“I think the only way we’ll know for sure is for me to talk with Dylon. I’ll call Jackson in the morning. In the meantime, send me the file.”
“Will do,” Heath replied. “By the way, did you see Kahn? How’s he doing?”
Reeve snorted.
“Oh shit,” Heath said, chuckling. “I guess you discovered your mate has a mind of his own.”
“How do you know that?” Reeve asked, frustration in his voice. But before Heath could respond, he continued, “He won’t listen to me and all I’m trying to do is keep him safe. But by the way he acts, it’s like I don’t know what I’m talking about.”
“Well, he’s an Alpha.”
“So what? Being an Alpha doesn’t mean he gets a free pass on making dumb decisions.”
“Maybe dumb from your point of view…but did you listen to his reasons for those decisions?” asked Heath. “They may not be so dumb. Look, can I give you some advice?”
“Like I have a choice?”
“Not really, but as my boss, it’s always good to ask first,” Heath said, chuckling.
“Asshole.”
“True, but I’m an adorable one.”
Reeve couldn’t help laughing. “That’s up for debate…but go ahead, I’m dying to hear what advice my best friend has for me.”
“Stop leading and start listening.”
“That’s it? What the hell does that even mean?”
“Look, Kahn isn’t a member of your team…”
“I know that!”
“Yeah, well, I’m guessing you aren’t acting that way…and I get it, I do. You’re a great leader, which is why your men…includingmoi…are so fucking loyal. We know you’ll always do what’s best for us, even if it’s at your own expense. Whether you know this or not…that’s rare from my experience. Most leaders put themselves first and, if it’s good for the team, well, let’s just say it’s a happy coincidence.
“But Kahn isn’t one of your men. He doesn’t have any past experience with you to draw on that would make him willing to follow your lead. Plus, from what I gathered, he’s been making his own decisions for quite a while and now you come in and expect him to what? Bow down to you and obey without even questioning if your decisions are right for him? Not gonna happen.”
Well, shit!Reeve could kick himself. His friend was right. Treating his mate as if he was Kahn’s superior officer was insulting to the man. No wonder his mate told him to go to hell. Shaking his head at his own insensitivity, he owed Kahn anapology, and made a promise to himself to treat him as an equal from now on. “Thanks for the kick in the ass,” he muttered.
“My pleasure,” Heath said, chuckling. “If you need any more mate advice, you know where to find me.”
“How did you get so smart about mates?”
“My brother. He went through the same shit when he found his Fated Mate. Had the hardest time forgetting he was the Alpha of the pack and not of his mate,” Heath said. “But he finally figured it out, so there’s hope for you.”
“Gee, thanks,” Reeve replied, sarcastically.
“You’re welcome!” Heath said cheerily.
“Asshole!”
“But an…”
“I know…you’re an adorable one.”
“And don’t you forget it,” Heath said, still chuckling. “Now go and apologize to Kahn…but first, maybe you should get him some flowers.”
“What the fuck for?”
