Xander and I didn’t have the best track record when it came to discussing mates - and since we were cut from the exact same stubborn, independent cloth, it was highly likely he was running the exact same script I was. He didn't want to burden me with his tragedies, and frankly, I hadn't earned the right to be his confidante. Our bond was still fragile, a delicate bridge built over two years of painful silence: he likely didn’t feel safe talking with me about it.
Of course he would tell Bruce, his Beta, his brother-in-arms, his absolute best friend. He would never bring that vulnerability to the sister who had crushed his heart the last time he tried to protect her.
Tears pricked the corners of my eyes as the crushing weight of accountability settled on my shoulders. This is my fault. If
