by Jane Hinchey
"They're going to be hurt," I fretted. The last thing I wanted was to hurt his pack.
"They'll get over it. And why are you hiding this away?" Tugging on the gold chain around my neck, he pulled it from beneath my dress, revealing the simple golden band threaded through the chain. "This should be on your finger. You are, after all, my wife."
"I know. And I couldn't be happier. I swear." He removed the ring from the chain and slid it on my finger where it nestled perfectly against the diamond engagement ring.
"You've gotten soft, Black," he said, rubbing my chin with his knuckles. It was true, I had. Carter and I had married in secret last night. The whole wedding planning chaos had been creating too much stress, and since neither of us cared about a big wedding, we'd eloped. Only the Council knew. And tonight we'd announce it to everyone.
A knock at the door distracted me from my worries over the pack. It was time. Opening the door I was taken aback to see Nate standing there, resplendent in a black tux, a brown paper bag held up in one hand.
"What?" I laughed at the goofy expression on his face.
"Usually you open the door demanding to know what I've brought for breakfast. I didn't want to disappoint." Handing me the bag, he stepped over the threshold.
"It's not breakfast time, Nate," I chided, opening the bag and peeking inside. A bacon and egg burger greeted me. Unwrapping the burger, I took a bite.
"Pregnancy hasn't changed your appetite, I see." Nate grinned, walking past to slap Carter on the shoulder in greeting.
"If anything it's doubled it," Carter said. It was true. I was constantly hungry. And horny. I spent my days either thinking about food or thinking about sex.
"What are you doing here, Nate?" I asked around a mouthful of food.
"Came to escort you upstairs for the ceremony. You know you get a crown and this motherfucking medallion that's enormous. I mean it's almost the size of my head."
"What?" I coughed, choking. Carter slapped me on the back and punched Nate in the shoulder.
"He's winding you up, babe." Keeping a hand on my back, Carter laughed.
"Asshole," I muttered, finishing the burger and wiping my mouth on the napkin at the bottom of the bag.
"No, but seriously." Nate stepped up to me and rubbed my cheek with his thumb. I assumed I had food stuck to my face. "I wanted to thank you. For everything. Right from the start, you believed in me. You could have arrested me multiple times, but you didn't, and having you on my side...well...it means a lot."
"Are you getting mushy on me, Wilder?" I cocked my head, not sure if he was serious.
"I think I might be," he admitted, hanging his head.
"Come here, you big lug." I pulled him into an embrace. He'd become a good friend to me and Carter, and he was doing good things at the SIA. "You're a dear friend, and I do my best not to arrest my friends. No matter how much of a pain in the ass they are."
"I can't believe you're allowed on the Council with that potty mouth." Nate laughed.
"They love it. I think. Anyway, which one of you is escorting me? May as well go and make this official!"
I smiled in delight, my heart full, when Nate looped my left arm through his, and Carter my right. I had everything I never knew I wanted. A life mate, a baby on the way, a wolf pack who finally welcomed me, a new friend, and I was working hard at building a relationship with the Druids. Now if I could just get through this evening without April cornering me and insisting on talking about wedding decorations, life would be perfect.
The End
This is the fourth and final book in the Hearts on Fire Series, check out the other books here.
About the Author
Aussie Author, Jane Hinchey writes sexy, snarky, badass, paranormal romance and suspense.
Living in the City of Churches (aka Adelaide, South Australia) with her man, two cats, and turtle, she spends her days writing fantastical stories full of dark sexy vampires, hot shifters, sexy aliens, jaw-dropping demons, sinful angels, and magical witches – and while they can be snarky and swear a lot, they mean well and you’ll grow to love them. Honestly.
When she’s not in her writing cave she’s usually playing the Sims, Civilizations or something similar, binge watching Netflix or upping the ante in the crazy cat lady stakes.
Explore Jane’s worlds, get writing tips, and join her FREE mailing list for book news, book sales and laughter!
Back of book stuff
If you’ve been reading all of the Hearts on Fire series, you’ll notice the first three books are novellas but this is a full length novel. Yup, I had so much fun writing this one it just kept going!
I originally wrote it as my contribution in a multi-author boxed set. Now that boxed set has finished, I decided to add this one to the Hearts on Fire series.
The tension between Raven and Carter really flowed for me and most of the time I didn’t know what was going to happen next. At one point I was worried Raven wouldn’t soften her stance and give Carter a break, but thankfully she did and we got the happy ever after we were hoping for.
I think there are more stories to be had from this book – especially Nate. Man, he was in my ear the whole time I was writing this. He totally wanted me to write him in as Raven’s love interest, hence the kisses and heated moments they shared. In the end Carter won her heart and all was as it should be, but Nate definitely has a story waiting and I do believe it has the potential to land in my upcoming Lick of Fire series, so keep your eye out for that.
Please, if you enjoyed this book give it a rating on the retailer where you purchased. Your kind words and encouragement help. Word-of-mouth is crucial for any author to succeed, so even if it’s only a line or two your review will make all the difference and is hugely appreciated.
You are the reason I write these stories and I sincerely appreciate each of you!
Thank you.
~ Jane Hinchey
Also by Jane Hinchey
Awakening Series
#1 First Blade
#2 First Witch
#3 First Blood
Hell’s Gate Series
#1 Straight to Hell
#2 The Devil Inside
#3 Hotter than Hell
Hearts on Fire Series
#1 Shadow Shifter
#2 Secret Fates
#3 Under a Darkened Moon
#4 Immortal Ties
Lick of Fire Series
#1 Shadows and Secrets
#2 Dark Desires
#3 Scattered Ashes
Standalones
Returned
Heart of Darkness
Destiny’s Touch
