Page 34 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Bride

“I’m fine,” he says. “Just a few cuts and scrapes.”

“He was lucky,” the woman says. “If this gash had been just a few centimeters to the left, it could’ve hit his heart.”

“Don’t scare her,” Reiner chides her. “It’s not that bad.”

“Not that bad?” the woman echoes. “You almost died. If you’d been human, you would’ve.”

“Well, thank god I’m not,” he mutters.

“I’m sorry,” I say, stepping forward. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I’m Jane. I’m Reiner’s girlfriend.”

I hold out my hand, and the woman shakes it. “I’m Clara. I’m the healer.”

“Nice to meet you,” I say. “Thank you for taking care of him.”

“It’s my job,” she says. “But you’re welcome. I just have a couple more bandages to apply, and then he’s good to go.”

“I’ll do it,” I offer before I can stop myself.

Clara gives me a strange look, and I can’t blame her. I’m acting like a crazy person. I’m sure I look like a crazy person. I have zero medical training, and she’s the healer, but as stupid as it sounds, I don’t want her touching him.

“I can do it,” I repeat. “I’m his girlfriend. I should be the one to do it.”

“Okay,” Clara agrees after a moment. “I’ll go grab the supplies.”

I watch her leave and then turn to Reiner. “I’m sorry. I probably shouldn’t have come. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I’m glad you did.” He flashes me a smile, and my knees go weak. “I’m fine, really. It’s just a few scratches. I’ll be back to normal in no time.”

He sits up and reaches for me, pulling me between his legs so I’m standing between his thighs. He’s looking up at me,and I’m so aware of his bare chest. My hands glide across his shoulders, and I’m careful not to touch his wounds.

“Does it hurt?”

“Nah,” he says. “I’ve had worse. I’ll be fine.”

“I was so scared,” I admit. “When I heard you were hurt, I was so scared.”

“I’m fine,” he assures me, cupping my cheek. “I’m okay. Everything is okay.”

My eyes fall to his lips, and I lean in, unable to resist. I press my mouth to his, and he lets out a soft groan. His fingers tangle in my hair, and he deepens the kiss, his tongue sliding against mine. But then, just as quickly as it started, he pulls away, and my heart sinks.

“Jane,” he whispers. “We shouldn’t.”

Of course we shouldn’t. Because there’s no one around to see, so what’s the point? I take a step back, reminding myself of my place here. None of this is real. This is all pretend, a means to an end, and there’s no point in acting if there is no audience.

“Right,” I agree. “Sorry.”

He opens his mouth to say something, but before he does, Clara reenters the room.

“Here are some bandages and ointment,” she explains, handing them to me. “He will heal pretty quickly, but in the meantime, you’ll want to change the dressings and reapply the salve twice a day. If you need anything, just stop by. I’ll be around.”

“Thanks, Clara,” he says.

She smiles and nods, and I’m grateful she’s not sticking around to witness this awkward moment.

“Let me help you with those,” I tell him, reaching for the bandage.

“I can do it,” he says.

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