“Alright, alright.” Dawson’s voice startled her, and she sat up to see him standing next to her, in human form now, dressed in his heavy winter gear. His lips curved into a smile. “That’s enough, boys. Let her up now.”
The cubs scrambled off her, and Dawson helped her to her feet. “Dawson...” Jade said slowly, searching his face. “What... what is all this?”
“I came here late last night with the pack while you were sleeping,” Dawson explained, rubbing his thumb across her cheek, “to talk to your grandparents and explain. I knew they were having trouble with the Lodge, so I offered them the money needed to fix things up, and explained to them just how much you mean to me.” His eyes twinkled. “Apparently they already knew I was a wolf shifter, so I was denied the pleasure of shocking them with that news.”
Jade smiled a little. “I told them last night while I was trying to explain everything to them.” She bit her lip as she looked up at him shyly. “My Abuelita thinks that I’m being foolish, and I think she’s right.” She glanced over his shoulder at the wolves, now sitting with their ears perked as if they were listening to every word and waiting expectantly... which they probably were. “I was wrong to assume that you were all monsters.”
Dawson’s eyes softened. “No, you were just reacting like anyone would.” He turned them both slightly so they could look at the pack. “That’s why I brought them all here... so that you could see that we're not just beasts but that we have heart, too.”
Three of the wolves broke away from the pack, then, and trotted up the steps. They changed right before Jade’s eyes, revealing themselves as Randy, Jeff and Ricardo—the same three who’d shown up at Emily’s apartment.
“We can see how much you mean to Dawson,” Randy said, “and we want to welcome you into the pack, if you’ll have us.”
“This sap can’t seem to function well without you, chica.” That was Ricardo, who scowled at her, but there was a playful smirk on his face. “Dunno what that’s all about, but we need him on top of his game to lead the pack, which means he needs you.”
“No pressure.” Jeff winked. “Just thought we should mention it.”
Jade laughed at them. “I’ll take that all under advisement,” she said and then leaned up and pressed her lips to Dawson’s. The three men on the porch wolf whistled and clapped, and the rest of the pack yipped and howled in appreciation, filling Jade with a warm glow of happiness and acceptance.
“Thank you,” Dawson whispered against her mouth, finally pulling away. “You have no idea how happy this makes me.”
“That makes two of us.” Grinning, she turned toward the pack. “Why don’t you all Change and come on in so we can have Christmas together? I’d hate to leave my new family out in the cold.”
FOURTEEN
New Year’s Eve
Jade sat on the front porch of the Lodge with her grandparents, holding hands with Dawson as they watched the fireworks. Every year they always had a fireworks display for the guests, and, since Dawson had given them such a generous donation, they’d been able to afford a truly spectacular display tonight.
“These are amazing,” her grandmother commented as a red, green and gold firework burst across the sky, spreading out into a diamond-shaped pattern.
“Some of the best fireworks we've ever had,” Abuelito agreed. He turned to Dawson with a smile. “And we couldn’t have done it without you. We are ever in your debt, nino.”
Dawson simply shook his head. “It’s nothing,” he insisted, and Jade had reason to know he meant it. It turned out that Dawson was independently wealthy. His grandfather had been in the mining business and had left him quite an inheritance. The money he’d given to her grandparents to renovate the resort had been a drop in the bucket. “I’d love to see the resort plans when the contractors are done laying them out, though.”
“Of course.” Dawson and her grandfather launched into a spirited discussion about the construction, and Jade simply smiled as the technical talk washed over her head. She tuned it out and squeezed Dawson’s hand, content to watch the way the glow of the fireworks played across his handsome face.
She still couldn’t believe he was hers. It had been six days since he’d shown up before dawn with the pack, and things had been so blissful. She still suffered morning sickness, sure, but somehow it was more bearable with Dawson by her side to hold her and comfort her, plus the knowledge that she was going to have a family in her future and that she wouldn’t have to struggle between managing her career and raising a child.
She’d thought about quitting her job as a director once the baby was born, but since Dawson was independently wealthy there was no need. He would be able to help care for the baby, and she would be able to continue on with her dream career. Really, how much better could life get?
They sat on the porch together for a long while, talking and laughing and sipping from mugs of hot chocolate. But, eventually the fireworks show ended, and her grandparents got to their feet.
“Well,” her Abuelito said. “It’s time for us old folks to turn in.” He smiled and pulled Jade in for a hug.
“You two have a good night,” her Abuelita said as she hugged Dawson. She gave Jade a wink, and then she and Abuelito disappeared into the lodge.
Dawson and Jade walked back down to the cabin he’d been staying in before, which her grandparents had immediately given him for permanent use whenever he liked. Her grandfather had said it was the least they could do after all he’d done for them. Jade thought it was nice that Dawson would have a permanent place amongst her family, regardless of how much time passed and where life took them.
“So are we turning in?” she asked, closing the front door behind them. The room was warm, the fire they’d lit earlier still burning low in the grate and casting long shadows about the room.
“Not yet.” Dawson turned to her with a smile, the firelight flickering in his eyes. “I need to do one more thing in order to start the new year off right.”
Jade’s heart leapt as Dawson pulled a small black box from his jacket pocket. She clapped a hand over her mouth as he got down on one knee, looking up at her with his heart in his shining silver eyes.
“Jade Maria Garcia,” he said, his deep, sexy voice sending shivers down her spine. “Would you do me the great honor of being my wife—and my mate—for as long as we both live?”
“Oh my God.” Tears sprang to Jade’s eyes as he popped open the box, revealing a platinum ring with a jade stone flanked by two sparkling diamonds. “This is the most beautiful engagement ring I've ever seen.”
He gave her a lopsided grin. “I had it custom made, just for you. I’m guessing that’s a yes!”
“God, yes!” She let him slip the ring on her finger and then flung her arms around his neck and kissed him. Love and joy swept through her along with her fierce desire for him, and she held him tight as he kissed her deeply, pouring all of her emotions into the kiss.
He picked her up in his arms, bridal style, and began walking back toward the bedroom. “Let’s celebrate, then.”
Jade giggled as he laid her down on the bed and then moaned as he dipped his head into the hollow of her neck and began kissing and licking her there. Her hands fumbled with the zipper on his jacket and then pushed the fabric down his wide shoulders to reveal the dark sweater he wore beneath. At the same time, he kneaded her breasts through the fabric of her sweater, teasing her nipples to tight peaks and causing her body to thrum with sexual energy.
“Off,” she demanded, tugging his sweater from his pants. Electricity raced through her as she slid her hands beneath his shirt and over his taut muscles. They flexed beneath her hands as she pushed his sweater up and over his head.
“God, you're so hot,” she growled, leaning back to admire the way the lamplight played over his rock-hard body. He grinned down at her, his silver eyes gleaming, and the hint of fang that peaked out from behind his lips sent a thrill of excitement through her.
“Not as hot as yo
u are,” he returned, pulling her dress off and sliding her panties down her legs. She moaned when he pressed his palm between her legs and spread her legs wide when he nudged the inside of her thigh with his leg. Pulses of pleasure began to run through her body as he rubbed the heel of his palm against her pussy, putting just the right amount of pressure on her clit, and she rocked beneath him, her breath coming faster as she looked into his bright eyes.
“Come for me.” He slipped two fingers into her, pressing against her g-spot as he continued massaging her with the heel of his hand. His eyes scalded her, making her hot and aching all over, and a rush of pleasure swept through her, leaving her breathless and wanting more.
He pushed his pants off the rest of the way, leaving himself fully naked, and then sat up and pulled her onto his lap. She moaned as he entered her, wrapping her legs around his waist and leaning back so that he could lick and tease her nipples. His stubble rasped against her skin as he took one nipple into his mouth, and she ground her hips into his, a low moan escaping her as the pleasure built inside her.
They rocked each other slowly in the small hours of the night, sweat gleaming against their skin as sensation rushed through them, taking them closer to the edge. Dawson’s fingers dug into her ass as he pressed deeper into her, growling her name as he urged her onward, and she arched her back to take as much of him in as she could.
“I love you,” he groaned as his body began to quake with orgasm, and she held onto him tight, loving the feel of his big, hard body trembling beneath hers. Happiness filled her at his heart felt words, and she couldn’t stop the grin from spreading over her face.
“I love you, too,” she whispered, kissing him softly. And, as he rolled her over onto her back to prep for round two, she knew that she would cherish him—and their baby—for the rest of her life.
ABOUT
Catherine Vale
Catherine Vale has been writing fiction for as long as she can remember, but it wasn’t until she wrote her very first paranormal romance story that she found herself hooked on the raw, edgy love affair of shifters, vampires and other dominant alpha males and the captivating women who love them.
Catherine Vale writes both contemporary and paranormal romance for readers who are willing to take a walk on the wild side of love. Her stories always include powerful alpha males, smart and sassy heroines and a happily-ever-after—even if she often puts her characters through hell to get there!
Do you want to know when there’s a new release? Special offers, giveaways, free books and more! Find out more at http://www.CatherineVale.com and subscribe to her newsletter to receive notifications whenever a new book is released!
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A Beary Merry Christmas
The Wild Operatives
Vivienne Savage
Entering her second year of marriage to a handsome bear shifter, Daniela Hawkins realizes she has a single Christmas wish. As she and her husband try to find one another the perfect present for the holidays, they’ll discover the thing they each needed was there all along.
ONE
Daniela
Dead leaves crunched beneath my boots, a thick carpet of brown and dark yellow strewn over the cold winter ground. The weather forecaster had predicted a high of forty-five degrees, but the biting wind made me think it was closer to thirty. I shivered in my coat and kept trekking ahead.
Fifteen minutes into the search, I was huffing and puffing through a section of the few hundred acres owned by our family friend Ian MacArthur. Ian was the leader of my husband’s squad of government contract mercenaries and the most generous man I’ve ever met.
Russ and I lived with our son on the border of Ian’s property in a modest, two-bedroom cabin. Last year, we’d bought a plastic tree that was as much a chore to package away as it was an eyesore in the living room. After we’d boxed it up and donated it, I made my husband promise we could chop one down outside. He kept his word, and dragged me into the blustery cold to find one. At least with a real tree, we could recycle it through the wood chipper into mulch for my ever-expanding garden.
I have the best husband, became my mantra, thought many times as I picked my way through the forest. As much as I despised the wind biting at my chilly cheeks, the memory of our warm home reminded me to be grateful; Russ had given me a new life. Besides, a lesser husband would have blown off my request altogether, not taken me on an adventure to find the perfect tree.
Ahead of me, a huge black bear lumbered into view around a small pine. He was a giant specimen among his kind, with a thick coat of glossy black fur and soulful brown eyes. His round ears pricked and swiveled as a twig snapped under my weight. The bear grunted, huffed, and pawed the branches of the tree.
A sane person would have backed away upon discovering a bear in the wild. Except this wasn’t any bear. He was mine.
“It’s perfect,” I called over as I crossed the distance between us. “Not too tall. Now get dressed and cut it down.”
With a cheerful smile, I offered out the backpack I carried.
Russ decided to press his dark nose into my chest instead and nuzzle me, the shifter variant of a hug. I giggled and raised my free hand to his fuzzy ears.
Watching my husband shift between forms never grew old. His height and build gave him an intimidating presence, bulky muscles on a sturdy frame honed by frequent exercise. I licked my lips and watched as the fur receded into his skin, leaving behind a less hairy body chiseled by years of military life. Russ claimed he didn’t plan to ever let himself go, and I believed it. We still went to the gym together once a week. Crouched before me with one knee on the dirt, he was at adequate height to rest his cheek against my stomach, and then my fingers were trailing through his dark hair instead of a plush fur coat.
Russ didn’t look his age, but the physical appearance and actual ages of shifters never matched. Despite a decade between us, we both appeared to be in our early thirties, and because I had soul-bonded to him, I was blessed to have a little of his longevity. According to Russ, I could count on keeping my youth for a while longer, which made me wonder if certain Hollywood actresses had furry secrets instead of talented plastic surgeons.
When Russ reached for the backpack containing his clothes, I playfully swung it behind my back.
“Dani…”
“What?” I asked innocently. Russ reached for the bag again, so I backpedaled a step to maneuver out of his reach again.
For a large man, he moved quickly when motivated. The bear shifter caught me around the waist with one of his brawny arms and yanked sharply. Taken off balance, I stumbled forward against his muscular frame, the hard lines of his physique cushioned by my softer curves.
“Gotcha.”
I tried to scowl at him, but the frown quickly gave way to a laugh and smile. “I suppose you did. Guess that means you get a prize.”
A tug was all it took to pull him down so our faces were close. Our noses touched, rubbing together at the tips, before I tilted my head and brushed my lips over his. I kept our first kiss light, a teasing and tender touch of our lips. Russ’ warm arms snuggled me in closer against his chest. The intimate contact, bodies pressed tight, encouraged me to slip my tongue into his mouth.
Russ shivered, and guilt swamped me. I pulled back and flashed him an apologetic smile. “Maybe you should get dressed before you freeze.”
Not that I wanted to cover his body at all. He had an athlete’s build, a frame suitable for the football field with broad shoulders and a chiseled chest leading down to a trim waist. A soft smattering of hair kissed his pecs, the same charcoal color as his bear’s pelt. I ran my fingers over the treasure trail dividing his lower abs, stroking tightly packed muscle and receiving an instant growl of appreciation. I loved the way he rumbled in his chest and responded to my every touch.
“Don’t you mean get dressed before you molest me in the forest?” Russ quipped.
> “Pfft, I know you’re cold.”
“Discipline, darlin’. You don’t feel the cold the same way when you’ve got it.” My lovable bear shifter made me want to punch him in the face sometimes.
I swatted his chest. “You’re such a jerk. Go on. Get your clothes on before you get the man flu and I’m stuck feeding you chicken soup all week.” He accepted the bag from me and pulled on the jeans and sweatshirt we’d packed before leaving home.
“Need me to do anything?” I asked as he laced up his boots.
Russ grinned at me and shook his head. “Nah, I got this. You stay clear, all right?” He dragged a hatchet from the bag last and stepped up to our chosen pine tree. The first thwock of blade to wood made me jump, the powerful blow booming through the woods.
Each time he swung, I loathed the sweatshirt I’d packed for him, wishing instead I could see how his muscles flexed with the motion. Bits of wood chips flew as I inhaled the exhilarating scent of pine on the wind. The whole process of tree selection and acquisition had made me giddy as a child.
It helped that my husband also looked like a sexy lumberjack. I found it regrettable the tree’s trunk wasn’t thick enough for him to work up a sweat. He whacked at the tree with expert strokes, cutting into one side then the next. It tipped over, and moments later we were on the path home, laughing and making jokes.
“Yeah, well, once the needles start falling, you’ll wish we had the plastic tree back again,” he teased.
“Nope! My parents never bought us a real tree, so I’ll be happy to pick up all the needles required.” I stuck my tongue out at him and moved on ahead as we reached the edge of the trees. We walked along a well-worn path, traveled often as our preferred route to reach Ian’s place. He lived a couple miles down the road in a big two-story house with his wife and their child.
Sugar, Spice, and Shifters: A Touch of Holiday Magic Page 70
