Sweetwater Brides: Complete Series (BBW Shapeshifter Mail-Order Bride Paranormal Romance Bundle)

by Anya Nowlan

  Karen sat down.

  “I’ve been meaning to tell you how grateful I am that you’re letting me stay here,” she started.

  “There is no need to thank me. You’re family,” he interjected.

  Karen smiled, warmed by the declaration.

  “You didn’t always used to live here?” she finally asked.

  “Yeah, the clan is mostly spread out between cottages outside of town. We prefer the solitude of the wilderness. I still keep up with my cabin, but there’s more room here for the kids to play around,” he explained.

  “But Evan has his own place in town.”

  Ethan sighed.

  “After our father died, Evan started putting distance between himself and the clan, both mentally and physically. He used to be a lot more involved. I think maybe me taking over as Alpha was the problem. Made him feel like I was replacing dad.”

  “Could be. But I’ve heard him talk about you, all of you, and it’s always with such pride and love. His place is full of family pictures. And I can tell he has really enjoyed being here with the rest of you,” Karen confided, moved by how Ethan had opened up to her.

  “Nothing would make me happier than having things back to the way they were.”

  Ethan smiled.

  To no one’s surprise, Everett entered the kitchen, groggy and rubbing his eyes. He was still crashing on the couch, just to be safe.

  Pretty sure it has more to do with Jennifer’s cooking than our well-being, Karen snickered to herself.

  She got up from the table, taking her plate with her.

  “Well, I gotta go and take this to Evan,” she said.

  Everett plunked down on one of the chairs.

  “Yeah, he must have worked up a real appetite last night,” he chuckled, winking at Karen.

  Karen could feel her face turn redder than a tomato, as she turned around on her heel and rushed out of the kitchen. She could hear Ethan coughing, trying to cover up a laugh.

  Goddamn bears with their excellent hearing.

  Fifteen

  Evan

  Evan woke up to the sound of the door opening. He tried reaching out to Karen, but her side of the bed was empty. He sat up to see her smiling in the doorway with a plate stacked high with food. The sunlight streaming in from the windows set her hair ablaze.

  What a lucky man I am, he thought.

  “Breakfast is served,” she chirped, walking over and setting the plate on the bedside table.

  “It sure is,” Evan yawned, grabbing her arm and pulling her back into bed.

  Karen let out a little squeal, immediately clamping a hand over her mouth.

  “We better keep it down,” she said, turning slightly pink in the cheeks. “I ran into Everett in the kitchen… I think we might have disturbed his sleep.”

  “I don’t care. I like hearing you scream my name,” Ethan chuckled, reveling in the memories from last night.

  “I screamed your name?” Karen gasped, the blush on her cheeks deepening.

  Evan found it completely endearing.

  “You did. I consider it one of my greatest achievements,” he remarked, earning a dramatic groan and exaggerated eye roll from Karen.

  “I thought we could go back into town today, look over the damage to my apartment. See if I need to replace anything. If you’re up to it, of course,” Evan added, realizing Karen might not want to go back to the place where she almost watched him bleed out.

  She swallowed and, after a moment, spoke, “If that’s what you want.”

  “It’s not only about what I want,” Evan explained, his brow furrowing.

  “It’s just… never mind, it’s really none of my business,” Karen muttered, avoiding his gaze.

  “I know you feel like we haven’t known each other long enough to get all into each other’s private matters, but I think you’re wrong. We’ve been through a lot this past week. They say you really get to know people when the chips are down and I believe that.”

  “Men came to my house and tried to kill me and you kept your cool. You basically saved my life. Anything you want to say, say it. Always,” he confirmed.

  Everything he said was true. Karen had revealed her nature to him in many ways. A proud woman, unashamed of her past. A kind woman, giving second chances even to those who did not deserve them. A loyal and brave woman, unafraid to fight for those she cares about.

  And a warm woman, winning over people with ease.

  Karen looked up at him.

  “Am I such an open book or are you just really perceptive?” she asked, pursing her lips.

  Evan laughed.

  “I’d still you rather just tell me what’s on your mind,” he chuckled.

  Karen sat up on her knees.

  “Why did you move to town? I know you used to live in a cabin like the rest of the clan,” she begged, searching his face for a reaction.

  Evan couldn’t conceal a hint of bitterness creeping into his expression.

  “You’ve been speaking with Ethan,” he stated.

  “Please don’t be mad at him. I just saw how happy you were here, spending time with your family,” Karen pleaded.

  “You think I’m happier here than I was in town?” Evan asked, surprised.

  Karen squinted at him.

  “Guess you’re more perceptive when it comes to others than when it comes to you… How can you not see what I see? You love being around your family, being involved in clan matters. So why did you decide to take a step back?”

  Evan reached inside himself for the answer.

  “Ethan. He became Alpha after dad died and I felt like he tried to take his place. He didn’t feel like my brother anymore, like suddenly he was this wise man who always knew better. In hindsight, he was just trying to adjust to his new place in the clan, but at the time, it drove me away,” he explained after some contemplation.

  “He just wants to be your brother again, Evan. I think you should talk to him,” Karen implored.

  When he really thought about it, Evan couldn’t deny that he missed his little cottage. Even in the tiny town of Sweetwater, he still felt crowded sometimes. Plus, he would be closer to the rest of the clan…

  “I wouldn’t even know what to say,” he sighed.

  “You don’t have to do anything right now, just think about it,” Karen assured him, tousling his hair.

  “Well, I’ll still have to go into town eventually, I have that match tomorrow,” Evan commented.

  “Can I come? To see the fight, I mean,” Karen asked, trying to seem enthusiastic though the truth was that she still wasn’t completely thrilled about Evan getting back in the ring so quickly after being injured.

  “I would love if you came, but you don’t have to.”

  “This is something you love to do, a piece of who you are. Of course I’m going to be there to support you,” Karen chirped, rallying.

  “It’s settled, then,” Evan smiled, grabbing her into his arms. “Now let’s eat,” he added, growling and nuzzling into Karen’s throat. Her laugh echoed through the room.

  After eating and getting dressed, Evan and Karen decided to stop by Sweetwater for supplies and also to see Joe. They were driving down overgrown roads, the windows of Evan’s truck rolled down, the cab filling with the scent of warm earth.

  “I think we should stop by the sheriff’s office,” Karen burst out suddenly. “To see if they have any updates on Kyle,” she continued.

  “They promised to call if there are any developments,” Evan reminded her.

  Karen sighed.

  “I just don’t like feeling like he’s still lurking around somewhere out there.”

  “His plan failed. He saw Jamie go into my apartment followed by some giant of a man and two wolves. Then Jamie and a wolf were dragged out, unconscious. If that didn’t show him that he shouldn’t mess with us, I don’t know what will.”

  “If he’s smart, he’s also figured out that the cops want to have a chat with him. He has probably alread
y skipped town, and even if he hasn’t, I plan on not letting you out of my sight.”

  Karen had showed him a picture of Kyle so he would know who to look out for. That face had been in the back of his mind ever since. Thinking about that little twerp’s hands around Karen’s throat made his fists itch.

  Half of him wanted Kyle to show up, so he could give him a piece of his… mind. He suppressed those feelings. Karen had been through enough. It would be better if they never saw Kyle again.

  For both Karen and for Kyle.

  “You’re right,” Karen sighed, relaxing into the seat. “He may be a grade-A asshole, but I don’t think he’d be stupid enough to pick a fight with you around.”

  They arrived at Bluejay’s around noon. When they got out of the truck, Joe greeted them with a warm hug.

  “I’m so glad you’re both okay,” he said, relieved. “Everett told me what happened.”

  “Thought we’d show you in person that we’re fine. I know how you like to worry,” Evan chuckled, patting the man on the shoulder.

  “I sure am glad you’re back,” Joe turned to Karen. “You got done in a couple of hours what would have taken me days, and even then I’d probably mess something up.”

  “I’d love to help even more,” Karen said.

  “But we’re actually on a supply run and will be heading back soon,” Evan added.

  He remembered all too well what had happened the last time he had taken off and left Karen at Joe’s.

  “Okay, whenever’s a good time for you then,” Joe smiled.

  Evan and Karen made their way to the market.

  “You can’t be my bodyguard forever, you know.”

  “Sure I can,” Evan chuckled, taking her hand into his. Karen just smiled and shook her head.

  * * *

  The next afternoon, Evan and Karen made their way back into town to get ready for Evan’s fight. They stopped by his place first. The door to Evan’s apartment had been replaced, not a scratch anywhere. As they stepped inside, Karen gasped.

  There wasn’t a stitch out of place. The kitchen chairs were back in their places, instead of being piles of wood on the ground. The floors were shiny and blood-free. The countertops gleaming. Not a speck of dust or dirt anywhere.

  “Ethan had some guys come over,” Evan explained.

  “Can they do my apartment next?” Karen joked, walking around.

  Evan felt a little stab, reminded that Karen had a place of her own waiting for her.

  Wasn’t I supposed to be her home?

  His phone buzzed. It was Tom, confirming the fight. There had been a last minute change.

  Evan was now fighting Alex Maugham from the Clearpond wolf pack.

  Sixteen

  Karen

  Karen listened to Evan speak on the phone.

  “Still on for tonight? Okay. The location this time? Mhm. What kind of change?” Evan grew quiet.

  “Oh. Well, then. No, that’s fine,” he said before ending the call.

  “What’s up?” Karen tried to say cheerfully, sensing that something was off.

  “My opponent changed last minute. I’m now fighting Alex from the Clearpond pack,” Evan replied.

  “Wait, what? Why?”

  “Tom said the guy I was supposed to fight had an injury and Alex subbed in.”

  “Could it be intentional? Maybe he’s a Jamie sympathizer looking to take his anger out on you in the ring,” Karen protested, growing worried.

  “They couldn’t plan on my original opponent’s injury. And I happen to know Alex. He’s never had any beef with me or with the Grimpaw clan. He’s a hell of a fighter, though,” Evan assured her, smiling.

  “Are you sure you’re ready? You can still change your mind,” Karen offered.

  “I can fend for myself,” Evan replied, silencing any further objections she might have had with a kiss.

  * * *

  Karen accompanied Evan to his dressing room, if one could call it that. The fight was taking place in an old abandoned warehouse on the edge of town. Tom – a skinny, tall man with an expensive looking haircut, wearing a black suit – was already there.

  “Hey, there’s my man!” he said, patting Evan on the back. “Your match is on third. I got you some ringside seats if you want to watch while you wait. I gotta go see how the other guys are doing, good luck!” he added, disappearing around the corner.

  Evan got undressed, his body rippling with every move. If one looked closely enough, the skin on his right arm and left leg was still a little pinker than on the rest of his tan body. He pulled on his shorts and started his warm-up routine. The concrete around them made the air cold and damp.

  Karen tamped down the anxiety building inside of her and put on a smile. She could hear the crowd gathering, buzzing and shuffling somewhere in the distance.

  They made their way to the center of the warehouse. A large cage was set up in the middle of the massive room. Folding chairs surrounded it in every direction. The seats closer to the cage had pieces of paper with names on them.

  They looked for the ones marked “Evan” and sat down. Lights had been set up, illuminating the ring but little else. A small makeshift bar was serving beer and whiskey near the entrance. Tom appeared in the cage, holding a microphone, followed by what looked like a referee.

  Two burly men in shorts joined them. Tom welcomed the spectators and introduced the men, before rushing out of the cage. The referee nodded and the first fight began.

  Evan spent the match whispering into Karen’s ear. He explained the different moves, and the tactics and styles the fighters were using, what was allowed and what was not. By the time the second fight rolled around, Karen found herself fascinated.

  It wasn’t just fighting for the sake of violence. These men were testing the limits of their bodies while also calculating what their next move should be. It was primal and bloody, but after the fight was done, everyone shook hands.

  No hard feelings, beat you up again next time, Karen thought wryly.

  There was a small break after the second fight. People rushed to the bar or outside to smoke. Evan got up to go talk to Tom. A tall, boyishly handsome man took his seat next to Karen.

  “Everett!” she exclaimed. “I didn’t know you were going to be here!”

  “Thought I’d surprise you two. Haven’t seen Evan fight in a while. Time to find out if he’s learned anything new,” Everett winked at her, making her smile.

  She noticed Evan turn around to say something to her but stopped in surprise when he saw Everett. He gave them a little wave and a smile, before mouthing, “it’s time”. Karen gave him a thumbs up.

  “He’s gonna be fine,” Everett said, patting Karen on the shoulder, completely carefree.

  Evan climbed into the cage to the sound of cheers. A stocky blond man with a long scar above his right brow got in behind him. The crowd went wild.

  “I didn’t know he was going to fight Alex,” Everett marveled, taken aback for a second. “This oughta be good.”

  “Evan said he was a hell of a fighter.”

  “Damn right. He’s a certified legend in the underground scene,” Everett pointed out. “Oh, but Evan can take him. For sure,” he continued, seeing Karen’s face drop.

  The ‘for sure’ was not very convincing.

  The referee gave the go-ahead and the men started circling each other, predators looking for a weakness. Alex charged first with a quick succession of blows. Evan dodged and blocked them flawlessly. A howl escaped Karen’s lips, surprising even herself.

  Evan started the fight off with a kick to his opponent’s midsection, knocking the wind out of Alex and making him stagger backwards. Evan closed the distance between them in a split second, landing punch after punch to the wolf’s face and sides.

  The referee stepped in and pulled Evan away, giving Alex time to recover. The interference seemed a little unnecessary to Karen, but then again, she was new to the sport.

  The referee still had a hold of Ev
an’s arm when Alex unexpectedly charged at him with a growl. Evan pushed the ref out of the way, momentarily distracted. Alex wrapped his arms around Evan’s waist, simultaneously pushing forward and using his bodyweight to slam him to the ground, falling on top of him.

  Evan was in the process of pushing his opponent off when the wolf suddenly straddled him and grabbed hold of his head, pounding it into the floor. Evan managed to close his eyes before Alex pressed his thumbs into his sockets, shaking his head, struggling as Alex applied more and more pressure.

  “Why the hell isn’t the referee doing anything?” Karen shouted at Everett, the crowd’s cheering almost drowning her out.

  “I have no idea,” Everett said with growing concern.

  Turning her attention back to the ring, Karen saw Evan grab Alex’s leg and pull it out from under him. That made the wolf fall back and let go of Evan’s head. Evan didn’t give the man a chance to get on his feet, falling on top of him instead. He jammed his elbow into his opponent’s ribcage, making Alex howl in pain.

  The referee stepped in once more and separated the men. Alex backed up, looking tired and out of breath.

  Probably mustering up all the strength he had left, the wolf made one more desperate charge at Evan. He sidestepped, making Alex stumble and fall on his hands.

  The referee shouted something Karen couldn’t hear to Evan, making him turn his back to Alex who was still on the ground. Seeing an opportunity, he leapt up and onto Evan’s back, sinking his teeth into the bear’s neck.

  Everett flew out of his seat, shouting some choice words at the referee, who was standing still, watching the scene unfold. Blood was starting to trickle down Evan’s shoulder as he trashed around, trying to shake Alex off.

  Something is definitely wrong with this fight, Karen thought, her stomach knotting.

  It looked like Alex was determined to take Evan out by any means necessary, rules be damned. The referee kept either favoring Alex or turning a blind eye.

  Evan fell back, crushing Alex under him.

  Now the referee intervened, pulling Evan to his feet and off Alex. The wolf looked like he wouldn’t be able to take much more punishment. He crawled to his feet, cradling his right side. His face was stained crimson, his blood mixed with Evan’s.