Page 5 of Plus-Size Mate

It felt ridiculous to him. All they'd done was remove a horrendous pack alpha from power in order to save their own hides, incidentally freeing the townsfolk in the process.

He wouldn't exactly say there was anything heroic about that.

“I guess it doesn't take much to be famous in a small town like this,” he said, half-laughing.

“I guess not,” Winter responded, and the edge to her voice set Eddie's nerves scattering again. “You can tell Jack I'll respond as soon as I'm able.”

With that, Winter plucked the letter from the envelope, and as if she was done with him, she swept back behind the beaded curtain into the backroom.

An odd empty feeling grew in the pit of Eddie’s stomach as he watched her go. Perhaps it was because that was the longest conversation he'd had with a woman since the night Carly had invited him over for a nightcap almost three months earlier.

Maybe it was because, even in a pack full of members, he was lonely as hell. Watching all of his closest friends—the men he had come to know as brothers—pairing off to mate was almost too much to bear.

Things were changing, and they were changing fast. Feeling as if he was being left behind by the men he had risked his life for time and time again wasn't the best in the world.

But to feel this, this attraction, towards a damnwitchwas taking things way too far.

It's the damn smell of this place,he thought, yanking open the door to get a breath of fresh air.It's messing with my head.

Chapter 2 - Winter

Winter didn't read Jack's letter until she had settled into the thick leather chair at her mother's desk in the storeroom.

She was curious to see what the big, bad alpha wolf could possibly want with her mother. Of course, he wasn't really bad, but he could certainly act it sometimes. Being an alpha looked difficult, and with so many werewolves in town, it wasn't hard to understand why. They could be quite an unruly bunch if they weren't led by the right person.

She had seen enough of the damage that could be caused by their kind. Karl Ryker and his cronies had done a real number on the people of Nightstar before Jack turned up. And though Winter, encouraged by her mother, was grateful to the new pack leader and his friends, she wasn't so sure that getting involved in pack business was very smart.

And with that thought at the front of her mind, she unfolded the letter that Eddie had handed to her, taking a moment to remember his hesitation at putting it in her hands.

What was in this letter that made him hesitate so? Why had his handsome face been so twisted up with concern? And what the hell was all that about hisfriend?

She scoffed at that last part. She might not have been psychic, but something told her there was no friend. The drawn look on Eddie's face as he'd asked her about love potions and the like had told her as much.

What did that really matter to her, though? She shoved all thoughts of that away. What really mattered was whatever this damn letter contained.

Dear Wylla,

I hope this letter finds you and yours well. I first wish to thank you for your continued service to the people of Nightstar. Layla tells me business has been booming of late, and though I know you are a very busy woman, I wish to prevail upon you in a matter of the utmost importance.

Winter paused in reading, her lips pursed. Who the hell was this Jack to her mother, exactly? Why was he being so damn formal? What did he want?

Whatever it was, Winter had a bad feeling that something serious was about to go down.

Clearing her throat, she blinked and found the place in the letter where she had left off.

Nightstar, though safe for now, is in serious trouble. I am sure you are aware of the threat that has been plaguing our town since we rid the place of the previous pack alpha.

And I fear I must ask for your help and continued service in protecting Nightstar and all who dwell within.

If you would come to the manor at your earliest convenience, I would be happy to discuss this in greater detail.

Sincerely,

Jack Blackwell

Winter read the letter a few times. There was nothing greatly concerning, no giant and current threat that needed to be handled immediately. And yet, the feeling in Winter’s gut told her that this invitation couldn't wait until her mother returned.

After all, she didn't really have any idea how long that would be.

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