Canyon Wolf Bride

by Alisha Paige

  They now stood on what was once their arms as hind legs flew beneath their bellies, striking the earth with a thud. His fiery blue eyes glistened in the moonlight as they searched her yellow eyes blinking with both fear and excitement. He nuzzled her white chest. She snorted an answer, rubbing his muscled shoulder with the side of her fuzzy head.

  He took off, jumping over a boulder and she followed, her slender tail trailing behind her. The other wolves joined them near the water’s edge. Fifty of them circled their king and queen and the howling began. One by one they climbed the high canyon wall, following the scent of the big horn. She licked her chops as saliva poured down her throat and dripped to the dry earth below.

  The big horn were brought down without abandon. The alpha wolf killed a she-big horn, dragging it over to his wolf bride. She ate heartily, never glancing back at the slaughter ensuing around her. Soon the herd was silenced and the wolves had their fill. She finished before he did, walking slowly to the stream nearby, lapping at the cool waters that soothed her hot throat. She lay beside the stream and onto her side, sighing deeply, gazing at the moon when he joined her. He licked her face lovingly and lay beside her. Her breathing grew more labored with a full belly. It wouldn’t be long now. She would give birth soon. He nuzzled her belly before standing and howling proudly. The pack followed, one by one, standing beside the remains of their dinner, howling with contentment and pride into the Arizona night sky.

  The pack napped by the stream, waking just before day break. The alpha wolf led her into the clearing where they quickly changed back into man and woman. They dressed themselves in the clothes that clung to the branches of an ancient dead tree. The horse neighed hello at them as they approached and they were soon on their way home.

  The other wolves should be arriving in the circle of trees by now. Soon they would be Indian men again and heading home to their wives and children. Paige and Sean waved to White Feather as he smoked on his front porch. He rarely accompanied the pack on a hunt anymore. The apple wood smoke reached them and both of them closed their eyes for a moment. They were exhausted as they reached their house. Sean dismounted and tied his horse before helping her down and lifting her into his arms. Her calves were swollen from the heat. Her hand immediately went to her belly with each kick.

  “Oh, honey, it won’t be long now.”

  “Hang in there, baby. I’ll have you in bed in two seconds.”

  He climbed the stairs quickly and threw the sheets back, laying her gently on the bed. Beads of perspiration formed on her forehead. He pulled her into a sitting position and slipped her dress over her head. He slipped her panties off her and helped her back onto the fluffy pillows, positioning a body pillow between her legs and beneath her extended belly. He brushed her long hair off of her shoulders and kissed a full breast.

  “Are you very tired, darling?”

  “Mmm...very.”

  “Aren’t you ready for our baby to get here?”

  “Yes,” she murmured with eyes closed.

  “You know what the doctor said.”

  “I know where you’re going with this, Sean,” she replied, opening one eye, smiling slyly.

  “It will help bring the contractions on,” he explained sensibly, an innocent expression curling around his less than innocent face.

  “No, Sean. I’m exhausted and I feel like a bloated cow.”

  “Come on, darling,” he pleaded as he licked a brown nipple, teasing it into a broad point.

  “I feel less sexy than I’ve ever felt in my entire life,” she whispered.

  “There’s nothing sexier than a pregnant woman, especially since you happen to be carrying my child,” he whispered back, teasing the other nipple, palming her full belly.

  The baby kicked with full force and her eyes flew open. “I don’t think he wants you messing with his mama,” she replied, laughing softly and shifting slightly on the mound of pillows.

  “That little rascal. I’ll show him who’s boss,” he joked, kissing her fully on the mouth, tasting her, prying her mouth open with a hungry tongue.

  Sean moved behind her, placing another pillow underneath her, hoisting her up a bit. He took her from behind as he cradled her belly, feeling the tiny life squirming within. She relaxed her head on the pillow and closed her eyes. His large hand splayed across her middle, holding the baby secure, giving it more support, helping her to breathe easier.

  He took her to the falls nightly, to swim naked in the cool waters. The weight was suddenly gone once she was submerged and he would cradle her, carrying her to the falls where they would make love again and again. She would never get her fill of him, nor he of her.

  Her screams woke him that very afternoon as the pain tore through her middle. Her water had broken and the bed was soaked.

  “Okay, baby. We’re on our way.” Sean called the doctor and grabbed her bag by the door. Paige was writhing in pain by the time they arrived. Sean was suddenly worried that he’d waited too long or that something was wrong. He carried her inside to the waiting bed. The doctor pulled her nightgown back.

  “The head is crowning.”

  “What does that mean?” Sean asked, suddenly feeling helpless and more naive than ever.

  “The baby is nearly here. There’s no time for medication.”

  Paige was screaming and sweating profusely, veins popping out in her forehead and beyond consoling. She was lost to him and he was nearly panicked.

  “Take it easy, Sean. As soon as the baby is here, the pain will stop.”

  “Completely?”

  “Completely. Just hold her hands. I need you to keep her as calm as possible,” the doctor instructed as he peered between her legs again.

  “One more push, Paige. That’s it. Good girl.”

  A scream tore through her as her nails dug into Sean’s flesh, bringing blood. He felt no pain as the baby slid into the doctor’s hands. A hoarse cry came from the tiny life as the doctor snipped the cord and wrapped it within a soft blanket.

  “Congratulations on your new baby girl, chief.”

  “Are you sure? We were told we were having a boy.” The doctor unwrapped the blanket, showing him the evidence.

  Sean smiled proudly at the fresh pink baby wriggling inside.

  “She’s beautiful, just like her mother.”

  He took his new daughter and kissed his wife. They looked into each others eyes and cried. A tear escaped out of the corner of one eye as he handed the baby girl to her mother. Paige kissed her tiny pink nose as Sean wrapped his arms around them both, thanking God and White Feather and Coming Wind. Life had come full circle for all of them at the bottom of a mysterious blue-green paradise called Havasu Canyon.

  A word about the author…

  Alisha Paige was born and raised in Texas. She’s married to an extreme alpha-male who gives her plenty of good material, in and out of the bedroom. When she’s not writing about werewolves, vampires, witches, fairies or ancient history, she’s spending time with her family, gardening, singing, reading, eating rich dark chocolate or drinking fine red wine.

  Visit Alisha at www.alishapaige.com