When that tear fell from her tightly clenched eyes, I wanted to say something, to tell her I was sorry. Instead, I let her lock herself in the bathroom to hide the tears I caused. When I heard her soft sobs, I couldn’t take anymore. Knowing I made her feel bad for saving herself, if not for me than for herself for waiting for someone that was deserving, I let her think her inexperience bothered me. I was more worried about getting a good fuck than I cared about her. I know she must think I don’t care about her at all, I’ve seen how it hurts her to think of me with other women. Still being a selfish bastard, I practically ran from the room, so here I sit four hours later, pretending to work.

When my phone rings, I want to ignore that, too, but I answer anyway. “Michael.”

“Alpha, Gavin and three others have requested admittance to the property to be considered for our pack. They also say they have information on the rogue group trying to challenge you.” His voice is stiff

“Let them in. Take them directly to the meeting hall. I’ll meet you there in twenty minutes. Do not mention my Mate, and don’t let them speak to anyone else.” I hang up the phone. If Gavin can produce info on the rogue group testing my borders, I’ll let him stay.

Walking through the doors, I find Michael, Sid, and four other guards surrounding Gavin, two male shifters, and one female shifter. “Beta.” I nod my head formally to Michael letting him know I want to speak to him privately. I tilt my head to my pack office. He follows me into the soundproof room and closes the door. Running my hands through my hair, I lay it out. “I fucked up today, big time. She was outside. When I went to let her know I had business, she was gone. I know she’s still in the area, probably went for a walk, but I need to know the property is safe. If these guys are here to cause a problem or distract us, I need to know she is safe.”

Michael’s face is stoic as he speaks. “I doubled patrols as soon as I got wind of these guys getting near.”

I can tell something is bothering him. “What’s wrong, Michael?”

His face still unreadable. He responds, “The Luna has been with Nicole for hours, Mase. As your friend, I’m asking how did you not know this? And even more important, what did you do to make her so sad?” I don’t answer. “I don’t know how you let her out of your sight feeling like that.”

“What are you saying, Michael?”

He looks right at me. “What time was it when you upset her?”

Thinking back, I answer, “a little after eight.”

He shakes his head. “When she walked past our house, we felt how sad she was. She was just walking past the house, and Nicole and I both felt compelled to find out what made our hearts ache. I’ve never felt anything like it. I knew the hurt was coming from her, but she smiled at us like everything was fine. She has no idea that we felt her emotions. After talking for a few, Nicole invited her in to visit. She’s been there for almost three hours, Mase. You just realized she was gone twenty minutes ago?”