The possessiveness in Connor’s voice sent heat coiling through Leyden’s gut.
“We fought well together,” Leyden said.
“We did.” Connor’s hand found Leyden’s, fingers threading together. “It felt like we were one mind. I knew exactly where you’d be, what you needed.”
It was their bond, of course.Something those idiots would never understand.But Leyden hoped they got the message. Him and Connor together, they were unstoppable.
/~/~/~/~/
The sun had risen, and Leyden and Connor were enjoying an early breakfast and coffee when Matthew’s voice crackled through the radio. “The territory’s clear. Those rogues are long gone.”
Leyden acknowledged the report, then turned to Connor. “We should check in with the pack. Let them all see that we’re all right instead of having them rely on gossip. It will help them feel more secure after the scare.”
It sounded like a simple enough thing to do when he said it – something that would take an hour or so at most. But as they started visiting the families, Leyden realized a lot of them needed more than a quick few minutes reassurance. He and Connor were plied with food and drinks at every house as the pack members did their best to show their appreciation.
Sarah hugged them both, thanking them for protecting her children. Walter shook their hands, respect clear in his eyes. Even the younger wolves like Marcus and Janet approached with obvious admiration.
“You two fight like one person,” Marcus said, awe written across his face. “I’ve never seen coordination like that.”
Connor shrugged, uncomfortable with praise. But through the bond, Leyden felt his mate’s quiet pride.
They checked every family, every pack member, making sure there was no further damage or losses, and checking on every person. They reassured the worried and accepted the thanks and food from the grateful.
By the time they returned to the pack house, darkness had fallen and exhaustion dragged at Leyden’s bones.
Connor locked the front door behind them. “Shower?”
Leyden nodded, too tired to speak.
They showered separately - Connor still needed that privacy sometimes. But when Leyden emerged from the bathroom, towel wrapped around his hips, Connor was already in bed waiting.
Leyden hesitated at the sight. Connor had pulled back the covers on Leyden’s side, an invitation.
“Come to bed,” Connor said quietly.
Leyden pulled on sleep pants and a T-shirt and then slid under the covers. Connor immediately curled against his side, head resting on Leyden’s chest.
Closer than usual. Much closer.
Leyden’s arms came around Connor automatically, holding him safe. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” Connor’s breath warmed Leyden’s skin through his T-shirt. “Just...need to know you’re here. That you’re safe.”
Of course.Leyden wanted to smack his head on the headboard. They’d spent literally all day caring for the pack members, but Leyden hadn’t taken even five minutes to make sure his mate was all right. Now he realized there was a problem, Leyden could feel through their bond that Connor had been scared – not for himself but for Leyden.
“I’m here,” Leyden murmured against Connor’s hair. “I’m safe. We both are.”
Connor’s arm draped across Leyden’s waist, holding tight. “When Clancy threatened you, I…” His voice cracked and Connor swallowed and tried again. “I was so angry. I couldn’t think. I just needed him down, I needed him to stop talking about hurting you.”
“I know.” Leyden’s hand stroked Connor’s back in soothing circles. “I felt the same when he threatened you.”
“Through the bond?”
“Yeah. Your fury became mine. Protecting you was the only thing that mattered.”
Connor was quiet for a long moment, his heartbeat steady against Leyden’s ribs. “I’m not used to this. Caring this much. Needing someone safe.”
“Me neither.” Leyden kissed the top of Connor’s head. “But I like it. It means a lot to me knowing you care.”
