“Tyler’s from a neighboring pack,” Sam explained. “We met at the regional gathering last month. He’s...” Sam’s expression turned soft, adoring. “He’s patient. Understanding. Doesn’t pressure me about anything.”
“Sam’s worth waiting for.” Tyler squeezed his boyfriend’s hand. “However long it takes.”
Leyden’s chest tightened, remembering similar conversations with Connor. “I’m so glad you found each other.”
“I never would’ve had the courage to tell Tyler about being demisexual without Connor.” Sam’s eyes shone. “The alpha mate showed me it’s okay to be different. That the right person will accept me exactly as I am.” The kid’s voice cracked. “Changed my life.”
Pride surged through Leyden. His mate had done that - given a frightened teenager hope and confidence. Connor’s influence rippled through the pack in ways Leyden couldn’t have predicted, touching lives and changing hearts.
“Connor will be thrilled to hear that,” Leyden said. “Go enjoy the celebration. You two earned it.”
Sam and Tyler wandered off hand-in-hand. Leyden tracked them across the room, watched Sam introduce his boyfriend to some of his friends. He was totally confident in doing so all because Connor chose to share who he was.
“Leyden!”
His mother’s voice cut through his thoughts. Catherine swept into the pack hall like she owned it, Sebastian trailing behind looking uncomfortable in his suit. Leyden’s father had aged in the past months - more gray at his temples, deeper lines around his eyes.
Catherine embraced Leyden fiercely. “Look at this place. Your pack really outdid themselves.”
“They love Connor.” Leyden returned the hug. “Wanted to celebrate him properly.”
Sebastian cleared his throat and shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Son, could we talk? Privately?”
Leyden’s stomach tightened, but he nodded. Led his father to the small office off the main hall. Sebastian closed the door, stood there looking everywhere but at Leyden.
“I was wrong.” The words came rough, like his father had to force them out. “About Connor. About your mating.” Sebastian finally met Leyden’s eyes. “I can see how happy you are. How well you work together. The pack’s thriving under both of you.”
Leyden’s throat closed. Six months of waiting for this, hoping his father would finally understand.
“I pushed my own fears onto you,” Sebastian continued. “Assumed intimacy had to look a certain way. That mates needed...” He waved a hand awkwardly. “I never once considered that connection comes in different forms.”
“Connor’s my mate,” Leyden didn’t know how many more times he was going to have to keep saying it, but he would until the people around him understood what that meant. “He’s my partner, my other half.”
“I know.” Sebastian’s expression softened. “I watched you two together during the holidays. The way you look at each other - that’s real love. Deep love. The kind that lasts.” His voice turned gruff. “That’s all a father can want for his son. To see him happy.”
Emotion slammed into Leyden. He’d spent months trying to prove his relationship to his father, desperate for acceptance. Now Sebastian stood here offering exactly that.
“Thank you.” Leyden’s voice cracked. “That means everything.”
Sebastian pulled him into a brief, tight hug. Patted his back twice before stepping away, eyes suspiciously bright.
They returned to the main hall where Catherine waited, knowing smile on her face. She hugged Leyden again, whispered in his ear, “I told you everything would work out.”
Leyden laughed, slightly watery. “You did.”
“Now go find your mate. Celebration’s about to start.”
/~/~/~/~/
Music poured through the pack hall, laughter and conversation rising in waves around Connor. Plates piled high with food covered every available surface. Kids chased each other between clusters of adults while the older pack members settled into comfortable chairs along the walls.
Connor stood beside Leyden near the entrance, greeting arrivals. When he first arrived so much attention would’ve made his skin crawl. Now he returned hugs from Sarah, accepted compliments from Walter, fielded questions from Janet without the urge to flee.
Weird how natural it felt. How right.
“Alpha Mate Connor.” Marcus appeared with his arms full of gifts. “Where should I put these?”
“Table in the back corner.” Connor pointed. “Stack them carefully - half of those look breakable.”
