Page 13 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

I have to. She isn’t happy about any of this. Don’t make it any harder than it has to be.

She smiles when she reaches me, taking my hands in hers. Her smile doesn’t fade, and it looks like there is real joy lurking in her gaze. When she glances at Carson, then the small crowd, she ducks her head just a little and blinks bashfully.

Damn… she’s a good actress.

Carson conducts the ceremony quickly, and we sign the forms. A few other people from both packs have arrived with gifts and to give their blessing, but this is nowhere near as big as an alpha or beta’s wedding.

At the edge of the room, there are a few fold-up tables set up with food and gifts. Leslie and I sit side by side as pack members come forward to congratulate us, including her parents. They don’t say much, just that they are proud of her and hope she does well. From the way Leslie reacts to them, I’m guessing they aren’t close.

There is some decent champagne, and we all toast. The moment overcomes me, and I reach out and take Leslie’s hand, giving it a squeeze. She turns her head sharply towards me, her mouth set in a straight line and her eyes hard. The shock of seeing her so upset rings through me, making sweat break out along my sides. She very carefully removes her hand from mine and turns back to the guests with a smile.

I try not to touch her again after that. We move around a bit, sampling the finger food and mingling, but I don’t actually talk to anyone.

I feel as awkward as a goose at a sock hop.

“Hey,” I hear a voice close beside me and almost jump in shock. It’s Jack, and he laughs softly. “Looks like you got it bad, bro,” he says.

I nod, watching my gorgeous wife laughing and joking with some of the other girls. The sweeping lines of the dress and the draping edges frame her waist, large breasts, and wide hips. My hands are almost aching with desperation, a deep, craving need to stroke and caress those wonderful curves.

“Yeah. I got it bad. I know.”

“Stop looking so down, then! It’s your wedding day… and almost your wedding night.”

I smile, shaking my head. “I have no expectations.”

“Good. That’s a great attitude to have,” Jack says mischievously. “But I’ve seen her checking you out, too, so don’t get too woeful over it.”

“Really?” I ask, feeling a stab of hope. Not that she’ll want me… tonight, or any night. I don’t deserve that. But if she’s ready to talk, maybe I can finally explain.

Jack winks at me. “More than once, I’ve seen her checking you out. She’s got it almost as bad as you do, make no mistake.”

I can’t really answer as Jack walks away. There’s no way I’m going to believe that, even though I know he wouldn’t lie to me.

The reception wraps up, and as I approach Leslie by the doors, Gladys and Decker hand us a gift voucher from one of the most luxurious resorts in the area. They booked us the honeymoon suite as a gift.

“This is exceedingly generous,” I say, looking over the card. I hand it over to Leslie, and she smiles broadly, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

“This is beautiful! Thank you so much, Gladys!”

The two women hug, and Gladys wishes us luck. After we bid the last of our guests goodbye, we head out to my truck.

The moment we are shut into the confined space, I feel the awkwardness return. Leslie’s eager smile disappears completely, and her face goes blank.

I’m too scared to try making conversation. I feel like some kind of masochist. She keeps shutting me down, but I can’t stop going back for more.

I’ve spent most of my life chasing pain. How is this any different?

The staff at the resort greet us warmly and show us to the suite. There is a beautiful platter of finger foods and a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket. The entire suite is luxurious and beautifully furnished.

There is only one bed. I stand in the doorway, staring at it, wondering what I should say to Leslie.

She comes up beside me, and I hear her laugh softly. She’s already taken off her shoes and has a glass of champagne in her hand.

“Don’t worry, Kyle. I won’t make you sleep on the couch, or the floor. The bed is big enough for two.”

I turn to her, my heart full of hope. Maybe she wants to work this out.

Jack said he saw her looking at me. Maybe she wants to—

---