Page 10 of Plus-Size Bullied Mate

His black shirt is wet from the mist as it clings to broad shoulders and hard muscle. Blood is smeared across his jaw from a split lip, though he seems completely oblivious to it. His chest rises heavily with each breath while fury rolls off him in suffocating waves.

I forgot how big he is. Or maybe he got bigger while he was gone.

Years away in military combat apparently turned him into something even more intimidating and scarily controlled around the edges.

And right now, of all times, my mind decides to catalog every difference in him… while he’s one heartbeat away from ripping someone apart. Yet, he doesn’t.

There’s mud on his boots, blood on his hands, and his dark hair hangs damp across his forehead while his blue eyes look unnaturally bright in the darkness.

Beautiful, even.

The thought horrifies me instantly.

What the hell is wrong with me?

Hayes spits blood onto the ground and slowly pushes himself upright before glaring between us. “This isn’t over.”

Hunter takes one step forward, and the movement alone sends enough dominance crashing through the forest that even my wolf flinches. In a way, it forces a hint of pride through me, even if that’s the last thing I feel right now.

“You crossed my border, and you attacked one of my wolves,” Hunter says coldly, eyes burning with everything he just barely keeps beneath the surface. “If you touch one of mine again, you won’t get the chance to walk away.”

Mine.

My stomach twists strangely, not used to anyone, including me, least of all him.

Hayes apparently notices too, but he doesn’t say anything. Instead, he forces a mocking grin onto his face, and that single look puts me on edge.

Hunter’s expression darkens further, but he takes a subtle step back. “Go home, Hayes.”

For a second, I honestly think Hayes might be stupid enough to challenge him again, but his survival instinct finally wins out, and he steadies himself on his feet.

“You’ll regret this, and you’ll regret underestimating me,” he snarls before shifting partially and disappearing into the trees.

The woods fall incredibly still, and I’m suddenly alone with Hunter Reed.

My worst bully growing up… and the boy who knew exactly how to make me feel unwanted without ever lifting a hand against me.

Only now he’s not a boy anymore. He’s an alpha, and he’s staring at me like he doesn’t know what to do with himself.

I instinctively take a step backward, searching for as much space as I can find out of habit.

Hunter’s eyes immediately track the movement, and something in his face shifts. Instead of softening or making himself more approachable, he only looks more irritated.

“Don’t.”

My brows pinch together instantly. “Don’t what?”

“Don’t walk away from me right now.”

Anger cuts through whatever remained of my fear fast enough to surprise even me. “I wasn’t aware I needed permission.”

Hunter exhales roughly through his nose like he’s barely holding onto his temper, and after what I just witnessed, I know it’s getting more precarious. “You’re coming with me.”

Every muscle in my body locks, and I silently question if I heard him right.

“What?”

“To my house.”