Jesse nodded. “Makes sense, since it’s unlikely that they’ll want to face you and a bunch of shifters. They have to know that you could beat their asses all on your own. If they do come here to take care of this themselves, they’ll come armed.”
“Probably. But it won’t help them. They’ll die either way.” Zander wouldn’t allow any threat to his mate to live. Speaking of threats . . . “I know you want to deal with Rory yourself. I get why. But if he comes here, he’s mine. Not just because he deserves a ration of shit for all the things he’s done over the years, but because he hurt my mate. He made her bleed. He would have taken her if Ally hadn’t had a vision that warned us. I can’t let that go.”
Jesse gave a nod of acceptance. “Understood. Just make sure you hurt him. Badly.”
That wouldn’t be a problem. “Back to the subject of the Moores . . . I don’t think there’ll be an attack tonight. They’ll know we’re on our guard. But I don’t think the Moores will be prepared to wait long—they’re too hungry for revenge on Gwen.”
“I didn’t think I’d like her,” Jesse announced. “Knowing what she’s done for the cougar, I respect her. But you’re one of my best friends. More like a brother. I knew I’d have trouble accepting your mate, whoever she was, because I’d need to be sure that she was good for you. We both know from watching our parents that not all mated pairs live a dreamy life.”
Yeah, Jesse’s parents had some serious issues. His mother dominated his father’s behavior, but she didn’t wish to do so, didn’t like that he’d folded under her strength by his own choice. She wanted a partner, an equal, and her mate was no longer that for her.
Jesse sighed. “You and me . . . we’re not easy people, and we’re never going to be easy partners. Harley gets me and lets me be until I push too hard. I wanted to be sure that your mate was someone who got you and accepted you. From what I can see and from what Ally’s told me, it’s pretty clear that Gwen does.”
“It’s a good thing that you didn’t run her through a gauntlet,” said Zander. It was the kind of thing his pack mate would do. “I would have had to kill you for that.”
Jesse’s mouth curved. “She’s got you all tied up in knots, hasn’t she?”
“That’s the way it should be, though.”
“Yeah, it is.” Jesse’s frown returned as he looked back at the females. “They all look deep in conversation over there, don’t they? I think they’re talking about us. Typical. Just typical.”
“The Matrix could so be real,” insisted Harley.
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.