Total pages in book: 120
Estimated words: 113944 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 570(@200wpm)___ 456(@250wpm)___ 380(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113944 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 570(@200wpm)___ 456(@250wpm)___ 380(@300wpm)
“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.
Sadly, the time alone didn’t relax her. She found herself pacing up and down in her room, fists clenching and unclenching. When her door opened, she halted and turned to face Zander as he stalked inside and locked it behind him. His eyes raked over her and heated. Her body automatically reacted—knowing that look and knowing what it meant.
Every step fluid and silent, Zander crossed the room to her. He didn’t try to pull her to him as he usually did. His hand gently smoothed her bangs aside, and he studied every inch of her face, searching. “You’ve been quiet. At first, I assumed you were worrying about the Moores. But looking at you now, it’s clear you’re pissed about something. Tell me. I’ll fix it.”
Her phone rang. If she hadn’t been so tense, she might have jumped. Grabbing it from the bed, she frowned when she saw it was Kenny. Hesitantly, she answered. “Hello?”
“I heard you changed your mind about doing me that favor, Gwen . . . or did you never intend to do it?” Strangely, Kenny didn’t sound upset or angry. He sounded relatively amused. But then, it wasn’t as if the situation affected him personally.
“I never intended to do it.” Yeah, she was hoping to piss him off. It didn’t work.
He chuckled. “That devious streak is another thing you got from me.”
“I wasn’t being devious. I was being smart. You wanted me to do the smart thing, right?”
“I did,” he said, a smile in his voice. “But it wasn’t entirely smart. Not when it means you’ll now have the Moore family on your ass.” He sighed. “I’ll give them a call. Warn them to stay away from you. But I can’t guarantee they will. Unlike you, Ezra Moore doesn’t appear to be smart at all.”
“I can handle him.”
“I’ll bet you can, since you have the protection of shifters. Do you think that’s wise? They’re not known for being loyal to anyone outside whatever group they live in.”
“They’ve protected me so far.”
“Yes, it would seem they have,” he mused. “Just be careful. I’d rather not have to wipe out an entire pack of wolves, but I won’t hesitate to do so if they harm you.” He ended the call before she could respond to that.
With a curse, Gwen tossed the phone on the bed. “I’m guessing you heard that conversation clearly enough.”
“Maybe his warning will be enough to make Ezra back off for a while.”
She snorted. “Even if Ezra was willing, Moira and Brandt wouldn’t be. The moment Brandt’s released by the council, he’ll be demanding that someone make me pay. And if they don’t do something, he will. In other words, something will happen.”
Zander sighed. “Sadly, I can’t disagree with you. Was this what was bothering you? Were you anticipating a call from Kenny?”
No.” Gwen literally blurted out the question. “Why didn’t you tell me you think I’m your true mate?”
He stiffened. “Who told you that?”
“According to Andie, it’s pretty obvious.” And if it was obvious to the cougar, Gwen had to wonder if it was just as obvious to the other shifters. If that were true, it would be both embarrassing and hurtful to think they’d all possessed that knowledge and she’d been oblivious.
“Before we talk about this, you have to promise me something.” His gaze pinned hers. “Promise me that you won’t walk out of this room, that you’ll stay here until we’ve talked it all out.” Zander still wasn’t certain that she was ready to hear this yet. Nonetheless, part of him was glad that they could lay it all out finally. He was pissed that she’d heard it from someone else, though. Still, it was his own fault.
“Just tell me,” she clipped.