RICHIE: New Orleans Wolf Shifters with plus sized BBW for mates (Le Beau Series Book 6) by V.A. Dold, Tori Austin

sure as hell wasn’t going in there. Hell, nothing to do but wait. He hated waiting. He claimed a bit of wall at the edge of the lobby and hallway, crossed his arms and leaned back.
    What the heck was taking the ladies so long? Thirty minutes later he still held up the same patch of wall. The lobby emptied as people were ushered to their seats. Richie had no choice but to leave his station, and join the crowd.
    The groom stood at the front of the church and still no Piper. Richie’s wolf raged. The beast wanted to take action and track its mate. He braced his arms on the bench of the wooden pew, prepared to stand and leave the church when she hurried through the door and took a seat in the front row. Finally , he breathed.
    Richie lost sight of her when everyone stood as Theresa, escorted by both her mother and father, walked down the aisle. She was stunning. He’d only ever seen her in jeans and a T-shirt. Wow, she was beautiful. His mind immediately pictured Piper in a wedding dress, walking toward him, as he stood proudly at the front of the church. The excited hammering of his heart about beat his ribs to dust.
    Once they were seated again, he paid little attention to the wedding. His eyes were riveted on his mate. Like a lovesick pup, he held his breath, and willed her to turn slightly so he could see her face. What was he? Stupid? He could get her attention with telepathy. They were mates and as such were gifted with the ability to speak to one another telepathically.
    Piper , he whispered gently into her mind.
    He watched her shoulders stiffen. Slowly, she turned and searched the church.
    Piper, it’s me, Richie. Don’t ask why, I’ll explain later, but we can speak telepathically to each other.
    Her shoulders rose slightly as she sucked in a breath and held it.
    You can speak to me as well. Just think what you want to say and imagine saying it to me. Richie explained.
    Is this for real? I’m not losing my mind am I?
    Richie’s chuckle sounded in her thoughts. Yes. It’s for real.
    You can read my mind?
    No, cher. I can hear what you direct at me.
    Thank god! How is this possible?
    Richie slapped a hand over his mouth to contain the laughter that threatened to erupt . Like I said, I’ll explain later, it’s complicated.
    I’m holding you to that, because let me tell you, this is freaky.
    You’ve got a deal. Tonight after the wedding dance when we can talk in private I’ll tell you all about it.
    Okay, I guess that might be for the best. This is too strange to talk about in public. People will think we’ve lost our minds.
    Exactly. Hey, where were you this morning? I missed you at breakfast.
    Sorry, I had appointments with the girls in the wedding party. She paused, then continued. Will you save a dance for me tonight?
    How about I save all my dances for you?
    There was a long pause. Okay.
    I better let you enjoy the wedding. Meet me outside the church after the ceremony is over.
    Okay, I’ll look for you.
    Thank Goddess for a short service! The instant the bride and groom walked passed his seat and into the lobby, he stood and rushed from the church. His gaze fixed to the huge double doors. His heart accelerated as he waited for Piper to emerge. Wedding guests flowed down the steps and still no Piper. Where had she gotten off to now?
    Finally, he spotted Billie. “Hey, gorgeous.” He greeted her with a smile and gave her a hug.
    “Hi! Wasn’t the wedding beautiful?”
    “It sure was. Theresa was breathtaking.”
    “I know, right! Her dress was to die for.” She narrowed her eyes on Richie. “What are you up to?”
    Richie’s brows rose. “What? Why would you ask me that?”
    She narrowed her eyes further and poked his chest. “I know that look. You’re up to something.”
    “Actually, I’m looking for Piper. Have you seen her?”
    “No!” Billie covered her heart dramatically. “The Great Richie has a crush?”
    Richie laughed and put an arm around her shoulders. “Shut it before I give