New trouble

"Then you have to think about the repercussions of your actions," Xander retorted. "We cannot continue to act like we are invincible. We're just asking for trouble."

Mayfair glared at him for a long moment, and Xander felt the air between them thick with tension. Finally, Mayfair spoke.

"I know what I'm doing, Xander ," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "And I don't need you second-guessing me every step of the way. You're my Beta, not my conscience."

"And yet someone has to be the voice of reason," Xander replied. "We cannot simply act recklessly and expect everything to be okay."

Mayfair stepped closer, invading Xander 's space. "You forget who's in charge here," he said softly, his eyes locking onto Xander 's. "I am the Alpha. What I say goes. And if you can't handle that, then maybe you're not cut out to be my Beta."