“Yeah.” Connor took a breath. “Just not used to apologies. Usually people just avoid me after they say shit like that.”
“Well, they can’t avoid you now. You’re their alpha mate.” Leyden’s hand found Connor’s, fingers threading together in a gesture that was becoming familiar. “Which means they answer to you too.”
That was going to take some getting used to. He’d been a second for so long, supporting Davis’s decisions and enforcing his rules. Now he stood beside Leyden as an equal, a partner in leading the pack.
Through the bond, he felt his mate’s confidence in him. Leyden truly believed Connor could handle his new role, and perhaps more importantly, Leyden clearly saw him as more than just the wolf who didn’t want casual sex.
Maybe Leyden was right.
By noon, over three-quarters of the pack had shown up to pledge their loyalty. Only a handful remained unaccounted for, and Leyden made calls to track them down - pack members who worked day shifts or lived farther out in the territory.
Connor helped clean up the kitchen while Leyden handled the phone calls. The domesticity of it felt strange but notunwelcome. Washing dishes in his mate’s kitchen, listening to Leyden’s voice rumble through reassurances and acceptance.
His wolf was content in a way Connor had never experienced. Not the satisfied exhaustion after a good run or a successful hunt, but something deeper. Settled. Like a piece of him had been missing his entire life and finally clicked into place.
“Hey,” Leyden said from the doorway.
Connor turned, dish towel in hand.
“That was the last of them. Everyone’s confirmed their loyalty except the Andersons, and they’re at their daughter’s college for parents’ weekend. They’ll stop by tomorrow.” Leyden crossed the kitchen, movements purposeful. “The pack accepts us. Both of us.”
“I’m glad. I know that means a lot to you.”
Leyden’s arms came around him, careful and slow, giving Connor time to pull away. But Connor didn’t want to pull away. He leaned into the embrace, letting his mate’s warmth surround him.
“Thank you,” Leyden murmured against Connor’s hair. “For coming back. For fighting with me. For giving this a chance.”
Connor’s hands found Leyden’s back, holding on. “You’re my mate. Where else would I be?”
Chapter Eleven
Leyden stepped back from the embrace, though his hands remained on Connor’s shoulders. His wolf prowled beneath his skin, satisfied their mate was close, but the practical part of his brain had already moved to the next problem.
“We need a pack meeting tonight.”
Connor’s eyebrows rose. “We just spent all morning accepting apologies.”
“Individual apologies aren’t enough.” Leyden released Connor and paced to the window, looking out over the territory that was now theirs to protect. “You’re going to be leading these people alongside me. They need to understand what that means. Not just as my mate who happens to be here, but as their alpha mate with actual authority.”
“I’m not sure that’s…”
“Necessary? It is.” Leyden turned back to face his mate, keeping his voice firm. “Half this pack didn’t know you existed a week ago. The other half heard about how you walked away because two idiots climbed into my bed. They need to see us together, presenting a unified front.”
Connor’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. Through the bond, Leyden felt his mate’s discomfort with the idea of being on display.
“It won’t be like the meet and greet,” Leyden added, gentling his tone. “This is official pack business. Structure. Protocols. You understand those.”
“Yeah.” Connor exhaled. “All right. When?”
“Seven tonight. That gives everyone time to get here after work shifts.” Leyden pulled out his phone. “I’ll send out the summons now. Mandatory attendance.”
He typed out the message to the pack group chat, keeping it simple and direct.Mandatory pack meeting tonight, 7pm, pack hall. Alpha Mate Connor will be formally presented. Attendance required.
The responses came quickly. Confirmations, mostly. A few questions he ignored. They’d get their answers tonight.
Connor moved beside him, reading over his shoulder. “Alpha Mate Connor. That’s really what I am now.”
“That’s what you’ve always been, from the moment we locked eyes at that party.” Leyden pocketed his phone. “Tonight just makes it official.”
