Page 46 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

Miles threw his hands up. "Why are you looking at me? You act like I'm a monster."

"You pushed Michelle out of the way last year," Ayden said, crossing his arms.

"I did not."

"You did," Laura said, stopping next to him. "And we all agreed you eat last this year."

Miles scowled. "You all say I act like a child. I might as well get the perks that come with it."

Laura snorted, shaking her head at him. "I'm questioning my love for you," she teased, giving him a kiss. "But if you grab food before our son, I'll have you washing our entire house with a toothbrush."

I looked around, taking everyone in. Ayden and Wendy had a loving relationship that everyone seemed to swoon at. Miles and Laura bickered and teased each other, but you could tell they were deeply in love. Lucas said little, but he handed Gina her glass, kissing her forehead, and you knew they didn't really need words for their relationship. Owen was even sitting with Ivy on his lap, talking to her with Ashley, and trying to fix their daughter's hair.

They all had different relationships that were built on love and trust. I glanced at Riley, wondering if that was how we looked. Did we look like we had a good relationship?

I glanced at Riley, and her face shifted. "What's wrong?" I asked as the kids all hurried to the kitchen to grab food.

"Nothing. I'm just taking it all in." She softly smiled. "They all have such beautiful relationships and children."

I gave her shoulder a squeeze, and she relaxed a little.

After the kids finished, we all got some food. We ate and chatted while sipping champagne. We played some board games and allowed the kids to win most of them. We were all sitting around telling stories, watching the clock turn and getting closer to midnight.

"The last of the kids are asleep," Owen said, walking out from a hallway.

"That means you guys can start your race," Wendy chirped. She pulled herself out of her chair and headed into the kitchen, pouring herself another glass.

"You know I asked Cayden why the girls haven't joined," Riley asked, looking at them. When in wolf form, the women were just as fast as the guys, so it wasn't like they had an advantage.

"We just haven't," Laura said, looking around the group. "But mostly because one of us was pregnant at the time."

"No one is pregnant this year," Gina said, looking around. "Right? Or is someone holding out on some life-changing information?"

All eyes fell on Wendy and Ayden. Wendy snorted, shaking her head. "You have all watched me drink an entire bottle of champagne tonight."

"Ayden could have been drinking it secretly, like when you were pregnant with Zayden. You have ways to hide the truth."

She shook her head. "I'm not pregnant. But not because of the lack of trying."

The guys all made a face, and Ayden laughed. Wendy took a seat on his lap. "But you know it would be kind of fun to join. We've never been given the chance."

"I'd like to play," Gina said, nodding her head. "I bet I could take the win. Main man sounds like a good title for a year." Gina looked at Lucas. "I wouldn't have to hear you say that all year."

I suddenly grew giddy with excitement. All of us were racing to see who was the fastest. It was always interesting to see who was the winner.

Suddenly, the clock chimed for midnight, and I looked at Riley, who turned to me. "It's midnight, " someone said in a cheerful voice.

I reached up, cupping Riley's face, and leaned in, kissing her. It wasn't a soft kiss, either. I kissed her like it was the last time I would, and I heard a soft moan leave her lips.

I smirked as I leaned back, taking in her flushed face. "Happy New Year, Riley. May this year be amazing and full of opportunities."

I could hear the others saying the same to their spouses, and as she looked at me, I could see the lust in her eyes. I wanted her so goddamn badly it hurt.

She straightened herself and tried to wipe her face like she could wipe away the redness.

"All right! Let's head outside!" Owen said, a kick in his step as he walked past us. "Rules are simple. We start at the forest's edge, and you run straight until you see the flag, which is about a mile out. You can do anything to win, but remember we will do this again next year, and if you trip someone this year, they will likely trip you back next year."

All eyes went to Lucas, who shrugged. I couldn't help but laugh because last year he had tripped Miles because he won the year before, and I knew he wouldn't let him live it down.

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