Page 18 of Forced Plus-Size Mate

“Bailey,” father says, in an attempt at a commanding tone. “I truly must speak with you, urgently.”

Goddamn, he sounds pathetic.

“I am involved with important business, right now,” Bae says, with annoyance. “I’ll speak with you later.”

“I must insist,” dad goes on. “This is my son’s wedding, after all.”

Bae sighs and rolls his eyes, taking a moment to center himself before he turns to face my father. He sees me standing nearby and raises an eyebrow. I just shrug, lifting my hands in a helpless gesture.

“What can I do for you, Robert?” Bae asks, patiently.

“My son has been a member of your top circle for many years now. We thought this would mean inclusion for us, but so far, we have been neglected. Today, my son does his duty at your bidding—sacrificing himself in marriage to a woman far beneath him—and his mother and I feel this gives us a right to speak on council.”

Bae stares at father, a steady, impassionate gaze.

“Why?”

Mother appears, as if the very idea of being on council conjured her.

“Because we are the ones paying the price,” she hisses. I see her stagger slightly and I realize she’s already drunk.

“Delia,” Bae says, turning to acknowledge her. “This is not a sacrifice for Body. It is a great honor.”

“I cannot see how—” mother starts, but Bae cuts her off.

“I have had my fill of you two interfering in pack business,” he says, firmly. “Body has proven himself with loyalty and effort, the two of you have done nothing to earn a position in this pack. Leave us alone now, and do not interfere in the future, or I will have you thrown out.”

Mother pales, gripping her glass as she stares at Bae. Father stands up and takes her arm.

“Come on, dear. Let’s not trouble alpha Bailey any more today.”

As he turns to guide her away, he turns around and points at me.

“This isn’t over!” he hisses. My stomach does a little flip as I imagine what he might have planned for me in the future, but at least they’re leaving.

As if I didn’t have enough trouble today. It seems like almost everyone wants to trash my wedding.

By the time I turn back around, Decker and Bae have their heads together, talking in hushed voices. Rider is next to Bae with a dark look on his face. Decker’s three supporters are standing back a little, looking ready for a fight.

“Do not ruin this day for my friend,” Bae tells Decker firmly. “Or his bride. Body has been in my inner circle since high school, and he has the right to a true mate.”

“I agree,” Decker growls. “Which is exactly why he can’t marry that woman. He has a wolf mate, I’m sure of it. You could choose one of our she-wolves—”

“Decker,” Bae cuts in, “Our packs have been mingling for some time now, and another match has not presented itself.”

“This is an insult!” Decker snarls. “I would oppose the joining of any wolf to a witch, but this is one of your most trusted wolves, one with leadership responsibilities. He should wed someone from our pack, or even New Hope. It will keep relations between wolves strong and bind the packs together.”

“Don’t bring my pack into this,” Rider cuts in. “Jen has decreed we accept the witches, so we do. In my pack, we listen to our elders.”

“Iaman elder,” Decker growls. “And I’m telling you, this is an abomination. The witches will take over, they will rule the mountain, and our power will dwindle.”

“Oh, dear,” a confident voice cuts through Decker’s rant. Jen pushes into the circle, one hand held high as she kinks her pinkie finger.

“Is someone having iddy-biddy issues?” she asks. “Don’t you measure up?”

Decker’s face flushes bright red and he lunges at her. Jen doesn’t falter, glaring at him with her pale eyes.

“Take me on, pup,” she taunts. “I dare you.”

---