Chapter 52

~Jasmine~ “Mind if I borrow Jasmine for a minute?” Maverick said, his tone dropping low and dangerous, as if staking his claim. The warmth I knew had vanished from his face, replaced by a stark seriousness. Alpha Zeph’s gaze flickered between Maverick and me, his eyes sharp as he registered the sudden tension. A flicker of something unreadable crossed his features before he offered a polite nod. “I should attend to the others.” He chuckled, a sound that held a strange undercurrent.” Jasmine has had my undivided attention tonight, making me almost forget I was hosting.” His voice held a dark edge, a possessiveness I couldn't quite place. Swallowing hard, I replied to Zeph, “We’ll catch up soon,” before following Maverick. Once we were alone in a secluded area, he turned his dark eyes on me, his nostrils flaring. “What was that about?” he demanded, his voice accusatory. “What are you doing with Zephyr? How do you know him?” he continued, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. His