Page 51 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Bride

“You didn’t have to do all this,” I say, but I’m touched by the gesture.

“I wanted to,” she replies. “I missed you.”

“I missed you, too,” I admit.

It only takes a few steps to reach her, and then I’m pulling her into my arms, kissing her deeply. She melts against me, her body fitting perfectly against mine.

“I’m so glad you’re safe,” she murmurs.

“Me too,” I chuckle. “Now, let’s eat. I’m starving.”

She laughs and sits down across from me, pouring two glasses of wine. “So, how did it go?” she asks.

“Well, we didn’t get attacked, so that’s a plus,” I reply. “Turns out it was just a couple of packless wolves passing through. We told them to get lost.”

“I’m glad you didn’t have to fight again,” she says, her eyes full of concern.

“I’m a tough old dog,” I tease. “I can handle myself.”

She twirls her fork in the pasta, shaking her head. “Is it always like this in Green Lake? Always having to be on guard, looking over your shoulder? I’ve never lived in a place like that.”

I shrug. “It got worse when Evan took over, but that’s pretty typical. People always tend to test the boundaries when there’s a leadership change. They want to see if the new guy is a pushover or not. I’m sure it was the same in Stardust Hollow when Ram took over. But it’s not all bad. We have a lot of strong bonds here, and we take care of each other. And it’s not like we’re constantly fighting. Most of the time, it’s pretty peaceful.”

“I can see that,” she admits. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know everyone here.”

I reach across the table and take her hand. “I’m glad, Jane. I want you to feel at home here.”

“I’m starting to,” she says, giving me a shy smile.

As we eat, we chat about everything and nothing at all. She tells me about her childhood growing up with her aunt and uncle, and I tell her about my early days in Green Lake. Everything flows so naturally between us, and I can’t remember the last time I felt so at ease with someone. The way she waves her hands around when she gets excited, her adorable laugh, the way her eyes sparkle when she looks at me… it’s all so perfect.

In spite of myself, I start to imagine what it would be like to have this every night. To come home to her, to have herwaiting for me. But then I remember she’s only here for a few more weeks. In no time at all, she’ll be back in Stardust Hollow, and I’ll be here. Alone again.

The thought makes my chest ache, but I refuse to let it spoil the evening. We’re together now, and that’s all that matters.

Chapter 18 - Jane

“So, let me get this straight,” Sonya manages to get out between giggles. “You’re telling me that Jane has never told you this story?”

“No, she hasn’t,” Reiner answers, his voice playful.

We’re all sitting around the fire, drinking and eating the snacks we brought with us. This is the first time I’ve managed to get Reiner, Sonya, Lenny, and Riley all together. Until now, they’ve all been avoiding spending time with Reiner. Every one of them has been so convinced that he’s using me. I know they’re just looking out for me, but it was starting to get on my nerves.

To my complete and utter shock, it was Lenny who suggested we all go camping. In the beginning, he was so dead set on hating Reiner, but ever since Evan’s birthday party, he’s been a little more open to the idea. I think he’s finally starting to see that there’s more to Reiner than meets the eye.

“Oh, man, you’re going to love this,” Riley cackles.

“I’m telling you, it’s not that funny,” I protest, but I can’t help but smile.

“Oh, trust me, it is,” Sonya laughs. “Okay, so it was our senior year of high school, and we were at this bonfire party—”

“Sonya, don’t you dare,” I warn.

“Shhh, Jane, let the woman talk,” Reiner says, grinning.

“Anyway,” Sonya continues, “we’re at this bonfire, and Jane is totally trashed. Like, I’m talking falling-down drunk. She’s already thrown up twice, and she’s still going. She’s out of control.”

“I was not,” I protest.

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