IrinaHUNTER ALMOST SEEMED RELIEVED to be rid of Emily when I mentioned I wanted her to help me in the store permanently. I knew he wanted someone close to me at all times to protect me whenever he wasn’t around, and this was the best solution.We had a romantic dinner for two and after, he drove me out to the pack house where we told an elated Emily. She wasted no time in saying yes, and that was that. Emily was my new shop assistant, on top of being a secretary to the pack. I stayed with Hunter for the night and when we made love, it felt as if we were reconnecting again.In the morning, he and Isiah drove me and Emily to the store. This was not the life I dreamed I would have. It was much better. I didn’t have a white picket fence in front of my home, but I had an entire forest. Who could ask for more? Over the next couple of weeks, we were incredibly busy at the store with all the different holidays and each time, Emily loved helping me to change the display window.My parents and
IrinaNEW YEARS FLEW BY LIKE a whirlwind and I could feel things changing desperately after Valentine's Day! We had decided on the menu and Hunter’s staff were going to prepare everything. Since I didn’t have any other family besides my parents and very few friends, our guest list consisted mostly of the pack. Which made sending out invitations incredibly easy because they went to one main address!I found the flowers I wanted pretty easily as soon as they came back into season, which left only one thing. My dress. When we were little, it was so easy. We found mom’s old dress in the attic and that was that. It was our dream wedding dress. I realized that in all the time I had imagined this dream life of mine, I never spent any time thinking about the actual wedding.As we walked into the boutique just two doors down from the flower shop, I frowned. All along the walls there were wedding dresses of all shapes and sizes. There were different fabrics and some had really intricate detail
IrinaI had to tell my parents the truth after my outburst, but how could I tell Hunter’s secret without having his permission? I was just so shaken up when I first arrived, that I wasn’t thinking straight. The sheriff arrived and my parents luckily gave us some time alone to talk. He suggested that I call Hunter and as soon as he was on speaker phone, we sat down and I told them what happened.I didn’t have to see Hunter to know that he was growing furious. This was the second time I had been attacked by rogues and it was slowly becoming clear that rogue attacks weren’t that strange around the outside of town, but now they were coming for me inside town.They were coming for me where there were humans that knew nothing about the supernatural world. Not only did they risk the exposure of the pack, but they risked the exposure of the entire supernatural world. Something about that scared Hunter, and I had never heard him sound this scared. The sheriff left and Hunter stayed on the line
Irina“You look breathtaking.” Hunter whispered, sending a shiver down the back of my spine and as soon as his eyes shot down to my breasts, I remembered I was completely naked under the dress! It was the first thing he noticed and he grinned from ear to ear.“Thanks, you don’t look so bad yourself.” I felt my cheeks turn bright red as the pastor cleared his throat to start the ceremony.“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Hunter and Irina. Love is not a bond people should enter into lightly and, after my limited discussions with the two of you, I can say for sure that you have given this union some serious thought. Ladies and gentlemen, Hunter and Irina have asked to make their own vows to each other and I will now give them the chance to make their everlasting promises. Irina, you first.” He smiled and nodded at me and I took a deep breath and looked into Hunter’s eyes.“Hunter, when we first met, I wondered what an old guy like you would be wanting w
IrinaIT FELT A LITTLE strange to wake up in his bedroom and not think about everything I had to do when I got back home. This is my home now. I turned around in Hunter’s arms and kissed him on the nose before wriggling out of his steel grip and making my way to the bathroom.“You have to get up! We’re going to be late!” I giggled, rushing into the bathroom, and opening up the shower. I was still naked after our wedding night. For once, I didn’t feel self-conscious about my body. I remember the first time I walked naked and noticed him watching. I very quickly covered myself and he took the cover away. Hunter told me that he loved my body. He loved every curve and every little spot. It changed something inside me and, since then, I don’t mind running around naked in our room. I popped my head around the door and grinned at him.“Come on, sleepy head!” We had to leave the house within the hour or we were going to be late for our flight. Of course, we couldn’t take a shower together wit
IrinaI could deal with the nightmares … Most of the time, but it did put one thing in the spotlight. Hunter still hadn’t marked me the way that wolves do with their mates. We talked about it … A lot, but Hunter was scared that if he marked me, he would lose me. It was frustrating that he thought I wouldn’t be strong enough to survive the transition.I was also scared because if I did turn, I would be one of them. A monster like the wolf that came after me. There were just too many variables. Thankfully, now that we were married and having loads of sex, I no longer got the fever, which was a good thing. If I had to spend one more night in hospital with a fever no doctor could explain, people would start asking questions.Anyway, life had to go on and so did we. I grew used to having meals with the pack in their enormous dining room, and omegas tending to my every need. Sometimes, before I even realized I had one. I grew used to taking care of the pack business while running the flower
IrinaWHEN HUNTER RETURNED, I found myself running outside and straight into his arms. Was this what real love felt like?! I felt as though I couldn’t breathe when he wasn’t around, and as soon as he was back, I took my first breath in forever! Emily called it the mate bond. That mysterious destined bond gifted to them by the moon goddess.We had dinner with the pack and finally had some alone time as soon as we went to our room. I loved making love to Hunter. He had more stamina than I could have imagined and, thanks to his experience, I was never left unsatisfied. We were lying in bed in each other’s arms just basking in the glow of being together when I took a deep breath.“Hunter, if we have children, will they grow up in this house?” I frowned, circling his muscles with the tip of my finger.“Of course. This will be our family home. You know I can’t leave the pack.” I nodded. I was going to talk to him about moving into Miss Sally’s old house. I really wanted a home for our child
IrinaOVER THE NEXT couple of days, I kept having awful nightmares about wolves chasing me. They became so bad, that Hunter took me to the pack doctor. I didn’t want to sleep, and I couldn’t eat. My fear had completely taken over. I knew I was being ridiculous and that was the worst part. I knew I was safe with Hunter around, but I just couldn’t shake the intense fear coursing through my veins every second of the day. I tried to hide it, but it was as though Hunter could smell it on me.The medication the doctor gave me helped me to get some sleep and once I had a good night’s rest, I was able to eat something. I could physically feel my strength returning to my body and the fear subsided as the days passed by. I was still scared and I still wanted to know why we had to live like this, but it was as though acceptance finally set it.The pack would protect me, and when there were no attacks for a couple of weeks, I started to relax again. Sadly, the pack house still didn’t feel like ho
IrinaAfter a couple of weeks, the new place was built and we all moved in. I loved the new setup more than I thought I would and it was actually great fun to have Rosemary so close by. The children had done an amazing job in getting everyone settled into the new place and as I walked down the beach, I breathed in the fresh morning air.I missed Archer terribly. He would have loved this new place so much. He had always loved the lake. I met Rosemary on the way and we caught up on all the last-minute arrangements for the day. Hunter had finally accepted his new position in life and there was just one thing he asked of the kids which they gladly gave.Now that we were all settled in, it would be the official ceremony to bind our two packs together according to our ancient traditions. Today was Ingrid and Richard’s mating ceremony and I could feel the excitement in the air. The packs had already come together as one much easier than any of us could ever have imagined they would.On the f
Irina“Oh, no! Don’t you dare put me in the middle of this!” I glared at Hunter who was glaring right back at me. The discussions had been going around in circles for hours without a solution and he had pulled me aside to ask me to order Richard and our daughter to move home. Hunter, being Hunter, had found the only way he believed this arrangement would work.He thought Richard could just become Alpha of our pack and choose someone else to take over his pack. As if it would be that damn easy! What was my mate thinking?!“I don’t see what the problem is.” He huffed and for a split second I saw traces of Archer in my husband. They looked so damn much alike! “Other males move to the packs of their females, why can’t he?” Hunter was pouting as he waved his hand through the air before clamping his arms tightly over his chest.“Would you have left your pack for me?” I studied my mate. “If I refused to live this life, Hunter. Would you have given up everything just for me?” I could see that
IngridI was hoping I looked sexy, but I knew I didn’t as I fumbled to try and fit him inside me. I was just about to give up when Richard reached out and helped me and I nearly swallowed my tongue the moment he pushed inside of me. I liked this position! I had seen it in movies and always wondered about it, even if I looked away as soon as it came on.It felt as though he was going even deeper and I wondered if that was even possible. I wasn’t entirely sure if I should hunch on my legs or just move my hips, but clearly Richard knew what he was doing as he guided me and we were soon captured in the throes of passion!“Yeah, that’s it! Ride me!” He growled through clenched teeth and it gave me the small confidence boost I needed. I was doing it right! Richard pushed himself up and he clung to my body as I moved. It took a little longer for us to reach that peak this time, but just as I felt myself about to tumble over, he leaned closer. I felt his canines scarping my skin for just a mo
IngridIt was as though that was all he needed to hear as he slowly started to push into me. In an instant, I was flooded with hunger. I wanted him more than anything. I needed him. The expression of needing someone … Really needing them finally made sense! The world finally made sense! Why men went to war for women made sense!Richard stopped pulling me out of my ridiculous thoughts and when a frown formed on his brow, I thought I had done something wrong.“I’m not sure if you know this, but this next part will hurt a little. I promise you it will be the one and only time I will ever hurt you.” He stroked a stray piece of hair out of my face and I nodded. I could have told him that it wouldn’t be the last time he hurt me, but I didn’t. My mind was running at a mile a minute with all sorts of distracting thoughts and I didn’t want to spoil the moment with any of them.As Richard thrust into me, I cried out and he held me for a moment. It was painful, but it wasn’t unbearable pain. I c
IngridI wouldn’t say I was entirely innocent. I knew which parts went where and what to do with all those parts, I just hadn’t physically done any of it up to now. Why hadn’t I done it before?! Having him touch me in those sacred places felt out of this world! It was incredible! I had never in my life felt as relaxed and happy as I did in that tub in Richard’s arms.As Richard got out of the tub, I wondered if that was it. Was it over now? I knew it couldn’t possibly be it! He held out his hand and I frowned.“Is it over?” I pouted and he burst out laughing, making my cheeks turn a bright shade of red!“No, my sweet Ingrid. That was just the start. The water is getting cold. I thought we would move this to the bed where we could be more comfortable.” He smiled at my look of shock and I silently swore at myself. I shouldn’t have waited! At least if I had done it once before, I wouldn’t have been such a damn idiot the first time with my mate!Richard picked me up bridal style and carri
Ingrid“Stay right there, okay?” He looked around and I nodded. I laughed when he started opening cupboards and swore. “I will be right back.” He grinned and disappeared. When he returned, he had a box filled with candles in hand and he walked right into the bathroom.“That is really not necessary, Richard. We didn’t know this was going to happen tonight.” I laughed as he opened the taps for the bath and started to light the candles.“In that case, you can light the candles while I get us some Champaigne.” He winked and disappeared before I could say anything else. I did as he said and I have to admit that it helped ease the nervousness I was feeling. When he returned with the Champaigne, I had lit all the candles and he opened the bottle for us. After pouring each of us a glass, he held out his glass to me and I blinked and watched him. I had never imagined him as someone who could be very romantic.“To us. May we only share happiness and love.” He sounded a little out of breath and
IngridI scanned his room. His bedding was white, which was a surprise. A single black line decorated the border around the edge of the bedding and the pillow cases. A huge bed stood in the middle of the room and on either side was a set of beautiful antique free-standing cupboards.“This will be yours.” He rubbed his palms on his sides before opening the cupboard for me and I wondered if he was as nervous as I was.“Thanks.” I smiled as he opened the cupboard and I realized it was left empty for his mate. An awkward silence fell between us for a moment.“I will give you a moment to settle in. Would you like anything to eat or drink?” He was nervous! It was so damn cute!“Something to drink would be nice.” I smiled as I realized my mouth was feeling incredibly dry. “Something strong!” I laughed nervously as his face relaxed and he smiled. He nodded and disappeared while I unpacked my overnight bag and made my way to his bathroom. It was beautifully done in white and black marble. The
IrinaHunter and I didn’t even have to ask the moment we saw Ingrid move. It was clear that she had found what she had been looking for all day and when they kissed, I nearly cried. We knew the boy. Hunter and I had been invited to his alpha ceremony while Ingrid was away on her trip. He was one of Archer’s friends from when they were younger, but the one thing that caught my attention the most was that he was Rosemary’s grandson!He wasn’t just any wolf, and thank the goddess, he wasn’t human!IngridRichard pulled away just enough so he could look into my eyes and I almost melted when he tucked a stray piece of my hair behind my ear. It reminded me of something I saw my father do for my mom once and how I thought that I wanted that kind of love one day.“Hi beautiful,” He smiled and I felt my cheeks turn bright red.“Hi.” Over the years, I looked at my brother’s friends and wondered about them. It was logical that I would one day be mated to an alpha or even a beta. Some of my frien
IrinaThe excitement hung thick in the air in the morning as everyone got ready to attend the Founder’s Day festival. It was the one day the entire town came to a halt and took the time to celebrate our town. It felt as though we were celebrating Ingrid’s return for two continuous days. I loved every moment of it. In my mind’s eye, I could actually see the many dinners and festivals Ingrid experienced while she was away.This was exactly what our town needed after the hunter was there. People needed to see us moving between them. They needed to talk to us and be reminded that we were human. We had to show them we weren’t the monsters the hunter was trying to make us out to be. None of them knew the truth, of course. The sheriff was one of the first to greet us when we arrived and the relieved smile on his face said it all.We had been working overtime to squash any rumours that were still flying around and finally, things seemed to have returned to normal.I caught sight of Ingrid tal