Chapter 362: Chapter 362

Gabriela “Can he do that?” Mason looked so taken aback that | let out a laugh.

Not at his expense, or at least | didn’t mean for it to be.

“It's not unheard of. Betas pushed too far by their Alphas, Betas who haven't been respected or cared for. They absolutely can sever their bond with their Alpha, if pushed to it.”

“| don’t want that,” Mason said.

| shook my head. “I’m sure you don’t. Neither does Xander, and I’m sure Lanie would have something to say about it, too.”

“Oh, she’s going to have a lot to say to all three of us, | bet.” Mason shoved a couple of potato chips into his mouth and crunched.

“As she should. The two of you would do well to pay closer attention to what your Beta has been going through. | know it’s easy to get caught up in everything you’re experiencing, and everything your Luna is learning. But don’t forget about your Beta in all of that. He’s the reason why you're all coping as well as you are.

| finally dug into my cake. The rich chocolate and cre amy frosting was sweet enough to make my teeth ache, but I'd been craving dessert. This was just right.

Mason squirmed with discomfort in his chair. “It’s not like | haven’t told him that | appreciate him.”

“But have you?” | asked, pointing my fork at him. “Actually told him. Better yet, have you shown him?”

“...think so.”

“If you only think so, then maybe you need to do a better job of being sure you have. Think of how hard must be for Zane over these past months. His role was to support his Alpha no matter what. First, they were mated to someone they didn’t want-

“They love Lanie!” Mason cut in.

Calmly, | took another bite of cake. | was used to dealing with men who were quick to react. When he settled back in his seat, |

kept going.

“Xander and Zane loved Alice and believed she would be their mate. They didn’t know what she was doing or who she was doing it with When they were forced to take Lanie as their mate, Zane had to be there for Xander even as he had to face his own disappointment. Then to become a father to children that are not biologically his “To face the betrayal of the woman they loved, to find love with someone else, and also to watch his Alpha have to share his role with a stranger. It’s been a lot” | said. “And as the Beta, Zane’s got to be feeling all of that even more than you or Xander. How could he help it? Any time one or both of you is in any kind of “Calms us down,” Mason admitted, sounding reluctant.

“He takes on your bad feelings and replaces them with better ones. He’s your strength when yours falters,” | point out. “And he does it without expectation of ever being fully in charge of anything. He willingly takes on the role of second place, ready to step aside at any second, should his Alpha require it. Whether it’s waiting in line at a buffet or in bed with their mate.”

| said the last part with deliberate harshness, trying to drive my point home.

Mason's lip curled. “Xander has never made Zane wait on him or like, walk behind him or bow, or wait his turn with anything.

Neither have I!”

“But you would, if it was important. If your pack needed you to step up as Alpha and that meant Zane had to stand behind you, then you would expect it of him. Perhaps even demand. And he would do it, because he loves you. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t struggle.”

“F uck,” Mason bit out. “You’re right. | haven't thought of it at all. lm such an as shole.”

“If it’s any comfort to you, I’m sure Xander probably hasn't spent much time considering it, either.” | took another bite of cake, relishing the dark chocolate. “But you really both need to. Remember what I said about Lanie.”

Mason looked stricken. “Three mates. She needs three of us because she’s so strong.”

“Blessed by the Moon Goddess.” | can’t quite keep the grim tone out of my voice. “I’m worried about that strength, | won’t pretend otherwise. But I’m more worried about what could happen to her....or what she might do...if that bond breaks.”

“Without the three of us, she might not be able to control all of her powers,” Mason said, pressing his lips together in thought.

shook my head, my expression deadly serious. “No, Mason. I’m afraid that Lanie might be able to co every one of her powers....but without the three of you to temper her, I’m terrified that nobody will be able t control her.”