The whole pack was gathered together in one form or another, excluding Chen, who was on patrol. Baekhyun, Lay, Chanyeol, Suho, Hyewon, and I were all present physically while the rest were video-chatting from the office.

I knew what this meeting was about so I decided to just say what everyone already knew.

“It’s not safe for her to be around me if we’re not mated.”

Hyesun crossed her arms and cocked one eyebrow up.

“Don’t you think you’re looking for the easy way out?”

“What are you talking about? I either have to explain our entire world to her and hope that she’s totally okay with that and mating with me or I have to stay away from her forever! How are either of those 'the easy way out’?”

“First of all, take a seat and calm down.” Hyesun let out an exasperated sigh. “Either of those are the easy way out and before you start I’m going to tell you why. What would be harder is working on yourself. You need to learn how to be in control of your wolf. And don’t tell me anything like you can’t control it. Sonja is who you were destined to be with. The two of you were made for eachother. Now, that being said, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be any difficulties or that you will understand each other perfectly. That’s not what being mates is about. You were destined for each other because you were meant to help mold each other into the best versions of yourselves. I don’t think the best version of you is one that tries to beat his packmate to a pulp just because he’s a bit too dull to read a room.”

“Hey, I’m right here!”

“I haven’t even gotten to you yet so if you know what’s good for you you’ll pipe down!” 

“‘Can’t read a room’? Really? That’s putting it lightly.” I scoffed.

“And now you’re diverting the conversation away from yourself.”

“I am not--!”

“Ah bup, bup.” Hyesun’s series of scolding noises synced with her pointer finger wagging from side-to-side. “This is exactly what I’m talking about. How old are you?”

I let silence fill the room, sulking in, what I was slightly self-aware was, a childish way.

“Well in case you’ve forgotten, I’ll fill you in. You’re 28 years old. You’re not a pup anymore so quit acting like one.” Hyesun took a deep sigh and her tone turned from scolding to soothing. “I know in our world you’re still very young to find a mate and that you never expected she would be human. You’re going to have to grow up, get in control of your wolf, and become the man your mate needs. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy but it’s what you have to do and your pack will be here to support you.” Hyesun ended with a motherly smile before she turned her attention to Baekhyun and her expression turned sour again.

“And you. Did you think you were going to get out of this scott-free? How many days ago was it that Junmyeon,” She was one of the few people who could call him by his real name, “told you off for being abrasive and thoughtless towards your employees-- particularly the women-- and here you are at it again! And to Jongin’s mate of all people!”

“I didn’t know--!”

“Ah, bup, bup,” She mimicked the same gesture as before. I had to admit it was much more entertaining when it was directed towards someone else. “Regardless of who she is you need to learn to conduct yourself in a more sensitive manner. I know that the things that happen at GSS are dealt with by Junmyeon but as the only woman in this house, and your Luna, I will make sure you all are treating women - in any setting- properly. I will whip you boys into a shape worthy of your future mates!” Hyesun’s eyes scanned the room and I felt like I was sitting in front of a 3-star general rather than the petite, normally sweet and soothing, Hyesun. “Have I made myself clear?”

“Yes, Luna.” We all responded.

__________

After Suho had gone over the patrol schedule for the next few days, the pack filed out of the room. My mind was still reeling over how to fix this situation with Sonja. I had already sent a text to her manager from Sonja’s phone pretending to be Sonja letting her know that ‘I’ was really sick and wouldn’t be able to come in for at least the next two days. I figured that getting a message from a guy they didn’t know saying Sonja was hurt and they wouldn’t be seeing her for a while was probably not the best move.

I twirled Sonja’s phone around in my hand, mulling over everything Hyesun had said.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Hyesun greeted me with the mothering smile I was far more used to than her scolding tone from earlier.

I could only sigh defeatedly in response.

“I hope you know that your Luna and Alpha are very proud of you. I know I reamed you out back there -- and I don’t take back what I said-- but you are one of the strongest wolves I know and you have already shown how strong you are with Sonja.”

“Yeah, how’s that? By concussing her?” I fired back.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. You do have a long way to go. But most weres I know wouldn’t have been able to be this patient when it comes to their mate. That takes a lot of restraint and control.”