Chapter 23

~Maverick~ Turning back toward Grand Prime, I paused briefly when I heard murmurs and laughter echoing from Jasmine’s department. What could they be talking about? "You’re just a nobody, Punk," a voice roared. As soon as I entered the room, the sight before me made my legs go numb. The mocking was aimed at my mate? How dare they? Rage surged through me, and my wolf stirred, eager to break free. Stay down, I commanded him, knowing that releasing him now would end poorly for everyone. But he remained stubborn, insisting this was our mate. I fought to stay calm. “What’s going on here?” I boomed, my voice reverberating off the walls. The room fell silent as her eyes snapped to mine. I took in her disheveled appearance; her hair was a tangled mess, and she looked pale and dehydrated. My fists clenched. But for Jasmine’s sake, I would keep my composure. “Alpha Maverick, I was just trying to caution Jasmine,” Francesca, the sister of Isabella’s husband, stepped forward, attempting to explain.