Sam stood, shouldering his backpack with considerably less tension than he’d carried coming in. “Thank you, Alpha Mate. This…this helped so much.”
“Connor,” he corrected gently. “When it’s just us, you can call me Connor.”
Sam nodded, managing another watery smile before slipping out of the office.
Connor sank back into his chair, emotions churning. Leyden’s presence registered through their bond a moment before the alpha appeared in the doorway.
“How long were you listening?” Connor asked.
“Long enough.” Leyden crossed the room, perching on the edge of Connor’s desk. “You were incredible with him.”
“I just told him the truth.”
“You gave him exactly what he needed.” Leyden’s hand found Connor’s, fingers lacing together. “You made him feel seen. That kid came in here terrified and left with hope.”
Connor’s throat tightened. “I remember what that was like. Being seventeen and convinced there was something seriously wrong with me. I would’ve given anything to have someone tell me I was normal.”
“Well, now you can be that person for others.” Leyden squeezed his hand. “Not just Sam, but anyone in the pack struggling with similar issues. You have that unique perspective and lived experience no one else here has.”
“I never thought about it that way. About helping others like me.”
“That’s part of what being alpha mate means.” Leyden’s eyes twinkled. “Not just standing beside me, but serving the pack in ways I can’t. You see things I miss, understand struggles I’ve never faced. Together we’re stronger.”
“You know I always worried I’d be useless as alpha mate.” Connor admitted quietly. “That I’d just be decoration beside you, not contributing anything real.”
“You contribute one hell of a lot, my mate.” Leyden lifted their joined hands, pressing a kiss to Connor’s knuckles. “Loyalty. Compassion. Intelligence. Exactly what a good alpha mate should have.”
Connor pulled Leyden closer, until his mate stood between his knees. “I think I finally understand what you meant about purpose. About belonging.”
“Yeah?”
“I can help people. Really help them. Give them what I never had growing up.” Connor’s voice roughened. “If nothing else, I can make sure no one in this pack ever feels as alone as I did.”
Leyden cupped Connor’s face, his thumbs tracing familiar patterns along Connor’s cheekbones. “You’re extraordinary. You know that?”
Connor’s breath caught at the love pouring through their bond. “I’m just me.”
“Exactly.” Leyden pressed their foreheads together. “Just you is more than enough.”
Chapter Twenty
Connor cornered Janet near the equipment shed three days after his conversation with Sam. “What’s going on?”
She shifted her weight, avoiding his eyes. “Nothing.”
“Don’t bullshit me. Half the pack’s been giving me weird looks all week, and you just cancelled our training session for the third time.” Connor crossed his arms. “Talk to me.”
Janet’s jaw tightened. “It’s just gossip. Stupid rumors.”
“About?”
“About you and Leyden.” She finally met his gaze, expression apologetic. “About the mating bond.”
Connor’s stomach dropped. “Still? I thought all that was sorted. What kind of rumors?”
“Lonnie’s been running his mouth again.” Janet grimaced. “Says you’re holding Leyden back from being a proper alpha. That the pack would be stronger with a normal alpha mate who could…” She cut herself off, flushing.
“Who could what?” Connor’s voice came out flat.
