Page 52 of Plus-Size Mate

Eddie's chest tightened as the alpha answered. The second he heard Will’s voice, he knew something was wrong.

“Sorry to bother you, Jack, but we have a bit of a situation on our hands.”

“What is it?” Jack demanded, and Eddie barely managed to stop himself from asking if it was something to do with Christopher.

Releasing Winter's hand, he balled both hands into fists, prepared to leave the second he heard the news. She, too, stiffened as if preparing for the worst.

“We have a visitor. Kane's sister.”

Jack's brow rose and Eddie felt the same sense of confusion he saw on his alpha’s face.

“So? We've had werewolves visit from other packs before,” Jack pointed out before quickly adding, “Is she hurt?”

Eddie heard the way that Will cleared his throat. More than that, he thought he heard him shuffling a little as if he was uncomfortable.

“That's just it, Jack, she's not a werewolf,” Will said, and Eddie's blood ran instantly cold as he finished, “She's human.”

Chapter 18 - Winter

Seeing the paled looks on both of the men's faces, Winter was certain that Eddie had overheard whatever Will had said on the other end of the phone.

Feeling entirely in the dark, the moment Jack finished the call, she asked, “What's the matter? Why do you both look as if you've seen a ghost?”

A look passed between Jack and Eddie, one that Winter didn't like one damn bit.

“I have to go,” Jack said, placing the mug on the counter. “Thanks for the coffee, Winter.”

“Let me grab my boots,” Eddie said, and Winter’s heart sank. After everything, was he really about to rush off? Emergency or not, it felt more than a little disappointing.

“No,” Jack said, surprising them both. “This is technically your honeymoon. I think I can handle this one.”

Eddie looked like he was about to protest, but then he glanced in her direction and his expression softened. Looking back at Jack, he said, “You'll call me if you need me?”

“Of course,” Jack promised. Smiling, he added, “Don't be havingtoomuch fun.”

With a wink, Jack turned and started out of the kitchen.

“I'll see you out,” Eddie offered, but as Jack hit the threshold of the kitchen door, he waved his hand in a rejecting manner.

“I can see myself out.”

And with that, he was gone.

Winter listened for the alpha's footsteps until she heard him open and close the front door of the apartment. Then she waited a few seconds longer in the hopes he would be out of listening range before she asked, “What was that all about?”

Eddie turned to her and shrugged. “It's just pack business.”

“If it's an emergency, I think I've earned the right to know what's going on,” Winter pointed out, her stomach twisting. Did he not trust her? “I am technically part of the pack now as your mate, am I not?”

At that, Eddie blinked in surprise. “I hadn't really thought of it that way, but I guess you are.”

“Then please, tell me, what is going on,” Winter said, stepping closer to him. She hooked her fingers into the front of his t-shirt and pulled him close.

In response, Eddie wrapped one arm around the small of her back while he reached up with his free hand and stroked her hair back behind her ear. “Really, it's nothing for you to worry about.”

Winter cocked her head, furrowing her brow. “Why won't you tell me?”

Eddie flinched. “It's not that big a deal.”

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