April didn’t know what she was going to do. She wanted a man. No, she needed one desperately, but every male she could think of did nothing for her. Mind you, she was avoiding thinking of the darkly handsome Gerald. Gods, what changed her like that? Her phone went off with a message. “This came into my inbox. You must watch it. Asia.” April clicked on a video file and watched herself be humiliated. He’d given chase. What happened? Why didn’t she remember? Oh, she remembered Victoria or. Vicky as she insisted everyone call her. She was trying to match make everyone because she’d just mated herself to a west coast alpha. She’d annoyed April to no end with her fake southern accent and syrupy sweet fake manners. They’d argued that night. April now remembered that. Vicky insisted April needed a mate sooner rather than later. Three wolves stood, but Gerald, as intimidating as ever, made the others back off with his mere presence. But there he was, chasing after he
Morning came early for the resort and the staff with parties and gatherings after the grand opening ceremony. Janine couldn’t find time for herself, let alone the face Emily was now in labour. But Emily insisted she continue on with the opening of the resort and she’d be more than welcome after to see the pups. So there she was with her phone in her hands, checking it again and again for any update on her grand pups and Emily herself. The worry and dread she felt hit her like a ton of bricks. Everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves and things were going off without too many issues. Janine was having a hard time keeping up the appearance of a pleasant host that was engaging and pleased her guests were there. Also, keeping the fact that the local Alpha couple was distracted from everything around the birth of their pups and survival of their Luna was extremely difficult when that was all she could think about. Really, it was all
It distracted Gerald throughout most of the meeting. Thank the gods he only had to observe and take up a seat. He didn’t think he could have contributed if he had to. His mind was on the sweet little mate of his.He didn’t like the idea that she didn’t remember what happened. Gerald didn’t think he’d hurt her or harmed her in any way. In fact, every sign she gave was that their encounter, though in wolf form, was what she wanted.She’d moved her tail aside after the prerequisite mating chase and he’d played with her to get her comfortable to his overtures. When he mounted her glorious beast, she’d been more than ready. She needed the relief mating would give her.Now he wondered what it would be like to take her human form. Would she be as willing? He’d knotted inside her. It took hours to find his relief and been able to leave her hot core.As wolves that ensured a mating ending in pregnancy. It was one way the mate ensured they had pups. Gerald had to catch the grin of pure joy on h
Emily resisted going to the clinic until the very last minute. Which drove James to distraction. He thought he’d have to carry her there physically. They were, in fact, coming and nothing would stop them. That was, until Emily’s blood pressure rose and wouldn’t come down. The healers would have to operate. So here sat James as they worked to save the pups and his mate. He’d been sure everything would be fine. Now, he wasn’t sure of anything. Gods, please, he’ll do better if only he could keep them all. Over two hours later, he was informed that all survived. Two pups and their mother were resting. A male and female lay in the infant bedding, sound asleep. Two perfect little beings. Even now, he could see surprising similarities between them and their parents. James couldn’t wait to get to know their personalities. It was all a little overwhelming in a good way. No, he needed to keep his promise to the gods. Someone was listening. There’d be time enough late
“What do you mean, he’ll be here in an hour? Gerald will be here, are you sure?” April thought she’d have a few days, but not today. What would she say? What could she say? “Would you please breathe? It’s not that bad. He’ll come and meet you. Then you can talk to him face-to-face and get some answers.” Asia tried to reason with April, but it wasn’t working. She was in one of her rare panics. “Answers, yeah, he’s got a lot to answer, for that’s for sure. Why did you let him come here? He’s done some sketchy things. I don’t think I like his idea of courtship.” “April, he was highly traditional. I agree it’s outdated and barbaric. But the problem is where and when it happened. If I fight him on this, we could have issues with inter-pack politics. Then we have two alpha families in one pack in a few years. I hate this as much as you do. You know exactly what you’d advise me to do if anyone else was in this situation.” Asia struggled with this. She felt like she was
Eva stood at the edge of the meadow. An entire pack of wolves she barely knew waited for her to step forward be accepted by their alpha into the pack. Then have her mating with Damon announced, validated, and accepted by the alpha and the pack. No biggie, right? Just a formality. So why weren’t her feet moving? She could see Damon, and he could see her. Okay, she had this. Penny expected a mommy by the end of the day. Gods, what was she getting herself into? Fine, just one foot in front of the other. Eva made her way through the crowd as it parted for her. Asia and Thomas arrive late last night for this. She’d still now spoken to either of them, so Eva didn’t know what was going on. It only took a minute for her to get to the ceremonial mound. She walked up the gentle grade to Damon, and he took her hand in his to lead her into position. They traditionally lay the meadow out. If a human passed by, it would look like a family garden party was happening. Flowers, ta
April watched the vehicle pull up to the front of the packhouse and she recognized Gerald exiting the vehicle. Her belly did a somersault, and she wasn’t sure if the queasiness she felt was for the man she just saw, her nerves, or her pregnancy. April was hiding on the upper floor of the packhouse, and Asia just left to greet Gerald. She wanted to have a talk with him before April saw him. April knew she could get behind that. Now, if only Asia could keep him talking forever, then April would be ecstatic. What did she feel she’d lose to him? Freedom? Her identity? Her independence? The life she’d built for herself on her own merit. All other the above? She’d watched strong women go from being their own person to being Mrs. so and so. Losing their very name. Would she be able to do as she liked? Or they would expect her to drop everything and fulfil other peoples’ expectations? Would they hold her to traditions and values that she didn’t hold? These were all questions April feare
April knew she had to face him. But between his size and dominating personality, April didn’t stand a chance. She wasn’t a meek little mouse of a wolf. Or a broken one. She was feeling tiny, and that wasn’t something she was used to. Add in the man was drop dead gorgeous with his perfect hair and designer suits. Suits he didn’t think twice about shifting in. He just destroyed and replaced without a thought. Gerald must hate her. He probably believed she was pregnant just to corner him into a mating. That didn’t click since he’d messed with her head and used her animal to ensure she became pregnant. That or someone else messed with him too, and they were both in this mess together. April’s mind was everywhere and nowhere. Trying to find every scenario possible and finding nothing that made sense. Asia followed her to the office door, where April stopped before it was dead in her tracks. Thomas was leaving the office and April could see Gerald’s tall and very