I brushed it off as idle gossip, but despite my efforts to let it go, the pain lingered and was impossible to ignore.
I thought my mate was naturally reserved and principled. Unfortunately, I overlooked him; the truth was, I never truly grasped the Alpha.
No wonder I always felt like I was reading between the lines with my mate's thoughts, constantly trying to please him.
It dawned on me that I had never been into the Alpha's heart. I never was.
Zora sounded innocent. "Well, now that Luna Calista agrees to join the gathering, we are here to help after all."
"Perhaps Luna's insecurity stems from her childhood trauma back then?" someone speculated.
I didn't just stand by and listen to their speculations; I presented myself confidently, shutting everyone up—except for the one with his back turned to me.
Oblivious to my presence, he continued, "Alpha Austin's mate has some past trauma, shaping all her insecurities as she grew up…."
He noticed the sudden change in the atmosphere, and his voice trailed off as he sensed something was amiss.
"I guess what I said is right…."