Page 64 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Bride

“I know,” he says, his voice tinged with sadness. “I’m sorry. I wish you didn’t have to go.”

“It’s okay,” I reply, forcing a smile. “I’m ready to go home.”

And it’s true. I’ve seen all I need to see. I’m ready to leave this town, and Reiner, behind.

Chapter 23 - Reiner

My head feels like it’s been trampled by a herd of wild horses, each one stomping a little harder than the last. The morning sun stabs at my eyes as if it has a personal vendetta against me. I’m not usually one to indulge in this level of self-pity, but damn, I feel like shit. And not just because of the hangover.

I lean against the porch railing, watching as the last of the Stardust Hollow shifters load into their trucks. They’ve been with us for two months, and while it hasn’t been the easiest experience, it’s also been rewarding in a lot of ways. We’ve learned a lot from each other, and I think we’ve forged some strong connections.

But now, it’s time for them to go. And with them, Jane.

She’s been distant all morning, and it’s gnawing at me like a festering wound. Every time I’ve tried to catch her eye, she’s looked away, like she can’t stand the sight of me. Maybe she can’t. Hell, I can’t stand the sight of me right now, either.

When I tried to speak to her, she brushed me off, saying she had to go help Piper and her aunt with the final packing. But I know she was really just trying to avoid me.

As I watched her walk away, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was all a mistake. I should’ve told her how I felt. I should’ve been honest with her. But I was a coward, and now I’m going to lose her.

The thought of losing her is almost too much to bear. She’s the first woman I’ve ever really cared about, and I can’t imagine my life without her in it.

I’m still standing on the porch, lost in my thoughts, when Rafe approaches. “You okay, man?” he asks, his voice laced with concern.

“Not really,” I admit, running a hand through my hair. “I fucked up, Rafe. I fucked up big time.”

“What happened?”

I sigh, leaning against the railing. “I was an idiot. I was afraid to admit how I felt about her, and now, she’s gone.”

“You guys can do long-distance,” he suggests.

“Maybe,” I say, my voice heavy with doubt. “But I don’t think that’s what she wants. I think she’s done with me.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” he says, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “She’ll come around. Just give her some time.”

“I hope you’re right,” I mutter, staring at the vehicles as they drive away.

I can’t help but feel that I’m watching my chance at happiness go along with them.

I’m an idiot.

Jack comes trotting over to me, and the entire way, he’s shaking his head. “How could you let her go?” he asks.

“I didn’t let her go,” I say, my voice tight. “I had no choice. She wanted to leave.”

“Bullshit,” he replies, his tone harsh. “You had a choice, and you made the wrong one. You let her go.”

“I didn’t want to hold her back,” I say, trying to defend myself. “She’s young, she has her whole life ahead of her. She doesn’t need to be tied down to an old, broken-down wolf like me.”

He reaches out and gives me a shove, and my hackles rise instantly. “You’re a fucking idiot, you know that? She’s crazy about you, and you’re sitting here, feeling sorry for yourself and letting her get away. You’re a fucking coward.”

Oh, hell, no.

I shove him back, a growl rumbling in my chest. “I’m not a coward. I’m being realistic. She’s better off without me. She deserves someone younger. Someone who can give her the life she wants.”

“You’re a fucking idiot,” he repeats, shoving me again.

My temper is fraying, and I can feel the shift coming on. My claws are itching to come out, and my teeth are aching to bite.

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