Page 20 of Forced Plus-Size Mate

“It’s interesting,” she says, getting out of the truck. “It’s old but new at the same time, and it doesn’t even clash.”

“Even though the old-world charm of the place is still intact, I made modern improvements to make it more comfortable,” I explain. “Wide, covered decks, fully equipped bathrooms, and a modern kitchen were put in not long after I bought it.”

“So, you’ve got running water, then?” she asks, grinning.

“I sure do. There’s even a hot tub out back.”

“No way!”

“Serious way. Not even lying.”

Amanda giggles as we walk towards the house, and my heart soars.

It really looks like she’s going to give me a chance!

I unlock the door and let her go in before me. She looks around appreciatively.

“It’s nice,” she comments. “Where will I be staying?”

“The bedroom is just down there,” I say, pointing.

She narrows her eyes. “Thebedroom? As in, only one?”

“Well… yeah,” I reply uncomfortably. “That’s where my bedroom is. Where else would you sleep?”

Amanda crosses her arms across her chest, glaring at me. “I'd rather sleep in the yard than next to you, Body!”

I sigh. “Why?”

“You know why!” she snaps. “Don’t think that I’ve forgiven you.”

“But…” I stammer. “We just… I mean, I felt like you were okay with this. With me.”

“Okay?” she repeats, almost shrieking. “I am not fucking okay! I lost my magic, I let my witches down, and I had to crawl back into this town on my belly, begging for help. Then, if that wasn’t bad enough, I find out that if I want to help my coven and myself, I have to marry you!”

“Is that so bad?” I demand, barely able to push the words through my throat. “Is being with me really the worst thing?”

For just a second, I see her falter. Her eyes soften, and her lip trembles, but the moment is gone before I can even be sure it was there.

“I’m here because I have to be,” she says. “Just like you are. Let’s do each other a favor and not forget that. Now, where am I sleeping?”

“There’s a spare bedroom down the hall,” I mutter, pointing.

Amanda turns and flounces away, gathering up her long, silken blue skirt as she hurries from the room.

Good thing I didn’t have high hopes for my wedding night.

Chapter 7 - Amanda

The spare room is tiny but comfortable enough. It’s not fully renovated, like the other end of the house, but I like the old, bare wooden planks and the wrought-iron bed.

I curl up on the soft mattress, letting my misery finally run loose and consume me. I’ve been holding it in since early this morning, and fighting my tears has been so difficult, it’s giving me a headache.

I don’t have long to simmer in my pain—I’m too exhausted, and sleep takes me long before I’m ready for it.

The song of a bird wakes me. It’s a gentle sound, but full of quiet joy. I listen to it for some time before I realize I know exactly what kind of bird it is and where he is. I even have some understanding of what he’s saying.

My magic! Is it back?

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