Thelma's POV
Xavier stood off to the side, watching with approval. Over the past months, he'd been true to his word, helping with the reconstruction, offering advice when asked, but never trying to control or dominate. He respected my autonomy, my right to lead my own pack in my own way.
And slowly, cautiously, I'd been letting him in. Not just as my mate, but as my partner, my confidant, my friend. The bond between us grew stronger every day, and I was beginning to understand what true love could be, not the desperate, needy thing I'd felt for Neon, but something deeper and more stable.
After the gathering, as the pack members dispersed to celebrate, Xavier found me on the balcony overlooking the territory.
"You did well," he said, coming to stand beside me. "Your parents would be pro
