"Oh, Connor …" She looked around her at her family and his. The ones they were born into, the ones they chose. They were all there, looking at them, many with tears in their eyes.
“Do you like the house?” he asked in a hopeful tone.
"Like it? Of course, I do! I love it, Connor."
“Good,” he said. “Let me show it to you while everyone gets the food ready. A couple more people are coming to our housewarming slash engagement party.”
He led her up the stairs, carefully placing his hand on the small of her back. They went room by room, exploring their new home. Connor seemed proud, showing off every nook and cranny of the brownstone and telling her about the renovations. It was massive: three floors, five bedrooms. Connor said he wanted to fill it with as many of their pups as possible and, if they ran out of room, he could buy the place next door, too.
“How long ago did you buy this?”
“About three months ago.”
“Three months?” she asked in a surprised voice. “You’ve been planning it for that long?”
He nodded. "With the baby coming, we couldn't keep living in hotels. So I asked around. Meredith helped, too. There's a small garden out back. We can put in a swing and a sandbox. It's on the subway line to the theater district. That means you don't have to be far from work."
“I don’t know what to say …”
“Say that you love me and you’ll be mine.”
“I love you,” she whispered and placed his hand over her belly. “And yes, I’ll be yours. And you’ll be mine.”
A small kick in her belly surprised them both. They looked at each other. As she saw the the bottomless peace and satisfaction in his eyes, a warm glow flowed through her.
Extended Epilogue
Five years later…
"Here you go, buddy," Connor said as he popped the top of a cold beer can and handed it to Dante Muccino. Even though it was a long holiday weekend, the chef was still on food duty.
“Thanks, dude,” Dante replied, taking a sip.
Two familiar squeals of delight made him turn his head. Lizzie and her brother, Anthony, were running down the lawn, followed by their parents. He waved to Quinn and Selena, who was carrying their newest addition, baby Jacob, in his carrier.
"Oops, watch it, Connor," Dante chuckled. "Don't get your precious package too close to the grill."
He looked down at his "package." Two-month-old Charlene Tala Forrest was sleeping soundly in her baby carrier, her chubby cheeks resting on his chest. He had gotten a little too close to the heat and Charley stirred a bit. "Oops," he said, moving back half a step. "Thanks."
"No prob." The chef smiled at him, his mismatched blue and green eyes briefly glancing down at Charley. His expression seemed … wistful? He wondered what was going through the other Lycan's head. Dante Muccino's career had exploded in the last five years, and he was the hottest chef in the country. Connor didn't spend a lot of time with him socially, but he seemed to enjoy his celebrity status. But, despite the fact that he hobnobbed with stars, Connor knew him to be a great guy. He was also one of the last single Lycans in their circle. He wondered if the chef was still enjoying his bachelorhood.
Looking down at Charley, he couldn't imagine trading her or his life for anything. Had it been five years? Time really did go by when you were having fun. And that was his life with Evie. Five years, two kids, and a whole barrel of fun. He was content. No, he was more than content.
The nightmares sometimes still haunted him, but he knew that Evie would always be there, soothing him and telling him that things were all right. Slowly, he also made peace with his demons and his wolf. The feral wolf was still unmanageable some days, but he no longer had trouble getting his body back. It was there when he needed it, especially on those dangerous missions, but the wolf helped him. After all, he had to come back to his family.
"Daddy! Daddy!" A tugging at his shorts made him look down. Four-year-old Cliff looked up at him, his toffee-brown eyes so much like his mother's. "Everyone’s headed to the living room. It's time!"
"I'll finish up here and follow," Dante said. "You go ahead."
He nodded at Dante and picked up Cliff. The little boy let out a whoop of delight as his father put him on his shoulders. He strode into the mansion, and followed the crowd of people heading into the entertainment room.
“Okay, I think I got it set up!” Quinn said as he pointed the remote control toward the TV. Everyone was gathered around, waiting for the show to begin. The screen blinked to life.
"Welcome, everyone to the pre-awards show red carpet countdown," the host on the TV said. "I'm Melanie Arkin, and we're here in London for the Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber Awards where we celebrate the best of the stage world! It's almost time for the show to begin, but we wanted to catch up with some of the theater world's biggest celebrities first." Melanie pointed off camera. "Oh, here's someone everyone should recognize. Two-time Tony Awardee for Best Actress in a Musical, Evie King. She was also the voice of Arya in the Disney movie, The Last Princess.”
The camera panned to Evie, who was walking the red carpet in a beautiful red gown. As she passed Melanie, the host stopped her and called her name.
“Thanks for stopping by, Evie.”
"Oh, I'm always happy to talk to you, Melanie," she said.
"And with you, of course, is your writing partner, Jack Donohue." Jack looked handsome next to her, wearing a custom-fitted black tux. "So, you guys must be nervous! You're up for an award for Best Book of a Musical and Best Musical for your hit show Changes.”
“Yes, we are pretty nervous,” Evie answered. “But whatever happens, we’re just happy to be here.”
“Everyone was pretty surprised when, at the height of your career and you were playing Colleen in Love and Regrets, you quit the show to have your first baby. Tell me, do you regret giving up that show?”
"Melanie, working on Love and Regrets was one of the best times in my life. I loved the cast, the writers, the director, the crew. But, no, I don't regret anything. I love being a mom. And having my son was the inspiration I needed to write Changes. "
“And you just had another baby, right?”
"Yeah." She looked at the camera. "I'd like to say thanks, Connor, for taking care of the kids while I'm away. I'll be home very soon."
“Awww … so sweet!”
A soft cry caught Connor's attention, and he realized Charley was stirring. He sat down on the couch, removing the straps of the carrier with practiced ease as he turned her around so she could face the TV. "Look, Charley, there's mommy. Isn't she pretty?" The baby gurgled in agreement.
Music began to play, and, soon, the awards show began. There was excitement in the air as they watched. Everyone was sitting around, chatting, having a good time. There were loud cheers, of course, when they announced Evie and Jack as winners for Best Book. Evie seemed shocked, and she was speechless for about two seconds before Jack nudged her. She thanked everyone in the show and everyone back home.
Finally, it was time for the big award, and a hush fell over the room. The two presenters introduced all of the nominees. Connor smiled as the camera focused on Evie, who was trying to look calm, though he could tell she was nervous.
“And the winner for Best Musical is,” the presenter opened the envelope. “Changes, music and book by Evie King and Jack Donohue."
The entire room erupted with cheers. Popcorn was tossed in the air and people were jumping up and down. Cliff bounded onto the couch, hopping on the cushions, screaming “Mommy won! Mommy won!”
“Shhhhh!” someone shouted. “Sit down! We want to hear her speech!”
The camera cut to the podium where Jack was standing by himself. "Thank you, thank you, everyone. From the bottom of my heart, both our hearts, thank you!"
Connor frowned. This was Evie's big moment. Why wasn't she up there with Jack?
“So, first of all, Evie relays her most sincere apologies. But we’ve been gone for a whole week now, and she really misses h
er kids and her husband, so she’s gone home. I mean, she’s headed home. But, we wanted to thank …”
A pair of small hands covered Connor's eyes, and the sweet scent of peaches filled his nostrils. "Evie?" He turned his head, and the hands pulled back. Standing behind the couch was his Evie, all made up and still dressed in her red ball gown. "Evie, your award—"
"I told Daric to come get me as soon as they announced the winner. Whether it was me or not.” She waved to the warlock, who gave her a nod, then turned his attention back to his sons. "I couldn't wait another second to come back home to you guys." She grabbed Charley from him, and held her up. "Aww, did you miss Mommy? I missed you too, Charley." Evie put her little head on her shoulder and rubbed her back in a soothing manner.
"Mommy's home!" Cliff cried, jumping into Connor's lap. He scooped up his son, then stood and walked to his wife. "Ahhhh! You're squishing me, Daddy!" he giggled as Connor wrapped him, Evie, and Charley in his arms.
“Aww, squishing just means I love you,” he said, giving his son a kiss on the forehead.
“I love you too, daddy.”
Connor felt a tug at his heart. Those words were what he lived for. He looked at his daughter. Already, he told Charley he loved her every day, and he couldn't wait for her to say it back. A rumble from his chest made Cliff giggle. "Does your wolf love me, too?"
“Of course it does.”
“Good.” Cliff laid his head on Connor’s chest, then patted it with his little hand. “I love you, too, Princess Tiffany Spankinbottom.”
“Princess … what?”
“Yeah, Uncle Quinn told me that was your wolf’s name.”
Evie guffawed, and Connor let out a laugh. "He did, did he? Well, did you know Uncle Killian, Aunt Meredith, and I used to call him Mr. Poopie Pants?"
Cliff giggled. “You did?”
"Uh-huh. We were working with your Grandpa Archie, and he was stuck under some bushes, doing surveillance. He had to go, but the bad guys were all around us. He didn't have a choice, and he crapped in his pants." He set Cliff down. "Now, why don't you go tell your cousins and your friends about that story? I'm sure Auntie Selena would love to hear that one, too."
“Yeah!” Cliff zoomed off, running to the group of children playing in the game room next door.
Evie raised a brow at him. “Mr. Poopie Pants? Really?”
"Actually, it was Mr. Shitty Pants, but that didn't seem appropriate for the kids."
Evie laughed. “Right.”
There was a loud crash, laughter, and the sound of children screeching, “Mr. Poopie Pants!” from the other room. It was followed by an indignant cry from an annoyed-sounding Quinn.
“CONNOR!”
The End
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Turn the page for a special announcement and a preview of things to come, plus author’s notes.
Coming Soon
A Holly Jolly Lycan Christmas
A Standalone True Mates Rom-Com Novel
Dante Muccino stars in his own standalone Christmas novel! Santa’s dropping this one off by early December 2017
The Last Blackstone Dragon
The start of a brand-new series, The Blackstone Clan.
Available as a FREE Novella by end of October 2017.
The Blackstone Dragon Heir
The continuation of The Blackstone Clan
Available end of November 2017.
Written on September 9, 2017
Lone Wolf Defenders is only my second series, but still, writing “The End” on All for Connor was bittersweet. There’s that empty feeling I have in my heart, similar to when I’ve watched or read the end of the movie or TV or book series. I’d never thought I’d feel it as an author. It was such an amazing journey, following Connor and Evie throughout the series, starting from Tempted by the Wolf (did you notice that little breadcrumb there?) all the way to their own story.
Of course, All for Connor is not the end of my writing career. I still have Dante’s story to write (which will be very different, because it’ll be more rom-com than suspense). And maybe, if enough nice readers leave me a review on Amazon or Goodreads to tell me they enjoyed the Lone Wolf Defenders, I may extend it to one more book featuring a certain Alpha twin. ;) And, by Spring 2018, you can expect everyone to come back and read about the kids in True Mates Generation Two.
Until then, allow me to leave the world of True Mates, just for bit, and take you all to Blackstone Mountain. I’m already excited as I begin this new journey and hope you’ll all come and join me. The Last Blackstone Dragon will be available by end of October and it will actually be a FREE novella. That’s right! If you’re not too sure about starting a new series, you can try it and see if you like it! You’ll get it if you sign up for my mailing list. If you’re already on the list, then you’ll get in in your inbox.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed Connor!
All the best,
Alicia
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PARANORMAL ROMANCE
The Lone Wolf Defenders
Killian’s Secret: Book 1
Lone Wolf Killian is keeping a secret. His family is finally back together after a tragic loss, but he’s living an empty life, and there’s a pain inside him that won’t go away. When he sets his eyes on the woman who broke his wolf and his heart, old wounds are reopened, but he can’t deny the powerful attraction and hold she has on him.
The last person Luna wants to see is the man who destroyed her world. When Killian left her holding the bag, she lost her career, her home, and credibility. But, she’s keeping a secret of her own. If Killian found out the truth, he could destroy the fragile life she’s trying to rebuild.
A chance encounter brings them together again, and Killian discovers what Luna’s been hiding. While the bitter past puts them at odds, their passion is reignited. He wants her back, but she’s not sure she can trust him with her heart.
When a threat puts Luna’s life in danger, Killian will stop at nothing to keep her safe. But, can they put aside old hurts and realize that they’re meant for each other, or will their past actions continue to tear them apart?
Loving Quinn: Book 2
Fun-loving wolf shifter Quinn could have any woman he wants. Any woman, except sassy and curvy almost-witch Selena, who seems resistant to his charms. He denies his attraction her, but his wolf craves her attention.
Selena knows Quinn is trouble. He’s too handsome, too sexy, and way above her league. Pursuing anything with Quinn could only lead to heartbreak, yet he seems determined to break down her walls.
When Quinn’s past comes back to haunt him, it puts Selena in the line of fire and he’ll do anything to protect her. However, Selena has problems of her own and she finds herself having to choose between the life she’s always dreamed of or bet her heart on commitment-phobic Quinn. Staying together only means danger and pain, but can they really resist the attraction between them, which could end up imploding both their lives?
The True Mates Series
Fated Mates: Book 1
Since becoming an orphan, Private Investigator Alynna Chase was used to being on her own. When a chance encounter with sexy bodyguard Alex Westbrook unleashes her wolf shifter side, she discovers the secret world of werewolf clans. Not only is she a full-blooded Lycan, but she’s also a fabled True Mate offspring. She's thrust into the center of Lycan society, sought-after by eligible males, but also in danger from unknown forces trying to harm her.
Alex Westbrooke knows that Alynna could never be his. With her position so high up in clan hierarchy, he could only dream of possessing her. But the attraction between them is too powerful, and
he risks everything to have her, even for just one night.
However, a threat to Alynna’s life draws them closer together, and Alex will do anything to protect her, even risk getting too close and defying Lycan tradition and hierarchy.
With so many things at stake, will their affair end in disaster or have these two lonely souls found what they’ve been looking for?
Blood Moon: Book 2
Despite growing up in the world of the New York Lycan clan, Cady Gray still feels like an outsider looking in. She’s built walls around her, to protect herself and the clan, harboring a deep secret from her past that threatens her future. The clan’s sexy Beta shifter has always intrigued her, but he’s kept his distance, that is, until one innocent dance.
Nick Vrost has wanted Cady for years, but kept his own desires at bay for the sake of the clan and his family. As second-in-command of the New York clan and heir to the Vrost fortune, it was his duty to marry a suitable high-ranking Lycan female and produce a child to carry on the line. After ignoring Cady for years, one touch ignites something he can no longer control and he may have to choose between family obligation and his long-simmering desire for the quiet beauty.
Romancing the Alpha: Book 3
New Jersey Alpha Francesca “Frankie” Muccino never had it easy. Alpha of her ragtag clan, head of her family, and manager of their ailing restaurant business, she’s got a lot on her plate. When a handsome, sexy, and very naked Lycan shows up on her doorstep, sparks immediately fly, but it’s one more complication she can’t handle.
All for Connor: The Lone Wolf Defenders Book 3 Page 21
