“Smart.” Leyden reclaimed his seat, careful to maintain his usual distance. “How many made the approved pile?”
“Three, including Moseley. All with verified backgrounds, solid references, and legitimate reasons for relocating.” Connortapped the rejection pile. “Eleven definite noes. Either lying on applications or too weak for our needs.”
“And the pending?”
“Six that need deeper investigation. Their applications look good on the surface, but something feels off. I want to make some calls, verify details that can’t be found online.”
Leyden nodded, trusting Connor’s instincts. His mate had prevented them from hiring at least two wolves who would’ve caused problems down the line already.
They worked through the pending applications together, Connor making notes while Leyden reviewed qualifications. The afternoon sun slanted through the office windows, warming the space, and somewhere in the pack house, voices drifted up - pack members going about their daily routines.
Comfortable. This was comfortable, working beside his mate, working on mutual goals.
Leyden glanced at Connor, taking in the sharp line of his jaw, the concentration evident in his expression, the capable hands resting on the keyboard. His mate was beautiful in a rugged, masculine way that Leyden found increasingly appealing.
Connor looked up, catching him staring. “What?”
“Nothing. Just...” Leyden searched for words that wouldn’t make this awkward. “I’m glad you’re here. Glad we’re doing this together.”
Something softened in Connor’s expression. “Me too.”
Chapter Thirteen
It was two days later when Connor looked up from his laptop as a familiar scent reached him through the open office window. Davis was approaching the pack house.
His wolf stirred, recognizing his alpha. Except Davis wasn’t his alpha anymore, was he? Connor was Leyden’s mate now, alpha mate to his pack. However, the formal transfer hadn’t happened yet, and until it did, part of Connor remained tethered to the territory he’d grown up in, the pack he’d served for since he’d first shifted.
“Davis is here,” Connor said quietly.
Leyden glanced up from the enforcer application he’d been reviewing. “I know. I invited him.”
Connor frowned. “Why?”
“To make it official.” Leyden set the folder aside, his expression gentle. “You can’t serve two packs, Connor. I know you’ve been the alpha mate since you arrived here, and normally the transfer would’ve been done then. But…”
“You were giving me time to adjust.” Connor’s eyes widened as Leyden’s intent flowed through their bond. Yet another example of Leyden putting his needs first.
Leyden shrugged. “I needed you to be sure that you had made the right decision by being here. But we do need to complete the formal transfer. Your wolf will feel more settled when he recognizes my pack as ours.”
Right. Of course. Connor had known this was coming, had agreed to mate Leyden understanding it meant leaving everything familiar behind. But knowing intellectually and feeling it in his gut were different things entirely.
His throat tightened.
The pack house door opened downstairs, and Matthew’s voice drifted up, greeting Davis. Heavy footsteps climbed the stairs -Davis moving with the confidence of an Alpha who’d never questioned his place in the world.
Connor stood as Davis entered the office, his best friend’s massive frame filling the doorway. Davis wore his usual jeans and T-shirt, but something in his expression carried weight, formality. This wasn’t a casual visit.
“Connor.” Davis crossed to him, and Connor accepted the brief shoulder clasp that served as greeting between them. “You look settled.”
“It’s not even been a week.”
“Long enough to know if it’s working.” Davis turned to Leyden, offering the same respectful nod he’d give any alpha on equal footing. “Leyden. Thanks for the invitation.”
“Thank you for coming.” Leyden stood, gesturing to the chairs facing the desk. “Please, sit.”
Davis settled his bulk into one of the chairs, and Connor reluctantly took the other. Leyden remained standing, leaning against the desk between them - close enough to Connor to offer support, far enough to give him space.
“I won’t drag this out,” Davis said, looking directly at Connor. “You know why I’m here.”
