Ally’s nose wrinkled. “Some of your theories do have substance, but I’m not convinced.”
“I think it’s possible.” Gwen paused to drink the last bit of her coffee. “Although, I once read an article somewhere that said if the world really was a simulation, it’s doubtful that we’d be plugged into some kind of system. We’d most likely be more like virtual entities that were made at the same time as the simulation.”
Jaime’s brows lifted. “I never thought of it like that. Interesting.”
“If The Matrix is real, let’s hope the programmers don’t press the ‘Off’ switch,” said Andie dryly.
Jaime’s brow pinched at something over Gwen’s shoulder. “Who’s that?”
Turning, Gwen smiled. “Oh, that’s Donnie. My uncle.” Gwen crossed to where he stood, eyeing the newcomers. “The hearing went well. The council remanded Brandt, Mack, and Rowan.”
“Good,” said Donnie. “I’m guessing the Moores didn’t take it well.”
“No, they didn’t.” She sighed. “And they didn’t look as though they had any intention of letting this go.”
“We always knew they’d retaliate. We’re ready for them and that other wolf, Rory. He hasn’t been back.”
“How do you know?” asked Jaime from behind Gwen—her voice almost made Gwen jolt in surprise. Jaime moved as silently as Zander.
“I know,” replied Donnie. He glanced around. “Who are these people?”
“More wolves,” said Gwen. “This is Jaime. The guy standing with Derren and Bracken is her mate, Dante. The female coming toward us with Andie and Ally is Harley, and her mate is over there with Zander; they’re his pack mates. Jaime and Dante are the Betas of the Phoenix Pack.”
“Huh.” Donnie’s tongue poked the inside of his cheek.
“Seen any more of that wolf you shot?” Ally asked him.
“Already asked him that,” Jaime told her. “He said no.”
“If he’s got any sense,” began Donnie, “he won’t come back.”
“He doesn’t have any sense,” said Gwen.
Donnie sighed. “That’s what I thought. Make sure you warn the new people to be careful if they go patrolling the area.”
“Why?” asked Jaime.
He frowned, as if not understanding the question. “Because I got the place rigged. Why else?” With that, he walked off.
“He’s . . . interesting,” said Jaime.
Gwen smiled. “Ain’t he, though?”
A little while later, the she-wolves and Harley went to chat with their mates, leaving Gwen and Andie alone.
Andie gently took her arm. “Gwen, I honestly can’t thank you enough for everything you did and for all the support that you’ve given me and all the risks you’ve taken. I’m not much good at talks like this, but I wanted to say that you’re the shit—just so you know.”
Gwen’s lips curled. “You don’t have to thank me for anything I did. You helped yourself. And not just by turning up at the hearing today. You took a chance on the shelter, you got yourself together, and you found the strength to get justice for yourself. I’m proud of you. Speaking of the shelter . . . are you going back there?”
Andie bit her lip. “For a little while, yeah. Heath and I are thinking of getting an apartment together. I know it’s fast. I know that. But . . . it just feels right. I’m not saying I think he’s my true mate. I’m not totally sure about that yet, but I think it’s possible. Either way, I want to be with him.”
Gwen briefly glanced at Zander, who was currently talking with Bracken and Marlon. “Zander wants me to leave with him and move to his pack.”
Andie snorted. “Well, of course he does. He’s hardly going to want to leave his mate behind. In fact, he’d be more likely to stay with you than leave. Mates come first. I’m guessing it took a little while for you to realize you were true mates. Still, I’m surprised he hasn’t claimed you yet. Are you reluctant to form the bond or something?”
Gwen didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath until that moment. Clearing her throat, she asked carefully, “What makes you think he’s my mate?”
Andie gave her a look that questioned her IQ level. “He looks at you with eyes that scream mate. He hardly ever leaves your side, he’s constantly touching you, and his face softens when he sees you.” She tilted her head. “He didn’t tell you? Shit, I thought you knew or I wouldn’t have said anything.”
“Why would he keep it from me?” The words came out soft, quiet.
“You may have noticed that dominant male wolves are protective. They’re hyperprotective of their mates. If he’s kept it from you, it’s most likely because he thinks it’s not good for you to know yet. To be fair, a lot of stuff has been going on around you. Maybe he didn’t want to add to that.” Andie shrugged. “I don’t know him well enough to make a good guess.”
“He should have told me.” All this time Gwen had been waiting for imprinting to begin, had panicked that the bond wouldn’t form . . . and he’d secretly believed that there already was a bond. Or, at least, that the potential of it was there.
“Whatever the case, hold tight to him, Gwen. So many shifters would love to have what you’ve found in Zander. A mate is a special thing. Don’t turn your back on it—especially just because you’re a little annoyed with him for not mentioning it.”
Honestly, Gwen wasn’t sure what she was going to do. A lot of it would depend on his reasons for keeping it from her, and on just how sure he was that they were true mates. It was possible that he hadn’t told her because he wasn’t certain—that she’d understand.
As her head was figuratively up her ass, the day seemed to pass in a blur. She’d made an effort not to seem upset, knowing Zander would pull her aside and demand an explanation—that was a conversation they’d need to have in private at a time when they were unlikely to be interrupted.
Needing some time to herself, she was glad when he went on patrol that evening with the other shifters. She took a long bath and leisurely dried her hair before pulling on a peach silk camisole and matching boy shorts.