Page 76 of Plus-Size Bullied Mate

Not even trying to dispute it, he grips the curve of my ass and grins.

“Definitely.”

Chapter 30 - Hunter

The community hall is louder than it has been in months as laughter rolls through the space, blending with conversation and warmth that finally feels like I’ve made something both of this pack and of myself.

The scent of food hangs in the air, rich and familiar, while dozens of pack members mingle beneath the warm glow of the overhead lights.

For the first time in a long time, the atmosphere feels easier and more peaceful than it had. While it isn’t perfect, since nothing ever is, it’s enough.

I sit at the far end of the room with Tessa tucked against my side, my arm draped casually over the back of her chair. She leans into me naturally, her fingers threaded through mine, and every time I glance down at her, my chest tightens with the same overwhelming certainty that has followed me since the moment she became my mate. My home.

The gathering had been my idea initially, but after I suggested it, Tessa threw herself into helping organize everything. We both knew the pack needed this after everything that happened with Hayes and several months of uncertainty. We all needed a reason to come together that wasn’t centered around fear.

Looking out across the room, I recognize every face, and knowing they’re all here settles something deeply ingrained in me.

My mother sits and chats with Cole and Mary, looking more than content to be spending some time with them. The former alpha catches my eye and lifts his drink in acknowledgment, and for all of his usual sternness, it seems I’ve managed to prove myself to him after all.

I return the gesture, silently acknowledging how two generations of leadership have come together. My way of doing things looks different from Cole’s, but now, it feels less tumultuous and more like I’m moving down the right path.

Nearby, Caleb has one arm draped around Lila’s shoulders while Luke and Sera argue good-naturedly about something likely entirely insignificant. Zane and Naia stand close together near the back, speaking quietly, while Dominic is surrounded by numerous plates and showing no signs of stopping.

I snort.

Tessa follows my gaze, and she smiles to herself. “He’s still eating.”

“He’s been eating for forty-five minutes.”

“Maybe he’s hungry.”

“He had three plates before anyone else got one,” I mumble, amused by how he always seems to be well acquainted with whatever food is being served. “If you ask me, I think he needs a girlfriend.”

A laugh escapes her, and I find myself leaning in just to hear more of it. I love that sound more than anything.

There had been a time when seeing her smile felt impossible, and now, I get to witness it every day. It’s something I can’t bring myself to take for granted.

Eventually, I give Tessa a knowing look. “I guess we should get to the main event.”

Immediately, I feel her subtle nerves through our bond, but it doesn’t feel like she’s bracing herself to flee. Instead, she takes a breath and looks over at me.

“You ready?”

“Of course,” I hum, gently squeezing her hand. “Are you?”

She smiles, and more confidence surrounds her. “With you? Always.”

That answer warms me deeply, and I give her a small, private grin before I push my chair back and guide her up.

The room gradually quiets as people realize we’re standing. Conversations taper off, eyes turn toward us, and a ripple of anticipation spreads through the gathering.

Even if Tessa is still getting used to the attention, she holds herself well by my side.

“I wanted to thank you all for coming,” I begin, turning toward the pack now. “We’ve been through a lot in the last few months… more than any pack should have to endure. We faced enemies who wanted to topple what we have, but we survived because we stood together. Because this pack refused to break.”

Several wolves nod, and I catch pride shining in their eyes. It’s the same pride I’ve been carrying in my chest for some time now, and one I hope will last for as long as possible.

My gaze shifts toward Tessa. To the woman many of them once doubted, and the one some still struggle to fully understand. Yet she’s standing here now as their luna, stronger than anyone ever gave her credit for.