Christmas for the Wolves & a Wolf for Valentine's Day (Grey Wolf Pack)

by E A Price

  Adam hadn’t exactly been thrilled with her life choices. For one thing, he had never wanted her to go away to college. He wanted her to stay home with the pack and help look after them. At that time, Adam didn’t have a mate, and there was no Alpha female to take care of the she-wolves of the pack, so the duty had fallen on her young shoulders. She’d stayed firm though, and, encouraged by the other females of the pack, she went. Then, when she did come home, Adam was annoyed that she wanted to become a Sheriff’s Deputy. She almost hadn’t, but, luckily, Alec had shown a bit of sympathy and persuaded Adam that it would be a good idea to have a female Deputy.

  Finally, Adam wasn’t happy with her choice of mate. He liked Andy well enough before the bear shifter started sleeping with her, but since they had mated the two males had been at loggerheads every chance they got. Adam didn’t like Andy trying to control Delilah, and Andy didn’t like Adam trying to control her. She was very happy controlling herself, thank you very much, and told them every chance she got. But they were both wary of one another and acted like they were fighting over their favorite toy. It was exhausting.

  And now, apparently, Adam had decided that he didn’t like Delilah working while she was pregnant. Alec, the traitor, agreed.

  “I’m not firing you,” said Alec, “I just think it would be a good idea for you to step down now that you’re having a pup. So I'm letting you go.”

  “Think about the pup,” rumbled Adam.

  Ugh! “How dare you! I think of nothing else, I would never put my pup or cub in danger.” Tears started to spring forth, and the beefy males looked embarrassed. “But I don’t see why I have to be pushed out completely, I can still work and help.”

  She furiously dabbed at her falling tears. “I can’t believe this; I thought I could rely on you for support. Well, at least Andy has my back.”

  Alec winced imperceptibly as Adam rolled his eyes. Delilah gasped. “He put you up to this, didn’t he? Andy wanted you to fire me because he’s not okay with me working!”

  Damnit! Why hadn’t she seen that coming? He’d been so supportive about her being at work; he hadn’t said one negative thing. She should have known something was wrong; any other shifter would have demanded she quit immediately!

  Neither of them denied it, and Delilah let out an annoyed growl. Two-faced son of a bear!

  Adam squared his shoulders. If it was any other member of the pack, he wouldn’t wouldn't doubt himself. Even if it were his own mate, she would have been cut from the police force in a heartbeat for fear of her getting injured on duty, but Delilah was his little sister. After their mother died, their father barely paid attention to either of them, unless it was teaching them how to hunt and shoot guns, so Adam had practically raised Delilah. He had a hard time ever saying no to her. But he and Andy had discussed it, and they both agreed that it was for the best that Delilah stopped working. As much as it pained him, he agreed to be the bad guy and give her the news.

  “It’s for the best, Delilah,” he told her firmly. “You say you’ll take it easy, but what if there’s an emergency, and what if something happens beyond your control. Look at what happened to Andy at Christmas?”

  Delilah shuddered and hugged her arms. The day before Christmas, Delilah’s ex-boyfriend arrived back in town and attacked Andy, shooting him several times. Thankfully, Andy was able to fight back, and his wounds had healed, but at the time it had been pretty scary.

  She sniffled. “Well, that happened to Andy and he isn’t a Sheriff’s Deputy, so it just goes to show that bad things happen to people who aren’t cops too.”

  “But as a Deputy you’d be more of a target,” reasoned Alec.

  They went round in circles arguing about it. Delilah alternately shouted and cried as her hormones shot all over the place. Finally, she was sick of the sight of both of them, and given that her shift had ended, she decided to go home and feel sorry for herself.

  Andy was already gone by the time she got there; he had a bartending shift at Bar Luna and would get in quite late. Instead, she called Rosalee and complained about Andy, Adam and Alec for a good half hour. Rosalee was sympathetic and clucked her tongue over the pushy male shifters. That made her feel better.

  She decided to make some soup and curl up on the couch, watching TV. It wasn’t like she was acting stubborn for the sake of it. Of course, her top priority was the pup, or cub, whatever. But, just because she was pregnant, that didn’t mean she had to stop doing everything and allow herself to be mollycoddled.

  Her mom gave up work when she mated with her father, and she knew her mom always missed it. She was a Deputy, just like Delilah. Her mom had loved it. Of course, her mom loved the pack, but she missed her job. It was one of the reasons why Delilah had wanted to be a Deputy in the first place.

  Absently, she rubbed her flat stomach. She wished more than anything that her mom was still alive to see the woman she'd grown into, and to meet Andy. She wished she had her mom’s guidance about the baby. There were a lot of things that worried her, such as whether or not she’d make a good mom too, and she was sad that she didn’t have her mom there to help her. She only prayed she was half as terrific as her own mom had been. Her wolf whined at her. Yeesh, even her beast was uncertain and needy.

  Maybe that was a part of why she was clinging onto her Deputy’s job so fiercely; to distract her from her main worry.

  Of course, that didn’t give Andy any right to go behind her back and talk to Adam like that. She hated the fact that they fought all the time, but she hated them being in cahoots even more. Of all the things to bond over…

  Would it really be so bad to take a break while she had her baby? Her wolf whimpered at her. No, it wouldn’t, although, if they really expected her to hang around the house all day doing nothing they had another thing coming.

  She lay down and curled up on the couch. Ugh, how was she supposed to tell those controlling asses that she actually agreed with them?

  *

  Andy quietly let himself in. He hoped that Delilah was in bed by now. His horny bear hoped she was awake, but he’d rather she get as much rest as possible. Plus, he wasn’t all that keen to talk to her until he was sure she had calmed down.

  Adam had called to warn him that they’d had the talk with her. She hadn’t taken it well. Also, she’d figured it out that he was instrumental in the decision. Although, if he hadn’t gone to Adam, he was sure her brother or Alec would have made the call sooner or later.

  He held still listening for her. All he could hear was the blare of the TV. His bear growled as he scented her in the living room. He padded in to find her sleeping on the couch. He smiled and knelt next to her; he carefully tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

  Lord, she was beautiful. His bear happily murmured in agreement. He thought back to what happened before Christmas, and he suppressed a growl. Her maniac ex-boyfriend almost took him away from her and almost left her to raise their child alone.

  Andy had been shot numerous times, but it was nothing as far as he was concerned. He'd healed quickly thanks to his shifter genes. He’d fight a thousand ex-boyfriends and take a thousand bullets just to be with her. The thought of not being with her was scarier than anything else.

  He needed to keep her safe, even if she hated him for it. Besides, she’d get over it… eventually. Gently, he picked her up. She nestled into his shoulder and moaned sweetly as he carried her to their bedroom.

  *

  14th February

  “And then Goldilocks tried Baby Bear’s bed and she found that it was just right…”

  Delilah stirred at the soft voice. She looked down to find her mate whispering into her stomach. She smiled as her wolf yipped happily. He was such a sweetie. She imagined he wouldn’t have any problem with changing dirty diapers and taking care of the baby. He was unlike the male wolves she had grown up, for which she was thankful. Gruff and moody might be alright for some she-wolves, but she’d take her sweet, caring bear any day of the week.

>   She stretched and was pleased to find she was wearing her comfiest pajamas. Andy looked up and grinned at her. “Morning, honey.”

  “Morning, big guy, you two are awake early.”

  He chuckled. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

  Delilah reached down and stroked his face. “You too.”

  Andy lifted up her pajama top and kissed her stomach. He shuffled up the bed and pulled her into his arms. “How are you feeling?”

  She snuggled into his body. “Hmmm, fine, no more morning sickness.”

  “I meant about what happened yesterday.”

  “You heard, huh?”

  Andy fidgeted as his bear grumbled. “Yeah, Adam called. Look, I’ve been thinking, I know how important your job is to you, and I don’t want…”

  “You were right,” she interrupted, softly.

  “Wait, what?” he asked in surprise.

  Delilah kissed his bonding mark, and he quivered slightly. “You were right, I shouldn’t be worrying about my job, I should be worrying about the baby. I don’t want to put him or her in danger.”

  Andy stroked her hair. “I know you never would. Besides, I was thinking that you could, I don’t know, do desk duty until the baby’s born. You can get back to your normal duties after your maternity leave.”

  She pushed herself up and leaned on her elbow. “I agree with that.”

  He cocked her a lopsided smile. “My Valentine’s gift to you is not being a pushy asshole and forcing you to give up your job.”

  Delilah nodded solemnly. “And my gift to you is that I won’t be stubborn, and I will agree only to take on light duties. I promise to cower in the background while everyone else runs into the face of danger.”

  He leaned up and brushed a kiss over her lips. “That’s all I ask.”

  She pouted prettily. “But seriously, where’s my real Valentine’s present?”

  Andy laughed and carefully got out of bed. She watched his naked form move around the room, and her wolf growled. Mmmm, delicious.

  Moments later, he slipped back into bed and handed her a small box. She smiled excitedly and pulled it open to reveal a pair of shimmering opal earrings.

  “They’re beautiful,” she breathed as she slipped them on.

  He ran his fingers over her ears, admiring how lovely she looked. He pressed his lips to hers for a hungry kiss. She pushed him back into the bed and clambered over his body, running her hands up and down his chiseled torso.

  Andy broke away, eyes blackening with desire as his bear growled lustfully. “If this is my present, I say good choice.” He nipped her shoulder with blunt teeth before flourishing kisses over her.

  “Actually, your present is in the top of my closet. It’s a case of Happy Heart Honeybuns.”

  Andy stopped and pulled back to look at her face. “You’re joking?”

  She shook her head. “Nope, I had them imported just for you.”

  His eyes sparkled. “They’re my favorite.”

  Delilah giggled. “I know; it’s a box of fifty, so I figure that should last you until, oh, at least next week.”

  His lips twitched as he tried to look serious. “I don’t know; a week’s an awfully long time and they really are delicious. They taste almost as good as you.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Thanks, that’s so flattering.”

  “It is; they taste unbelievable.” His bear concurred vociferously. “We’re okay, honey, aren’t we?”

  “Yeah, we’re terrific.”

  “Good.” He flipped her onto her back, and she squealed. “Because, although you’re already pregnant, I would like more kids in the future, and I figure we should get practicing.” He slid a hand inside her pajamas. “Practice makes perfect.”

  “Oooh,” she cooed, “I don’t think you need the practice, but it is Valentine’s Day…”

  Her wolf howled in glee and his bear rumbled in pleasure as they kissed passionately. Mate. Mine.

  Terri & Mal – Ghosts of Relationships Past

  14th February

  Terri Tanner awoke to the gentle chirping of the birds; her whole body felt free and unhindered. Damn that wolf was sneaky! She rubbed her belly and sighed, the baby dutifully kicked her fiercely. It felt like she was breeding a kickboxer.

  She was just shy of six months pregnant and had been delighted to find out she was having a boy. Her mate’s mother, Ellie, although happy, had groaned when she found out. Another troublemaking Tanner boy was on the way. Apparently, Tanner women had only given birth to boys for the past five generations. Ellie was still hopeful Terri was the one to end the 'curse.' Unlike the rest of Mal’s family, who were all grey wolf shifters, Terri was human.

  Over the past few months, since bonding with Mal, Terri had slowly become accustomed to waking to her mate’s foghorn-like snoring, and to find herself trapped under one of his limbs. It didn't matter how he fell asleep, ultimately he would work himself over to her half of the bed, well her third of the bed, and throw a leg or an arm over her. Meaning she couldn't move without waking him up. He denied he did it on purpose, but the amusement in his eyes said otherwise.

  She couldn't even get up to pee without him knowing. Which also meant that if she happened to feel a bit queasy, and had to throw up in the night, he also knew. Which was one of the reasons why she had woken so easily that morning. Her pregnancy sickness had flared up dramatically in the last few weeks. Three weeks ago she had started waking up each morning at 3am to puke. Mal had diligently held her hair while rubbing her back, then gently washed her face and held her until she went back to sleep.

  Mal was patient and affectionate, making her love him even more. However, Mal had been adamant that they shouldn't make love because clearly she was unwell. She disagreed; she said that most of the time she felt fine, it was just the 3am spike that was causing a problem. Of course, when they argued they were already in their bedroom getting ready for bed, and she was taking her clothes off... When she smoothly pulled him down to the bed and kissed him, he couldn't resist and gave in to her. Sucker.

  Then, a week ago, after very little sleep the night before, she had fainted. Luckily she had been at home, and Mal had caught her before she fell and hurt herself. But since then, Mal had been careful to come to bed after she fell asleep and leave before she awoke. Hence her easy, noise-free awakening! What was even more maddening, was the fact that since she fainted, she hadn't thrown up once. She was feeling a hell of a lot better, better than she had throughout the whole pregnancy. But now, she couldn't even get her mate to touch her!

  Not for long if she had her way.

  "Happy Valentine’s Day, baby!" Mal erupted into the room; it was pretty much the only way he ever entered a room.

  His thick blonde hair was still tousled from sleep, and a wide grin covered his pretty face. Wearing only a pair of jeans, his luscious chest packed with hard muscles was tantalizingly displayed. Terri felt herself becoming aroused; she could barely even remember the last time she got her hands on his gorgeous body. Patience, she told herself.

  He set a tray down on a chest of draws and came over to the bed, lifting her up into a sitting position, carefully arranging some pillows to support her back.

  She eagerly threw her arms round his neck and kissed him soundly. Gently, he removed himself from her clutches and gave her a disapproving glare.

  Terri pouted at him slightly. “Happy Valentine’s Day to you too, sunshine." He caressed her stomach and felt their son give a sound kick before moving away.

  Mal brought the tray over and settled it over her lap. It contained fresh orange juice, a cup of caffeine free tea, some pancakes shaped like hearts covered in maple syrup and blueberries, and a bunch of lilies. He always told her she smelt like lilies.

  “Aww, this is lovely, thank you."

  He settled next to her, and she leaned over for a kiss, which he carefully dodged. She scowled at him.

  He snickered. “Don't look at me like that, we're not doing anything until you feel bette
r.”

  She huffed at him. “I already told you I feel fine.”

  “Alright, we’re not doing anything until I feel that you're feeling better. Until then, you're just going to have to control yourself, I know it's not easy having to look at this body...”

  Terri snorted and began attacking her breakfast with relish; she demolished it within two minutes flat.

  Mal looked at her wide-eyed. "Damn baby, I don't think you even came up for air then.”

  She rubbed her baby bump. After a rocky start to the pregnancy, where she could barely stand to eat anything, she was practically hoovering up all food within sight. In spite of some bouts of sickness, she was now pretty big, bigger than other women at this stage of pregnancy in fact. It gave her an idea.

  “You think I'm too big, don't you? You think I eat too much? That I'm too fat! You don't find me attractive anymore!” Her eyes began to tear up, and Mal looked heartbroken.

  “Of course not, baby, you're so beautiful.” He moved the tray away and put one arm round her shoulders, and covered her hand on her belly with his.

  “You're the most beautiful woman in the world, and no matter what, you always will be. In fact, I don't think you eat enough.”

  She sniffed. “Do you still think I'm sexy?”

  “Of course I do, no question baby.”

  Terri ran her fingers down his cheek and intertwined her fingers with his over her bump. She guided his face down for a kiss.

  “What do you find sexy about me?" she asked him coyly.

  Mal began planting small butterfly kisses over her face and neck. “These sexy lips, this sexy big brain, this sexy ear of yours, this sexy neck...”

  “ Yes... yes... more...” she moaned.

  Abruptly, he stopped and pulled back. "Hey, wait a second, you're trying to seduce me!”

  She smirked at him. “Well, a moment ago I was succeeding...”

  He got up from the bed and pulled on a t-shirt. “Nice try baby, but we’re still not doing anything.” He winked at her and left the room.

  She crossed her arms. “Better sleep with one eye open sunshine...” She muttered just loud enough for him to hear. He hooted with laughter as he clomped downstairs.