Page 44 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Bride

“Bullshit,” he counters. “You’ve been sulking all night. What’s going on with you? Something happen with my cousin? I thought you two were hitting it off. Figured you guys would show up together.”

I have no idea what to say to him because I don’t know what Jane has been telling people. For all I know, she’s run around telling everybody we broke up. If our stories don’t match up, it’s going to be obvious that something is wrong, and Lenny’s been skeptical of our relationship from the start.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I finally say, hoping that will shut him up.

“Oh, come on,” he says. “I’m not going to tell anyone. I’m not a gossip. I’m just worried about her. She’s my family, and I care about her. I know you do, too. So, talk to me. Maybe I can help.”

I raise an eyebrow and glance at him for the first time. “Why would you do that? I thought you hated the idea of us dating. You’ve made your opinion on the matter pretty clear.”

He sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “I don’t hate the idea of you guys dating,” he admits. “I just don’t want to see her get hurt. She’s been through a lot, and the last thing she needs is some asshole playing with her heart.”

“I’m not playing with her,” I insist, and I know I sound defensive, but at least on the next point, I don’t have to lie. “Icare about her, Lenny. More than I’ve ever cared about anyone. I’m not going to hurt her. I would never do that.”

“Look, man, I believe you,” he says, holding up his hands. “I can see that you’re serious. I can see the way you look at her. That’s why I’m here, talking to you. Because I can tell you’re hurting. And I know you’re not the kind of guy who likes to talk about his feelings, but it might help to get them off your chest. Sometimes, it’s easier to talk to a stranger, and I’m the closest thing to a stranger you’ve got in this town. I know we’ve gone out on missions together, but we haven’t exactly been chummy, right?”

“Maybe that’s true,” I concede, “but you’re also Jane’s cousin. That means you aren’t impartial. You’re not going to listen to me objectively. You’re going to take her side.”

“Maybe,” he agrees, “but maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe you need to hear someone else’s perspective. Someone who isn’t involved in your history.”

I hesitate, unsure if I want to pour my heart out to him. But then I think about Jane, and the pain in my chest grows. I can’t keep going like this.

When I open my mouth to let it all pour out, that’s when I see her. She’s standing over by the beer pong table with Piper and Sonya, laughing and having a good time. She’s wearing a simple black dress that hugs her curves and shows off her cleavage. Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and her makeup is subtle and natural. I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful.

“Shit,” I mutter, tearing my gaze away from her.

“What?” Lenny asks, following my gaze.

“She’s here,” I say, and I know I don’t have to elaborate.

“Ah,” he says, nodding. “I see. Well, you’re going to have to talk to her eventually, so you might as well do it now.”

“I can’t,” I insist.

“Why not?”

“Because I can’t,” I repeat, my tone harsher than I intended.

“Fine,” Lenny says, holding his hands up. “I won’t push, but you’re going to have to deal with this sooner or later. You can’t avoid her forever.”

“Watch me,” I mutter, taking a swig of my beer.

Lenny shakes his head and tips his beer at me before he strolls away, and I’m left alone again. I glance back at Jane, and I can’t help but notice the way she keeps checking her phone. She’s not normally a phone person, and I wonder for a brief moment if she’s hoping I’ll text her.

But then I watch as two shifters from my pack sidle up next to her and Sonya, and the jealousy burns through my veins. I know them. They’re not bad guys, but they’re not exactly respectful, either. And I know it’s not my place, but I can’t help the way I feel.

I watch as one of them puts his arm around Jane, and I can’t take it. I’m not usually the jealous type, but this girl has me twisted up in knots, and I can’t stand the thought of her with someone else.

I stomp across the room, my eyes locked on Jane. I don’t even bother to acknowledge the guys. I just place my palm on the small of her back and steer her away from them.

“Hey!” she protests, but I don’t stop.

I lead her away from the party out into the backyard where it’s quieter, but Sonya is hot on our heels.

“What the hell, Reiner?” she demands, planting her hands on her hips. “You can’t just drag her off like that. You don’t own her.”

“This is none of your business,” I snarl, my eyes still on Jane.

“Like hell it isn’t,” she retorts. “Jane is my best friend. Who the hell do you think you are, treating her like that?”

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