by Aspen Drake
“I was choice number two.” He laughed sadly as he held the sweating tea glass in between his two hands. “I’d been in love with your mother since kindergarten. We became best friends, but then John came along, and I stood aside.” He looked up at me. “When he was found, I was there to help your mother recover. I didn’t push her for romance or marriage. I just held her while she cried and listened to her. It hurt me that she was so deeply hurt. I would have done anything to change how things played out. If I could have brought him back, I would have.”
“Wow. Dad, that’s quite possibly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.” I pulled him into a hug and began to cry. Stupid hormones.
He patted my back and pulled out of my arms. “It took over two years, but one day, your mother was sitting with me, watching reruns of Laverne and Shirley, when she turned and kissed me. It was a kiss that showed promise. We began dating, and a couple years later, I proposed.”
“I fell in love with your father.” My mother smiled. “It was the same as my love for John. I still believe that John was my soulmate, but your father is my best friend and knows me better than anyone. The spark was there, and that first kiss ignited it.” They looked deeply into each other’s eyes and smiled at each other. “But no one should ever have to start over the way I did.” She turned to me. “When your father told me about the prophecy and how he thought you might be the one, I was hesitant. I didn’t want him to push you into something you weren’t ready for.”
“And please know that I didn’t push you, dear.” He held my hand in his. “I could see how much you cared for him and how much he cared for you.”
“You read his mind?” I asked my father. It was something we weren’t supposed to do without permission.
His face reddened. “The point is there was more inside him than just lust.”
It was my turn to blush. “How much of my mind did you read the other day?”
“Trust me, it was not my intention to see that moment, but I believe I was meant to see it. It was all part of the prophecy playing out.” He squeezed my hand. “Don’t worry. I haven’t told anyone what I saw.”
That was a relief. The last thing I wanted was my mother or grandmother to get a play by play of my sex life.
“Hopefully, no other couple will ever have to hide their love for one another,” I said just as Anwell came through the door with a few boxes of pizza.
“I hope everyone’s hungry,” he called.
I excused myself and went to help Anwell get some plates.
30
Anwell
“How bad do you want it?” I asked her as I looked her up and down. She’d put on some weight over the past couple weeks, but she was even sexier in my eyes.
Lily was currently on all fours, gazing up at me. “So bad.”
“Beg.” I tried to continue showing my dominant side even though I wanted nothing more than to make love to her.
“Please, Anwell,” she said with passion and pleading mixed into one sultry voice.
I popped the lid off the container of Chunky Monkey and dipped the spoon into it, letting the bit that had melted drip down the side. I took a spoonful and a brought it to her lips, but before she could take a bite, I turned the spoon around and placed the ice cream in my mouth. “Mmm. So good.”
She growled as I savored the sweet mixture on my tongue. I sat down on the floor in front of her and took another large bite before pulling her into my lap. I leaned forward for a passionate kiss and let the ice cream melt between our two mouths. She groaned into my mouth and my dick grew even harder in my jeans. She took the ice cream from my hand, and surprisingly, set it on the coffee table before kissing my neck and working her way down my chest. I had been lounging around the house in jeans and nothing else. When she got to my zipper, she hastily undid it and the button, letting my cock pop free.
I never wore underwear – it only slowed down the fun.
“You know, Anwell.” I loved the way my name sounded on her lips. Since she’d gotten pregnant, her voice had grown deeper and seductive in the bedroom. “I crave more than ice cream.”
“Is that so?” I moaned as she stroked my dick in her soft hands.
“I also crave you.” She slid down farther and sucked me into her mouth. My balls hardened as I placed my hand in her hair. God, how I wanted to fuck her mouth hard, but I didn’t want to hurt her. Plus, it seemed downright rude to shove my dick down the throat of a pregnant woman.
I leaned back on my elbows and tried to give her control of the situation. She lifted her mouth off my throbbing cock, looked me in the eye, and ran her tongue over the bottom of my shaft until she slipped off the tip. With her hair falling over one eye, she looked like every man’s wet dream come to life. I pulled her to me and kissed her with barely restrained force. I wanted to bend her over and fuck her – to let my wolf out to play. I was trying so hard to remain calm and gentle, but when she straddled me and slid her wet pussy over my dick, I lost it.
I leaned my head back as the groans became grunts and my body began to change. I looked into her eyes and saw how much she was enjoying the transformation. My dick grew another two inches as my inner wolf took over. We all claim that size doesn’t matter, but I could see it in my lover’s eyes that a couple inches made a world of difference.
She began to ride my cock harder and faster, fisting her tiny hands into the hair on my chest. I grabbed her hips and guided her up and down. I brought her forward a bit and slowed the pace, making sure to rub her clit with each movement. It didn’t take long before she was moaning, and her eyes began to flutter. As her orgasm hit, I fucked her harder, finding my own release a couple seconds later.
God, I could fuck her every minute of the day if she’d let me. It was several moments later when the last few jerks of my dick spilled my seed into her. She didn’t seem to notice because she was already softly snoring, cuddled against my chest. I held her tight and fell into a deep sleep with my whole world in my arms.
31
Lily
It was almost embarrassing how much my sexual desires continued to grow. My hormones were definitely out of control. The only problem was my belly growing just as quickly. I looked like a grape stuck on a toothpick. I had no idea how Anwell continued to be turned on, but he never failed to rise to attention. I was so frustrated by how much I wanted him but how unattractive I felt. I decided there was only one answer to my problem. I needed to see Willow.
Willow would forever and always be my best friend. We’d gone through so much together, and she always knew how to make me feel better. I pulled into her driveway and struggled to get out of the car. It was so hard to drive being halfway through my pregnancy and so damn short. I could barely reach the pedals after scooting my seat back to make room for my oversized belly.
“I know I shouldn’t laugh, but…” Willow burst into laughter. “Girl, let me help you.” She moved the seat back and helped me down from the truck. “How the hell did you get up in there anyway?”
“Not easily,” I said while blushing. “I was stuck for a few minutes until Anwell looked out the window and noticed.” I hung my head. “I should probably get a minivan or something.”
“You sound like a dude bitching about giving up his sweet ride.”
“I love my truck,” I whined.
She wrapped her arm about me and patted my belly. “I know, hon. I know. What about an SUV? It’s a nice compromise. You could get a Cadillac.”
Pure luxury. I could definitely do that. “Maybe I’ll go shopping this weekend.”
“See. You’ll find something you love even more.” We went in the house and sat down at the kitchen table. Willow poured us some sweet tea and gave me the look she always gives me when she knows something’s up. “Spill it.”
I wrapped my hands around the glass and drew squiggly lines in the condensation with my thumbs. “My hormones are out of control. I jump Anwell every chance I get.”
She raised an eyebrow and star
ed at me. “And…?”
“And? Look at me! I look like I’ve grown a giant beer belly.”
She laughed at my dramatics. “Honey,” she touched my arm, “men don’t give a damn about size. Trust me. I’ve never had trouble bringing home a man. Don’t forget the importance of body language.”
“Okay, Ursela, I won’t.” I laughed. “Seriously though, Anwell is ready and willing anytime I’m interested, but I don’t feel sexy.”
“I understand, I really do.” She gave me a serious look. “Women come in all shapes and sizes. You need to realize you’re beautiful inside and out. It’s not just your body that men find attractive. They love confidence. A confident woman can take any man home.”
“But how do I become confident?”
“You said Anwell is interested even though you’ve put on weight. Focus on that. He wants you. Go buy an outfit that makes you feel sexier. I’ll even help you. There are so many flattering maternity tops.”
“I don’t know. I can’t imagine anything would hid this.” I motioned to my stomach.
“It’s up to you, hon, but I’m here if you need me.”
“I know, and that means everything to me.” I was about to cry…again – stupid hormones. “How are you and Logan doing?”
A smile spread across her face, and she let out a dreamy sigh. This was so unlike Willow. Willow hadn’t seriously dated anyone since we were in college. She’d been in a three-year relationship at university and had even moved in with the guy. He encouraged her to not get a job after college and promised to take care of her. A year later, she was broke and homeless.
“Do you think he might be the one to settle you down?” I wanted to lighten up the conversation and not upset her. It had been a decade, but she was still touchy over it.
“I don’t know.” She looked into her now empty tea glass. “He seems like a great guy – like he could be more than just a fling.”
“That’s wonderful, Willow.” I was so happy for her. “You deserve to find someone who’s good to you.”
“What about Anwell? Are there any plans past having his babies?” She winked at me, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Well, let’s hope so. But I already told him I didn’t want him to marry me just because I got pregnant.”
“I don’t think any woman wants that. Well, some do. They want to get pregnant and trap a man, but what kind of relationship is that? You want a man who’s there because he wants to be.”
“Exactly. And, I think Anwell wants to be.” I paused as I thought about him. “He had quite a bit to say in the hospital about how he felt.”
“Your dad seems to think he has very deep feelings for you.”
“I know. What he saw inside Anwell’s mind was pretty intense.”
We continued to talk for a couple more hours before I checked my watch. “I’ve gotta run. Anwell and I have to go to a doctor’s appointment this afternoon.”
“Let me know how it goes.”
I had expected the doctor’s appointment to be a happy time between Anwell and me. We were seeing the best doctor in the paranormal community and had the best support staff on call to assist.
However, it wasn’t the bonding experience I was hoping for.
“Anwell.” The doctor walked in while looking down at my chart. “If you wanted someone to carry your young, I would have been happy to oblige.” She gave him a heart-stopping smile while I raised my head off the exam table, shooting her a death glare.
“Jessica.” Anwell took my hand. “It’s good to see you again. I’d like to introduce you to Lily.” He gave me a reassuring smile, ignoring her.
“I didn’t even know you’d gotten married.” She rubbed my exposed stomach.
He gave me a nervous look. “I didn’t…”
I saved him from the awkward moment. “It was an unexpected pregnancy.”
“Oh, I see.” She smirked in satisfaction as she looked up from the ultrasound. “You really should be more careful in that club of yours, or you’ll have pups all over the city.”
“This didn’t happen at the club. Plus, I won’t be returning to the club. Logan and I will both be running the restaurant and hiring new managers for the club.”
Her lower lip jutted out as if she were saddened by his news. “The ladies will be so disappointed to lose the club’s two leading men.”
Anwell leaving the club was news to me too, but I didn’t question him. I just wanted this experience to be over with. “Are the pups healthy?”
“Yes, very much so.”
“Great.” I pushed her hand away and pulled my shirt down, immediately regretting the decision as my shirt clung to the gel. “I think we’re done here.” I grabbed my purse and headed back to the truck.
I could hear him as I made my way back to the lobby. “Dammit, Jessica. What the fuck is wrong with you?”
I stopped in the hall and fumbled with my purse to make it look like I was looking for something. Truthfully, I wanted to hear her response.
“What’s wrong with me? Why are you sleeping with a fairy? Are werewolf women not good enough for you?”
“You are so self-centered. Shouldn’t you be asking if you weren’t good enough? Regardless, the answer is no. You’re a great doctor, and I hope you’ll take good care of my future wife, but we can always find another doctor if you aren’t able to maintain professionalism.”
She scoffed, and I heard something slam in the room. “I can keep it professional, but you really should have been more careful. She’ll need a c-section. There’s no way she’ll survive a natural birth.”
I closed my purse and made a hasty retreat to the truck. I climbed inside and cranked the air conditioning. Future wife? Okay, I should’ve been focused on the fact that I could possibly die from this pregnancy, but all I could hear in my mind was the word wife.
Is that what I wanted?
How did he even know I’d say yes? Before I could think about it any further, Anwell hopped in the truck.
“I’m so sorry about that, babe.” He squeezed my hand. “We can find another doctor, but you might have to travel, and that scares me.”
I squeezed his hand back. “This doctor will be fine. I’ll just ignore her comments.”
“I honestly don’t think it was all about her wanting to date me, but about me being irresponsible and getting a weaker species pregnant.”
“Weaker?!” I couldn’t help being annoyed by his insult.
“Calm down. I didn’t mean to upset you, but when compared to a werewolf, fae don’t have the same physical strength. You have many strengths that I don’t. Each paranormal species has their own strengths and weaknesses. But she seems worried, and that worries me. She said you’ll need to have a c-section. I made an appointment for your next checkup. You’ll need to be seen each week.”
“That’s not a problem.”
“There’s one more thing. During the last week, you’ll need to be checked into the hospital and monitored closely.”
I sighed. “It is what it is, Anwell. I’d rather be there where someone can help should it be needed.”
“I promise that you’ll have the best of care.”
I nodded and looked out the window. “By the way, what was that about you quitting the club?”
He started the truck. “I’m no longer looking for that type of entertainment.”
I smiled to myself as he backed out of the parking space and headed to our favorite restaurant.
32
Anwell
I picked up the phone and called my sister. “What the hell is Jessica’s problem?”
“Well, hello to you, too,” my sister replied.
“Hello.” I growled into the phone. “Now what’s her deal?”
“You know she’s always had a thing for you.”
“She fucking mentioned it while giving Lily an ultrasound. What the fuck is wrong with her? I’ve told her multiple times that I wasn’t interested in her.” I was at a loss as to why anyon
e would do something like that to a pregnant woman.
“I’m sorry she was rude, but what am I supposed to do about it?”
I blew out a frustrated breath, feeling slightly guilty for putting this on Luna when it wasn’t her fault. “Can you just make sure she knows I’m with Lily for the long-term?”
“Long-term? As in what?” she asked with little interest.
“As in I plan to marry her.”
“Marry her? What? She’s not a werewolf. You can’t do that to our line,” Luna shouted into the phone.
“I can do whatever the hell I want. The line will continue with our children whether we’re married or not. Even if it doesn’t, I wouldn’t care. I’m more than a fucking alpha stud, and I’m getting goddamn tired of everyone expecting me to live my life a certain way.” I slammed down the phone and I walked into the restaurant.
It was a Friday night and the restaurant was packed, as usual. I was managing the restaurant side of things, and Logan was managing the bar. We both had slow nights off so that one of us could handle both sections on Monday through Thursday.
I smiled at Willow as I walked in.
“How’s our girl doing?” she asked as she filled drink orders.
I leaned against the bar and beamed. “She’s doing great. The doctor said the babies are nice and healthy.”
“How many are there?” she asked as she handed a customer his drink with a gorgeous smile.
“Lily wants it to be a surprise. She doesn’t want to know until it happens.”
“Really? But how will she know what to buy and how many? The baby shower is planned for the two weeks before her due date.”
I shrugged. “Don’t worry. We’ll just ask for a bunch of boy and girl stuff. Most litters have both.” I waved at Logan and then headed into the kitchen to see how things were going. Meals were flying out the door and everything seemed in order. We’d hired such a great staff that the restaurant practically ran itself.
