Page 35 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Bride

“I’m sure you can, but I’m here and I want to do it. Please?”

He sighs and nods. “Okay. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

I get to work applying the bandages, and he watches me. I can feel his eyes on me, and I’m suddenly nervous. My hands are shaking, and my breath is coming out in short, choppy bursts. I can’t focus on what I’m doing.

“Jane, I-”

“Oh my goodness, you poor boy!” Aunt Gwen rushes into the room, followed closely by Uncle Richard. She hurries to the bed and gathers him in a hug, ignoring the way he winces. “I’m so sorry! I’m so glad you’re okay!”

“Aunt Gwen, careful,” I caution her. “He’s hurt.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry,” she says, releasing him. “I’m just so relieved. I’m so happy you’re okay.”

“I’m fine,” Reiner says. “Really. I’m okay.”

“What happened?” Uncle Richard asks.

“Some rogues have been spotted in the area, and we were trying to track them down. We were ambushed, and they nearly killed us. We were lucky. We all got out of there and made it home. Can’t say the same for all of them.”

“This is a nightmare!” Aunt Gwen exclaims. “See? We told you the other night, didn’t we? It’s not safe out there. The rogues are getting bolder. They’re attacking our people, and they’re killing them. They’re not going to stop until everyone is dead.”

“We’re working on it,” Reiner assures her. “We’ll catch them.”

“They’re rogues,” Uncle Richard says. “They’re not like the rest of us. They don’t follow the rules. They don’t care about the treaty or the peace we’ve had for the last century. They’re wild, and they’re dangerous, and they’re not going to stop.”

“You’re right,” Reiner agrees. “But we’ll stop them. We’ll make sure they can’t hurt anyone else.”

“But they-”

“Guys,” I intercede, “maybe we should talk about this later. Reiner is still healing. He shouldn’t be stressed.”

“You’re right,” Aunt Gwen says. “I’m sorry, I got a little carried away. I’m just so worried. I don’t know what we’d do if something happened to you, Reiner. You’re like a son to me. Ever since Jane brought you home, I’ve felt like you were a part of the family.”

Guilt twists in my gut. It’s going to break her heart when this is all over.

“I’m fine,” he says. “I promise. I’ll heal up in no time. I’ll be back to normal soon.”

“Good,” she says. “And until then, you’ll be staying with us. I insist. Jane will help you, and if you need anything, I’ll be there, too. We’ll make sure you have everything you need.”

“That’s not necessary,” he protests. “I’m not an invalid. I can take care of myself.”

“Nonsense,” she insists. “You’re injured. You’re staying with us.”

He looks to me for help, but I shrug. I can’t argue with her. I’m not even sure I want to.

“Fine,” he concedes. “But only until I’m better.”

“Of course,” my aunt agrees. “Now, let’s get you home.”

Well, I guess that’s settled. I’m moving in with a boyfriend I’m not really dating.

Great.

Chapter 13 - Reiner

If you told me a month ago that I’d be living in a house with a girl who was pretending to be my girlfriend, I would’ve laughed in your face. But here I am, sitting on her couch, arguing with her about where I’m going to sleep.

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