"Max", Mindy called in a low voice when she approached Gideon and Maddox who were standing at the entrance into the cottage and staring at each other.
She stood next to Gideon and asked Maddox, "What are you doing?"
"Why are you butting in?", Maddox asked grumpily, irritated that he looked away first. "If he crumbles because I'm scrutinizing him, he doesn't deserve to be your mate."
"Let the youngster do his thing, princess.", Gideon responded calmly, his tone turning softer as he realized that Mindy was wearing his shirt. He was so focused on the intruders (aka guests) that he didn't pay attention to her clothes. She smelled of pumpkin and looked edible. "If a juvenile show of strength will make him happy, he can have it."
Mindy was not pacified. No matter how awesome Gideon was, he didn't have the Alpha aura and if Maddox gets provoked he can suppress Gideon and that would put everyone in an awkward situation. "But…"