Page 63 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Bride

“Afraid?” I repeat, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Please. He’s not afraid of anything. He’s a big, tough wolf. He doesn’t care about me. He’s just using me, and I’m a fool for falling for it.”

“No, you’re not,” Piper insists. “You’re not a fool, and he’s not using you. I don’t know what’s going on in his head, but I know you’re not a fool. You’re the most intelligent, kind, and loving person I’ve ever met, and I’m lucky to have you in my life. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If you want to stay, then stay. Don’t worry about what my parents or anybody else thinks. Stay and fight for what you want. Because if you don’t, you’re going to regret it for the rest of your life.”

I stare at her, my mind reeling. Is she right? Am I making a mistake?

“But what if he doesn’t feel the same way?” I ask, voicing my deepest fear.

“Then he’s an idiot,” she replies, her tone firm. “And you’re better off without him. But I don’t think that’s the case. The best thing you can do for yourself right now is shove yourpride to the wayside and go talk to him. Tell him how you feel. Be honest. If he doesn’t feel the same way, you’ll have closure. And if he does, you’ll have the chance to start a real relationship, the kind that’s based on honesty and communication. You owe it to yourself, Jane. Take a risk. You might be surprised by what happens.”

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. She’s right. I have to try. I have to at least give us a shot.

“Okay,” I say, steeling myself. “But I have no idea where he is.”

“I just got off the phone with Rafe right before you got here. The two of them were headed to the bar. It’s not far from here. I’ll drive you.”

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “I need to do this alone. I can drive myself.”

She gives me a skeptical look but finally nods. “Okay, but call me if you need anything. I’ll be up late.”

“Thanks,” I say, giving her a quick hug. “For everything.”

She squeezes me back, and I can feel her smile. “Go get him, tiger.”

I grin and pull away, feeling a surge of hope and determination. I can do this. I can tell him how I feel. I can fight for what I want.

I head to the door, my heart pounding in my chest. This is it. This is my moment.

As I step outside into the cool night air, a million thoughts are racing through my mind. I’m not sure what I’m going to say, but I know I have to say something. I have to try.

When I reach the car, I pause, taking a deep breath. I can do this. I can be brave.

The drive to the bar is short, and soon I’m pulling into the parking lot. My hands are shaking, and I can feel my palms sweating.

I look at the bar, and I can see the lights and hear the music spilling out onto the street. There are people milling around outside, smoking and laughing. It’s a lively scene, but all I can think about is what I’m about to do.

I take another deep breath, steadying my nerves. I can do this. I can face him. I can tell him how I feel.

I get out of the car and make my way to the entrance. The bouncer barely glances at me before waving me in. Scanning the crowd, I search for Reiner. When I finally spot him, he’s surrounded by his packmates, laughing and joking and having the time of his life.

My stomach twists into a knot. How can he be so carefree when I’m feeling so conflicted? He doesn’t even seem to care that I’m leaving tomorrow. If he’s bothered by my leaving, even a little, he’s hiding it well.

I watch him for a few moments, my heart sinking. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe he doesn’t care about me the way I care about him. Maybe I’m the only one who’s going to be hurting when I leave.

I’m not sure how long I stand there watching him, but eventually, I decide that I can’t do this. I can’t confront him, not here, not now. Not when he’s so clearly enjoying himself.

I turn and walk away, my heart breaking with every step.

I’m halfway to the door when I hear someone call my name. I stop, my hand on the door handle. I don’t want to turn around.

Jack’s voice is loud and clear. “Jane, wait!”

I close my eyes, trying to compose myself. I don’t want him to see me like this, but I can’t just ignore him.

“Yeah?” I reply, my voice shaky.

I hear him approach, and I can feel his presence behind me. “What are you doing here?” he asks, his voice gentle.

I’m not about to tell him that I was looking for his cousin to profess my undying love, only to find him living it up, so I lie. “I just wanted to see the town one more time,” I say. “I’m leaving tomorrow.”

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