Page 11 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Bride

“So, when did this happen?” she asks.

“Just a couple days ago.”

“Yeah, right. You two look like you’ve been into each other for longer than a few days.”

Okay, time for a little half-truth. “Well, it’s complicated. We met last year, when he came to Stardust Hollow. We kissed, but nothing else happened. And then we just met again recently. There’s not much more to it than that.”

She squints at me like she’s trying to dissect what I’ve just said. “I don’t know. Something feels off.”

Of course, it does. Because why would someone who looks like Reiner just go for someone like me? She’s not saying it aloud, but she’s thinking it.

“Believe it or not,” I say with a firm tone, “not all guys are only interested in women who look like runway models.”

Her eyes go wide, and her hand darts out to settle on my arm. “Oh my God, no. That’s not what I meant at all.”

“Sure it’s not. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to grab another drink and do my best to forget this whole night.”

Sonya grabs my forearm as I try to turn and leave. She fixes me with this serious expression. “You are so beautiful, Jane. Inside and out. I’ve never thought any differently. Any guy would be so lucky to have you.”

I sigh, rubbing my forehead. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions like that. It’s just so easy to do when you’ve spent your entire life being told otherwise. “Look, I’m sorry, I… I know it’s sudden, it feels crazy, but…” I decide to wing it, just roll with the whole thing. “Reiner makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. Being with him, it’s just, it’s everything. No one else comes close.”

One eyebrow shoots up her forehead. “Wow, that’s very poetic. I love this for you, Jane. I really do. I’m glad you found someone.”

Guilt squeezes my guts like a boa constrictor. Here she is, being genuine and emotional, and I’m here bullshitting her to her face.

Good God, I hate myself right now.

Chapter 5 - Reiner

Last night was weird as hell. I can admit that. Seeing everyone together, lying through my teeth like I was… I’m so fucking glad this isn’t going to last forever. At least Jane and I were able to tolerate each other at the party. Things didn’t go south like I expected. Small blessings, I guess.

Though, I’m at a loss for what to do now. Have we got the deception down pat? Can we pull this off? Maybe. But what if we have a big fight and she decides to out the whole damn lie in anger? People can get vindictive, and hell, this is my family and pack. I can’t risk them finding out I’ve faked this. All we have to do is make it two months, and then she’ll be back in Stardust Hollow and we can blame the distance and go our separate ways.

I crack an egg into a skillet, the yellow yolk sizzling in a welcome hiss, then place the shells in the compost bin for the garden. Looking around my little cabin, I can admit it’s not much to look at. The walls are wood slats, bare except for a few deer antlers and other hunting trophies my father and I collected when he was still alive. The floor is covered in pine boards. He took great care to treat it regularly so that it remains soft and pale, and it reminds me of honey with its deep color. A fireplace is surrounded by a single, dark gray pillow and bearskin rug, and off to the left is a window set above the kitchen sink so I can look out over the tree line while I do dishes.

Somehow, I can’t imagine a girl like Jane feeling at home here, and there’s no way in hell I’d like to move to her territory to live like a city boy. No, there’s no plausible future where we work out, even with all this fake relationship nonsense, though I have to admit I’ve got the oddest pull in the pit of my stomach when she’s near. Like it feels right to have her close. Strange. Very strange, indeed.

It’s probably just… hunger. I haven’t had sex in a hot minute; maybe I’m just craving some female attention. Physical attention.

Right? Yeah, yeah. Has to be.

I slide my finished eggs onto a plate and toss it on the table. As I pull on the back of the chair to sit, a pounding starts on my front door. Sitting up straighter, I glance at the clock and try to figure out who the hell could be on my porch at nine in the morning on a Sunday. A quick sniff of the air answers that question, and I run a hand down my face before making my way to the door.

Cherry blossom and vanilla assault my nostrils as I swing it open. There stands Jane, her lips pulled into a scowl, her jaw clenched tight, and her arms across her chest, pushing her breasts up until they’re almost bursting from her white tank top. Leggings hug every curve of her thick legs, and holy fuck, do I want to strip her of those right now.

Dammit, stop. Get yourself together.

“It’s a Sunday,” I tell her.

“I realize that.”

“The day of rest. No arguing allowed.”

“Well, today’s the exception because we’re arguing.”

I let out a groan as I step aside, letting her in. Better that than the neighbors listening in. A lover’s squabble is one thing; it’s the content of this particular squabble that I’d rather people weren’t privy to.

“How did you even find out where I live? Last I checked, I never gave you this address.”

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