Page 66 of Forced Plus-Size Mate

“I don’t know about that,” I mutter. “But I sure do try.”

She smiles and kisses me again. This is so close to being a perfect moment. Having her in my arms, waking up together—it’s all I’ve wanted for so long.

But I never imagined I’d see the packs torn apart like this. Are the others really so afraid of the witches’ power?

We get ready fairly quickly, and I can tell Amanda is eager to see Lucy. But as we prepare to leave, I notice a drawn, thoughtful look on her face, and her eyes are dark and troubled—as if those tropical pools have been covered by violent, stormy clouds.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“Yes,” she answers, smiling. “Just anxious about the others.”

I don’t believe it, but I know I can’t make her talk if she doesn’t want to, so I keep quiet.

I drive us over to New Hope, and Amanda eagerly takes in the scenery.

“I didn’t realize it was so far out into the mountains,” she says. “How do they live out here?”

“They put together the infrastructure all by themselves,” I answer. “Rider had plans to improve the pack situation and find a permanent home for them, but it wasn’t until he married Fiona that it all came together. It was an abandoned mining town, and they completely renovated and repaired it. The whole place is entirely self-sufficient and off-grid.”

“But whoisRider?” Amanda asks. “I never heard of New Hope pack before. I’ve talked with Lucy a bit, but I still don’t really understand where this pack came from.”

“They used to be Sawpit.”

“What? They were your enemies!”

“I know,” I answer, my voice hard. “I was on the front lines once. I got fucked up badly by their old alpha, Jethro. It’s pretty complicated.”

“I can’t… I mean, I know it’s your job to be at Bae’s side and fight on the front lines, but I can’t say I like it.”

“It’s okay,” I say lightly. “It was just a scuffle. I came out of it fine.”

There’s no way I’m telling her Kyle dragged my half-dead carcass home across the mountain and it took me three weeks to heal.

I park in the dusty, flat area at the end of the bush track. It’s mid-afternoon, and the sun is bright, even though the air isstill cold. I can hear the wind still howling, a thin, disturbing sound as if its voice is being torn against the peaks.

Like the mountain itself, sighing in pain right before it screams.

I shake my head to clear it of those dark thoughts, focusing on Amanda’s hand in mine and the beauty of the forest around us. Soon, we crest the hill above the valley and see New Hope spread out before us on the other side of the flat plain.

As soon as we’re seen, someone shouts and waves. I wave back, recognizing Peter by the great hall. A few kids shift and immediately start running towards me. I know who the one in front is without even looking.

Caleb.

Letting go of Amanda’s hand, I jump and shift, charging towards the kids. Caleb leaps at me, barking and nipping as he twists and turns. We chase each other’s tails as we bounce around and roll through the grass, yipping in excitement.

I didn’t realize how badly I needed to see my pups. No matter what else is going on, the next generation is safe. Rider was right to call this place New Hope, because it is constantly bringing hope to all of us.

I look behind briefly to make sure Amanda is following, then I bound after the pups again. I chase and herd them, skittering backwards and crouching into a play bow to draw them in for another wrestle. Peter joins us, then Rider. Before long, the valley is full of the happy sounds of wolves playing, and my heart feels fully healed.

For now, at least. Danger is coming for us all. And as of yet, we don’t know how to meet it.

Chapter 21 - Amanda

I follow along behind the group of play-fighting wolves, happy to see Body enjoying himself. He keeps telling me he’s okay, but I can sense a deep conflict in him that he’s not ready to share.

I can relate.

“Amanda,” Lucy comes running over to me, wrapping her arms around my waist and squeezing me hard. “I’m so glad you’re alright.”

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