Chapter 20....Xander,new mate

Ana lifted her head at Leon's words, her tear-filled eyes meeting his. She swallowed hard before whispering, "I just… I just want to go home."

Xander's chest tightened. He had expected hesitation, maybe even fear—but this?

His deep brown eyes darkened as a bitter thought crept in.

Do you not even want me as your mate after winning almost most of our men? Am I that worthless in your eyes?

He had fought for her, spilled blood for her. Yet, here she was, desperate to leave, not even acknowledging him.

Do you love that Feral that much?

Leon's frustration boiled over. His voice was sharp as he snapped, "Do you think this is a joke, Ana? Are you planning to spend time with your Feral instead of accepting your new mate? Whether you like it or not, you have two choices—either leave this clan or consummate your mating bond tonight."

Ana stiffened in Xavier's arms, her breath hitching. Fear gripped her. Xavier had promised her she wouldn't be forced into anything—that she could take her time.

Xavier's jaw clenched. His beast stirred, ready to strike, but the trembling girl in his arms made him pause. His anger could wait. Right now, Ana needed him.

He pressed her head against his neck, inhaling deeply, letting his warmth soothe her.

Then, he lifted his gaze. "Xander."

Xander stepped forward, his expression unreadable.

Xavier's voice was calm but firm. "Do you want to win her body, or do you want to win her heart?"

Xander didn't hesitate. "Her heart."

A knowing smirk played on Xavier's lips. "When Ana and I first met, she told me something—that she wouldn't mate with me until we truly understood each other. Not even a kiss until then." He let the words sink in before continuing, "I want the same for you. If you're so desperate to claim her body, you can. But do you really think she will accept that? Do you want a mate who loves you, trusts you, depends on you? Or do you just want a body to bear your pups and satisfy your lust?"

Xander's eyes burned with emotion. "I love her. From the moment I saw her, I knew she was the one. And I will wait for her—no matter how long it takes—until she accepts me as her mate."

Leon scowled. "This isn't fair!"

He turned to Xander, voice laced with suspicion. "Can't you see what they're doing? They're manipulating you. Once they're settled in this tribe, they'll push you away. They'll never let you have her."

Xander's expression softened. "Dad, please… believe in me." His voice was quiet but resolute. "I don't want Ana to accept me because of promises or pressure. I want her to love me like she loves Xavier. I want her heart, not just her body."

His eyes flickered to Ana, who was still hiding her face in Xavier's shoulder. She had heard every word, and though his love warmed her heart, she still couldn't bring herself to look at him.

Pain flashed in Xander's eyes. She's still angry… because of the mark.

As the tension thickened, Liana finally stepped forward. She placed a gentle hand on Leon's arm. "Enough. This is their decision now. Whether we like it or not, they are a family. And we… we are not part of it."

Leon gritted his teeth, but he couldn't argue with her words.

Xavier let out a slow breath before turning to Xander. "Since it's decided, you will come home with us."

Xavier held Ana securely in his arms as he turned toward home, Xander following closely behind. The weight of the battle still hung in the air, but for now, she was safe.

Once inside, Xavier gently set Ana down. His golden eyes softened as he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. "Do you want to bathe?"

Ana tried to answer, but her voice refused to come out. The lingering scent of blood, the sight of bodies fallen in battle—it was too much. Instead, she gave a weak nod.

Xavier turned to Xander. "Bring a wooden tub and fill it with warm water."

Without hesitation, Xander disappeared to do as told.

Meanwhile, Xavier wrapped his arms around Ana, rubbing slow, soothing circles on her back. "It's over, Bella. You're home now." His voice was a gentle murmur against her hair. "Breathe… I've got you."

Ana curled into his warmth, her trembling gradually subsiding.

Xander returned with the wooden tub, but his steps faltered as he took in the sight before him. Ana was curled against Xavier, her fingers gripping his tunic as if afraid to let go. Xavier held her close, his lips near her ear, whispering soft reassurances.

Xander's chest ached. He wanted to be the one holding her, the one she turned to when she was scared. But instead, she wouldn't even look at him.

He placed the tub in another room before stepping into the living area. His voice was soft but tinged with hesitation. "Ana, the bath is ready."

Xavier looked down at her. "Do you want me to help you up?"

Ana hesitated before nodding weakly. She lifted her head slightly, but as soon as her eyes met Xander's, she stiffened. His body was still smeared with blood, his hands stained from the earlier fight. The sight made her stomach twist. She turned away instantly, burying her face into Xavier's neck.

Xander's breath hitched. His heart clenched painfully.

She can't even bear to look at me…

Xavier exhaled, his voice firm but not unkind. "Ana doesn't like blood. Or dirt. Make sure you clean yourself before coming near her."

Xander swallowed hard. He wanted to believe it was just the blood, but doubt gnawed at him. His voice was low, almost vulnerable. "Ana… is it the blood? Or is it me?"

Ana's body tensed. She wanted to answer, but she felt too drained, too overwhelmed.

Xavier's grip on her tightened protectively as he met Xander's gaze. "Now is not the right time."

Xander let out a quiet, bitter chuckle. "Right. Time."

He turned away, but before stepping outside, he cast one last glance at Ana. His voice was softer now, raw with emotion. "I'll wait for you, Ana. No matter how long it takes."

Then he walked away, leaving behind the lingering warmth of his promise.