Rian's POV
I fucked up.
Luca's in the studio, painting aggressively. I can feel his residual anger through the bond.
Damon finds me brooding. "Heard you two fought."
"News travels fast."
"The Luna walked out of a pack meeting. That's historic." He sits beside me. "What'd you do?"
"Dismissed his opinion. Treated him like he didn't matter."
"So you were an Alpha ass."
"Basically." I drop my head into my hands. "I don't know how to do this. Be Alpha and mate. They conflict."
"They don't have to." Damon's voice is patient. "You're stronger with him, not despite him. Let him be your partner for real."
"What if his ideas risk pack safety?"
"Then discuss it. Privately. Respect his input even if you ultimately decide differently." He stands. "Go apologize properly. And Rian? Actually mean it this time."
I find Luca in the studio, covered in paint, beautiful and furious.
"Can we talk?" I ask from the doorway.
"Depends. Are you here to order me around?"
"I'm here to apologize. Really apologize." I step inside. "You were right. About everything."
He sets down his brush. "I'm listening."
"I treated you like a possession during that meeting. Like your opinion didn't matter." I move closer. "That was wrong. You're my Luna, my partner, my mate. You SHOULD question me. Should call me out when I'm making stupid decisions."
"And?"
"And I'll try—genuinely try—to listen. To consider your input. To treat you like an equal."
"Even during pack meetings?"
"Especially then." I reach for his paint-stained hands. "I'm new to this too. Having a partner. Someone who challenges me. I'll mess up again. But I want to learn."
His anger softens through the bond. "You really mean that?"
"Every word." I pull him close despite the paint. "Forgive me?"
He's quiet for a moment, then nods. "Okay. But Rian? Next time you dismiss me like that, I won't just leave the meeting. I'll make your life hell."
"Noted." I kiss him softly. "Can I make it up to you?"
"How?"
"Let me show you." I lift him onto the table, settling between his legs. "Let me worship you until you forget why you were angry."
His breath catches. "That's your apology strategy?"
"Part of it. The other part is actually changing my behavior." My hands slide up his thighs. "But this part is more fun."
"You're ridiculous."
"You love me anyway."
"Unfortunately." But he's smiling now, pulling me closer.
Later, both covered in paint and satisfied, we lie tangled on the studio floor.
"Still mad?" I ask.
"Ask me after you actually listen to me next meeting."
"Fair." I kiss his shoulder. "I will though. Listen. I promise."
Through the bond, he feels my sincerity.
"Okay," he says. "I believe you."
It's a start.