So when the Chieftain looked at Addison with that expression, one of open interest and intent, it set off every alarm in Zion and Maxwell.
They imdiately bristled, their growls low and threatening as they stepped forward, their auras flaring with territorial fury. The ssage was clear: ’She’s ours. Try it, and you’ll regret it.’
But the Tigren Chieftain didn’t spare Zion or Maxwell so much as a glance, almost as if he hadn’t even registered their presence. His eyes were locked solely on Addison.
The mont he noticed Levi’s arm wrapped possessively around her delicate waist, a flicker of anger flashed across his face. He glared at Levi with open hostility.
Levi felt the shift in the air instantly. The Chieftain’s aggression was unmistakable, but instead of backing down, he tightened his hold on Addison. He could tell exactly what the Chieftain was thinking just by the way his gaze lingered on her.
Though Levi was only a Beta, the protectiveness and possessiveness he felt for his mate surged to the surface. A low, rumbling growl escaped from deep within his chest, and his canines slightly extended in a silent warning.
Even Zion gave him a sidelong glance, the corner of his mouth twitching ever so slightly, as if to say, "Not bad for a Beta."
Normally, anyone without an Alpha bloodline would instinctively feel threatened in the presence of overwhelming power, compelled to submit without resistance. Facing the Tigren Chieftain, who was clearly stronger, Levi should have felt exactly that.
But he didn’t.
Instead, he growled back, unflinching and defiant, which only served to enrage the Chieftain even more.
"We ca here to negotiate, and I ca just like you asked," Addison said firmly, breaking the tense standoff.
She knew she had to step in. If she didn’t, her three mates might actually join forces to attack the Tigren Chieftain. They had all clearly sensed his intent, and so had she. The way his eyes road over her didn’t feel diplomatic; it felt invasive.
What baffled her most was why. The Tigren won were far from lacking; in fact, they were stunning, their beauty rivaling even the legendary rmaids. Just standing among them had been enough to stir a quiet insecurity in her.
Maybe that insecurity ca from the fact that she now had mates of her own. Maybe she was feeling sothing she hadn’t felt before: territorial, vulnerability, and being unsure.
She wasn’t bad-looking, not by comparison. She knew that. But instincts were harder to reason with, and what confused her even more than her own feelings... was the Chieftain’s reaction.
Why her?
"Please, have a seat," the Tigren Chieftain said, gesturing toward the prepared table in front of him.
A low table with soft cushions had been arranged just at the base of his elevated seat. One particular cushion, placed closer than the rest, almost at his feet, was clearly ant for Addison.
Elric and the Royal Advisor exchanged cautious glances, their eyes scanning the room for anything suspicious. Thankfully, the unpleasant fluids they had noticed earlier were no longer present. It seed the Chieftain had made an effort to clean and prepare the space properly for this eting.
With the environnt appearing more pleasant, they allowed themselves to settle on the cushions. Addison, too, followed the Chieftain’s gesture and sat down quietly.
But not everyone was at ease.
Maxwell, Zion, and Levi remained tense. Their designated seats were placed with Elric and the Royal Advisor, several feet behind Addison. It put them in a deeply uncomfortable position. While Addison sat alarmingly close to the Chieftain, they were too far to intervene quickly should anything happen. If the Chieftain made a move on her, they feared they wouldn’t reach her in ti.
And that thought alone made their blood boil.
Addison sat calmly at the table, her posture composed but observant. As she looked up, she couldn’t help but take in the distinct difference between the Tigren Chieftain and the rest of his people.
Unlike the other Tigren warriors outside, with sun-kissed skin and dark brown or black hair, the Chieftain was strikingly pale, with snow-white hair and fair skin that seed to glow under the light. His stark complexion made his eyes stand out even more, and though his features could have easily co off as delicate or ethereal, there was nothing soft about him.
He radiated raw masculinity, his muscles taut and defined, his presence demanding attention. And he clearly noticed Addison’s gaze. In fact, he seed to revel in it. Puffing out his chest with a smirk, he t her eyes boldly, then threw a deliberate, challenging look toward Maxwell, Zion, and Levi.
The provocation didn’t go unnoticed. The three bristled in unison, their irritation imdiate and unmistakable.
Addison calmly averted her gaze, maintaining her composure. She had no intention of feeding the Chieftain’s ego or giving him the impression that she was interested. His bold reaction had rely caught her off guard, but now, she suspected it was driven by sothing primal.
Perhaps it was his instinct as a Tigren male, one rooted not in affection, but in conquest. Unlike werewolves, Tigrens were known for their hunger to dominate, especially when it ca to won. And not just any won, strong, warrior-type won, the kind they considered worthy of the chase. That could very well be the reason he had requested to et her in person.
So, Addison chose to sit quietly, her deanor calm and composed.
Soon after, a group of Tigren won entered the tent carrying refreshnts, bowls of fresh fruit, trays of dried at, and pitchers of drink. They were dressed in flowing silk garnts that barely concealed their bodies, the thin fabric clinging to their curves and making it easy to see the outlines beneath. Their skin was adorned with gold and jeweled accessories, resembling high-ranking gypsies or desert princesses.
Addison let her gaze wander around the tent again.
A thick crimson carpet spread beneath their feet, soft and rich in texture. The walls were lined with exquisite fabric, and everything around her radiated opulence. The table before them was carved from rosewood, thick, solid, and masterfully crafted, with intricate patterns etched along the edges. The velvet cushions were made of the finest material, embroidered with gold thread.
Wherever she looked, luxury surrounded her. It was clear: aside from livestock, an understandably limited resource given their carnivorous diet, this tribe lacked for nothing.
And that, perhaps, was the real problem. If trade or alliance were to be considered, there wasn’t much they could offer the Tigrens in return.
After placing the refreshnts and snacks on the table, the Tigren won didn’t leave. Instead, they gravitated toward the Chieftain, draping themselves around him like seductive cats. Two positioned themselves on either side of him, leaning in with flirtatious smiles. Another two sat at his feet, their hands resting possessively on his legs, while the last woman boldly knelt between his parted thighs.
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