Page 52 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Bride

“You were, too,” Sonya shoots back. “You were so wasted, you didn’t even know what you were saying. So, anyway, she’s out there dancing, and the next thing I know, she’s stripping down to her underwear and jumping into the lake.”

“What?” Reiner laughs.

“Oh, yeah,” Sonya chuckles. “She just starts taking off her clothes, and before anyone can stop her, she’s running into the water, completely naked.”

“You’re joking,” Reiner says, his eyes wide.

“Nope,” Sonya replies. “I’m not even kidding. I had to go in there and drag her out, but not before half the damn school got a look at her goods.”

“Including her two male cousins, who very much did not care to see it,” Lenny adds.

“Oh, God,” I groan, burying my face in my hands. “I was so embarrassed when I woke up the next morning. Not to mention sick as a dog. I swore I’d never drink again.”

“But you did,” Sonya points out.

“Of course I did,” I laugh. “I’m not a saint.”

“I had no idea you were into that kind of thing,” Reiner says to me, his voice low and husky. “Jane Forrester, the exhibitionist. Who the hell knew? I’ll have to keep that in mind.”

“I’m not an exhibitionist,” I insist. “I was drunk. And it was dark. I didn’t think anyone could see me.”

“Yeah, right,” Sonya laughs. “Everyone could see you. You were the talk of the school for weeks after that.”

“Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I say sarcastically.

More than anything about the night in question, I remember the way Sonya took care of me. We weren’t even reallyfriends then, but she still came to my rescue. She could’ve just left me to fend for myself, but she didn’t. She covered me up and dragged me away from the party. She put me in her car and drove me home, and she wouldn’t leave my side until she was sure I was okay.

That’s the thing about Sonya. She’s wild and crazy, but she’s also one of the most loyal people I’ve ever met. She has a maternal side, too. She’s always looking out for the people she cares about, and I’m lucky enough to be one of those people. Not to mention that sometimes the wisdom that comes out of her young mouth is astonishing.

“All right, all right, let’s not torture Jane anymore,” Reiner says, putting his arm around me. “She’s clearly embarrassed.”

“Oh, come on, it’s not that bad,” Sonya counters. “I mean, you’re not the only one who’s done something embarrassing while drunk. Right, Riley?”

“Oh, no, not me,” Riley protests, holding up his hands. “I’m not getting in the middle of this.”

“Come on, you have to have some good stories,” Sonya says. “I mean, you’re the biggest party animal I’ve ever met. You’re just lucky you’re a few years older than us so we weren’t around to witness it.”

“I don’t know,” Riley says, his voice hesitant. “I mean, I’ve done some pretty stupid stuff, but I’m not sure it’s the kind of story you want to be sharing around the campfire. Although, you know, Piper has told us a pretty good one about Reiner.”

“Oh, no, no, no,” Reiner says, shaking his head. “Don’t go there. Don’t even think about it.”

“What is it?” I ask, curious.

“Nothing,” Reiner says quickly.

“Oh, come on, Reiner, don’t be such a baby,” Riley teases. “It’s not that bad.”

“Fine,” Reiner sighs, rolling his eyes. “It was during my college days. I was at a frat party, and I was pretty wasted. I was walking through the house, and I accidentally tripped and fell into a pool. I guess I was a lot more wasted than I realized because I didn’t even try to swim. I just sank like a rock.”

“Oh my God,” I say, trying not to laugh. “Are you serious?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” Reiner says. “Some of my buddies pulled me out, but not before I swallowed a bunch of water. I was coughing and choking, and then I threw up all over the alpha’s wife. Not Evan, mind you, this was before he took over. But his dad was the alpha then, and he was not happy. I was mortified. I was sure I was going to get kicked out of the pack, but Evan’s mom took pity on me and convinced her husband not to throw me out. That was a close call.”

“I can’t believe you almost drowned,” I say, shaking my head.

“I can’t believe you stripped at a party,” Reiner teases me back.

Everyone laughs, and I lean back, observing the group as they trade stories back and forth. It’s such a wonderful feeling, having all my favorite people together like this. I never imagined I’d be so lucky.

---