Page 15 of Forced Plus-Size Mate

“I brought a couple of dresses,” Gina says with enthusiasm. “We’re about the same size, so they should fit you.”

“Thank you, Gina,” I say bashfully. “That’s very nice of you to let me wear your clothes.”

“Don’t mention it,” she answers, blushing a little. “You’re practically family now. Ask me if you need anything, anything at all!”

While she pulls the dresses out of their bags, I watch Gina with something that feels too much like envy. I’ve always thought she was beautiful, but now that she’s grown up and full of confidence, she’s absolutely stunning.

I wish I could be as outgoing as she is. I know I’ll never be that beautiful, and I'd feel like an absolute fool if I ever tried to own it like she does.

Gina’s dresses are a very good fit, which surprises me. Both of us have big, generous curves, but somehow, I thought her dresses wouldn’t suit me. Seeing myself in a midnight-blue gown with a heart-shaped neckline and tight waist boosts my confidence more than I thought possible.

“That one suits your eyes really well,” Gina says. “It’s not the same shade, but it really enhances the blue.”

“I agree,” I say, doing a little spin. “I didn’t think it would fit.”

“Why?” Gina asks, grinning. “You’re just as curvy as I am, and twice as gorgeous.”

“Stop it,” I mutter, blushing.

“I will not,” Gina says firmly. “It’s your wedding day, so I can’t stop giving the bride compliments. That’s just not how this works.”

“Seconded!” Lucy announces from the doorway. “You are absolutely stunning, Amanda.”

“Oh, okay.” I shake my head. “I don’t have to believe it, though.”

“No, you can just own it,” Gina laughs, nudging me with her elbow. It makes me blush even more.

The girls help me with my makeup, then we head out to Shelley’s. My anxiety rises every second, and by the time we get there, I’m almost jumping out of my skin at every sound.

“Calm down, Amanda,” Lucy says gently, taking my hand.

“Never once in human history has a person calmed down simply by being told to calm down!” I snap.

Lucy squeezes my hand hard. “I’m sorry, Amanda, I really am,” she says placatingly. “But you’re here, ready to do this, so there really isn’t much more to say.”

I nod miserably and let her lead me through the back doors. Body is already there, standing up the front of the room with Bae, Carson, and an older woman I assume must be Jen.

Body is wearing a dark gray suit that shows off his trim waist and broad shoulders. In the harsh light of the bar, his blond hair looks dusted with gold. His eyes, usually so dark, look pale and shimmer like hard-set amber.

He also looks shocked to see me, and this makes my anxiety return full-force.

Of course he doesn’t want to do this—he made it clear that he didn’t want me. He’s only doing this because his alpha told him to!

“Welcome!” Jen exclaims, clapping her hands. “It is an absolute honor to have the witches with us again. In the old times, witches and wolves lived as one, their magic enhancing each other and strengthening our connection to the mountain. This is a great day for us all.”

“Not all of us,” someone growls. A tall man pushes through the small crowd, followed by a few other wolves wearing almost identical expressions of anger.

“Decker,” Bae warns.

“No, I won’t be silenced!” Decker says. “Witches only ever married wolves for one reason—to enhance their own power. It was never about love, or mutual feelings. Witches enspelled us, forced us to marry them, and kept us from our true mates.”

“That isn’t true, Decker,” Jen snaps. “I don’t know what fairytale you’ve been reading, but that’s not history.”

“Bae, don’t let this happen,” Decker pleads, ignoring Jen. “It’s a trick. They just want to steal our power for themselves, then they will rule us. Imagine not being able to shift or join with the mountain! Just imagine a world where your title as alpha means nothing—because you have to live by the word of a witch!”

Bae’s face is hard as he glares at Decker. “You need to leave, now,” Bae says. “I will see you in the bar shortly.”

Decker glares, his eyes glowing faintly with the power of his wolf. Bae’s gold eyes seem to burn as they stare each other down. In the end, it’s Decker who blinks and looks away.

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