CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

TROY’S POV.

We walked back home, and it was obvious that Blue was feeling embarrassed. She maintained a considerable distance from me, no less than four feet, her face flushed with embarrassment. It seemed like she could not wait to put some space between us.

I attempted to strike up small talk, but she responded with minimal words, mostly "mmmh" and nods, indicating her reluctance to engage in conversation. I wished I could tell her that it was perfectly normal for her to feel attracted to me and act on impulse, especially since she was my mate. However, considering our complicated history and the fact that she had not yet fully transitioned into a wolf, I decided to hold back on that conversation.

Upon entering my house, I was greeted by the sight of Xena, my beta and close friend, who had seemingly made himself quiet at home. He sat there with a cup of coffee in hand, engrossed in one of my books. Classic Xena, always the bookworm.

He glanced up at Blue and me, his eyes narrowing w