Page 18 of Forbidden Virgin Mate

"Look," Diego says, his voice calm but full of authority, "I vouch for Zack. He didn't do this. We can all see how it looks, but we're going to dig deeper."

Mateo steps forward. "What do you propose, Diego?"

"Gerard, freeze Zack out of all the pack accounts," Diego says.

I spin around to face him, enraged because it doesn't sound like he's on my side at all, but he turns back to me. "Easy, Zack, this is for your own good. We need time to investigate, and everyone here needs to know it can't be you taking more money from these accounts. This is a sign of good faith."

"Will you let Gerard have access to your business accounts?" Mateo asks me, and I try to temper my response.

"He can meet with my accountant and look through things together,” I say. “I'm not just handing over my passwords, though. My business security still matters."

Mateo nods gravely. "That works. Set it up with Gerard. I hope to god it's not you, Zack."

There's an undercurrent of threat in the other alpha's words, but I also see sincerity in his eyes. Mateo truly hopes it's not me. I feel slightly more hopeful.

Looking around at the other members from both packs, I'm aware that not everyone looks so inclined to give me a chance. Lucca is standing next to Marcus, looking openly hostile. He scoffs as I hand my card to Gerard so we can set up the meeting.

Lucca isn't my concern, though. He's not part of my pack, and he can think whatever he likes. It's the others standing behind Diego, men I've known all my life, who, while not looking as aggressive as Lucca, can't seem to look me in the eye. I know they're doubting me, and it's making my skin crawl.

"We done here?" I ask Diego. He's my alpha, and right now, I don't give a damn what anyone else here thinks.

"Sure thing, Zack,” he says. “I'll call in later." He claps my back as I walk by him in a sign of solidarity that I appreciate, but I don't stop or look back.

Walking back toward my truck, I'm in a daze. My mind is racing with a thousand thoughts, yet none feels coherent. How is this possible? It makes no sense. Why would I steal money from my pack? They're my family. Besides, I own a successful business and make more than enough money of my own. I built everything I have from scratch after disavowing my parents as a teenager.

Liberty Forestry is the company that once belonged to my parents. I bought it back from them after they sold off assets. It's thriving and doesn't need any stolen money.

I'm fuming by the time I climb into the truck, slamming my fists on the steering wheel. I was shocked at first, but now I’m just pissed. My phone beeps, and I look down to see a message from Diego.

It will be okay, Zack. No one believes this BS.

Though I appreciate his text, I don't reply. I'm sure we both know that not everyone's got my back—the looks I was getting in there were unmistakable. But I know I need to keep a cool head and trust that my alpha is looking out for me. Hell, I don't doubt that. Diego isn't just my alpha; he's my best friend, and I need to trust him.

I just need him to trust me, too.

When I pull up outside my cabin, my phone buzzes again. I expect it's another update from Diego, but then I see Tanya's name flash on the screen. Just seeing her name sends my mind straight back to last night.

I shake my head, wondering how I could have gone from being so damn satisfied last night to disappointed when I woke up with her gone. Now, I’m reeling from the revelations at the meeting.

I'm so sorry for leaving early. I had a great night, I just felt overwhelmed. It's embarrassing. I shouldn't have left without saying something. - T x

I sigh. I must be a real bastard, taking her virginity like that. Who am I kidding? I didn't just sleep with her; I fucked her hard. She's also a lot younger than me. Maybe I should have been gentler.

I'm sorry if I upset you. We should have taken things slower. Can I buy you a coffee? - Z

There’s a pause before I see she’s typing again. I sit in my truck, almost holding my breath in anticipation of what she’s going to say.

No, don’t apologize. Last night was amazing. I feel silly for running out on you, and coffee sounds good. - T x

I lean back in my seat and take a deep breath. Thank God. I hadn’t wanted to admit to myself how much I wanted to see her again until I thought I'd blown it.

I still can't shake the feeling she'll think I'm too old for her. She's way out of my league in so many ways: young, tech guru, cool-girl background from the Bay Area. We don't exactly fit on paper.

But none of that mattered last night.

I'm amazed at how quickly my anger from the meeting has dissipated. I climb down from the truck while replying and sorting out a time to see her again.

She's like a damn drug.

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