His Plump Mate (by Buchanan) novel Chapter 6

**Rebel’s POV**

Roxie is practically bouncing with excitement, her happiness radiating off her like sunlight. “I can’t wait to meet his wolf! I haven’t even mentioned it to him yet!” Her voice is a melodious mix of anticipation and mischief, and I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.

“Why are you holding back from talking to his wolf?” I inquire, a hint of concern creeping into my tone. I want to ensure there are no underlying issues.

“Rebel, darling,” she replies with a playful smirk, “playing hard to get is part of the thrill. If I make him chase me, his wolf will crave me even more.” She winks, and I can’t suppress a quiet laugh, though it’s not as quiet as I intended.

“That’s a beautiful sound, sweetheart. What’s making you laugh?” Austin’s voice cuts through the air, his expression a mix of curiosity and amusement.

“It’s Roxie. She claims she’s playing hard to get with your wolf,” I chuckle, and Austin’s laughter erupts like a warm breeze on a chilly day. Goddess! Is there any expression on this man that doesn’t set my heart racing? Whether he’s laughing, being cocky, or expressing anger, every look he gives is utterly captivating. It feels so unfair. I often wonder what he sees in me, what he finds beautiful, but at least I’m relieved I don’t disgust him.

“That’s fantastic! Cronos will absolutely love the chase,” he responds, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “So, tell me, Rebel, aside from being an excellent cook, what other interests do you have?” His question is genuine, and he follows it up with, “These cookies are incredible. There’s a hint of something different in them, too.”

A blush creeps across my cheeks. Compliments are a rarity for me, especially regarding my cooking. “I added pure vanilla bean to the dough to enhance the sweetness,” I reply, my voice shy. “As for other things I enjoy, well, I play the guitar and sing a little. I’m self-taught, too.” I anticipate his next question, eager to share a piece of myself.

“What do you sing? I would love to hear you perform sometime,” he says, his tone encouraging.

“I mainly sing country music—lots of girl power anthems,” I admit, a chuckle escaping my lips as I feel the heat of embarrassment rise again.

“Why are you blushing, darling?” he asks, his curiosity piqued.

“I’m sorry. I’m just not used to someone wanting to know about me or my interests. I’ve never really been the ‘in the spotlight’ type,” I confess, trying to keep my words vague. I don’t want to divulge the ugly truth of my past—how my father kept me hidden away in the attic, or how Jules and Rachel would shoo me out whenever there were guests, just like tonight.

“Why do I get the feeling there’s a whole story behind that, Rebel darling?” Austin’s gaze is penetrating, and I feel exposed, as if he can see right through my carefully constructed facade. I’m scrambling for a response when the sound of footsteps approaches us from the direction Austin had come earlier.

I leap to my feet, instinctively positioning myself in front of Austin, ready to defend him. He places his hands gently on my shoulders, and a surge of electricity courses through me. “Easy, darling. It’s just my beta, Renz. But I have to admit, that was an impressive reaction. Have you been trained to fight as well?” His tone is laced with amusement and approval.

“Yes, my father was the former beta of Ironclaw. He trained me in private,” I reply nonchalantly, my eyes scanning for Austin’s beta.

Just then, a tall man strides into view, exuding an air of purpose. “Alpha, there you—” he halts abruptly, surprise flickering across his features as he notices me standing protectively in front of Austin. “You closed off your mind-link, and I thought something had happened. It’s almost midnight, Alpha.” His voice carries an apologetic yet amused tone, as if he’s sorry for the interruption but finds it somewhat entertaining.

Suddenly, a wave of panic washes over me. I’m supposed to be back by midnight! There’s no way I can make it in time.

I start gathering my things, urgency fueling my movements. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize the time. I need to get back,” I say, my voice tinged with anxiety. But Austin gently grips my shoulders, grounding me.

“Rebel, darling, and where exactly do you think you’re going?” He smirks at my incredulous stare.

“Home. I need to go home, Austin,” I reply, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

He gives me a lazy grin, one that makes my heart flutter. “Renz, I have someone very important I’d like you to meet.”

Renz glances between us, a knowing smile creeping onto his lips. He must have figured it out. It’s probably obvious, right? “Yes, Alpha,” he replies, his tone respectful.

“Renz, meet my mate and Luna, Rebel Lawson,” Austin announces, pride evident in his voice. My heart swells with warmth, as if I’m wrapped in a cozy blanket fresh from the dryer.

“Luna, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Beta Lorenzo, but you can call me Renz,” he says, flashing me a broad smile. It’s not as dazzling as Austin’s, but I’m biased toward my mate.

“Nice to meet you, Renz. Just Rebel, please. I’m not the Luna,” I insist, glancing at Austin, who merely smiles back at me.

“My dear mate, I can’t let you return to such an unsavory place by yourself. Clearly, you’re not appreciated there. What if something happens, and I have to come in like a wolf in shining armor?” He’s teasing me, and I can’t help but roll my eyes playfully, even as my heart flutters at his words.

“Oh dear Austin, what do you think will happen? Do you believe I’ll wander too far into the woods and encounter a strange man who claims me as his mate and introduces me to his beta?” I respond with a mockingly sweet tone, trying to match his playful sarcasm.

Renz bursts into laughter. “I like her, Austin. The Moon Goddess has truly blessed you.”

Austin shoots him a deadpan look before turning back to me. “Rebel, I meant what I said when I declared you mine. I have no intentions of letting you go. Your pack hasn’t treated you well, and we need to discuss that later. It’s painfully obvious how nervous you become when talking about your home. What exactly are you returning to?”

‘Rebel, he’s right. What are we going back to, exactly? An attic for a bedroom? A father who sees us as nothing more than a ward? A stepmother and half-sister who despise us and treat us like trash? An Alpha who finds us repulsive and unworthy? We have no friends because our father kept us hidden from everyone in the pack. Day in and day out, we’re told we’re unwanted, an embarrassment. I’d rather stay here with our mate. He didn’t hesitate to introduce us to his beta, his second-in-command. We should remain here and forget about all of them. They never wanted us around anyway. If your sister becomes Luna there, we’ll be banished and turned rogues,’ Roxie interjects, her points resonating deeply within me, and if I’m honest, I don’t want to argue with her.

I turn to Austin. “You’re not wrong. There’s literally nothing for me there. I’m not important to anyone in that place.” I grab my backpack, and he takes it from me effortlessly.

It seems to work, as they share a glance, likely mind-linking. Great, now they’ll continue to pry for information. I really don’t want to delve into my insecurities tonight, or ever.

As we step into the entryway of the pack house, I’m once again struck by its grandeur. The hardwood floors gleam, and the beams on the ceilings give everything a rustic yet elegant feel. “Welcome home, Luna,” Renz says, and I blush, unaccustomed to feeling like I belong anywhere.

“Thank you, Renz,” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

Suddenly, a voice calls out, “AUSTIN!” from somewhere within the house. Out of nowhere, a slender she-wolf comes rushing toward my mate, her eyes filled with worry and something akin to desire. I hear Austin groan, clearly annoyed by her presence. Well, he doesn’t have to fend her off anymore—I’m here, and I’m his mate.

I step in front of him, and she halts, glaring at me. “WHO ARE YOU?! STAND ASIDE!” she yells, her tone dripping with entitlement.

Before Austin can respond, I take a step forward, my voice steady and assertive. “Who I am is Austin’s mate and your future Luna. I’m someone you don’t want on your bad side. I will not stand aside for you or anyone.” My attitude matches hers, and I can feel Roxie’s approval bubbling within me.

“Who I am is Ceraline! I’m supposed to be Luna! Not some fat bitch like you!” she barks, her words laced with venom.

Austin and Renz both growl, ready to pounce on Ceraline, but I stand firm in front of them. “Ceraline, you say? Well, I’m sorry to inform you that you are not Austin’s mate, and therefore, you will not be his Luna. Even if there was something between you before—which is highly doubtful—it’s over now. Otherwise, you’d just be a glorified whore,” I state, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Ceraline stares at me, dumbfounded, and I seize the opportunity to continue, “In case you haven’t figured it out yet, honey, your… services are no longer needed.”

Renz bursts into laughter, “Damn, Alpha, I can’t wait for her to be official. Luna is ruthless!”

“AUSTIN!” Ceraline screeches, her voice high-pitched with indignation. “ARE YOU GOING TO LET THIS NOBODY TALK TO ME LIKE THAT?!”

“Perhaps you didn’t hear her, Ceraline,” he replies, wrapping his arms around me from behind. I lean back into him, feeling Roxie purr at his touch and scent. “This amazing woman is Rebel. She is my mate and your future Luna. While she can clearly speak for herself, let me make this crystal clear: I have never considered you an option for a mate—fated, chosen, or otherwise. I’ve said it enough times; there will be nothing between us. If I EVER hear you insult my mate again, promise or no promise, you will find yourself outside of this pack. Do I make myself clear?” His voice rises at the end, filled with authority.

Ceraline’s eyes widen, and she nods, her voice trembling. “Yes, Alpha.”

“Good. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to bed. Good night,” he says firmly. While I might feel a twinge of sympathy for her, I quickly dismiss it. I’ve endured enough insults in my life. This is my chance at a new beginning—a fresh start with my second chance mate. He wants me, and I’m not letting go of him any more than he plans to let go of me. Roxie is in complete agreement.

“Renz, I’ll see you in the morning. You might want to plan on leading the training,” Austin says, glancing at his beta. Renz smirks and then turns to me, “Good night, Luna. Good night, Alpha.” He heads off toward the fourth floor, leaving me alone with Austin, whose gaze has darkened with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine.