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She smiled proudly.
“They’re all exceptional men, strong willed leaders. Each has a specific role that they honor with their entire beings, but Xander, he’s always been the one to carry his family. Laz is the Alpha. He leads the pack, takes on the responsibility for all members but Xander holds far more weight on his shoulders because he takes on the role of carrying the man who everyone else relies on. That’s a tough position to be in and because of the weight he carries, his own personal needs are often overlooked. When you’re strong, people assume you shouldn’t be allowed to share vulnerability. Now he can have that balance. WithyouandRafe.”
I frowned and she placed her hand over mine. “He will continue to carry his brothers, he will carry you and your son as well, but he will also be vulnerable with you. He will have the ability to drop his guard and be fully exposed without feeling weak or inadequate which is a beautiful thing. While you’re happy, we’re happy too. Our leaders are finding balance. First Laz, now Xander, and hopefully Zion.” She scoffed. “Although I think he’s got some growing to do before he’s ready.”
I grinned. She was right. Zion was the lover boy of the three.
“Thank you for that.”
“You’re welcome, dear.”
“Maybe that’s why they’re all acting so different now,” I muttered, glancing at the women who’d seemed so averse to me being a part of their pack knowing I was promised to Xander which I hadn’t planned nor could I control. They were all so willing to play nice with me now.
“Oh no.” She smiled widely. “They’re different because you’re different.”
I whipped my head to the left, catching her smug grin. “What’s that supposed to mean?” I assumed she meant different as in mated. I was aware wolves could smell the scent of mates but I wasn’t a wolf. I was…
“Your magic is just as loud as your bond with Xander.”
“Wonderful. So they’re only being cordial because they’re afraid of Xander or me.”
She laughed lightly. “In some ways yes, but they also respect you, Toyin. They may not like that you’re his one but they also can’t deny that disliking you is frivolous in the grand scheme of things. It’s not justified. Maybe the possibility of them having a chance that never existed no longer being an option has adjusted their common sense.”
“Or maybe they’re just afraid I’ll shrink their heads.”
“Would you?” She arched a brow and I grinned.
“I might, if I knew how.”
“You’ll figure it out. Trust what you feel. That’s really the foundation to anything, even magic.”
“Let’s hope so because I’m flying blind with all this.”
Mara stood, offering soft eyes and a motherly smile. “I feel certain you’ll make sense of it all. Just give it time.”
From her lips to the universe’s existence. I prayed she was right because magic could be both a blessing and a curse if it wasn’t handled properly.
* * *
The next morningwe were up early and driving to the woods at Xander’s insistence. He didn’t explain but I was anxious and needed insight.
“Okay we’re here, now will you tell me why you wanted to drive to the cabin?”
“Let’s get out and I’ll show you.”
“Show me what?”
He smiled mischievously but didn’t say a word. I groaned and eased out of his truck, moving to the back seat to get Rafe who beamed, smiling and thrashing wildly the minute I opened the door. My heart swelled. He was truly a happy baby.
“You are mommy’sson-shine. You know that?”
He squealed and began babbling, opening and closing his fists while I worked to unbuckle him. The minute I set him free, he almost leaped for me. I moved quick enough to catch him and felt movement behind me, expecting Xander to be standing there. I turned and gasped at the visual before me. I found Xander, completely naked but before I could enjoy the beauty of him, he shifted and I was offered the view of him in an alternate form.
He was massive. His body, paws, and head. Everything about him was immense but beautiful. The black fur that replaced his skin was dark and shiny like oil. His eyes, however, were the same, deep brown. I recognized them, which allowed me to feel the same connection I always felt. It was strange. I had only seen Xander in his wolf form a handful of times.
Is this why you wanted to come out here? – Me
Yes. I felt like it was necessary. – Xander
