I stop in my tracks.

“…has a mate.”

I can hear the sounds of rustling, and another voice adds, “Lexi? Come on. He couldn’t even man up enough to be the Alpha.”

I don’t let the sting get to me.

The voice continues, “I heard there’s something wrong with his wolf. No wonder he isn’t man enough for Thea.”

“She’s pretty, though,” another voice chimes up. “But I don’t think you should be looking at another wolf’s mate. Especially now that Lexi has returned.” ...