Luca's POV
It happens during a pack meeting.
"We need to expand territory," Rian announces. "The eastern border is too vulnerable."
I'm sitting beside him—Luna position, learning leadership.
"That'll start a conflict with the Ridge Pack," Damon warns.
"Then we prepare for conflict." Rian's voice is final. Alpha command.
"Wait," I interrupt. "Shouldn't we try negotiation first?"
The room goes silent. You don't question the Alpha during meetings.
Rian's jaw tightens. "Luca—"
"I'm serious. Why jump to conflict? What if they're reasonable?"
"They're not."
"Have you tried?"
His eyes flash amber. "This isn't your concern."
The dismissal stings. Through the bond, I feel his irritation—not now, not in front of the pack.
"I'm Luna. Pack business IS my concern." I stand. "Excuse me."
I leave before he can respond.
In our bedroom, I pace angrily. How dare he dismiss me like that? In front of everyone?
Rian storms in twenty minutes later. "What was that?"
"What was what? Me having an opinion?"
"You questioned my authority in front of the pack!"
"I questioned your decision. There's a difference!" I whirl to face him. "You said we're partners. Partners discuss things!"
"Not during pack meetings!" His voice rises. "I'm the Alpha. My word is final!"
"So I'm just supposed to sit there and look pretty? Be the obedient little mate?"
"That's not what I meant—"
"Then what DID you mean?" Tears of frustration burn my eyes. "Because it sounds like you want a possession, not a partner."
Pain flashes through the bond. "Luca—"
"No. You don't get to decide everything and expect me to just comply. That's not how this works." I cross my arms. "I'm sleeping in the studio tonight."
"Like hell you are." He moves to block the door. "You're not leaving."
"Watch me."
We stare at each other—stubborn versus stubborn.
"Please," he finally says, voice softer. "Don't go. I can't sleep without you near."
"Should've thought of that before dismissing me."
"I'm sorry." The words sound forced. "Okay? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have—" He runs a hand through his hair. "The pack needs to see me strong. Decisive. United with you."
"We'd be more united if you actually LISTENED to me."
"You're right." He closes the distance carefully. "You're absolutely right. I was an ass."
"A huge ass."
"The biggest." His hands cup my face. "Forgive me? Please?"
I want to stay angry. But through the bond, I feel his genuine regret.
"You have to actually consider my opinions," I say firmly. "Not just pretend to."
"I will. I promise." He kisses me softly. "Partners. Real partners."
"And if you dismiss me again—"
"You get to punch me. Deal?"
Despite everything, I smile. "Deal."
He pulls me close, and the bond settles.
"I hate fighting with you," he murmurs.
"Then stop being a controlling Alpha."
"I'll try."
It's enough. For now.