Page 53 of Forced Plus-Size Mate

“It could get really messy if they ally with Decker,” Jack mutters.

Bae nods in agreement. “Body, I’d like you to come forward,” he says, waving me towards the table.

I take Amanda’s hand, linking my fingers through hers and bringing her with me. When I look over at her, she has a worried expression, but she comes with me and even gives me a hard squeeze with her hand.

That’s a good sign.

“Tell us, Body,” Bae says. “Has your marriage to Amanda affected your powers?”

“It sure has,” I answer confidently. “My wolf form is bigger, stronger, and more powerful. I have full command of my instincts and higher powers even when I’m in human shape. Being with Amanda has enhanced my powers, not drained them.”

“I can state the same,” Peter says. “Even initially, when I fought the bond, I could feel my wolf becoming more powerful. Furthermore, my wolf made it absolutely clear that Lucy is the only mate for us, and if we lost her, we would definitely dwindle in power.”

A murmur ripples through the crowd. Everyone looks excited by this news, but the wolves from Decker pack are the most eager.

“I told you, Steve!” Grant declares, nudging one of his friends. “I can feel it already, just being close to Zoe.”

“I’m not convinced,” Steve answers skeptically. “That’s only two matches, and it remains to be seen if the effect is permanent.”

“Ah, excuse me?” Peter waves his hand. “I’ve been married to a witch for over a year, and we have a kid. I think if she was trying to siphon my powers, I’d know about it by now.”

Steve steps back, hiding behind his friends. Zoe steps forward, still holding Grant’s hand.

“It’s true that marrying wolves brings our powers back,” she says, “but we could never force anyone into the mate bond. It might have been a thing in the past, but it definitely isn’t now. Our coven was built on better sentiment than that. We don’t hurt anyone. Right, Amanda?”

“Right,” she agrees. “I would never perform an entrapment spell like that. None of us would.”

“Lucy did,” someone pipes up. In the thick of the crowd, it’s impossible to tell who it was.

“I did,” Lucy admits. “But I did not send out a spell with the intention to enchant. Peter would not have been touched by it if he wasn’t my true mate. The spell could only call out to love.”

There is more muttering around the room. Rider stands up and waves his hands for attention.

“New Hope is behind the witches completely,” he announces. “We want them accepted into the main pack. As faras we’re concerned, it’s all one pack, and the witches are part of it.”

“I stand with you, and Bae,” Nate says. “If it means banishment from my clan, so be it.”

“I know some in Silverton side with us,” Grant says, “but most are with Decker. I will return this afternoon to make some inquiries, and I’ll come back to let you know what has been decided.”

“Good,” Bae says. “I want a gathering tonight, a place where everyone who supports the alliance can mingle. We can’t solidify as a group unless we close the barriers between us. There is fear and distrust, but it can be overcome. I fully believe that we just have to work for it.”

“Here, here,” Rider agrees. “Anyone with any arguments, speak now. Otherwise, prepare to meet this afternoon. We’ll text you when and where.”

Mutters in the crowd get louder, but at least it doesn’t sound like anyone is angry. Amanda squeezes my hand, and I look down at her, feeling an ache in my chest that throbs like an open wound.

All I’ve ever wanted is to have her back in my arms, but is it going to cost me my pack?

Chapter 17 - Amanda

Music swirls around me, excited laughter enhancing the melody. Sounds seem to flow right through me as I bounce and shimmy, dancing with complete abandon in a crowd of witches and wolves.

It’s been a hell of a day, but I can’t imagine a better ending.

The music pauses briefly, and the crowd jeers in protest. Up on the deck, Jenks waves his hands, then returns them to the turntable with a flourish. A new mixed beat comes pouring out of the speakers, and the crowd roars its approval.

I close my eyes, feeling the music as well as hearing it. I can sense lines of energy moving all around me, from the grass, the trees, even from the stars. Cold wind blows gently down from the high peaks, leaving pools of still calm around the edges of the grassy clearing.

“Hey, you okay?” Gina asks, wrapping an arm around my waist. “You aren’t sleeping on your feet, are you?”

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