Page 82 of Plus-Size Mate

“That being said, until he makes another move, there isn't much we can do,” Jack announced, and rising to his feet, he sighed, “I want everyone back to usual duties. Return to your homes and go about your business. But stay on the lookout for anything suspicious.”

The other pack members started to nod, grumbling agreement, though none of them looked best pleased about the latest development.

“You're all dismissed,” Jack stated, as if there was nothing left to be said, and several of the wolves started to exit the room. It was only as Winter began to follow Eddie out that the alpha called, “Ed, Winter, stay behind a moment, would you?”

Winter gulped. Was this going to be bad?

After all her failures in helping them find Christopher, was she about to receive some form of punishment from the alpha?

Gritting her teeth, she clutched Eddie's hand just a little tighter, waiting for the room to empty out.

“Is everything alright?” Eddie asked as soon as the door closed behind Layla.

Jack nodded and dropped back down into his seat, as if he had lost all the energy remaining in him. Sighing deeply, he said, “I just wanted an update on Karena.”

Winter breathed a deep exhale of relief.

“I've been keeping an eye on her,” Winter assured him. “So far, I've seen no signs that the potion hasn't taken full effect. I think on that front, we're safe.”

The look of relief on the alpha's face eased Winter’s own worries.

“That's something, at least,” Jack said, his voice tired. “You can go.”

He waved them out as if he barely had the energy to lift his hand.

“You should get some rest too, Jack,” Winter suggested. She was about to continue when she felt Eddie's hand on the small of her back.

“Come on,” her mate whispered in her ear. “He won't listen.”

It wasn't until they had left the room, the door firmly closed behind them that Winter asked, “Why?”

Eddie smiled almost sadly at that. “Jack takes everything to heart. To him, Christopher's escape is his failure and his alone. It's part of being alpha.”

Winter cringed. Somehow, she felt she knew somewhat what that weight might feel like.

Since the first locator spell had failed, she had been feeling much the same way.

“Now,” Eddie said, gripping her hips and pulling her in close. “You heard Jack. He told us all to go home.”

Smiling like a little schoolgirl, feeling a little giddy, Winter wrapped her arms around Eddie's neck. “Your place or mine?”

Eddie scowled at that. Picking her up into his arms, he growled, “The shop is your mom's place. You belong here now. You belong to me, with me.”

Winter's heart skipped a beat.

She had never liked the thought of belonging to anyone before. Not until now. Just hearing those words from his lips made her quiver.

And as he started to walk, carrying her in his arms as he had taken to doing at least once a day, Winter asked, “Where exactly are you taking me?”

“Where do you think?” Eddie growled playfully, and a thrill ran through Winter. Whenever he picked her up like this, they always ended up in the same place: bed.

Arriving there quickly, Winter found herself on her back, Eddie on top of her.

“I could get used to this,” Eddie growled playfully, kissing hard.

“Don't get too used to it. We'll have to get out of bed sometime,” Winter chuckled.

“Not anytime soon,” Eddie responded, already helping her out of her jeans.

---