To Protect His Mate

by Serena Pettus

  Slipping into her robe and heading down the hall, Stephanie followed the sweet smell of her favorite hazelnut blend and found a full pot with a coffeecake next to it. Bless the man! He knew just what she needed, but where was he?

  She heard the rumble of an engine and peered out of the kitchen window. Abraham was driving his Land Rover with some sort of plow attached to the front. It might not have been strange considering the driveway probably needed to be cleared, but he was driving from the woods. What in the world was he doing out there?

  Stephanie met him at the door with a smile and a kiss. “And where have you been?”

  “Clearing the way to one of your gifts.”

  “Really?” She couldn’t imagine what he’d possibly have for her out in the woods, but she was willing to go along.

  “Go ahead and get dressed. It’s pretty cold outside, so bundle up. We’ll head out in just a few minutes.”

  Stephanie was a little confused. Abraham seemed almost nervous. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah, sweetheart. I’m just hoping that you like it.”

  Stephanie just smiled. “I’m sure I will. Just give me a few minutes to throw on some clothes.”

  * * * *

  It was beautiful outside. A blanket of pristine white covered the ground and clumped in the branches overhead, creating a winter scene straight off of a postcard.

  They traveled down a cleared path in his Rover with Christmas music playing softly. It was nice. The path ended near the bank of the creek. Stephanie gave Abraham a questioning look and felt his nervousness increase.

  “Stephanie, I know you’ve been through a lot over the past year, and I was racking my brain trying to come up with a way I could help,” he began. “I also understand you still need to gain some closure from your loss.”

  A little confused, Stephanie gave a small nod of agreement. “I’m working on it.”

  “I know you are, honey, but I wanted to try to make it easier for you. Let’s get out so I can show you.” He reached into the backseat and picked up a blanket before getting out.

  Stephanie patted the pocket of her coat where the jewelry box rested. She now understood how nervous men got when proposing. She understood she and Abraham were now mated for life, but she wanted him in every way possible. She wanted to share his name and someday have his children. She wanted to build a family with him and grow old by his side as his wife, as well as his mate.

  When she climbed from the passenger side and trudged over to Abraham, he wrapped his free arm around her waist and led her toward a beautiful structure.

  Sitting just at the edge of the tree line, the gazebo was just as white as the snow around it. The sides boasted a wraparound bench seat, with the exception of a section near the back where a small marble statue stood.

  “This place is for you,” Abraham stated. “We can plant flowers in the spring to brighten it up and add whatever else you’d like.”

  “It’s beautiful, Abe.” Stephanie walked up the steps and made her way to the statue. The white marble was streaked with gray, the beautiful stone sculpted to show a pair of cupped hands cradling a sleeping infant in their palms.

  She didn’t need to be told this was here for her daughter, Ava. The inscription on the base of the statue proclaimed her name…and another.

  Ava Wolfe

  She glanced quickly back at Abraham. “You gave her your name?”

  “I would have given her my name, regardless. I want you to know I would have raised her as if she were my own.” The sincerity in his eyes touched her deeply.

  Yes, he would have taken Ava in as his own. She never would have given a thought to the selfish man who’d fathered her. Stephanie knelt beside the statue and felt her first tears fall. Reaching out, she traced her fingers over the tiny infant’s head, amazed at the detail of the sculpture.

  This was a special place—a private place—Abraham had provided for her, to help her gain the closure she needed to move past the pain she still felt. She continued to gaze at the sweet little face when Abraham moved up behind her to drape the blanket over her shoulders. He then reached out and placed a tiny teddy bear next to the babe.

  “All little girls love teddy bears,” he whispered next to Stephanie’s ear. “You’ll make a wonderful mother, Stephanie. Little Ava will always be with us, and here, there’s a peaceful retreat and a nice area to come with our children in the future. We can watch them play on the banks and still have Ava right here with us.”

  “She’ll always be with me,” Stephanie sobbed softly.

  “As she should be.” Abraham shifted to kneel beside her. “I want you to know I gave her my name for a reason. I want her mother to accept it, as well. I want us to be a family from the start.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. “Stephanie, you are my soul mate, my reason for living. Will you also become my wife and share my name? Will you allow me to love you and give you the family you crave?”

  He was proposing? When she’d planned to do the same thing? Stephanie couldn’t help but laugh as she took her own velvet box from her coat pocket.

  Abraham looked back and forth between the boxes and laughed himself. “I guess it’s true women nowadays go after what they want.”

  “I’ve never wanted another man as I want you, so I decided just to go for it.”

  “Well?” he asked, flipping open the lid to reveal a beautiful ring with a canary diamond solitaire nestled in the velvet interior. “Will you marry me?”

  “Absolutely.” Stephanie reached out and pulled him to her for a sweet kiss before leaning back. “You’re a special man, Abraham. I’m not sure I deserve you, but I’m too selfish to give you up.”

  “I wouldn’t let you, anyway. I’m a possessive bastard, honey, so I’ll go ahead and apologize now for my caveman tendencies.” He smiled at her before kissing her again. “How would you feel about a double ceremony with Sarah and Erik?”

  “That would be great! We could plan it for the spring.”

  “Whatever you want. If it makes you happy, it’s fine by me.”

  “I do love an agreeable man.”

  Epilogue

  Three months later

  Abraham stood with his brother, Erik, at the altar of the town’s small church, attempting to subtly loosen the bowtie at his neck. The tuxedos looked damn good but itched like the devil. In his opinion, whoever had thought up bowties should be dragged into the street and shot.

  The women had done an excellent job of organizing the event. Everything was decorated in white and navy while gardenia blooms perfumed the air.

  Stephanie and Sarah had insisted on keeping things simple. With no family of their own attending, the girls focused on the Wolfe family members. They insisted that everyone play a role. Storm and Lightning were given matching collars with little pillows attached. The honorary ring bearers were also stationed at the front, and each sitting next to the appropriate groom.

  Abraham and Erik had been separated from their mates since the prior evening, the women having stated it was bad luck to see the bride before the wedding…or some such nonsense. The girls had spent the night at Stephanie’s house, along with Angela, who’d insisted on being there. She knew her sons would no doubt try to sneak over during the night…and she’d been right.

  Once she’d managed to chase them off, the pair had decided to shift and go on a hunt. The deer were plentiful and fun to chase, allowing them to release their excess energy in a way that wouldn’t get their ears boxed.

  Now, they were here, standing before the priest, their parents, the town sheriff, Gus, and the clinic staff, awaiting the arrival of the brides. When the music finally began, Abraham watched as the doors to the sanctuary opened to reveal Stephanie standing within its archway.

  She was stunning. Her ivory gown was simple in design yet exquisite on her slender frame. The satiny material hung to the floor with a small train trailing behind and delicate beadwork around the bodice. Her long, auburn hair wa
s curled and adorned with a wreath of fresh flowers; her makeup lightly done, giving her the appearance of a royal wood nymph.

  It was the look she gave him, though, that nearly stole his breath. The love in her eyes and the strength of the emotion he felt wrapping around and warming his soul was something he would always cherish.

  Adam escorted her to Abraham’s side, stole a quick kiss on her cheek then quickly moved to Erik’s side. Smart man, because Abraham still had a growl rumbling deep down in his chest. His lips would be the only ones to ever touch her again.

  With a gentle squeeze of his fingers by Stephanie, he found himself calming. This one woman was the only one to ever wield that power over him…and he didn’t mind a bit.

  Sarah now glided down the aisle on Ethan’s arm, with eyes only for Erik. Abraham wasn’t sure how they’d done it, but he and Erik had managed to become mated—and now married—to two very strong and capable women.

  * * * *

  After the ceremony, everyone returned to Stephanie’s house to celebrate and enjoy a small reception. She had chosen to rent out the home for the time being and maybe sell it later if the right family came along.

  Apparently, the night before had been spent decorating and moving furniture to create more space. Not that it helped Ethan. The poor sap was attempting to avoid a pushy little man with what appeared to be a calendar in his hands.

  “They’re classy shots, Mr. Wolfe. I really think you’d make an excellent addition to the models we already have in place. Since you’ll be out at the sites to ensure that we adhere to the laws here, surely a few photos wouldn’t hurt, right?”

  “Listen,” Ethan growled, clearly getting fed up. “I’m at my brother’s wedding. I’ve already told you I’ll be around to ensure no food, trash or equipment is left around that would either attract or harm the local wildlife while your company does their photo shoot, but that’s all. If you don’t stop bothering me about this, I’ll revoke your permits, and you can find another location.”

  The man’s hands went up in surrender. “No, no. I’ll concede defeat…for now. Once you get a good look at the models you’d be working with, you might just change your mind,” he replied, bobbing his bushy eyebrows for effect.

  “Don’t hold your breath,” Ethan grumbled as the frustrating man made his exit.

  “My, my, my, Ethan,” Adam drawled, putting in a little extra southern twang into his words. “That young city slicker was very eager to take half-naked pictures of you.”

  “Can it, Adam.”

  “Why, he looked positively awestruck by your manly physique.” Adam neatly evaded Ethan’s elbow and moved off, trailing laughter in his wake.

  “He needs his ass kicked,” Ethan growled.

  “I’ll relay that to the girls,” Abraham offered, stifling a chuckle of his own.

  Ethan just smiled. “Yeah, I’d like to see that.”

  Abraham accepted Ethan’s outstretched hand and gave it a firm shake.

  “I’m happy for you, Abe. You and Erik seem real content with your mates.”

  “You have no idea,” he sighed. “It’s the most amazing feeling, knowing without a doubt she loves me unconditionally.” He noted the wistful look in Ethan’s eyes. “Don’t worry. You’ll find your mate soon.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Because if you don’t, I think Stephanie and Sarah may start playing matchmaker.”

  Ethan groaned, grumbled something about needing a drink then slunk off to the kitchen.

  “Is everything all right?” Stephanie asked as she took her place at Abraham’s side.

  “It is now.” He kissed her soundly, earning a few whistles from their guests and a pretty blush from his bride. “You’re beautiful, Stephanie, and now you are all mine.”

  “Yes, I am, and you’re mine.”

  “Always, sweetheart. You’re never getting rid of me.”

  “I never want to. I love you, Abe.”

  “And I love you. Always.”

  “Always.”

  About the Author

  I am a wife and mother first, an author second, and I hold a full-time job…because of something called “bills”. BLECH!! I’m also an avid reader and enjoy a wide variety of genres from contemporary to historical and—of course—paranormal, though I tend to stick to romance.

  I write for the joy of it, and love to hear from readers, so come join me on Facebook or Twitter and let’s chat!

  www.facebook.com/SerenaPettus

  www.twitter.com/SerenaPettus

  Wolves and Coyotes, Lions and Tigers, Bears and Hares…

  PHASES

  Erotic Shape-shifter Romance from

  Resplendence Publishing

  Taken by the Pack by Cheryl Dragon

  January – Wolf Moon

  Danny loves Alaska, but it doesn’t seem to love him back. The full Wolf Moon sparkles over Fairbanks, but he’s alone for those long nights. He wants to come out of the closet and date, but his frail family might implode. All he wants is the right man in his bed.

  Brandon and Justin are lovers and wolf shifters native to Alaska. They’re out to protect their way of life, and sometimes that means extreme measures. When Danny’s brother proposes aerial wolf hunting, Danny enters their sights. Danny was the closet case in high school, and now, he’ll be their sex toy. The shifter pair is ready to do whatever it takes to stop the hunting and maybe add a sexy human man to their pack.

  Coyote Savage by Kris Norris

  February – Hunger Moon

  February's full moon is rising, only this year, it's bringing a new brand of hunger...

  For coyote shifters Caden and Talon Brady, the upcoming hunger moon has ignited a different kind of appetite. They've been waiting several years for a chance to court their intended mate, and now that she's finally in their sights, they'll stop at nothing to win her over. But when local livestock start disappearing, their coyote refuge is put in the hot seat, and more than just their way of life is suddenly in jeopardy.

  Sheriff Rebecca Savage never planned on returning to Beckit Falls, or for falling for two handsome men. But fate seems to have different plans for her. Unfortunately not all of them are sexy and look fantastic in jeans. The local mayor is trying to run the Brady boys and their coyote refuge out of town. Nothing seems to make sense, but when she starts digging deeper, a new danger rises with the full moon—one that just might get them all killed.

  Unchaste by Mia Watts

  March – Chaste Moon

  The mystical Portal of the Gods transports Flynn Chula, shifter and descendant of the Cahokia Indians, six hundred years in the past. Right into a tribal feud between Amaro and Koda, warriors of the empire. While Flynn finds his new circumstances impossible, Amaro and Koda know exactly what to do. Their culture dictates that shifters have to be tested, proving their place among the people--as priests. Only one high priest can rule the empire at a time, but the current apprentice reigns with blood sacrifice and fear.

  As the sexual preparations begin, Koda and Amaro do their duty to rid him of any possible heterosexual leanings...by giving themselves to him wholly. Flynn, who's never wanted a woman in his life, can't believe his luck. Two hunky men can't get enough of him, and they're eager to learn all the tricks.

  When the blood priest discovers the plot to overthrow him, will Flynn, Koda, and Amaro escape alive, or will more than blood be lost on the altar?

  Awakening Delilah by Abigail Barnette

  April – Waking Moon

  When Delilah Lewis moved from Atlanta to Gwinn Close, a sanctuary for shifters in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, she knew there would be an adjustment period. She just never thought getting shot at by poachers would be a part of that adjustment. When two sexy shifters come to her rescue, things get even more complicated. Delilah is a good girl, with a good-girl upbringing, and both men make her want to be very bad...

  Miguel and Darius are in a committed relationship, but once they meet Delilah, they want more.While Del
ilah wonders if Gwinn Close is right for her, Miguel and Darius do everything they can to convince her to stay. But secrets from their past threaten a future with the woman they both crave. And while she struggles to let go of her boring former life, both men work to bring out the wild animal in her...

  Horny, Hard and Hare-y by Mia Watts

  May – Hare’s Moon

  It's time for the annual race, and tortoise shifter, Duncan, is finally going to catch some tail—hare shifter tail, otherwise known as Charlie. With Gibbs, their owl shifter friend, keeping an eye out overhead, they're off and running. But Charlie is as spontaneously careless as the fairytale hare and finds himself caught by local DNR officer, Ben.

  The full moon is rising, and if Charlie stays collared through the Hare Moon, he'll remain an animal forever. It's up to Duncan and Gibbs to free him before time is up. But in telling their secret, will they lose Ben forever? It's a foursome waiting to happen, where Ben reconnects with a mysterious lover, and the tortoise finally catches his hare.

  Summer Surrender by Bronwyn Green

  June – Sun Moon

  Hollis Chambers came to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to teach summer school at a small rural high school. She’d planned on hanging out on the shores of Lake Superior, taking walks in the woods and studying the wildlife. She never imagined that she’d meet one man, let alone two, to have a hot summer fling with.

  Lynx shifters Daniel Cichosz and Josiah Wilder know a good thing when they see it and they’re fairly certain that the gorgeous, full-figured substitute teacher is just who they’ve been looking for. Hollis surrenders to their seduction, but how will she feel about being mated to shifters, particularly when Daniel’s brother is added to the mix?