Page 10 of Forced Plus-Size Mate

His dark brown eyes shimmer with glittering flecks of gold that seem to swirl around his pupils, mesmerizing me.

I could never forget those eyes. They are exactly as I remember.

It’s really him.

Body.

Chapter 4 - Body

Something drew me from the mountain.

Usually, when I’m with the kids, nothing can distract me. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy the work so much—it captivates and enriches me. There’s no better feeling in the world than having the trust of the youngsters and teaching them about the world.

But after a day or so, I find it hard to concentrate. There is something on the wind, a sound, a scent. It brings painful memories to me, but also a sense of anticipation and hope.

I manage to get through the short trip without neglecting my duties, but it isn’t easy. When we turn for home, I race down the mountain, taking the fastest route even if it is also the most dangerous. Luckily, my hardened little pups consider it to be great fun, and all of them rise to the challenge.

As I drop each of them at home, my unease grows.

Something is not right. I feel like I’m being stalked.

I’m getting out of my car at Shelley’s when I catch the faintest hint of a scent. It’s so light that at first, I think it’s only a memory. I can barely catch it. It’s just a hint of cinnamon and vanilla on the wind.

No. It can’t be.

I’m about to head inside and look for Bae—well, anyone, really—when a couple of guys come through the front doors, talking loudly as they head for the parking lot.

“So, did you hear the witches are back?”

“Yeah. Crazy times, hey?”

“Do you know any of them?”

“No, they left when I was just a kid. My mom does, though.”

“I heard Decker has a wasp up his ass about it.”

“And I heard Jen was throwing them a welcome party.”

“Looks like shit’s about to get complicated.”

“You got that right.”

I stand in the shadows, completely frozen to the spot. I can’t move—I can’t even think.

The tiny thread of scent comes back to me. It’s so faint, so far away, but very, very real.

Cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar sprinkled over hot, buttery cake.

My mouth starts to water, and my body aches all over. The memories are so strong, I can almost feel her in my arms.

Amanda!

I get back in my car and drive back to the camping ground. The strong wind blowing down the mountain tops washes the air clean, and I almost lose the scent completely.

This is why I didn’t smell it on the way down. The wind is too strong.

For a few moments, I stand at the edge of the forest. My heart is full of regret and a desperate need to talk to her, to explain—and the selfish desire to just look at her, be near her, listen to her speak.

---