His Plump Mate (by Buchanan) novel Chapter 13

**Austin’s POV**

A knot of anxiety twisted in my stomach as I contemplated Rebel and Lacy venturing out together. I yearned to accompany Rebel, to shield her and ensure her well-being, but deep down, I recognized the importance of her forging connections within the pack. Lacy, with her incessant chatter and tendency to irritate me, might just be the catalyst Rebel needed to open up and embrace her new life.

I couldn’t resist reaching out to Lacy via mind link, instructing her to capture candid moments of Rebel without her knowledge. I also requested her sizes, just in case I felt inspired to surprise Rebel with something special. A grin broke across my face as I received snapshots of Rebel donning comically oversized sunglasses and a ridiculous hat. She appeared so carefree, so alive in those images. That’s the essence of what I wanted for her—pure, unadulterated happiness.

A chuckle broke through the tension, and I turned to see Renz, my Beta, shaking his head in amusement. “I never thought I’d witness the day when Alpha Austin Willis would turn into a lovesick puppy.”

“Shut it, Renz,” I replied, my tone serious. “I’m just looking out for her. After everything she revealed to us today, she deserves nothing less than complete happiness.” I paused, my thoughts drifting back to the troubling circumstances surrounding Rebel. “Have you uncovered anything about her and that worthless family of hers?”

Renz’s brow furrowed as he shook his head. “Nothing on Rebel. It’s as if she simply vanished from their lives. Her father, that bastard, kept her hidden away. However, I did discover that Harris, his mate, and their other daughter were tossed into the dungeons. The reason for that is still a mystery.”

I frowned, unease creeping in. “This situation with Rebel doesn’t sit right with me. It’s like she was invisible in that pack. Cullen either didn’t know or didn’t care. It feels too isolated to just be about Lawson, but I need to know if there are others involved.”

Just then, Renz’s expression shifted, his eyes glazing over momentarily. When he snapped back to focus, he delivered the news I had been waiting for. “The scout has returned, and he claims to have some intriguing information. I hope you don’t mind, but I sent him straight here.”

“Not at all. I’m eager to hear what he found.”

Moments later, a knock echoed through the room, and the scout entered, his demeanor respectful. “Alpha, Beta, good afternoon.”

“Hello, Dylan. What have you got for us?” I asked, eager to cut to the chase.

“I traced Luna’s scent to the Lawson house. It appears abandoned now. When I entered, it was as if time had stood still—nothing had been moved or disturbed. I searched for anything of value, but there were no documents, no photographs, nothing that pointed to Luna. The rest of the household’s belongings were there, but she felt like a ghost who had once inhabited that space. I stumbled upon what I presumed was the former beta’s office and began rummaging through his desk. I found this picture. If I didn’t know any better, I would swear it was our Luna. She bears an uncanny resemblance to this woman.” He handed me the photograph, its edges frayed with age. The woman in the image bore striking similarities to my mate. I flipped it over, revealing an inscription that read, “To Harris, I love you to the moon and back. Yours always, Sydney.”

“Were you able to discover anything about this woman, Sydney, in his office?” I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

“Unfortunately, no Alpha. But, as luck would have it, just as I was about to leave, I noticed a young woman approaching the house. At first, she seemed ready to flee, but I managed to ask her where I could find the Lawsons. She informed me that they had been imprisoned in the dungeons. When I pressed further, that’s when things took a darker turn.”

“Go on, what did she say?” I urged, my heart racing.

“The young woman was one of the omegas who worked there the night everything transpired. She revealed that Luna had spent the entire day preparing dinner for the guests. Afterward, she would pack her belongings and leave before anyone could see her, only to return by midnight once the guests departed. Her sister had warned her that once she became Luna, she would ensure Luna was banished, so she wouldn’t tarnish the family’s reputation.” He paused, sensing my growing agitation.

I clenched my fists, feeling a low growl rumble in my throat. “Continue.”

Dylan pressed on, “After Luna left, chaos ensued. Alpha Cullen arrived, and his wolf took control, racing to the attic—Luna’s room. He demanded that Harris produce Luna immediately. Over an hour passed, and when he returned empty-handed, Luna’s sister expressed her frustration that Cullen was solely focused on finding Luna, ignoring her entirely. At that moment, Cullen’s anger escalated, and he ordered Harris to reveal the truth about Luna. He even waited until midnight for her return, eating the meal she had prepared specifically for him. The omega mentioned that Cullen refused to allow the Lawsons to dine with him, as they had denied Luna a place at their table.”

“It doesn’t sound like he was aware of how Rebel was treated,” I remarked, glancing at Renz, who wore a grim expression.

Dylan continued, “No, he didn’t know, according to the omega. He was furious, but she believed it was less about Luna and more about how it would reflect on Ironclaw—making him look bad. But that’s not even the most unsettling part, Alpha.”

“Go on,” I urged, feeling a growing sense of dread.

“The omega revealed that Cullen mind-linked his beta and guards to arrest the Lawsons and throw them into the dungeons after midnight. Apparently, she overheard Cullen tell his beta that he intended to appear as a hero to Luna, hoping to convince her to become his mistress while he sought another she-wolf to be his Luna.”

My blood boiled at the thought. That arrogant bastard wanted to make Rebel his plaything while parading another woman as his mate. Rage surged through me, and I felt the primal instinct to protect what was mine. “Thank you, Dylan. Your work is commendable.” I turned to Renz, determination etched on my face. “We need to uncover who this woman named Sydney is. If she’s Rebel’s mother, perhaps there are other family members out there who could bring joy to her life.”

Dylan bowed respectfully and exited the room, while Renz inspected the photograph, his brow furrowing. “Austin, I sense there’s a significant mystery surrounding Luna that even she may not comprehend. We should see if she knows anything about her birth mother.”

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