Page 61 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

“We are coming for your pack,” he says, almost whispering. “All of us. The foray into Silverton was just a light run, testing the waters. It wasn’t a full show of strength. We did pretty well there, I think. Crunched up one of your boys like mincemeat.”

“You shut your fucking mouth!” I roar, starting to charge at him.

Leslie grabs my arm and shakes her head, begging me not to fight. It takes all my strength to hold myself back.

Rider laughs. “We’re coming for you. All of us, even me. And like I said, Jethro has something special planned for you.”

He gives Leslie a wink and blows her a kiss. I clench my fists so hard, my knuckles crack.

“See you soon,” Rider says. “Sooner than you think… in the shadow of Mount Sneffels!”

He turns and runs. I leap after him, but Leslie holds me back.

“Don’t! Don’t do it, Kyle,” she begs me. “We have to get back. We have to warn Bailey right now!”

“You’re right,” I whisper, watching the thick scrub where Rider disappeared. I know she’s right, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to chase Rider down and make him pay for everything he just said.

“Come on,” Leslie says, tugging on my hand.

I let her lead me away, my head spinning with all the threats Rider just made, and with the memories of our friendship that will echo in my mind for the rest of my life.

Chapter 22 - Leslie

The drive back to Silver Meadows goes by in a blur. We just ran straight back to the car and took off. Rider didn’t exactly set a time, but I’m guessing the attack will begin not long after he gets back to the pack.

That means the attack could be as early as tomorrow!

Shelley’s back room is crowded with bodies. Kyle called Bailey as we left Montrose, and everyone was assembled by the time we got back. All the elders are here, as well as many prominent pack members.

While Kyle goes to check in with Bae, I meet Gina and Lena at the side tables. Lena hands me a cup of tea, and I take it gratefully, warming my hands on the cup.

“Are you alright?” Gina asks, rubbing my shoulder. “I heard Kyle had a stand-off with one of the guys he used to know from Sawpit and that’s how you got the information.”

I nod, taking a small sip of tea. “Yeah, he was tailing us for a while, I think. It got pretty ugly, but there was no outright fighting.”

I decide not to tell them that the reason they didn’t fight is because the alpha—Jethro—has something worse prepared for Kyle.

“Okay, well, it’s been a bit hectic here,” Gina says. “We were all ready for a hit on Silverton after last time. This information is very valuable. It gives us time to prepare.”

“Do you know why this guy would help you?” Lena asks. “I mean, Kyle said it was his friend, but I don’t know. It could be bullshit.”

I nod slowly. “Of course it could be. But there was something between the two of them that was plain to see. Rider said it was his last act of friendship to Kyle, in honor of what they shared. If Kyle trusts it, so do I.”

Gina nods, reaching out to rub my shoulder. From behind us, Bae calls out and addresses the room, letting everyone know it’s time to head out to their posts.

“We have Kelta running point in the woods,” Bae announces. “Since the shadow of Mount Sneffels was mentioned, we need to cover this side of the forest. There will be a relay of wolves through that area leading right back to our meeting point at the edge of town. Security teams will be stationed at all major crossroads. Everyone, maintain constant communication. Any questions?”

“Yes,” Kyle asks. “Where do you want me, Bailey?”

Bae waves at the crowd, and they begin to disperse. I head over to them as Bae puts a hand on Kyle’s shoulder.

“I want you to go home and rest, my friend.”

“But—but I can help!”

“Of course you can. But you shouldn’t have to. You’ve been through hell, and I want you to rest.”

“I could draw them out,” Kyle says, his words slicing through me like cold, sharp ice. “They’ll come for me.”

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