Page 78 of Plus-Size Bullied Mate

“I forgive you.”

The tension leaves my mother’s shoulders so suddenly that it’s almost tangible, and tears gather in her eyes. “So easily?”

Tessa hums with gentle amusement. “I wouldn’t say easily, but sincerely. I’ve been learning how to forgive more, too.”

My mother’s laugh comes out soft and emotional, but she nods.

Before I know it, they’re hugging, and the sight knocks the air from my lungs.

Even if this seemed like a wound that would never budge, this one is healing after all, and it feels like a massive weight lifted from my shoulders.

For years, conflict existed between them, even when neither wanted it. Now it’s on the way out, and I couldn’t be happier for them.

As they separate, my mother wipes at her eyes. “Thank you.”

Tessa squeezes her hand. “You’re welcome.”

“And congratulations to you both. You don’t know how excited I am for a grandchild,” Mom adds, sliding over to hug me next.

I smile and wrap my bigger frame around her smaller one. “Trust me, I’ll know as soon as the spoiling starts.”

Not denying it, she laughs softly with us, and a strange sense of peace settles over me. It’s the kind I never thought I’d have the privilege of experiencing myself.

My father is gone, and nothing will ever change that, but maybe this is what moving forward looks like.

Eventually, Mom gets pulled into an excited conversation with a few other pack members, but I get an entire minute alone with Tessa before a loud and familiar voice cuts through the room.

“There they are.”

I groan immediately.

The guys step forward, but Dominic reaches me first as he throws an arm around my shoulders. “Congratulations, Dad.”

I grimace at the way he says it. “Don’t start with me.”

“Oh, we’re absolutely starting.”

Luke smirks. “You thought we’d let this slide?”

“Not a chance,” Zane agrees coolly.

Dominic points directly at me. “I want everyone to remember this moment.”

I narrow my eyes. “What moment?”

“The moment Hunter officially has a life and doesn’t keep it from us. That has been a bigger feat than I ever expected.”

The group immediately bursts into laughter, and Tessa joins them like a traitor. She’s lucky she has official mate status.

“I hate all of you,” I mumble, dragging a hand down my face.

“No, you don’t.”

Unfortunately, Caleb is right.

These idiots have been beside me through hell and back even before all of this started, and they’re brothers in every way that matters.

Tessa leans against me, laughing openly now as they continue to dig at every place they can find. Watching her happiness take on a physical form makes enduring their nonsense worth it, even if it’s at my expense.