“The pack’s planning something, aren’t they?” Connor rinsed and turned to face his mate. “Janet’s been suspiciously busy all week.”
“There might be an anniversary celebration.” Leyden grinned, unrepentant. “It might involve your favorite cake.”
Connor rolled his eyes but smiled. The pack had accepted him completely now, sought his counsel on everything from security to relationship advice. Young Sam stopped by weekly, more confident in himself with each visit. Other wolves on the asexual spectrum had started reaching out too from other packs, finding community and understanding.
Connor had found his purpose - a true sense of belonging. More than he’d ever had with Davis’s pack.
They dressed in matching dark slacks and button-downs, ready for whatever celebration Janet and the others had planned. Connor adjusted his collar, caught Leyden watching him in the mirror.
“What?”
“Just thinking how far we’ve come.” Leyden stepped behind him, wrapped arms around Connor’s waist. “Six months ago, you could barely stand being touched. Now look at you.”
Connor leaned back against Leyden’s chest. Solid and warm and exactly where he belonged.
“I’m still not interested in sex every day,” Connor pointed out. Their current rhythm - two, maybe three times a week - worked for them. Sometimes Connor initiated, occasionally Leyden would ask. It was always satisfying, from Connor’s perspective because of the deep emotional connection underneath. “Never will be.”
“Don’t want you to be.” Leyden kissed his temple. “I want you exactly as you are.”
“Let’s see if you still say that after you’ve subjected me to an all-day party.”
/~/~/~/~/
The pack hall buzzed with activity when Leyden and Connor arrived. Streamers in pack colors - deep green and silver - hung from the rafters. Tables lined the walls, already loaded with food. Janet directed a team of wolves arranging chairs while Marcus tested the sound system.
“Alpha! Alpha Mate!” Walter waved from across the room, grinning wide. “Everything’s almost ready.”
Connor squeezed Leyden’s hand before heading toward Janet. Leyden watched his mate go, still marveling at Connor’s confidence. Connor had always been a confident man, but now he knew he was accepted, and it showed in the way he walked and smiled as people greeted him.
“Quite the turnout.” Matthew appeared at Leyden’s elbow, arms crossed as he surveyed the preparations. “Haven’t seen the pack this excited since the summer festival.”
“They’re happy for Connor.” Leyden tracked his mate across the room, watched pack members greet him with genuine warmth. “They’ve finally accepted him completely.”
“More than accepted.” Matthew’s expression turned serious. “The pack’s stronger now. More unified. I noticed the difference within weeks of Connor taking his position.”
Leyden glanced at his former beta. “How so?”
“Security’s tighter than it’s ever been.” Matthew gestured toward the enforcers setting up equipment. “Janet and Marcus follow his orders without hesitation. Respect him. The new recruits worship him.”
That was true. The wolves who made it through Connor’s screening were loyal, capable, and utterly devoted to their alpha mate.
“Our territory’s secure,” Matthew continued. “The trade agreements with Davis’s pack and the others have strengthened. We’re prospering in ways we haven’t in years.” He paused. “But the biggest change? Pack culture.”
“What do you mean?”
“Connor’s acceptance of Sam in particular - about wolves who experience attraction differently - changed things.” Matthew’s voice carried quiet respect. “Pack members started questioning their assumptions. Became more accepting. More open to diversity.” He met Leyden’s eyes. “You chose well. Connor’s exactly the alpha mate this pack needed.”
Warmth spread through Leyden’s chest. “He’s more than I ever hoped for.”
“Shows in everything you do together.” Matthew clapped Leyden’s shoulder. “I’ll go and double check the sound system. Make sure it doesn’t cut out during your speech.”
Leyden wandered through the preparations, greeting pack members. Sarah showed him the cake - chocolate with raspberry filling, Connor’s favorite. Marcus demonstrated the new photo slideshow, images of Connor’s first six months as alpha mate cycling across the screen.
“Alpha Leyden!” Sam’s voice cut through the noise. The young wolf hurried over, practically vibrating with excitement. A slender man with sandy hair and warm brown eyes followed close behind. “I wanted you to meet someone.”
“This is Tyler.” Sam beamed, slipping his hand into his companion’s. “My boyfriend.”
Tyler ducked his head, shy but smiling. “Honor to meet you, Alpha. Sam talks about you and Alpha Mate Connor constantly.”
