Page 66 of Plus-Size Sold Mate
“She used magic,” someone else adds.
“To save your loved ones,” I bite back, refusing to let it stand like this.
Sera shifts uncomfortably beside me, and while I know she wants to pull away from this, I gently squeeze her hand.
I told her I was done bending, and I meant it.
“I will not tolerate disrespect toward my mate or our baby,” I tell them, voice lower but firm enough to not leave any room for doubt. Despite not shifting, the urge burns beneath my skin, and my teeth feel too sharp for my mouth. “Believing this child is a bad omen means questioning not only our Mother, but also my authority and the strength of this pack. I will take that as a direct challenge, and by all means, challenge me, but I promise you won’t like the outcome.”
Heavy, stifling silence falls over the group, with nobody brave enough to step forward and face me directly.
Though I catch a younger male from our border patrol muttering under his breath, speaking the words ingrained in him already. “It always takes something in return…”
That’s all it takes to send me over the edge, and before I can stop myself, I let go of Sera’s hand and surge forward.
In a blink, I’m in front of him, grabbing the front of his shirt with fire in my eyes. He stumbles from the wall of my presence, nearly buckling.
“Say that again,” I snarl, almost forgetting myself completely as the others back up to give us space.
Eyes wide, he swallows hard, and his frantic heartbeat betrays him. “I didn’t mean—”
“You implied my child is a debt waiting to be paid.”
Immediately, his gaze drops as he falls back into line, trembling like a coward. “Forgive me, please.”
Holding him there a moment longer to make a point, I let go as I turn back and pull in a steadying breath and try to get a grip on myself.
I’ve never done this before. I’ve never been directly hostile in front of the others, and while they needed the reminder, I didn’t mean for this to be a display of dominance.
I imagined joyous cheers, or at least some congratulations and a sense of relief. Maybe even unity. Instead, it feels like the pack is splitting right in front of my eyes.
After another drawn-out silence, Isaac clears his throat to try to ease the tension. “This is big news…a baby means continuity and stability.”
Eve nods, keeping a brave face despite the waves of uncertainty around us. “We’re being given a reason to celebrate. Precious life to hold and witness, not punishment.”
Even as some heads nod in the crowd, others exchange their wary glances, and I can physically feel the fracture.
Dominic glances around, and despite his usual flippant attitude, he speaks up next. “Dawson Voss wants fear and doubt. With Wraith Peak as an active threat, an heir will strengthen Coldreach’s standing among the other packs.”
“An Alpha with a united family behind him serves as a warning,” Zane adds, stoic yet intentional.
While they don’t have much sway here, I know they’re trying.
Still, the energy has shifted, and I can’t force celebration where fear has taken root.
Clenching my jaw, I refuse to make Sera endure this a moment longer. Not when I’ve been doing everything in my power to reassure her about this, and about the baby.
“This meeting is over,” I say finally, tone clipped, before I go to Sera and guide her out through the back as the others slowly disperse.
I’m already running through what to say to her in my head, but by the time we’re alone in a nearby clearing, she stops, face long like she’s still digesting everything that just happened.
I can’t read her emotions through the calm exterior, and it makes my heart clench.
“I’m sorry,” I start, immediately forgetting about whatever I had rehearsed before. “For them. For everything you just heard.”
Sera just looks at me for a moment, then she frowns. “You didn’t need to do that.”
My brows furrow. “Defend you? Of course I did. They need to know that isn’t okay.”
