Page 43 of Plus-Size Mate

Eddie's lips twitched upwards in a half-smile. “I guess so.”

“If you're walking me back, let's get going. It's turning chilly.”

Still feeling more than a little awkward, Winter turned and started across the lawn, headed for the dirt track that led down the hill and back into town.

Eddie kept pace with her easily, and she was actually surprised by how it felt simply to walk side by side.

There was no talking. In fact, there didn't seem to be any need to talk. At least, not until they were halfway down the hill and Eddie said, “Stop a second.”

“What for?” Winter asked, turning to find Eddie shrugging off his leather jacket.

She was surprised when he wrapped it firmly around her shoulders. “You're shivering.”

“You didn't need to do that,” Winter insisted. “It's only a slight chill.”

“What kind of gentleman would I be if I let you walk home shivering when I don't even really need a jacket?” Eddie asked, his brow furrowing.

Winter gulped at the fluttering in her chest.

“You know, I've never known a werewolf to be a gentleman before.”

Eddie shrugged. “We're out there. Unfortunately, ninety percent of our race let down the team.”

Winter bit her lip but she couldn't stop from asking the question that lingered on her tongue. “Witches and werewolves have been enemies for centuries. Why are you being so kind to me?”

Eddie met her gaze, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

Then, again, he shrugged. “How can you possibly be my enemy when you are my mate?”

Winter's insides quivered at that. It felt good to hear him say it. Why did it feel so damn good to hear him say it?

“We aren't technically mates yet,” she pointed out, her cheeks growing hot with embarrassment.

She thought she saw his own cheeks growing red as he cocked his head and said, “There’ll be plenty of time to correct that in the future now that we don’t have to constantly worry about being attacked. Come on, let's get you home before you catch your death.”

Winter nodded, though in truth, with his jacket on and his body close, she no longer felt the cold at all.

What surprised her even more was that when Eddie silently offered her his hand, she actually took it.

It was sweet, and it felt nice not to be so isolated after days sitting alone in the back room of the Green Cauldron, looking for a way out.

Why was I even looking for one?she thought, glancing at Eddie.

Even in the moonlight, he was handsome as hell, his masculine features brought out by the shadows cast by the moon.

“What are you staring at?” Eddie asked, eyebrow raised.

Clearing her throat, Winter looked away. “Nothing. This just feels so—”

“Surreal?” Eddie asked when she couldn’t quite find the right word.

“Something like that,” Winter said, lifting a shoulder nonchalantly.

They were almost at the shop when Eddie suddenly stopped, pulling her back to him gently with his fingers still entwined in hers.

For a second, she stood close, her chest pressed to his, their eyes locked. And for just that one second, she imagined what it would be like if he kissed her.

Then she noticed the way his nostrils were flaring, and if she had been a full-blooded werewolf, she was certain that her hackles would have risen.

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