“It absolutely matters.” Leyden moved closer, intensity radiating off him. “Someone undermined you, and I want to know who.”
“It’s not one person. It’s…” Connor’s throat tightened. He couldn’t lie to his mate. “Lonnie’s been spreading rumors. About how I’m inadequate, how you’d be stronger with a different mate. Other pack members are agreeing with him, so he’s not wrong.”
“He’s completely wrong.” Leyden grabbed Connor’s shoulders. “You’re exactly the mate I need.”
“I’m the mate who can’t even have sex with you.”
“Fuck! How many times do I need to tell you this before you’ll believe me? You’re the mate who fills the loneliness I carried my entire life. The mate who makes me laugh, challenges my decisions when I’m wrong, runs this pack’s security better than anyone could. The mate who sat with that terrified kid for an hour and gave him hope. Did you forget about Sam already?” Leyden’s grip tightened. “Sex is nothing compared to that.”
Connor wanted to believe him, but doubt festered. “A lot of your pack doesn’t see it that way.”
“This isourpack and maybe that same damn pack needs a reminder about who makes the decisions around here.” Leyden released Connor, pulling out his phone.
“What are you doing?”
“Calling a pack meeting.”
“No.” Connor grabbed for the phone. “Leyden, don’t…”
“Mandatory gathering in thirty minutes.” Leyden typed rapidly. “This ends now.”
“You can’t force them to accept me.”
“Watch me.” Leyden hit send, then pocketed his phone. “I thought I made it clear. I won’t tolerate anyone questioning your position or spreading poison about our bond.”
“Making a scene will only prove Lonnie’s point…that I’m a distraction you’re too blind to see.”
“Making a scene will prove you’re my mate and alpha mate, and anyone who can’t respect that can find another pack.” Leyden’s jaw set in that stubborn line Connor had learned to recognize. “I defended you against eight now-banished enforcers. You think I won’t defend you against gossip?”
“This is different. Those enforcers attacked you physically. This is…” Connor struggled for words. “This is legitimate concern about whether I’m fit for the role.”
“Bullshit.” Leyden cupped Connor’s face, forcing eye contact. “This is bigotry dressed up as concern. And I won’t let it stand.”
Through their bond, Connor felt Leyden’s fury - white-hot and protective, directed entirely at whoever had hurt Connor. No doubt, no hesitation, just absolute certainty in Connor’s worth.
“You’re going to make enemies,” Connor warned.
“Let them be enemies. You’re my mate. End of discussion.”
“Leyden…”
“Nope. Not listening.” Connor didn’t have time to react when Leyden kissed him hard – brief but claiming. “I chose you. I claimed you. And I’ll keep choosing you every single day for the rest of our lives, no matter who objects.”
Connor let out a long breath. “I’m terrified you’ll regret this.”
“Never.” Leyden rested his forehead against Connor’s. “The only thing I’d regret is losing you because I didn’t fight hard enough.”
“You shouldn’t have to fight your own pack.”
“Then they shouldn’t give me reason to. It’s about time they remembered who the alpha and alpha mate of this pack are.” Leyden straightened. “Come on. We have a meeting to attend.”
Connor’s stomach churned. “I don’t know if I can face them, knowing how they feel about me.”
“You don’t have to say anything. Just stand beside me looking your best intimidating self and let me handle it.” Leyden’s expression softened. “Trust me?”
Connor nodded, though anxiety clawed at his chest. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to remind everyone exactly who holds authority in this pack. And make it crystal clear that attacking you is the same as attacking me.” Leyden’s eyes flashed gold again. “Starting with Lonnie.”
