozens of warriors had gathered. The air was thick with tension, the scent of blood already filling the space as the first matches began.

Warriors clashed, testing their strength and skill, each one determined to win the right to be Ana's mate. Xavier stood beside her, his grip on her waist firm, his golden eyes scanning the fights with a cold, unreadable expression.

One by one, fighters were eliminated, until only two remained—Xander and Lucas.

Before Xander's match could begin, his sharp eyes swept the crowd. A frown settled on his face.

"Where is Ana?" he asked, his voice low but urgent.

She had been right there before the fights started, but now… she was gone.

Meanwhile, Ana sat on a stone bench, her face pale. The sight of so much blood, the violent clashes—it was too much. Her body trembled, her breath uneven.

Xavier, noticing immediately, had whisked her away before she collapsed in front of everyone.

"Breathe, Bella," Xavier murmured, rubbing slow circles on her back. "You're safe."

Ana closed her eyes, willing herself to calm down. "I'm sorry… I just—"

"No need to explain." His voice was softer than usual. "I won't let you watch something that disturbs you. Come let's go and get some fresh air away from here."

Back in the arena, Xander turned to his father, his jaw tight.

"Where is she?" he demanded.

Leon remained calm. "Xavier took her away. She wasn't feeling well."

Xander clenched his fists but gave a sharp nod. He couldn't worry about that now. He had to focus on the match.

The fight began.

Lucas was strong—one of the Tiger Clan's fiercest warriors—but Xander was faster, more precise. Every move he made was calculated, driven by the burning need to win.

The battle was brutal, both warriors pushing themselves to the limit. But in the end, Xander stood victorious, his chest heaving, his opponent lying defeated beneath him.

At that moment, a guard arrived at the secluded area where Xavier and Ana sat.

Xavier's body tensed instantly. His instincts flared, and he was on his feet in seconds, shielding Ana behind him. His muscles coiled, ready to attack.

The guard immediately raised his hands in surrender. "Leader Leon has summoned you both."

Xavier's sharp gaze didn't soften. "And you thought sneaking up on me was a good idea?"

The guard swallowed nervously. "Apologies. I meant no offense."

After a long, tense pause, Xavier finally relaxed. He turned to Ana, his expression softening only slightly.

"We have to go."

Ana nodded, still feeling weak, but when Xavier effortlessly scooped her into his arms, she didn't protest.

"I can walk, you know," she murmured.

Xavier smirked. "I know. But I like carrying you."

And with that, he carried her back to the battlefield, where her fate awaited.

Xavier and Ana stood beside Leon, their presence commanding attention. The air still carried the scent of blood and sweat from the brutal fights that had just ended.

Leon glanced at Xavier before addressing the gathered warriors. "The battle is over." His voice was firm. "We have a winner."

Xavier crossed his arms, his golden eyes gleaming. "Then tell me," he said smoothly, "who stands victorious?"

Leon smirked slightly. "It's none other than Xander, our tribe's youngest strongman."

Xavier let out a low chuckle, a knowing smirk curving his lips. It was exactly as he had planned.

He had anticipated this outcome from the beginning. That was why he had insisted on the battle in the first place—to ensure that no other male dared to lay claim to Ana.

Now, with Xander as the winner, the rest of the tribe had no choice but to accept Ana's new mate. And as for Xavier… he would remain by her side, exactly where he belonged.

Xavier exhaled sharply, forcing a smile. "Fine. Then it's decided—Ana's mate is Xandee."

With that, he stepped forward, reaching out toward Ana. "Ana," he called softly.

But she didn't even glance his way.

Her eyes were locked on the battlefield—on the blood-soaked ground, the bodies groaning in pain, the raw violence still lingering in the air. Her face paled, and she clenched her trembling hands. The sight sickened her, and the realization of what had just happened for her sake made her stomach churn.

She said nothing.

Xander's fingers twitched before he lowered his hand. A bitter pang tightened in his chest. He had fought for her, won her… but she wasn't even looking at him.

She had only accepted this arrangement to stay in the Tiger Clan. He knew it. He had always known it.

But seeing her like this—silent, distant—made his heart ache in a way he hadn't expected.

Xavier, watching closely, let out a small sigh. His jaw tightened as he glanced at Ana, noting her growing unease. This wasn't the place for her. She had been forced to witness something she never wanted to see.

Without another word, he stepped forward and scooped her into his arms.

"Since Ana's mate is decided, we'll take our leave," Xavier declared.

Ana, already restless, instinctively clung to him. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her face burying into his shoulder. Her body trembled, silent sobs shaking her as she struggled to suppress the nausea clawing at her throat.

She wasn't just sick from the blood. She was terrified—of what this meant for her future, of sharing her life with not just Xavier but Xander too.

As Xavier carried her away, Leon's sharp voice rang out.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Xavier halted, turning back with a glare.

"Are you kidding us?" Leon scoffed. "You asked for this fight so Ana could choose her mate. But tell me—has she even chosen?"

Silence.

Leon's eyes narrowed. "She must either accept Xander willingly or make her choice here and now. The other option? You can leave her here and walk away. Or take her and leave our clan for good."

Tension crackled in the air.

Xavier's grip on Ana tightened. His golden eyes darkened, his beast stirring beneath his skin. His patience was wearing thin.

"I already said we're accepting Xander." His voice was dangerously low. "Why are you asking again?"

Leon didn't flinch. "Because I don't care about your acceptance, Xavier. I want Ana's."

Xavier's teeth clenched. His free hand curled into a fist. "Whatever I decide, my mate will follow." His voice was a low growl. "And I never make a decision without considering her wishes."

Leon studied him for a moment, then turned his gaze to Ana, still trembling in Xavier's arms.

"Then let her speak."