Xena''s POV


    "Now that everyone is here..." Alpha Benedict gave Ryder a meaning look. He seemedpletely unbothered, just leaning against the wall. "Vi, pleasee sit in front of me." He pointed to the achair directly in front of his desk.


    She was terrified, her entire body trembling like a leaf in the wind. could feel her fear, like a small rabbit facing a cheetah.


    Vi visibly shook as she stood and walked to the chair, sitting down with her head lowered the entire time, not daring to make eye contact with anyone. "Yes, Alpha," she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Leonard was staring daggers at her. His eyes looked like he wanted to devour her alive. My god, how did he expect her to let her guard down with him looking at her like that? This was not how a mate should act.


    "Leonard, can we talk outside for a moment?" I asked, keeping my tome questioning.


    Alpha Benedict and Ryder looked at me in surprise, but Dad and Logan pointed toward the door, signaling him to go out. I didn''t wait to see if he would follow-I knew he would.


    As soon as the door closed, I turned on him. "What the hell are you doing, Leonard?"


    He narrowed his eyes at me. "My problem? Are you serious?" Heughed incredulously, clearly not expecting my attack.


    "Yes, your problem! She''s your mate!" I fired back.


    "I know! A mate who''s terrified whenever I touch her! A mate who was raped or at least abused, but won''t tell me anything!" Leonard''s voice was too loud.


    "Look at yourself! I wouldn''t tell you anything either! You look like you want to kill her! Your entire aura radiates hostility and fear. She needs love andpassion. All you''re showing is anger. I could tell she was afraid of you after three seconds of interaction!"


    "I''ve never touched her!" Leonard roared back.


    "Lower your damn voice. You''ve done nothing but terrify her! Think about how you looked in there. Arms crossed, ring at her as she walked to the chair. Let me guess... because she''s afraid, you''ve lost your temper with her more than once."


    He opened his mouth several times, but nothing came out. Instead, he let out a deep growl that seemed to vibrate the walls of the


    hallway.


    "This isn''t how I imagined things would be," he said dejectedly.


    "I know. I''m sorry this is your reality, but the girl in that room is terrified. She''s your mate and she shouldn''t be afraid of you too. You need to be her rock, her voice. You need to understand her and control your emotions," I softened my tone.


    "Damn it!" Leonard put his hands on top of his head and stepped back. "X, what am I supposed to do?"


    "Patience and understanding. You bing her mate wasn''t an ident. Trust that the Moon God paired you for a reason. Be the man she needs, and she''ll be the woman you need," I said gently.


    "This is karma for how I used to treat women," Leonard said with a humorlessugh.


    "I mean... I wasn''t going to say it, but..." I wasn''t one to kick someone when they were down, but the thought had crossed my mind.


    "Alright, alright. Let''s go back," Leonard took a deep breath.


    "Ready?" I asked, grabbing the door handle.


    "Yes," Leonard sighed.


    When we opened the door and walked back into the room, all eyes turned to us. Vi gave me a look that clearly indicated she didn''t appreciate me taking her mate into the hallway for a private conversation. She even let out a small growl, after which her eyes widened, fear filling her gaze.


    "Oh my god! I''m so sorry!" Vi covered her mouth, her eyes growing evenrger. The color drained from her face as she looked at me in terror.


    My heart clenched withpassion. Her fear was so real, so visceral, it made my chest tighten.


    "Ha! It''s fine. Being territorial over your mate is natural," Iughed, walking over to sit beside Penelope and Luna Kestrel. Leonard took the other armchair beside Vi.


    "Vi, what rank were you in your previous pack?" Dad asked Vi,


    "I... I was a maid. All females were maids. There were never any ranks for females there," Vi said through her fingers, which she still hadn''t removed from her mouth. My stomach twisted at her words, imagining what such a life would be like-no dignity, no status, just obedience.


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