Page 13 of Plus-Size Bullied Mate

“Watch me,” he utters, so unruffled by all of this that it only adds more fuel to the fire.

I genuinely consider biting him, but Hunter’s hand clamps harder against the back of my thigh before I can attempt it. That contact alone sends a traitorous shiver through me, even if it shouldn’t.

“Don’t even think about it.”

“I wouldn’t have to if you’d just put me down,” I return, finding it impossible to make the flush leave my cheeks.

A low sound, almost like a laugh, rumbles in his chest, and that sets me off.

“You arrogant asshole.”

“You’ll survive.”

“I don’t care!”

“That,” he says with a touch of lingering irritation, “is becoming very obvious.”

I freeze briefly at the tone, but Hunter just keeps walking through the dark woods without slowing once.

Rain drips steadily from the trees overhead while his body radiates heat against mine, and the scent of blood and pine wraps suffocatingly around me, all tied together with the unmistakable scent of him.

I hate how aware I am of him right now. He feels infuriatingly strong and steady, like he could carry the world on his back and he’d never break.

“Put me down,” I say again, breathless this time.

“No.”

“I can manage myself.”

Hunter actually stops walking long enough to glance at me, and I already know he doesn’t believe me.

“You’re fighting me harder than you fought Hayes.”

That catches me off guard. “What?”

Hunter’s voice roughens slightly, almost like he’s trying to make sense of it. “He dragged you through the woods, and you barely resisted. But the second I touched you, you started clawing like an animal. Maybe you should’ve used that fight before.”

Shame burns hot through my chest, and I grit my teeth. Once again, it feels like an indirect way of calling me weak.

“It doesn’t matter.”

“But it does. You should’ve protected yourself.”

“It’s not like I could’ve beaten him anyway,” I utter, embarrassed for being called out. I bristle and try to keep as much of my pride intact as I can despite the circumstances. “Besides, you’re enjoying how you got to show off.”

“What I’m enjoying is the fact that you’re alive.”

The rawness in his voice steals my next response entirely, and I can’t bring myself to think of anything worth saying anyway.

Hunter looks furious, and not just in a performative alpha way. Instead, it feels oddly deeper and frighteningly genuine.

His gaze drags across my face like he’s checking for injuries all over again, forcing another wave of confused fluster through me. Then, he keeps moving, leaving me to try and grapple with the fact that my worst tormentor is hauling me back to his place like reclaimed property.

I don’t know how the hell I got here, or what I’m supposed to do now. But either way, Hunter isn’t letting go.

Chapter 4 - Hunter

By the time we reach the house, I’m still angry enough to tear something apart. But even if the rage hasn’t settled yet, I keep it just beneath my skin, hot and volatile.