Page 55 of Plus-Size Sold Mate
They attacked when it was only the elders and children around, and while the rest of us were distracted. This was planned, and I already know what that means.
“She drew them here,” another wolf claims, setting my teeth on edge. “Her magic is a beacon to them. They’ll never stop.”
I whirl on the speaker, gaze severe now. “I will not have my mate blamed for defending our own. Would you prefer it if she had let them take one of your children? She could’ve let them attack, and we could be finding our elders with their spines broken in the sand. Is that what you want?”
The others shift uncomfortably with my step forward, and silence falls over them at once.
I suck in an aggravated breath as I continue. “They saw our weakest point unguarded. They planned this strategically, but those wolves didn’t find it undefended after all. If it weren’t for Sera, we would be counting losses.”
No one answers, and they don’t need to, as the churned earth and broken rock around us speak for just how hard she fought.
In the stillness of hesitation, Jonah steps forward. He looks at the damage, then at the few children being clutched tightly by their parents before glancing at Sera. Finally, his eyes land on me, more grave than usual.
“Sera acted quickly,” he begins, voice steady enough to hold weight. “I have lived long enough to know fear can make fools of us, and tonight, her abilities prevented bloodshed.”
Every word hits harder than the last, and another ripple moves through the pack.
My chest tightens, though, in vindication now. Given Jonah’s age and wisdom, his claim means something.
I watch as some of the wolves’ expressions soften with the realization, while others remain rigid with their jaws set andeyes skeptical. They’ll be the hardest to reach, but right now, I don’t want to hear their opinions.
“She’s still a risk,” someone mutters, unable to drop it.
“So is every wolf on this beach,” I snap, losing more of my restraint now. “We all carry something that can be used against us one way or another. And right now, I don’t recognize this pack. You ask the Salt Mother for protection each year on this day, and when she delivers, you blame the very woman she offers you.”
A mutual wave of surprise hits them at the way I associate Sera with the deity we follow, but they don’t argue. Instead, a hint of shame settles among them.
Scanning the crowd, bolstered by the fact that Sera is weakened behind me, I continue. “I have let too much slide. I tolerated the doubt and the disrespect aimed at Sera, but that ends now.” My voice rises a little more with conviction. “She is my mate and your Luna. She defended this pack’s most vulnerable tonight when many of you were already halfway home. If anyone wants to contest my claim, I invite you to do so, but you will have to go through me directly. Am I clear?”
Nobody speaks up. They hardly even breathe now, almost afraid the wrong move will set me off. They’re probably right.
I take them in again before urging the rage in me to calm. “We’re done here.”
At the dismissal, the others move, corralling their kids away and guiding the elders back. I catch Eve’s supportive glance in our direction before she heads out too, walking with Isaac.
Allowing them all to fade into the background, I lower myself and slide an arm around her waist before she can protest.
“I can walk,” Sera murmurs, still clinging to her stubbornness even now, while she looks barely alive.
“I know,” I say quietly anyway, lifting her with ease. “But you don’t need to.”
If the others watch while I carry her across the beach, I don’t care. Maybe now they’ll figure out exactly where I stand.
***
The water is calmer at the mouth of the cove as small waves gently lap where the ocean meets the glittering pool. It feels more like rhythmic breaths as the ends and underside of Sera’s dress become saturated while at the most shallow point.
Inside, it feels warm still after being warmed by the sun all day as I sit behind her, holding her in between my legs as I hold her against me. Her breaths are slow and still too shaky for my liking, but I feel how she takes it in anyway.
Water heals, and it always has.
“You pushed too hard,” I say gently, thumb mindlessly brushing against her waist while I try to keep myself together as I weather this with her.
Sera huffs, but it sounds weaker than usual. “You noticed.”
“I felt it in the bond. It was agony.”
“I had to,” she murmurs, surprisingly still and not fighting my presence. Her eyes close as she takes a deeper breath. “I was trying to keep the others shielded while fighting, and I wasn’t as careful as I should’ve been. I was taking from too many sources without coaxing it. I was demanding, and it demanded more from me in return.”
