“Anything you want, baby girl.”
She took a step closer to me and the love shining in her eyes almost brought me to my knees. “When I was growing up, I knew exactly what I wanted my mate to be like. I hoped he would be a fierce wolf who wouldn’t cower before my daddy like all the other boys in my pack. I dreamed he would mate, mark, and claim me as quickly as possible because he didn’t want to wait to make me his. And, of course, I wanted him to love me as much as my daddy loves my momma,” Finley said.
“And, here you are, stuck with me instead,” I growled, wishing I fit her description better. She deserved to have everything she ever wanted, but there wasn’t a chance in hell I would ever give her up. It wasn’t just because we were fated mates, she was mine—end of story.
“Don’t be silly,” she chided. “The reality of you is even better than my dreams. You’re a fierce bear who is most definitely not afraid of my father. Tonight you’re claiming me a second time, ensuring I’m tied to you following both bear and wolf traditions. And I have no doubt I’m just as loved as Momma is. Maybe even more.”
“Hey,” her father grumbled good-naturedly.
“You’ve given me everything I ever hoped for and more. As I stand before you, surrounded by both of our families, I want you to know how happy you’ve made me.”
“I’ll spend the rest of my days making sure that never changes,” I swore. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“We,” she whispered.
“We?” I repeated, watching as her hand drifted to her stomach to caress it lightly.
“I think you meant to say we are the best thing that ever happened to you.”
It took a moment for her words to register—and for me to connect it with the motion of her hand. Dropping to my knees, I pressed my nose against her stomach and breathed deeply. And then it hit me, a slight change in her scent. It was faint, but definitely there.
“You’re pregnant?” I asked, finding it hard to believe what my own senses were telling me.
“Looks like sneaking into my bedroom last night was worth the risk.” Her mom had wanted us to sleep apart to honor a tradition in their pack. I didn’t understand the point since Finley was already mine, but I agreed to a separate bedroom because I knew it was important to Finley to make her mom happy. And then, once everyone was asleep, I went to her room—I refused to sleep without having her in my arms when we were under the same roof.
I kissed her stomach gently before jumping to my feet and lifting Finley into my arms. “We’re pregnant!”
“I guess you’d better make an honest woman of me for the second time,” she teased as I placed her back on the ground.
The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur and before I knew what had happened, we were accepting congratulations from her family and former packmates.
“Another grandchild,” my dad whispered, his arms wrapped around me in a tight hug. “I never thought I’d see the day when I’d be a grandpa and now I’m going to have two grandbabies born less than a year apart.”
“I’m going to be a dad,” I murmured, tears clogging my throat.
He squeezed me tightly before letting go. “Knowing my children will be happy and my clan will have cubs to protect makes all the suffering that came before worthwhile.”
Turning to watch Camden and Braden hug Finley had a growl rumbling from my throat. My brothers had gotten into the habit of showing their affection to my little mate—at first they wanted to make sure she knew she was accepted and later because they enjoyed the fuck out of driving me crazy.
“I hate do this, but Dad and I need to head out,” Braden said when he finally pulled away from Finley.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
“Yeah, I have a lead on the guy who hired the human who tried to take Kyla. The timing sucks, but I don’t want us to miss out on the chance to talk to this contact. She was damn hard to track down in the first place.”
“Be careful,” I said softly.
“Always,” Braden promised.
It was hard to watch my brother walk away with our dad knowing how dangerous even the smallest missions could be. Our dad had gotten into enough tight spots that we all understood the risks. It was why Braden insisted he be the one to help our dad with council issues from now on instead of me—to keep me home with Finley. I only hoped his decision wouldn’t come back to bite him in the ass.
Other Books By This Author
BLYTHE COLLEGE SERIES
Push the Envelope
Hit the Wall
Summer Nights (novella duo)
Outside the Box
Winter Wedding (novella)
BACHELORETTE PARTY SERIES
Sucked Into Love
BLACK RIVER PACK SERIES
Crying Wolf
Shoot For The Moon
Thrown To The Wolves
McMAHON CLAN SERIES
Bear the Consequences
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Acknowledgments
My boys – Thank you for not complaining too much about the piles of laundry & carry-out meals while I was writing. Yes, I know... yet again. I love you!
Mom – Thank you for always supporting me and inspiring me to live my dream.
Yolanda – Thanks for being a great friend. Even though we live states away from each other, your continued support means the world to me.
Monica –Thank you for putting your attention to detail to good use for me. And for suggesting the addition of an epilogue. This story wouldn’t be nearly as good without your help.
Panty dropping Book Blog – Thanks for your help getting the word out about my books. Heather has been great and you all have done an amazing job pimping me! The bloggers that work with you have been so generous with their time and efforts on my behalf.
COPA girls – Who could ask for more than you ladies?
Lori & Robin – Your input was invaluable. Thanks for taking the time to read BTC and giving me feedback to make it a better story.
Readers/Bloggers – Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking a chance on me. I would not be living my dream right now if it weren’t for all of you.
About the Author
I absolutely adore reading—always have and always will. When I was growing up, my friends used to tease me when I would trail after them, trying to read and walk at the same time. If I have downtime, odds are you will find me reading or writing.
I am the mother of two wonderful sons who have inspired me to chase my dream of being an author. I want them to learn from me that you can live your dream as long as you are willing to work for it.
When I told my mom that my new year's resolution was to self-publish a book in 2013, she pretty much told me, "About time!"
Connect with me online!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rochellepaigeauthor
Twitter: @rochellepaige1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7328358.Rochelle_Paige
Website:
http://www.rochellepaige.com
Bear the Consequences Page 9
