His Plump Mate (by Buchanan) novel Chapter 8

**Cullen POV**

As I pulled up to the Lawson residence, a sense of anticipation coursed through me. I had heard whispers about Rachel Lawson, the daughter of the former beta, Harris Lawson. They called her a local beauty, and I couldn’t help but wonder if there was any familial connection to Rebel Lawson. But deep down, I felt that Rebel didn’t belong to my pack, so the thought seemed far-fetched. Two months ago, when our paths crossed, I quickly realized that someone like her could never be my Luna. Sure, she had a figure that turned heads, her curves practically spilling out of her shirt, and her scent was intoxicating, a sweet temptation that lingered in the air. Yet, she lacked the refinement and elegance I sought in a mate. I needed someone who could complement my stature, not someone who appeared frumpy or out of place.

Jax, my wolf, had been silent for over six weeks, sulking in the shadows of my mind. He had taken a liking to her, for reasons I still couldn’t fathom. Despite being an Alpha with a powerful wolf, the rejection had stung more than I cared to admit. It was a pain I shouldn’t have felt, yet there it was, gnawing at me. I concluded that the moon goddess had made a grave error, and it was time for me to find my own Luna, someone from my pack, ideally from a family of rank. I had dined with various families over the past couple of weeks, but none had impressed me. The food was mediocre, the conversations dull, and the she-wolves lacked the grace I desired. Rachel was my last option. If she didn’t meet my expectations, I would have to venture into neighboring packs to find a suitable chosen mate.

As I approached the door, Jax stirred within me, his instincts kicking in. “Our mate is here! I smell our mate! I want our mate!” he howled, his excitement palpable. But confusion washed over me as Rebel’s scent filled my nostrils. This couldn’t be right. I had felt no connection to her in my pack. How was she here?

The door swung open, revealing Harris, who wore a welcoming smile that felt almost forced. “Alpha Cullen, welcome, welcome! We are honored to have you here for dinner. Please, come in!” he gestured, and I stepped inside, my mind racing. Almost immediately, Jax took control, leading me up the stairs as he followed the intoxicating scent of Rebel. We reached a standalone door, and I pushed it open, overwhelmed by her fragrance. But this was the attic. Why was her scent strongest here? “Where is our mate?” Jax growled, his agitation mirroring my own. I may have rejected her, but the thought of her living in the attic was unsettling. “Harris, where is Rebel?” I demanded, my voice steady but laced with authority.

“Alpha Cullen, she is out at the moment. Why are you so worried about her?” Harris asked, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

“I have my reasons,” I replied curtly. “Go find her and bring her to me, now.”

“Yes, Alpha. I hope she hasn’t caused you any trouble. The silly girl sometimes gets carried away. Please allow me to apologize on her behalf,” he stammered, clearly flustered.

“My business with her is none of your concern, Harris. Just go and get her, NOW.” I felt a surge of irritation. While I didn’t want her as my Luna, having her as a mistress could calm Jax. “No! I don’t want anyone else! Only mate! I will never accept any chosen mate, human!” he protested fiercely. “Not now, Jax. If she agrees to be our mistress, we can enjoy her while still finding a suitable Luna who fits the part. It’s a win-win,” I reasoned with my stubborn wolf. He huffed in resignation, retreating to the back of my mind, inhaling the scent of Rebel that lingered in the air. If Rachel was indeed her sister, it would only make this situation sweeter. Just because I had rejected her didn’t mean she wasn’t mine. I could keep her as a secret indulgence whenever I needed release.

Descending back downstairs, I spotted Harris’s mate, Jules, and their daughter, Rachel. Rachel had just turned eighteen and hadn’t found her mate on her birthday. I suddenly realized I couldn’t recall Rebel having an 18th birthday celebration either. “Alpha Cullen! We are thrilled to have you here for dinner in our humble abode,” Jules exclaimed, her voice grating on my nerves. With a tight smile, I replied, “It’s certainly an interesting evening.”

My gaze shifted to Rachel. She was attractive, perhaps more so than the other she-wolves I had dined with recently. She bore a striking resemblance to Rebel, though her hair was a dark brown compared to Rebel’s black with hints of red. They had to be related, but I couldn’t recall Harris and Jules having another daughter. If Rebel was indeed linked to Rachel, why was she relegated to living in the attic? “Alpha, would you like some tea or coffee? I can have the omegas prepare something for you,” Rachel offered, her tone overly sweet.

“I’m fine, thank you,” I replied tersely.

An hour dragged on, and still, Harris hadn’t returned with Rebel. What could possibly be taking so long? Jax was growing restless, and my irritation was mounting. Jules continued her mindless chatter, while Rachel batted her eyelashes at me, her attempts at seduction painfully obvious yet lacking finesse. Just as I was about to stand and leave, Harris walked in—without Rebel. I immediately straightened, my patience thinning. “Well?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m sorry, Alpha, I cannot find her at the moment. I never know where she goes, but she should be back by midnight,” he said, his voice tinged with nervousness.

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