Jasmin's POV
The evening sky blazed amber overhead, casting long shadows across the clearing where testosterone-fueled tension crackled like electricity. Alphas prowled restlessly, flashing predatory grins and rolling their shoulders in preparation. Mariyah commanded the center like royalty, her musical laughter floating through the firelit air like silk.
Yet none of them held my attention.
Only Max existed in my vision. The same way he had been watching me.
The mere possibility of him claiming that kiss sent something dark and possessive clawing through my chest. A burning jealousy I had no right to feel spread like poison through my veins. Logic told me that either Swift or Max would dominate this competition, and if Max emerged victorious, he would claim his prize.
Mariyah would kiss him.
Her fingers would trace his jaw. Her lips would meet his.
That single thought struck me like a physical blow, stealing oxygen from my lungs and leaving me breathless.
