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.

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