Page 23 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Bride

Jane climbs off my lap, and I stand up, adjusting my slacks and praying they have enough give to keep my boner hidden.

“Nonsense,” her uncle says. “You boys are more than welcome to stay the night. We have plenty of room. You know how dangerous it can be out there so late.”

Gwen nods. “Besides, we have a very special breakfast tradition, and now that you boys are part of the family, we’d love for you to join us.”

“Oh no, it’s quite all right,” I say quickly. “We-”

“Nonsense,” Gwen insists. “Reiner, you can stay with Jane in her room, and Jack, I can make up the couch for you. It’s a pull-out.”

“That’s very nice of you, but I don’t want to intrude,” I argue.

“You’re not intruding,” Richard says. “You’re family now, and we’d love to have you.”

Family.

The word hangs in the air, and I’m not sure how to respond.

“Okay, well, if you’re sure,” I relent, and I’m not sure why I say it. I don’t know why I’m agreeing. I should be running for the hills. The truth is, I’m not certain I can sleep next to Jane and be respectful of her family’s hospitality.

Chapter 10 - Jane

If my eyes could shoot lasers, this whole trailer would be up in flames.

It was bad enough that I had to spend the whole evening pretending to be dating Reiner, but now I’m supposed to let him sleep in my room? If Aunt Gwen doesn’t think I know what she’s up to, she’s got another thing coming. Those two have taken meddling to a new level, and I’m not sure I can take it anymore.

Okay, so fine. Reiner wasn’t completely intolerable tonight. He was kind of… sweet. When he opened up to me out on the porch about his family and his childhood, I couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for him. I mean, I’m not excusing his behavior, but I can understand why he’s such an ass. It’s a coping mechanism. A way to protect himself.

And the way he interacted with my family, it was almost like he was interested. Like he wanted to know everything about them. About me.

Still, that doesn’t mean I want to share a bed with him.

He’s tried to get out of it, so I can’t blame him. Maybe I can talk some sense into them.

“Aunt Gwen,” I begin, “I’m sure Reiner and Jack would be much more comfortable at their own house in their own beds. I don’t think it’s necessary for them to stay the night.”

“Don’t be silly,” she replies. “We’d love to have them. Besides, I don’t want to hear they’ve gotten hurt because you went out in the middle of the night. It’s not safe.”

“It’s perfectly safe,” I protest. “It’s their town—they know it. I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

Uncle Richard rubs his chin with his knuckles and says, “I didn’t want to say anything, but I heard some gossip in town today. Someone said there’s rogues running around, and I’d hate to think of you out there, unprotected.”

“Rogues?” I question, and my mind immediately goes to what Reiner told me about what happened to his parents. “What do you mean?”

“Just rumors,” he says. “But it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Okay, obviously I don’t want something horrible happening to them, but the idea of being locked in a room with Reiner all night still makes me nervous. What if I snore? Or drool? Or, oh god, what if I fart?

“But what about poor Jack?” I try. “Look at him, he’s huge! He’s not going to be comfortable on the couch.”

Jack shakes his head. “I’ll be fine. I’ve slept on worse.”

“See?” Aunt Gwen says to me. “It’s all settled. Now, we’re going to head to bed. You kids have fun.”

I want to scream and kick something until they listen to me, but I also realize that if I protest anymore, it’s going to raise some questions. What she-wolf who is head-over-heels for her boyfriend would object so much to sleeping in the same bed with him?

Dammit. I’m trapped.

“Come on,” I sigh, and I turn to lead Reiner down the hall.

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