His Plump Mate (Book 1: The 'His' Series) novel Chapter 169

**Chapter 168: Campus Memories**

*Cecilia’s POV*

“You—” I inhaled sharply, a jolt of panic racing through my chest.

+25 Points

Xavier’s expression darkened, a storm brewing in his eyes.

His jaw tightened so intensely that I could almost hear the grinding of his teeth, a sound that made my heart race even faster. Was he truly feeling this threatened by Sebastian? The realization sent a peculiar thrill coursing through me, a mix of fear and exhilaration.

“Not him,” Xavier growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Anyone but him.”

I steadied myself, forcing my resolve to the surface. “Yes, him.”

“He’s off-limits!” The amber in Xavier’s eyes flared like wildfire, an unmistakable warning.

“He’s perfectly suitable,” I replied, maintaining my composure, though my heart was pounding in my ears.

“Suitable? How the hell is he suitable?” Xavier’s voice escalated, drawing curious glances from those passing by.

“In every way that matters,” I retorted, my tone light and airy, almost teasing.

A wild expression flickered across Xavier’s face, a mix of rage and disbelief.

His hands flexed at his sides, as if he were envisioning wrapping them around someone’s throat.

I took a cautious step back, my instincts screaming at me. Yes, Sebastian’s presence had emboldened me, but Xavier in this mood was still a force to be reckoned with. If I had the physical strength to match him, I wouldn’t be tiptoeing around his fragile ego like this.

Yet, beneath my composed facade, fear pulsed through my veins like a relentless tide.

Suddenly, a warm, strong hand settled against my lower back, grounding me.

Sebastian had materialized beside me, his palm sliding protectively around my waist, pulling me slightly closer to him.

His face was a mask of cold indifference, but his voice softened ever so slightly as he addressed me.

“Don’t put weight on your injured foot,” he murmured, genuine concern threading through his words.

My heart skipped a beat, a flutter of warmth spreading through me.

I tilted my head back to meet his gaze just as he lowered his eyes to mine.

Our eyes locked, and in that moment, an electric connection sparked between us.

+25 Points

“Lean on me,” he continued, his voice a low rumble meant solely for my ears. “Then we can discuss with Alpha Xavier exactly why I’m perfectly suitable.”

I pressed my lips together, fighting a smile, warmth flooding my cheeks as if I had been placed over an open flame.

Xavier looked like he was ready to shift and tear something apart, his frustration palpable.

“Alpha Xavier seems to have lost interest in this little field trip,” Sebastian observed casually, a hint of amusement in his tone. “The sun’s setting anyway. There’s really no point now.”

Without warning, he bent down and swept me into his arms.

In the middle of a public street!

My mind screamed in embarrassment, even as my body betrayed me, melting against his solid chest.

“I can walk—” I protested weakly, my voice barely above a whisper.

“You’re too slow,” he replied simply, his tone brooking no argument.

Well… I couldn’t argue with that.

Sebastian turned, striding confidently away with me cradled in his arms, his pace unhurried and assured.

Xavier’s voice rang out behind us, laced with mockery. “Did I miss the memo? Since when does Alpha Sebastian turn in before midnight? I thought you were the type to chase the dawn, not hide from it.”

Sebastian paused mid-step, a flicker of irritation crossing his features.

I shot him a look that said, *I warned you this overgrown wolf wouldn’t give up easily.*

“Perhaps we should humor him,” Sebastian suggested, his tone almost sympathetic. “Mr. Green seems fixated on this. I’d hate for him to do something… regrettable.”

He turned back to Xavier. “If you’re coming, let’s go. We’ll take my car. It’s more spacious.”

Without waiting for a response, he continued toward his vehicle, carrying me as effortlessly as if I were weightless.

Xavier stalked after us, his scent still brimming with agitation.

+25 Points

Sebastian opened the passenger door and gently lowered me inside, closing it with care before making his way around to the back seat.

Xavier yanked open the door on the opposite side and climbed in, his presence radiating hostility.

The atmosphere inside the car felt suffocating, thick with tension.

I caught a glimpse of Sawyer’s panicked expression in the rearview mirror.

On Moon Goddess, I wanted to escape too.

The words hit him like a slap, a moment of stunned silence enveloping us. He reached for me, fingers curling as if he were torn between wanting to hold me or hurt me.

“Cecilia,” he said hoarsely, vulnerability creeping into his voice. “How can you be so heartless?”

Before he could touch me, Sebastian intercepted his hand, his grip firm and unyielding.

I startled, instinctively shrinking toward the door, my instincts screaming for safety.

Sebastian held onto Xavier’s wrist, his expression a mix of calm and warning. “Even if you forced her into submission, she would never love you again.”

“Why can’t you accept reality, Alpha Xavier?” Sebastian’s voice was dangerously calm, a stark contrast to the tension in the air.

Xavier snarled, violently wrenching his arm free, causing Sebastian’s hand to slam against the window with a sharp crack.

The sound made me flinch, fear and anger colliding in my chest. “Stop it right now!”

+25 Points

I was terrified that Xavier might attack Sebastian.

Once wolves started fighting, someone always got hurt.

I couldn’t bear the thought of Sebastian being injured.

Furious but striving to be reasonable, I addressed Xavier directly. “Didn’t you promise we would just drive through like old classmates? Didn’t I agree to that? Can’t you keep your word for once? Can you control your temper for five minutes?”

Sebastian was rubbing his wrist in the backseat, a subtle smile curving his lips when he saw me defending him. His eyes warmed in a way that made my heart skip.

Xavier had no response to my accusations, his frustration evident as he pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to regain his composure.

This clearly wasn’t how he’d envisioned this little trip unfolding.

He had taken me back to where we first fell in love, hoping those memories would soften my resolve.

He truly believed I couldn’t have completely let go of our past.

I had loved him once. We had been in love. But that was just a distant memory now.

By now, the car had glided past the tree-lined path.

Xavier glanced out the window and spotted a large artificial lake.

Something flickered across his face, and he insisted that Sawyer stop the car.

This time, Sebastian nodded his permission to Sawyer.

“Alpha Xavier,” Sebastian said with false cordiality, “this is the final landmark on campus. Beyond this point, we’ll need to turn around. If you have any last wishes—pardon me—requests, please state them now. Otherwise, it’s time to head back.”