Page 17 of Forbidden Virgin Mate

She was just so damn perfect, though. I groan, burying my face in the pillow that still smells like her. My wolf feels edgy with her absence, giving me a clawing feeling of unfamiliar desperation.

This was no one-night stand for me. My suspicion about Tanya being my mate was all but confirmed when I took her virginity. I laid claim to her body and soul, and it took all my restraint not to unleash my wolf and mark her without asking for her consent.

However, in the cold light of day, I'm faced with reality. I've never wanted a mate. Ever. I saw what my parents’ relationship was like and swore I'd never shackle myself to someone who could bring out the worst in me. I’ve always lived with a nagging fear that I might become like my parents.

Looking at the empty space in my bed, I speculate that Tanya doesn't want this, either. Though, we both sure as hell wanted it last night.

I grab my phone from the nightstand, taking a deep breath as I decide what to text her.

Let me know if you're okay. I had a good time last night. I'd like to see you again. - Z

Throwing the phone on the bed, I get up and head to the shower, trying not to dwell on thoughts of the woman who seemingly ran from my bed.

The drive to the meeting hall does nothing to clear my head or put me in a better mood. Tanya still hasn’t replied to my text. I almost sent her another one earlier but decided to hold off for now. I'm still not even sure what I want from her—though that's not entirely true because I can't stop thinking about her hot body, my cock sliding in and out of her vice-like channel.

Goddammit.

I grip the steering wheel as I pull into the lot and rearrange my pants, fighting my growing erection. I need to get it together. The sight of Mateo’s and other pack members’ trucks parked alongside Diego's brings me back to the moment. Hopefully, there will be some news about the missing funds at this meeting, and we can figure out who's responsible. And most importantly, find out how to get the money back.

Reaching for my coffee cup, I exit my truck and head inside. Looks like I'm the last one here, and as I walk in, I feel all eyes turn to me. The room holds an unmistakably tense atmosphere reminiscent of our packs’ previous bad blood.

My wolf immediately feels on edge. I look at Diego, who looks pensive but not aggressive. Something weird is going on. I discard my coffee and take a seat next to Diego, ensuring I keep an outwardly calm demeanor.

"Am I late?" I ask, breaking the silence.

Diego shakes his head. "Nah, we're just getting started. Mateo, why don't you go back over everything you just told me? Real carefully."

There's an edge to Diego's tone that treads a fine line between respect toward Mateo and the glimmer of a threat. Mateo nods, clearly not fazed by the other alpha’s tone.

"Better that the expert explains,” Mateo says. “I've no interest in pointing fingers, Diego. I just want to get to the truth." He gestures for a man to step forward. "This is Gerard. Full disclosure: he used to work for one of my companies, but he's human and not linked to my pack. He'll send over all the info so you can verify it yourselves."

Everyone remains grim as Gerard brings up the pack's joint accounts on a large screen and begins running through them. He only has access to the general accounts but explains that he'll work with the packs individually if they want to check their own. Most of the information goes over my head as Gerard explains the technicalities of what appears to be a very sophisticated hack.

As he moves through the screens, something catches my eye. It appears more money has left the charity account. There’s also an account number highlighted that looks familiar. I reach for my phone and bring up my online banking app, opening my business account details.

My blood runs cold as I see the numbers match. Gerard is still talking, but I notice Mateo and a couple of others watching me carefully. Suddenly, I understand.

"...the account belongs to Liberty Forestry," Gerard says.

"What the fuck?" I yell, jumping to my feet and approaching a terrified-looking Gerard. "This is utter bullshit."

Mateo is on his feet, blocking me from getting to Gerard within seconds. I can smell the fear radiating off the human as Diego grabs my arm.

"I know there's an explanation for all this," Diego says, turning to the group. "This is not on Zack. There has to be another explanation."

I can hear them talking, but it sounds like I'm in an echo chamber. I can't believe this is happening. I would never steal from my pack or theirs. There has to be another explanation.

The argument rages on around me, but I'm snapped back into focus when I hear Mason mention Saffy's name.

"She's good with computers and doing that cyber security course. Could she have done this? Maybe sh—"

I don't even wait for him to finish speaking. I launch myself across the hall and grab him by the throat. "She's a kid!" I snarl. "She's a fucking good kid."

I feel Diego pulling me back. I know it's him because only my alpha would dare try and stop me. "Zack, no. I know you're angry, but this isn't the way."

I release Mason's neck, shoving him backward so he lands on his ass. "Keep my sister's name out of your mouth."

Mason holds his hands up in conciliation. "Okay, okay, I get it. I'm just trying to look at all the angles.” He looks at me intently. “We've known you a while now. I don't want to believe this, either."

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