His Plump Mate (by Buchanan) novel Chapter 5

**Austin POV**

The revelation that Ceraline had a mate and still chose to reject him hits me like a thunderclap. How could she turn her back on such a profound bond? And yet, here she is, still trying to entice me, as if the Moon Goddess’ blessing means nothing to her. It’s clear to me now that Michael harbors genuine feelings for Ceraline, but she seems utterly consumed by her thirst for power and wealth.

As I observe Michael seated at the table, his anxiety is palpable. It’s not every day that an Omega finds himself dining with the higher ranks of the pack. I can’t help but wonder if other Omegas and non-ranked members shy away from us out of fear. This needs to change. I make a mental note to start bridging the gap between ranks, perhaps after the Luna Ceremony. It dawns on me that our pack has become insular, lacking the camaraderie that should define us.

“Michael,” I say, attempting to ease his tension, “there’s no need to feel anxious. We are here to protect our pack, and that includes you. What we share today is for your safety as well. Keep that in mind.”

He visibly relaxes, offering a faint smile. “Thank you, Alpha.”

I glance at Rebel, signaling her to take the lead. She regards Michael with a gentle expression, her smile softening the seriousness of the moment.

“Michael,” she begins, her tone heavy with sorrow, “it pains me to deliver this news. Ceraline has only been using you. The information you shared with her about me was twisted into a scheme against me because I am Austin’s mate.”

His eyes widen in disbelief. “What? No. That’s not right. Ceraline is a good person,” he insists, though I can hear Lacy’s derisive snort from across the table. Michael turns to her, confusion etched on his face.

“Lacy,” she interjects, her voice flat and unwavering, “Ceraline is many things, but a good person is not one of them.”

“Let’s not make this harder for him,” Rebel cuts in, her tone firm yet compassionate. She turns back to Michael, her eyes softening. “Listen, I’ve only been here for a couple of weeks—almost three now. In that time, I’ve had to confront Ceraline repeatedly, urging her to stay away from my mate. The reason she ended up in the cells was her betrayal of her Alpha and Luna.”

Michael’s expression shifts, shock blooming on his face. Rebel presses on, “When you informed her that my previous Alpha was searching for me, she approached him, offering to help him eliminate me so she could seize the position of Luna of Blackstone for herself.”

“No. No, that’s not possible,” Michael says, his voice trembling as he grapples with the truth.

I interject, my voice steady yet filled with urgency. “Michael, I know this is difficult to accept, but it is the truth. We all witnessed Ceraline’s confession. She has been pursuing me relentlessly, despite my clear disinterest. The first night I brought my mate here, Ceraline boldly declared that she was meant to be Luna, not my mate. It was absurd—there was never anything between us.”

“That can’t be. It can’t,” he murmurs, his spirit visibly crumbling.

“I was there, Michael. Your Alpha would never deceive you,” Renz adds, his voice firm yet sympathetic.

Tears well in Michael’s eyes, and my heart aches for him. I can only imagine the turmoil he is experiencing. It’s a painful sight, even for an Alpha to witness. He looks down, a single tear escaping down his cheek.

“Alpha,” he finally speaks, his voice cracking, “it’s not that I don’t believe you, but I need to see Ceraline. I need to hear it from her. It’s the only way I can find closure. Will you allow me to face her?”

Suddenly, the heavy doors of the dungeon creak open, and I hear the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching my cell. My heart races as I look up, and there he is—Austin. This is my chance. I must summon every ounce of charm I possess to sway him to my side. It won’t be easy, but I’m willing to swallow my pride if it means freedom.

“Austin! I’m so sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused. I realize now that it was a grave mistake. I promise to make amends and be better. Please, forgive me!” I plead, my voice dripping with desperation. I detest begging, but I have no choice.

“You attempted to betray me by handing my mate over to Alpha Cullen, Ceraline. You did that of your own volition. And now you claim it was a mistake? What was your true intention?” Austin retorts, his voice laced with anger.

He clearly wants a price for my betrayal. “Austin, I was blinded by my feelings for you. My love for you consumed me, and I let my jealousy lead me astray. I shouldn’t have conspired with Alpha Cullen against Rebel. I see that now,” I say, trying to sound genuinely remorseful.

“Ceraline, when you first encountered my mate, you boldly declared that you were meant to be Luna. What made you think that was ever a possibility?” he presses, his gaze piercing.

I lower my eyes, feigning shame. “Austin, I love you. Everything I did was in the name of us being together. You promised to care for me before my father passed. The only way to ensure that was to become your Luna,” I reply, my tone innocent and pleading.

“I’ve made it clear multiple times that there would never be anything between us. You twisted my promise to your father into something it was never meant to be,” he responds, but then continues, “And I know you found your mate and rejected him. He would have taken care of you. So why did you turn your back on him?”

In that moment, I realize I’ve slipped. The weight of my choices bears down on me, and I scramble for a way to salvage my fate.