Page 27 of Virtually Guarded

“That’s an incredibly loving and respectful way to handle it,” he said. I turned, eyes wide. He accepted what I was saying. This discussion definitely wasn’t going the way I’d feared. He smiled. “Xavier, Ren will be living with us. You know that.”

“Yes, Anax, and I’ll give him whatever amount of time and space he needs.” I sighed and raised my chin slightly. “I’ve heard others talk about the mate bond. Never completely believed the whole ‘you know instantly’ thing until I saw Ren and felt that connection, that missing piece sliding into place. I didn’t know if I would ever find my mate. Some don’t. And I sure never thought it would be a man.”

“You’re free not to answer this,” he said slowly. “Or to tell me it’s none of my damn business. How do you identify? I’m asking partly because of the requirements to be part of the virtual pack.”

“I never really took the time to think about that before.” I looked at Kyle, who was silently sitting in one of the chairs in front of the desk. “How did you know who you are?”

“I’ve always known,” Kyle said. “Never had crushes on girls. Only other boys. For me, it was pretty obvious.”

“I was never completely sure, but I grew up in a different time,” the Anax said. “I was attracted to guys, but I thought some girls were cute, too. I call myself gay, but some might say I’m bi.”

“I’ve said it,” Kyle muttered.

The Anax glared at him, and Kyle chuckled. I couldn’t help smiling at the interplay between them. They bickered sometimes, but their love for each other was tangible.

“Point being,” the Anax said, “that no one can tell you who you are except yourself, Xavier. If you haven’t thought it through yet, that’s valid too.”

Uncomfortable with the focus on me, I shrugged. “I’m interested in Ren. Do I need to label that? Ren is Ren, he’s my mate, and I don’t want anyone else.”

“You don’t need to label anything.”

Thank gods, I didn’t have to try. The door opened, and Mandeep led Ren and the others in. Ren walked over to stand beside me, and instantly my exasperation ebbed. I reached out to him but didn’t let myself touch him.

Once everyone was settled, the Anax spoke. “You were all in the meeting when Kyle and I talked about Virtual Haven. We need people we can trust to vet those who want to join and to keep an eye on the chats and interactions. We haven’t sorted out all the details yet, but we’d like to know if the five of you would be willing to act as admins or moderators.”

“I’m in,” Jamie said immediately.

“Same,” Russ said. He looked at his partner. “Max?”

Max looked thoughtful, then shook his head. “I appreciate being considered, Anax, but I don’t think I’m suited for something like that.”

“I’ll do it,” Ren said.

I turned to stare at him. He couldn’t take such a huge responsibility when he was still trying to put his own life as a werewolf together. But before I could argue, the Anax said, “Thank you, Ren, Jamie, and Russ. Xavier, you haven’t spoken. Are you willing to take this role?”

I started to refuse. Then it occurred to me that if I accepted, I would be able to help Ren. Protect him. For all I knew, that was why the Anax had offered.

“Yes, Anax, I’m willing,” I said.

He looked pleased. “Thank you, all of you. Max, if you change your mind, just let me know, but I appreciate your honesty in refusing. Kyle and I will give you more information about what we’ll need from you as we firm up our plans. For now, Xavier, I need you to stay while I meet with those who need to meet with me. The rest of you are dismissed.”

“Thank you, Anax.” Max was out of the room before anyone else even moved. Russ gave the Anax an apologetic look and followed, with Jamie right behind him.

Ren hesitated until I said, “I’m still on duty, but I’ll find you before the hunt. Make sure you eat something. It might make shifting easier.”

“Or it might not,” Kyle said. “Some people can’t eat before the hunt. But it doesn’t hurt to have something if you’re able to stomach it.” He stood. “Come with me, Ren. Tobias, I’ll be back, but I want to introduce Ren to a few other people so he has someone to hang out with.”

A pang of jealousy struck me, and I squelched it. Kyle was doing nothing wrong by taking Ren to meet others. Maybe Ren would make some friends. That would be a good thing.

Ren looked at me uncertainly, and I nodded. “No point in sticking around here. I’ll see you later. Before the hunt.”

“All right.” He hesitated. “Thank you, Anax.”

“Thanks for agreeing to be part of Virtual Haven.” The Anax smiled. “Go with Kyle, and take care of yourself until the hunt.”

“Thank you,” Ren said again. He looked at me, an unreadable emotion in his gaze, then followed Kyle out of the room.

The afternoon dragged after that. Most of the arkhons came in to speak with the Anax, and so did several alphas. Updates on the regions and packs. Questions. Complaints. Things that the Anax often handled via phone calls and emails, but now, on site with him, everyone wanted to speak to him face to face.