Page 29 of Forbidden Virgin Mate

I vented at Diego the night before, but we got nowhere.

"Everyone must see that I'm not Batman, breaking into banks like a foreign spy?" I snap.

"I'm not sure Batman ever broke into a bank, and he definitely wasn't a foreign spy," Diego replies, attempting some humor, but it falls flat when I glare at him. "Look, even Lucca said he can't see how this is you. This is next-level stuff, not like what the kids are learning at college. And it’s not just someone who’s good with computers. Mateo’s guy pulled in other tech experts, and even they couldn’t keep up. "

That did pull me up. Lucca was the one who instantly seemed to believe the accusations against me, which pissed me off because although we're from different packs, we'd always gotten along fine.

"And Mateo?" I ask.

"I don't think he's ever thought you did this, Zack. That's the truth. But no one can deny that there is simply no one else who benefits from all this except you."

"But what the hell do they think I was going to do?" I yell. "Just steal all their money and then somehow get away with it and carry on as normal?"

My outbursts never ruffle Diego, who simply gives me time to calm down. "The transactions were well disguised. If it weren't for Mateo's guy, we'd never have known the money was going into your account."

"I'm sure I would have noticed," I reply dryly.

"The point is, someone must really hate you to do this," Diego says somberly. "Any idea who?"

I think for a moment. "The only people who'd hate me that much are my parents, and they're dead."

I down my drink and slam the glass on the counter. My throat feels better, but the dust is still irritating my skin and eyes. I strip off the dust suit and discard it on the usually spotless floor, heading straight for the shower.

I turn the water from hot to scorching, my hand resting on the cool wall as I watch the dirt and dust mix with the soap and pool at my feet before swirling down the drain. I wish it were as easy to wash away the rage and bitterness threatening to consume me.

I could almost believe that this would all get sorted out, that I'd ultimately be found not guilty. But I'm not sure I can forgive the people who so readily believed the gossip and lies, turning their backs on me and even pointing fingers at Saffy.

I haven’t even heard back from Tanya in days and have to assume she’s distancing herself from me, too. Who could blame her? This pack is my home, but I'm starting to think the unthinkable.

Can I actually stay here?

After throwing on some sweatpants and leaving my hair wet, I head back into the kitchen. I need to leave the drywall overnight, so I'm painfully aware I have very little to distract me. Deciding on a late lunch and then a second workout, I start pulling out the things Quinn kindly dropped off for me, even though I have no appetite at all.

The security system alerts me to a vehicle at the gates, and I pull up the screen. Everyone will be at the tournament by now, and Saffy would just drive straight through. I'm at a loss as to who would be out here.

I'm stunned to see Tanya's truck, and my fingers hover over the keypad. It's not that I don't want to see her; I don't want to see anyone. I sigh as my finger hits the entry button and the gates begin to open. Glancing around, I groan at the mess I've made and quickly pick up a few discarded items from the floor. I throw my dishes into the sink and grab a shirt just as she pulls up outside.

I walk out to greet her, feeling uncharacteristically self-conscious. "What brings you out here today?" I ask, trying to keep my voice light. "Figured you'd be at the tournament like everyone else."

She smiles, looking absolutely stunning in the winter sunlight. "I thought about it, but then I heard you and Saffy weren't there. Just thought I’d stop by.”

Something feels a bit different about her, and as I step closer, I notice a few bags in her backseat. "You going somewhere?" I ask.

She looks from the backseat to me and awkwardly shuffles on her feet, confirming my suspicions. Something is definitely off with her. "Just visiting my parents," she says.

I decided not to push it for now, but all those bags look like more than a quick visit. I know she doesn't owe me an explanation, and she made the effort to come out here.

I find myself suddenly wanting some company after all. Or perhaps I just want her company.

"Sure thing," I say, keeping my voice neutral. "You want a coffee?"

She nods, looking relieved I haven't asked any more questions. That doesn't mean I won't try again, though. Here's me wondering if I should leave the pack, yet the thought of Tanya leaving unnerves me. For someone who doesn't think she belongs here, I think she fits right in.

As we walk into the kitchen, her eyes go wide, and I wince a little as I take in the mess. Picking a few things up didn't exactly put a dent in the days of neglect. "Sorry. Erm, Saffy's been on at me to sort this out."

Tanya waves her hand. "It's your place," she laughs, looking around. "Is Saffy here?"

"Um, no. She's with her friend Emily," I reply. "I'm glad she's got one good friend."

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