Page 68 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Bride

I take a step forward, then another, my boots crunching on the gravel as I make my way toward the tree line. The path to Green Lake is familiar, even though I’ve only driven it once. My wolf is keen to run, to shift and cover the distance in minutes, but I force myself to stay in human form for now. I need to keepmy wits about me, especially when I don’t know what—or who—might be out here.

As I move deeper into the forest, the trees close in around me. Their branches form a canopy over my head that filters the sunlight into patterns on the forest floor. It should feel peaceful, but there’s an unease prickling at the edges of my awareness. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and I slow my pace, listening.

A twig snaps somewhere to my left, and I freeze, my heart leaping into my throat. I strain to hear more, but all that follows is silence—too much silence. My wolf snarls inside me, urging me to turn and run, but I stay put, forcing myself to think. I know what that sound means. I’m not alone out here.

I start walking again, slower this time, keeping my movements relaxed as if I’m just another hiker enjoying a stroll through the woods. But every nerve in my body is on high alert, and I can sense the presence of others nearby. My senses sharpen, and I catch the faintest scent of something unfamiliar—wild, predatory. It sends a shiver down my spine.

Rogues.

My stomach drops, and I quicken my pace, trying to keep my breathing steady. I’ve heard the stories, seen the aftermath of what rogue shifters can do when they’re desperate enough. My wolf is itching for a fight, but I know better. There are at least two of them, maybe more, and I can’t take them on by myself. Not out here, not without backup.

I need to be smart about this. I need to lead them somewhere, anywhere I might have a chance. I know Evan has ordered round-the-clock patrols of Green Lake territory. Their scouts are out here somewhere. The thought of running back to Reiner, of possibly leading these rogues right to him and theothers, makes my stomach churn, but what choice do I have? If I keep going down this path, I’ll be vulnerable and alone when they decide to make their move.

I keep walking, trying to keep my pace steady. My mind races, weighing my options. The path I’m on will take me closer to the area where Reiner and the guys were supposed to be scouting. It’s a gamble, hoping that they’ll still be there, that I’ll be able to lead these rogues right into a trap, but it’s the only shot I’ve got.

I veer off the main path, taking a narrow trail that cuts deeper into the forest. The undergrowth is thicker here, which means it’ll be more difficult for them to give chase should they decide to. I push on, ignoring the growing sense of dread that’s gnawing at me, focusing instead on putting one foot in front of the other.

The rustling behind me grows louder, and I know they’re getting closer. My wolf is pacing. Her growls are a constant rumble in my chest, but I force her to stay in check. We can’t afford to lose control now, not when we’re so close. I just need to keep them on my trail a little longer.

As I weave through the trees, I keep my ears open for any sign that Reiner or someone else might be nearby. There’s a scurrying sound behind me, and the scent of the rogues grows stronger. I quicken my pace, my breath coming in short bursts as I maneuver around the thick trunks and overgrown roots. I can almost hear their full footsteps now, closing in behind me, the thrill of the hunt spurring them on. But I’m not their prey. Not yet.

My eyes scan the area ahead, searching for any sign of movement, anything that might indicate I’m nearing the scouting area. And then, just as I’m about to lose hope, I catcha glimpse of something—a flash of movement up ahead, barely perceptible but enough to make my heart leap.

Dear God, I hope it’s Reiner.

Chapter 25 - Reiner

“Look, isn’t that them?” Gael points to a row of white vans pulled off on the shoulder of the highway.

“Yeah,” I say, my pulse kicking up a notch. “That’s the caravan.”

Jack steps forward, his gaze sweeping over the vehicles. “Do you think they’ve stopped for a rest, or do you think something has happened? Maybe the rogues…”

“No,” I cut him off, shaking my head. “If the rogues had found them, we’d know it. There’d be bodies everywhere.”

“Well, then, what are they doing?”

“I don’t know,” I say, a wave of frustration washing over me. “Pull over, and we’ll find out. I’m tired of guessing.”

With a nod, Gael pulls the truck onto the shoulder of the road, parking a few yards away from the caravan. I hop out, not waiting for the others, and stride toward the nearest van. As I approach, I see a handful of people milling around the vehicles, but no sign of Jane.

“Hey!” I call out, waving at one of the men. “Which van belongs to the James’? I’m looking for Jane.”

The man, a tall, broad-shouldered guy with a thick beard, points forward. “Second van from the front,” he replies. “But you just missed Jane. She hopped out a few miles back.”

“What?” I bark, my heart hammering in my chest. “Why would she do that?”

“Beats me,” he answers with a shrug. “You’d have to ask Gwen and Richard. Thought it was a little odd myself, but-”

I don’t wait for him to finish; I’m already sprinting toward the second van, my feet pounding against the pavement. I can’t believe she would do something so reckless, so stupid. And all for what? She knows there are rogues out here, and she decided to go wandering off by herself?

I tear open the door to the second van, not caring that I’m causing a scene. “Where is she?” I demand, my voice rough with emotion.

Richard is in the middle of stuffing a handful of chips into his mouth, and he nearly chokes when he sees me.

“Reiner!” Gwen calls from the second row. “What on earth are you doing here? Is everything okay?”

I ignore her questions, my eyes fixed on her mate. “I want to know where Jane is.”

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