Xayden’s POV
I watched in stunned disbelief as Rhys crossed the final line. My blood roared in my ears, a feral growl rumbling deep in my chest as he dared—dared—to lay his filthy hands on my mate.
Rhys moved with brazen defiance, his hands sliding to Bolt’s waist as if he had the right, as if I wasn’t standing right here. And then he did it—he pulled Bolt to him, pressing their bodies flush together. His lips descending on Bolt’s with a reckless, fiery fervor, his boldness igniting like gasoline on an open flame.
The kiss wasn’t gentle or hesitant—it was raw, desperate, and searing, a move so audacious it sent a red haze flooding my vision. Rhys wasn’t just confessing his so-called love for Bolt; he was staking a claim that didn’t belong to him.
My mate stiffened in shock, his hands p
