Shifting Destinies

Hidden Hills Shifters

Book 3

Vella Day

SHIFTING DESTINIES

Kindle Edition

www.velladay.com

velladayauthor@gmail.com

Cover Art by Sloan Winters

Edited by Rebecca Cartee and Carol Adcock-Bezzo

Published in the United States of America

E-book ISBN: 978-1-941835-12-8

the author except in the case of brief questions embodied in critical articles or reviews.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used

fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Other Books by the Author

About the Author

Chapter One

M M ALINE

ETTLES

SANK

back against one of the round tables at her best friend’s wedding to fan her

face then polished off her third beer. She’d been dancing for hours, and while her feet were tired, she
was content. Cheyenne Snow-Durant made a beautiful bride. Chey’s dad was the Alpha of the cheetah
Clan, and as such, needed the largest venue in Hidden Hills, North Carolina, for his daughter’s
wedding. That meant they were in the Town Meeting Hall, a metal Quonset Hut-shaped structure that
had a stage on one end and a wall of glass doors on the other. Several women of the Clan had gone all
out on the decorations. The jungle theme wouldn’t have been Emmaline’s first choice, but the green
vines and fake flowers helped cover the corrugated walls nicely.

Em spotted Chey winding her way through the dancers, heading straight toward her. “Have you

danced with Wade yet?” Chey asked, looking radiant.

Emmaline laughed, but it was mostly for show. “Not yet.” Please, don’t push.
Cheyenne gave her arm a squeeze and then let go. “Remember, it’s a cheetah tradition to dance

with everyone at the wedding reception. If you do, you’ll find happiness and wealth for the coming
year.”

Em didn’t believe in superstition, especially one that involved true love and prosperity—not to

mention that it was a cheetah tradition and she was a wolf. “I’ll keep that in mind, but I believe I’ve
touched base with almost everyone else.”

Chey looked over Em’s shoulder and smiled. “Ooh, here’s your chance to make it one hundred

percent. He’s heading your way, girlfriend. Gotta go.” Chey leaned over, kissed her cheek, and then
disappeared back into the crowd.

Em didn’t need her friend to tell her who was right behind her. She could feel his power, his

scent, his presence. She was, after all, a shifter with an intense sense of smell that surprisingly hadn’t
been diminished by all the festivities and swirling romance.

To make matters worse, her inhibitions had plummeted. She wasn’t sure if it was from the few

beers she’d had, or the fact Wade Black was there. Something about this bear shifter got her motor
running, and that was bad. Wolves weren’t supposed to give his clan the time of day—at least that
was what her family had always drilled into her.

“Emmaline?”
Her nerves shot to life. She turned around and tried to smile, but her uncooperative lips wobbled.

Wade, with his whiskey-smooth voice, was like a stealth bomber. He worked out of town, but would
swoop in every few weeks to do whatever he needed to do before disappearing again. “Hi, Wade.”

He held out his palm. “We haven’t danced.”
That had been by design. She didn’t trust herself around him.
He raised his brows, looking hopeful—and sexy as hell. While she was dewy from all the

dancing, he looked cool and elegant in his black tux. Add in broad shoulders, whiskered cheeks,
along with a lock of dark hair flopped over his forehead that she wanted to push back, and most
women would have swooned. Not her, of course. Emmaline wasn’t interested in playboys.

Not that she’d been paying attention, but Wade had worked the room tonight, speaking with

everyone, especially the single ladies.

He lowered his hand to his side looking a bit dejected, and guilt pummeled her. Em couldn’t think

of a way to get out of this dance gracefully, so she sucked it up and wrapped her arm around his. “No,
we haven’t.”

He grinned. Ever since the two of them had worked together to bring his best friend, Burke, and

her other best friend, Tasha, together, she’d been unable to get the big bear out of her mind. She
wished she could figure out why. He wasn’t the type of man she was looking for. She liked serious,
and Wade loved to joke and play. Em wanted financial security, but Wade seemed to flit around the
country, doing who knew what.

“Come on.” He slid her hand down to his and led her onto the dance floor.
No sooner had they worked their way between the dancers than the song turned slow. Well, shit.

She looked over her shoulder, thinking she would find a guilty looking Chey who’d purposefully
requested the music to throw her and Wade together, but the newlyweds were in each other’s arms,
sharing a loving moment. Clearly, Fate was being a pain in the ass tonight.

“How have you been, Emmaline?” His words were slow and seductive, or else her mental

faculties were a bit impaired from the alcohol.

“Working hard and getting by.” That about summed up her life since she was little.
His smile reached his eyes, lighting up a few of her body parts, before she managed to tamp down

the desire. The last time he’d been in town was two months ago for his dad’s birthday. Not that he’d
ever asked her out, but she wasn’t into long distance dating.

Wade enfolded her in his arms. When he drew her even closer, every inch of her curvy body

molded against his, and lust slammed into her so hard she had to lean back for air.

The pressure from his grip let up. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to hold you so tight.”
Em looked up at him. “That’s okay.”
She was hardly a delicate flower, but because she was rather short and had ample curves, people

tended to think that she needed taking care of, and that was the furthest thing from the truth. She could
watch out for herself, mostly because she’d been the youngest of four girls, which had made her
resilient and independent.

Wade nodded to Tasha and Burke. “Looks like our mediation worked between those two.”
“It sure did.” They were happily living together now, and it wouldn’t surprise Em if Burke

popped the question soon.

Wade had come running when she’d called him a few months back, which counted for a lot in her

book. Things had turned rocky between Tasha and Burke, and together she and Wade had hatched a
plan to get the lovebirds back together. It wasn’t his fault that when Wade had gone to collect Burke
to drive him over to Tasha’s that his friend had already left town. The misunderstanding between the
two had since been resolved, and now Tasha had a permanent grin on her face.

The pace of the music picked up and Wade moved her gracefully around the floor. “You still

liking the law office?” he asked.

She couldn’t remember telling him what she did for a living, but perhaps Burke had mentioned it.

“For the most part I do, but Mr. Francolini is getting on in years, and his client list is dwindling.”

She was his paralegal, but more and more her boss relied on her to do other things—like pick up

his dry cleaning, make his doctors’ appointments, and follow up with his clients.

“That’s a shame.” He sounded sincere.
“It is. I care for the old guy.”
Wade fingered the hair that trailed down her back, and his soft touch sent sparks straight to her

nipples. That wasn’t good. It made her mind wander to places where it shouldn’t go—like two naked,
sweaty bodies entwined in a passionate embrace.

Too often of late, she’d begun to wonder if she’d ever have sex again. She’d used B.O.B., her

trusty vibrator, so much it was beginning to sputter, and changing the batteries hadn’t helped its
intermittent performance.

“Did you come to town just for the wedding?” she asked.
“I did.” He seemed to hesitate.
That meant he’d probably head back to wherever he lived tomorrow. The song ended, and she

looked up at Wade. His face blurred, forcing her to blink a few times. The close quarters, coupled
with the heat, were getting to her.

He smiled and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Let’s get you some fresh air.”
“Okay, but I need my purse. I think I should be going, anyway. Wasn’t that the last dance?”
He chuckled. “Don’t ask me. I’ve never been to a cheetah-human wedding before.”
He walked her toward her table where she picked up her bag.
Wanting to say goodbye to the bride, she looked around, but noticed Cheyenne was talking with

her dad and a group of the other cheetah leaders. Not wanting to disturb her, Emmaline decided she’d
call her friend when the newlyweds returned from their honeymoon.

Wade led her outside. The now-cooled August night air was refreshing to her overheated body

and helped a bit to clear the haze her mind had been in, but it would take at least eight hours of sleep
for her body to return to normal. She straightened, and on the next step, her ankle twisted. Stupid high
heels. Had Wade not had his arm around her waist, she might have tumbled.

“Easy there.”
“Thanks.” She glanced around. When she’d come early to help out, only a few cars had been in

the lot. “My car’s somewhere. Now where did I park?”

Without a word, he led her to a nicely decked out black extended-cab truck and opened the back

door. “You’ve had a few drinks, and because I want to be certain you arrive home safely, I’ll drop
you off at your place. You can stretch out in the back where you’ll be comfortable.”

“I can drive. I’m not drunk.”
“I never said you were.” He chuckled, clearly not believing her.
He shut the door then slipped into the driver’s seat. What the hell? She wasn’t some misbehaving

child who had to be put in the back seat and escorted home. Emmaline sat up and leaned forward. She
was about to complain then thought better of it. A ride home wouldn’t be terrible. The problem was
that being this close to him had reignited her inner animal. Sometime during the dance, she’d decided
she wanted him—at least the wolf part of her did.

Liar. Okay, maybe the human part did, too.
This encounter would end the moment he dropped her off, so she needed to move fast. She’d

wanted to feel the bristles on his face for a while now. No particular reason; she just did, so she
reached out her left hand and cupped his cheek.

Instantly, his palm covered hers. He clutched it and gently lifted it off his face. “May I help you

with something?” Thankfully, his voice sounded cheery.

“Can’t a girl cop a feel?” She was attempting to flirt, a skill that clearly needed much polishing.
He laughed and swiveled around. “Not while under the influence. Now, be a good girl, sit back,

and relax.” He shoved the key in the ignition and twisted it.

Go for it now.
Wanting to prove to him that she really had everything under control, she leaned halfway over the

front seat, twisted his face toward her, and kissed him. Bam. Wow. Holy hell. His lips melted her
insides. Okay, that might have been a slight exaggeration, but his scent stirred the wolf inside her
something fierce. Where the need was coming from, she didn’t know, but it was definitely there.
Mating season had ended a few months ago, but it was as if her body had forgotten.

Emmaline had never been the one-night stand type of girl, but something inside her was making

her see a long road of flashing green lights.

Wade broke the kiss. “Jesus, Emmaline.” His breaths came out quick, too, as if he’d been as

affected as she’d been. “We can’t do this.”

“It was just a kiss.” His attitude kind of pissed her off. “And why can’t we?”
“Because I won’t take advantage of you when you have been drinking.”
That was bullshit. “I’m good. Besides, I thought you liked me.”
“I do.” He said it with enough conviction to make her smile, but then he put his truck in reverse

and pressed on the accelerator, forcing her to sit down.

The man needed an attitude readjustment. He couldn’t be that dense. With one arm over the front

seat, he looked behind them, providing her with the opportunity to run her hand up to his shoulder.
“You have strong arms.”

“I’ll show you how strong I am if you don’t stop distracting me.”
She giggled, and it made her feel young again. For some unexplained reason, being with Wade

gave her a sense of freedom and empowerment. This light-headedness could be due to the fact she
was happy for Chey and Storm, or else the virile man’s presence had jacked up her animal hormones
a notch—or rather a ton.

She leaned forward and inhaled his musky bear scent, creating a strong need to tug on his earlobe.

“You smell good.”

“If you don’t behave, I’ll come back there and spank you.” He put the truck in drive.
For some reason, she found that hilarious. Emmaline dropped onto the back seat and laughed.

Seconds later, he stopped the car. Her door opened and Wade slid in beside her. Next thing she knew,
he was tickling her.

She curled up into a ball and clutched his hands to make him stop. Tears slid out of her eyes as

she choked out the words in laughter. “Please. No more.”

In the span of a heartbeat, he managed to flip her face down onto his lap. When his cock grew

under her belly, excitement slammed into her. Two soft blows landed on her butt. They were love
taps, but she suspected they were meant to show he was serious—as if that would stop her from
getting what she wanted. Em rolled over, sat up, and wrapped her arms around his neck then scooted
onto his lap.

When their lips were inches from each other, their animal scents mixed together, and the need to

devour him stunned her. The human part might be in denial, but the wolf half sure as hell wanted
Wade Black. Her two sides warred—but only for a second—and then the animal in her won, though
how her hand landed on his cock was anyone’s guess.

“Emmaline? What are you doing?” While the lights in the parking lot were strong around the

edges, not much filtered into the backseat, but it was enough to see his eyes darken with lust.

“Touching you?”
“You shouldn’t, you know.”
Given the large size of his cock under her palm, coupled with the fact he let her keep it there,

implied he wanted her, too. Hell, there was no reason why she shouldn’t have a little fun. All she did
was work, work, work. No one had to tell her she was turning into a dull girl. “But you want to, right?
I have a condom in my purse,” she said hoping that would erase any of his objections.

“Holy shit, girl. You planned this?” He placed his palm on top of hers.
“No.” She didn’t want to explain that the condom had been a gag gift from a girls’ night out party

a few weeks back.

“If I didn’t feel this intense connection to you right now, I’d handcuff you to the over-the-door

handles and drive you home.”

“Ooh. That sounds like fun.” Since he didn’t pull out any restraints, she hoped that meant he was

willing to let her have her way with him.

He cracked up. “I think I’ll just have to taste that sassy little mouth of yours to see what it’s made

of.”

“Think you can handle it?”
“I sure as hell am going to try.”
Wade swooped in, and when he took possession of her mouth like no one had ever before, her

inner beast flared to life. The world might claim it was wrong to be with someone outside her Clan,
but it sure felt right. For now, she’d blame this crazy, wild feeling on those couple of beers. It
couldn’t be that she found this man that attractive.

Oh, yes I do.
Emmaline might regret this sexual foray in the morning, but right now, nothing short of a crowd of

people gathering around the truck, chanting and laughing, would stop her from her goal.

She’d be a hypocrite if she didn’t test drive him at least once. After all, she’d prodded and pushed

Tasha to go after her man, and look how good that had turned out.

“Emmaline,” he panted. “Maybe we should go back to your place.”
Hell no. She couldn’t chance he’d change his mind during the drive. She unzipped the back of her

strapless dress a few inches and then flipped down the front so that her tits sat right out in the open.

“Jesus, you’re a temptress.”
“They’re yours for the taking.” Em had never been this bold with a man, but she had the sense

Wade would stop if she asked. If not, she’d shift and attack. That sudden image brought a smile.

“What are you so happy about?”
Oh, shit. “Nothing, I’m just biding my time while you make up your mind.”
He brushed her nipple with his thumb, and it was as if he’d lit a match to them. Holy crap. Lust,

desire, and need collided.

Not wanting him left wanting, she slid off his lap, unhooked his leather belt, and undid his pant

clasp in one smooth movement. “I need you.”

She couldn’t believe she’d just said that. This could turn dangerous if she weren’t careful.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” The word was out of her mouth before she could filter it, and she hoped like hell that she

wasn’t making the mistake of a lifetime.

Chapter Two

VERY

ALARM

Wade’s head said to stop, but from the moment he’d danced with Emmaline a few

months back at the Cove Bar, the more convinced he’d become that she was his mate. He’d tried to
deny it, saying that wolves and bears shouldn’t be together like that, but the yearning was too intense
for it not to be true. He figured the only way to confirm his suspicion was to make love with her—or
so he wanted to believe—but doing so in the backseat of his truck was crass and immature.

Admit it. It held a bit excitement, too, and if he believed every other kid in high school, they’d all

done it a time or two, and loved it. Wade never had though. It hadn’t been his style. What he couldn’t
figure out was why at thirty he was here about do to the nasty with the woman who might be his
forever?

Simple. Emmaline Nettles had taken control of his mind and bewitched him.
He blew out a breath, having no doubt that he was hooked. Nothing in the world was going to

make him stop—other than her telling him to. He had to possess her. In the morning, he’d worry about
how to handle their future.

Wade placed her back on the seat, but there was no damn room to feast on her without his naked

ass sticking up in the air. Crap. His luck, someone from the wedding reception would spot his truck
parked at an odd angle and check on him. He’d have to make this fast.

“You said you have a condom?” He wasn’t fifteen anymore. He should have restocked, but ever

since his first meeting with her, he’d convinced himself that he was finished playing around.

“In my purse.” She leaned over and handed it to him.
Wade didn’t look in women’s purses as it led to trouble. “You find it.”
She slipped her hand inside, fumbled around, and pulled something out. “Tada!”
He plucked the foil packet from her fingers and held it between his teeth. Sitting on the edge of the

seat, he removed his pants and briefs but only from one leg just in case he needed to get dressed in a
hurry. Guilt assaulted him. He removed the condom from his mouth. “Emmaline, this isn’t how I want
our first time to be.” He’d dreamed of taking her slowly.

She pressed up on her elbows. “What are you saying? Now that you’ve seen me half-naked, you

don’t find me attractive enough? Is that it?”

He groaned aloud. “No, not at all. We’re in the backseat of my truck. We aren’t teenagers.”
“You’re leaving tomorrow, right? You said you only came for the wedding.”
He’d come to see her, too, but now wasn’t the time to discuss it. As he’d pulled into the parking

lot, he’d received an emergency text from one of his biggest clients back in Pittsburgh. He had to get
back. “Yes.”

She glanced to the side and her lips seemed to harden. “Unless you’re lying to me, we only have

tonight.”

“I’m not; I swear.”
“Then take off my panties and show me how much you want me.”
He was caught between a rock and a hard place. “If you change your mind—”

“Wa-ade.” She pulled him on top of her. “I. Won’t. Now, kiss me like you mean it.” With that, she

drew his face to hers.

Her tongue peeked out first, and he answered it with a thrust of his own. Her taste and scent drove

him crazy, and the hint of perspiration brought out his inner animal. Wade growled and plunged in
again, and his world spun with an urgency that told him she was the one.

He slid his hand under her dress, pushed it up to her thighs, and then tried to remove her panties.

After tugging once and them not budging, he realized it was because he was on top of her. Duh. If
anyone had been watching, they’d be laughing at his inability to do this properly. He broke the kiss
and sat up. “A little help?”

In a flash, Emmaline’s white panties flew across the front seat. “Go.”
He almost laughed at her urgency. He waved the condom. Women seemed to like the control.

“You want to do the honors?”

“You do it. It’s too dark.”
He got the sense she wasn’t that experienced, so he tore open the packet and dragged the rubber

down his cock. This was it. No turning back now. He sat next to her with her left leg bent against the
back seat, and her right foot on the floor. Mentally, he tried to figure out how they were going to get
into position given the lack of room. “Can you hook your right leg over the front seat?” She lifted it a
few inches, and he helped her the rest of the way.

Her juices perfumed the air and his need escalated. When he tried to mount her, her left leg was in

the way with no place for him to gain access. Think. “Can you slide toward the front a little?”

She did, but then one ass cheek came off the seat. “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” she said. Emmaline

lowered her legs, sat up, and hiked her skirt to her waist. “Have you even had sex before?”

If his embarrassment hadn’t gotten in the way, he might have seen the humor in the situation. “A

time or two.”

Without a word, she pushed him against the seat, swung her right leg over his lap, and straddled

him. She then grabbed his cock, and with practiced aim, placed her slick opening against the head.

At the first touch, his libido shot out of control. The need to take her was so strong, it was as if he

was in his bear form. Being so close to the edge, if he grabbed her waist and drove up into her, he’d
be so lost he might never come out of this alive. For her sake, Wade had to let Emmaline set her own
pace.

Her full, lush tits appeared at mouth level and he had to taste them. The tiny buds had peaked, and

when he sucked on one, she seemed to purr.

“Yes, Wade. Harder.”
He didn’t know if she was referring to his level of penetration or the way he was twisting her

delicious nipple. He lifted his hips a few inches and impaled her farther, her pussy fitting him like a
custom leather glove. Just to be safe, he bit down gently on her other nipple. She dug her fingers into
his shoulders and his body nearly exploded. What he wanted was to be completely naked and have
more of him touching her.

Holding her by the waist, he groaned in pleasure every time she lifted and dropped back down on

him. Her moans turned louder, and the windows fogged. Sealed in their cocoon, Wade never wanted
to let her go.

She dropped her head back and pumped her hips fast. Her mouth opened, and she sucked in a big

breath. “Fuck!”

He clamped his jaw tight, wanting to stay in control, but when she twisted her chest to present him

with her other tit, he lost it. Just as his cum pulsed out, she climaxed and yelled again, tightening her
inner walls on his cock. He couldn’t move if he’d wanted to.

Whether it was his dick vibrating or her pussy, he couldn’t tell, but he’d never been this satisfied

in his life.

She lowered her head on his shoulder and hugged him. “That was amazing,” Emmaline finally

said then lifted up.

Uh-oh. “Got something to clean up with?” He hoped she carried tissues in her purse. Her juices

had wet both his bare leg and the covered one. Oh, well, he’d planned to have the suit dry cleaned
anyway.

“I can use my panties.” She swung back around so that she was facing the front. “Oh, my God.

They’re on the rearview mirror.” She cracked up.

This couldn’t get much worse. There they were for the world to see. She nabbed them quickly and

cleaned herself up. Emmaline then stuffed them in her purse and pulled up her top.

He placed the condom in the cup holder, making a mental note to clean it up when he returned

home. Getting his leg into his pants took some doing, but eventually he managed.

Footsteps sounded outside his truck, followed by a knock on the window, causing his heart rate to

triple.

“Saw the car was a rockin’,” Burke telepathed. “So I came a knockin’.”
His best friend had a sense of humor. “That means you need not be stoppin’.”
Emmaline grabbed his hand. “Was that Burke?”
“Don’t worry. He won’t say anything to Tasha if you don’t want him to.”
“How do you know?”
He couldn’t be certain. “I’ll tell him not to.”
“Don’t do that. He’ll get you to confess what I did.”
Poor Emmaline. “If I’m not mistaken, our sweet escapade involved the two of us.”
She fell back against the seat, slipped on her heels that he hadn’t even noticed she’d removed, and

picked up her purse. “I need to go. Trust me, I’m good to drive.”

She sounded sober, but he still wanted to take her home. “I’ll drive you.”
“No.” She pushed open the door and rushed out.
Wade had no idea what he was supposed to do now.

* * *

DIDN’T

ROLL

out of bed until ten the next morning. She’d showered as soon as she’d arrived home

last night, mostly because she was sweating from all the dancing. Okay, that might not have been the
entire truth. Her body had heated to volcanic temperatures while she was riding Wade, and his scent
was all over her skin. If she’d dropped into bed without washing, her sheets would smell like him,
and then she’d never be able to sleep.

Even after the relaxing shower, she was still vibrating from the intense sex. Dear howls in

heaven, the man had rocked her world. Sure, they had fumbled around, but the more she thought about
it, the more endearing it became. He truly acted as if he hadn’t had sex in his truck before.

In a better mood than she’d been in months, she dressed in a pair of capris and a comfortable T-

shirt, and headed into the kitchen to fix something to eat. She was starving. Now that the wedding was
over, she didn’t need to worry about fitting into that tight dress ever again. As she made her coffee,
she spotted her cell and wondered if Wade had called to say what a great time he’d had.

She checked. Nope. It was no biggie since he was probably on the road back to wherever. In all

honesty, it was for the best. He’d never mentioned wanting to see her again, and she’d known that
going into it. Hell, they could never date. Her parents would disown her if she ended up with a lowly
bear shifter. At least he wasn’t a cheetah. She might be booted out of the Clan if she’d dated one of
them. Having Chey, a cheetah, as her good friend was fine. Having a cheetah—or a bear shifter—as a
mate was not.

In the past, she, Cheyenne, and often Tasha would meet for Sunday brunch at the Hidden Hills

Café. Once Chey and Storm hooked up, it was just her and Tasha. Now that Tasha was with Burke,
Em was left to fend for herself. A few weeks back, Piper, a friend of Cheyenne’s had joined them.
The two had met through Storm since Piper worked at the hospital in the X-Ray department.
Emmaline debated calling her, but then decided she was a big girl and quite content being alone.

She probably should stop over at her parents’ house, since she hadn’t seen them in a while, but

they always found something to criticize and that made going over to their place unpleasant. Only one
of her sisters lived in town, but seeing Millicent held even less appeal.

Em’s coffee finished brewing, and she poured a cup. While it cooled, she ate a bowl of cereal.

Usually, she only volunteered at the women’s shelter Monday nights, but there were times when she’d
help on the weekends. Because she wasn’t in the mood to sit around, she finished her drink, cleaned
up, and headed on over there.

No surprise, the place was quite crowded. Not only were people dropping things off for donation,

the thrift store was packed. The back of the building housed the office where they processed the
battered women and assigned them a place to live.

Emmaline had worked in all three areas at one time or another, depending on where she was

needed the most. While it was disturbing to see these desperate women, their gratitude made it all
worthwhile. Without a home, a possible job, clothing, and money, these women—often with children
—were at the end of their rope.

Em parked and entered the office area to see where she could do the most good. Her boss, Francis

Ebberheart, looked up and grinned. “Hey, you, it’s not Monday.”

Em shrugged. “I know. I had nothing to do, so I thought I’d help out.”
Francis nodded to the three women on the chairs lining the wall. “You want to process Mrs.

Drake?” She nodded to a tiny woman with a black eye. “I’m just about to take care of Linda
Sanchez.”

“Sure.” With a gentle smile, she stepped over to the woman. “Mrs. Drake? You want to come

with me?”

The woman clutched her purse to her chest and stood. From the way she was hunched over, the

beating might have extended to more than her face. Emmaline’s heart broke as she led her into one of
the empty offices. If she ever met the man who did this to her, she might have to bite his ass.

She inwardly smiled at that thought. As far as she knew, there was no database for wolf teeth

marks. While she’d never use her other talents to harm another person, she bet plenty in her town had.
This past year alone, bears had mauled two people, cheetahs had attacked three others, and wolves
had bitten a few more. The chance it was from someone other than a shifter was slim.

“I need to ask you a few questions, Mrs. Drake, if that’s okay.”
She nodded. “Can you call me Mahalia? I don’t want to hear the name Mrs. Drake ever again.”
“I understand.”
For the next half hour, Emmaline took down the woman’s information, and then tried to find a

temporary place for her to stay until a permanent home could be located. Only Francis would know
where the woman’s final place would be. “Let’s get you someplace safe. Did you bring anything with
you?”

She shook her head. “I had to leave in a hurry. I took the bus here.”
“No children?”
She looked away. “No.”
Emmaline bet there was a story there. “Follow me, and we’ll get you some place safe.”
After she told Francis that she was going to drive Mahalia to Hollis House, a temporary boarding

home, they left. The citizens of Hidden Hills had generously donated to the place, enough to make it
quite nice. “You’ll be staying here only until we find you more permanent accommodations, okay?”

Mahalia nodded, but said nothing. Emmaline picked up the key from the receptionist at the front

desk and walked her upstairs. When Emmaline opened the door, the woman gasped. “It’s so nice.”
She spun around. “I can really stay here?” The smile that surfaced was short-lived, probably because
her face ached.

“Yes, I’m glad you like it.” Emmaline needed to ask Francis about getting this woman some good

medical treatment. “Someone from the office will stop by tomorrow and she’ll bring you some
clothes. Help yourself to what’s in the closet. I suspect all of it will fit.”

Mahalia leaned over and hugged her. “Thank you.”
“Sure. Lunch is served downstairs at noon and dinner is at six.”
Tears clouded the woman’s eyes. “Bless you.”
When Em’s own emotions were about to burst, she left. Seeing violence made her mad, and when

she got angry, people needed to watch out.

Chapter Three

HEN

M M ALINE

RETURNED

to the shelter the next day after work, she parked near the drop off zone like

she usually did. As she neared the processing center at the back, a man stepped out from behind a
tree.

“Can you help me?” he begged. His fists were clenched at his side and he was wearing a trench

coat, which was odd since it was still August, and it didn’t get cool until later in the evening.

She debated whether to speak with him—being a strange male and all—but he appeared

desperate. “What do you need?”

“My wife came here yesterday—or at least she threatened to—and I’m worried about her. Could

you find out where she is?”

No. “What’s her name?”
“Mahalia Drake.”
Oh, shit. Stay calm. “If she did come here, her information is confidential.”
He stepped closer, invading her space. Don’t shift. Don’t shift . When she was pissed, the

tendency to change form was strong.

He leaned in close, his breath strong and foul. “You don’t understand; I need to find my wife.”
I bet you do, so you can beat her again. Emmaline wanted to shout at him, tell him that hitting a

woman was horrible and disgusting, but getting into an argument with him wouldn’t do any good. “I’m
sorry, but I can’t help you.”

The door behind her opened. “Is there a problem, Emmaline?” Francis asked.
“No. Mr. Drake was just leaving.” She gave him her meanest glare.
“I’ll be back.”
He twisted around and stomped off. Once she stepped into the office, her heart went crazy.

Francis led Em over to a chair in her office while her boss sat on the edge of the desk. “You know
we’re not supposed to speak with anyone, especially about our women. It’s dangerous for them.”

“I didn’t. I told him nothing.”
Francis relaxed. “Okay. If he gives you any more trouble, let me know.”
“I will.”
“Why don’t you see if Sherry needs help in the store?”
“You don’t need me here?”
“Not tonight.”
It didn’t matter that the seats outside were all taken. Emmaline stood, happy she didn’t have to

hear another sad story since she wasn’t sure she could handle any more tales of abuse. Working in the
store marking prices would help calm her. “Thanks, I will.”

As soon as Em entered the store, her three-hour volunteer time went by quickly. Before she

headed to the parking lot, she asked the guard to escort her out, as Em didn’t trust that Mr. Drake
wouldn’t jump out at her again. It wouldn’t matter if she told him what she knew. By now, Mahalia
had probably been moved to her permanent place.

Driving home, Em kept her gaze on the rear view mirror, but no one seemed to care where she

was going. No sooner had she stepped into her welcoming home, than her cell rang. She plucked it out
of her pocket. It was Wade.

Conflicting emotions assaulted her, and she tried to ignore the fact her pulse had sped up. She

wasn’t sure she was even ready to speak with him since she feared that same excitement would
invade her body just talking with him over the phone—and that only added to her confusion.

If she didn’t answer, though, he’d probably keep calling. “Hello?”
“Hello, Emmaline.” His voice was smooth as hot chocolate and strong as steel.
“Hey, Wade. You get home okay?” Not that she knew where home was.
“I did, but I called to see how you were doing.”
That was sweet, but she wasn’t certain how she should answer. He could be asking if she was

sore from the intense sex or wonder if she was having doubts about what they did. “I’m great.”

“No hangover the next morning?”
She laughed, not expecting that question. “No. I wasn’t that drunk, and you?”
“Right as rain.”
She never did understand that phrase. “So when are you heading back down here again? Or

should I say up here?” Shit. Now he’d think she was anxious to be with him again. Clingy females had
to be a turnoff, so she needed to change the subject. “Where did you say you lived?”

He laughed, and the sound invaded her body, sending tingles in every direction. “Does it matter?”
Not really, but it wouldn’t be polite to say so. “Just curious, that’s all. Is it a secret? Will you

have to kill me if you tell me?” Sure, she was being silly, but Wade seemed to bring out that side of
her.

She walked over to the living room to be more comfortable and dropped down on the sofa. Ah,

her feet appreciated that.

“I’m in Pittsburgh.”
That was a good six-hour drive. “What do you do there?”
He chuckled. “Do you always sleep with someone you know nothing about?”
She couldn’t believe he asked that. It didn’t matter that it was almost true. The animal attraction

had overwhelmed her from the moment they’d first met. “Do you always have sex in the back seat of
your truck with someone you know nothing about? For the record, you’re not a total mystery to me.”

“I’m sorry, you’re right. I had a great time with you, and that’s what counts, but now you have me

curious. What is it you know about me?” he asked with a little chuckle.

That he was the “love-em-and-leave-em” type. “You’re from Hidden Hills, and you’re a bear

who’s best friends with Burke Devereaux. According to Tasha, Burke’s an upstanding guy—now. I
figure if Burke likes you, you probably aren’t some smarmy arms dealer or something.”

He laughed. “Thanks for not thinking I have criminal tendencies.”
She’d be nice and tell him something closer to her true feelings. “I know you’re a loyal friend,

which in my opinion, counts for a lot.”

“Thank you. I should be back in town in three or four weeks. Would you be up for dinner?”
Given the amazing—albeit quick—sex they’d had, this was probably a polite way of asking if he

could have sex with her again. She had no problem with that. Getting to know him better wouldn’t be
a hardship either. They shared friends in the same group, which meant they’d see each other
occasionally when he was in town. “Sure.”

As long as she didn’t get too attached, she saw no reason not to go out with him again. They could

become good friends.

“Great. I’ll give you a call closer to the time.”
“Perfect.” Though she hoped he’d call sooner, too.
As soon as he disconnected, she held the phone to her chest. She should be happy he called, but it

might have been better if he hadn’t. Her wolf was leaping up and down that she’d see him soon, but
her human side was trying to think past her hormones.

* * *

M M ALINE

CHECKED

HER

desk calendar again, making sure she wasn’t supposed to schedule something for

Mr. Francolini. These last few weeks, she’d been out of sorts. She refused to believe it was because
she was pining over Wade Black. He’d called a few times to chat, but after he’d hung up, she got the
sense there was something else on his mind—some kind of hidden agenda—that he didn’t want to
discuss over the phone.

Perhaps he’d lost his job and didn’t want to tell her. It wouldn’t make a difference if he were rich

or poor. It wasn’t as if she could be with him on a permanent basis anyway. He was too much of a
player for that, but she kept getting these odd feelings every time she spoke with him that something
was amiss.

She thought about talking to Tasha to see if she’d ask Burke what his friend did for a living, but

then she decided if Wade wanted her to know, he’d tell her. Most likely, he worked construction like
Burke.

Emmaline wouldn’t deny she liked Wade, nor would she claim she didn’t think about him a lot—

as dangerous as that was. In the end, it didn’t really matter. They weren’t the same species. It wasn’t
as if she could bite him and make him a wolf.

Em was glad he was coming back to town for a few days, despite the fact that for the last couple

of mornings she’d felt as if she was coming down with a stomach virus. The timing couldn’t have
been worse. In the end, she decided it was just nerves, because when she got busy at work, things
seemed to settle down.

Tonight, she was meeting with the girls—Chey, Tasha, and Piper. Even though she’d heard every

wonderful detail about Chey’s honeymoon, she didn’t mind hearing about it again, especially since
Piper hadn’t been with them the last time they were together.

Mr. Francolini came out of his office. “Emmaline, could you schedule an appointment with Dr.

Durant for me?”

“Sure thing.” She studied him. “You look a little pale. Are you okay?”
He smiled. “Yes, dear, I’m fine. Just old age stuff.”
She laughed. “You’re not that old.”
“I’ll be sixty-eight next month.”
“Really?” She thought he was over seventy. “At least your mind’s sharp.” Oh, shit, that didn’t

sound any better.

He chuckled. “Call and let me know when he can fit me in.”
“I’ll get right on it.” As soon as he slipped back into his office, she made the appointment for him.

Storm was able to take him first thing Monday morning, and she noted it on her boss’s calendar.

The rest of the day dragged on, probably because she was excited about seeing Wade this

weekend. At least she’d be with her friends tonight and that would help pass the time.

Around four thirty, Mr. Francolini came out of his office, his briefcase clutched in his gnarled

fingers. “I think I’ll finish up my work at home. Why don’t you take off early, too?”

“I’m just about done here. I’ll leave shortly and lock up.”
“Good night, then. See you after my appointment on Monday.”
“Night.”
Emmaline returned to her list of action items, determined to give him her best effort. It had taken a

few months to land this job and she couldn’t afford to lose it for any reason. One of the other
paralegals who’d worked for Mr. Parker—a partner when he was alive—was still out of work after
nine months. Trinity was lucky, though, as she had a husband who could support her.

When five o’clock rolled around, Emmaline shut down her computer and headed out to the Cove

Bar. To her delight, all three of her friends had already arrived. She ordered a beer and headed over
to their usual table.

“Ladies.” Em pulled out her chair. It was so good to be with them again.
“Now that Em’s here,” Piper said, “I want to hear all about your honeymoon, Chey.”
The blushing bride swooned. “It was wonderful. The day after the wedding, we drove down to a

cabin in North Georgia. It was the cutest A-frame I’d ever seen. Get this, it had a hot tub in the master
suite.”

“No way,” Tasha said.
“Yup, and it also had a wrap around porch, a fireplace, and a full kitchen.” She grinned. “Though

Storm and I were a bit too busy to cook.”

They all laughed. Piper peppered her with more questions, and Cheyenne told them about their

hiking adventures. It all sounded so wonderful.

Ever since Tasha had become engaged a few weeks back, she’d been rather secretive about her

future plans. “Have you and Burke discussed when you two are going to tie the knot?”

Tasha’s face heated up. “I’m the one dragging my feet. We’ve looked at a few dates, but we can’t

decide. Winter is too cold and summer is too far away. We just might have to fly to the Bahamas and
elope.” She smiled.

Em laughed. “You wish. With your dad the Alpha and Burke’s dad the Beta, they’d never in a

million years forgive you if you did that.”

She sighed. “So they’ve told us.”
“I still vote for the Bahamas,” Piper said with a sigh. Most of the humans in town didn’t

understand Clan politics.

With her drink in hand, Tasha leaned on her elbows and faced Emmaline. “Burke tells me Wade’s

coming to town this weekend. You going to see him?”

Em tried not to appear excited. Thankfully, neither Chey nor Tasha seemed to know what

happened in Wade’s truck that night. Someday, she’d have to thank Burke for keeping quiet. “He
asked me to dinner.”

The girls oohed. Piper sipped her Margarita. “Have I met Wade?” She glanced to the other two

girls, acting as if they’d know.

“I doubt it,” Em said. “He’s not in town much.”
“Wade was Burke’s best friend in high school,” Tasha added.

“What does he do for a living?” Piper asked.
Em decided to let Tasha field that question, but instead of answering, her friend shrugged. “Don’t

know. Em?”

“We’ve never discussed it.”
“I’d ask him,” Piper said. “When I find my man, he needs to be smart and rich.”
Em chuckled. “Dream on.” At least Piper had a ton of humans she could date. While the wolves

outnumbered the bears and the cheetahs, there weren’t that many of her own kind to choose from.

Chey’s cell rang, and she picked up her phone. “It’s Storm. I need to take this.” She pushed back

her chair and walked toward the exit, probably looking for some place quiet. When she came back
five minutes later, she didn’t look happy.

“Everything okay?” Em asked.
“Yes, but I have to go.” She walked around the table and hugged each of them. “Have fun with

Wade.”

Once she left, the three of them ordered some chicken wings and potato skins. While they

munched, they talked about what was going on in their lives. As the evening wore on, though,
Emmaline started to feel sick again. Damn spicy wings. Knowing they always upset her stomach, she
should have been more careful.

“I’m going to have to call it a night, girls. My stomach is giving me trouble.” She rubbed her

belly.

Piper put a hand on her arm. “How long has this been going on?”
She shrugged. “Couple of days. I’ll take something for it.” She pasted on a smile. “Gotta be ready

when Wade comes to town.”

Tasha leaned back in her chair and grinned. “Call and let me know how the weekend goes.”
Em smiled back. “You wish, girlfriend.”
Once she hugged them good night, she rushed out of the bar, needing to stop at the pharmacy.

She’d missed her period last week, but figured it was due to stress. She’d only had sex with Wade,
and they’d used a condom, so she couldn’t be pregnant.

As she walked down the pharmacy aisles looking for something to soothe her upset stomach, she

passed the pregnancy tests. Without giving it much thought, she grabbed one. She wasn’t really
worried, but she wanted to rule it out. Wade would have said something if the condom had broken—
assuming he could have seen it in the dark.

When she arrived home, she downed a few tablespoons of the pink liquid, and opened the box of

ginger snaps since they’d always calmed her stomach in the past. Emmaline then jumped in the
shower, thinking the warm water would help. It did a bit, but when she slipped into bed, she felt
worse than when she’d arrived home.

Minutes later, she had to rush to the bathroom where she immediately hugged the toilet. Maybe

chicken wings, beer, and cookies hadn’t been the best things to eat. Once she finished throwing up,
she brushed her teeth, and then spotted the pregnancy test.

Should she? Or shouldn’t she?

Chapter Four

ADE

HAD

long ass work week and couldn’t wait to spend some quality time with Emmaline. He’d

made a promise to himself that he would take her to dinner and then drive her back home where they
could relax and get to know one another. He didn’t want her to think he was only interested in sex.

He’d left Pittsburgh around nine on Saturday morning and headed south, hoping to be at his folks’

house early enough to clean up before going out. The home he was having built in Hidden Hills was
months away from completion, so for now, he’d be staying in his old room.

He’d decided to return to his roots in part because his dad was getting on in years, and Wade

wanted to help where he could. The main branch of his business was in Pennsylvania, but he could
work from anywhere as long as he took occasional trips to meet his clients.

It might have been coincidence, but right after that dance at the Cove Bar with Emmaline three

months ago, he’d decided to move back to Hidden Hills. Now he could see his subconscious had
been at work. He must have known all along that they belonged together.

When he reached his folks’ place, the familiarity washed over him as it always did when he came

home. His parents lived in the same house they moved into when they’d first married. It was a small
three-bedroom and needed major repairs, but Dad said he never wanted to move. Now that his friend,
Burke, had expanded his renovation business to include Hidden Hills, he would be doing some
renovations for Wade’s dad.

It didn’t matter that over the years, his father made a lot of money selling real estate and

developing the land, he still kept his earnings in the bank. No matter how many times Wade told him
he couldn’t take it with him, Dad said it was for the grandkids to enjoy.

His sister had announced she was gay about five years ago, so unless Holly and her partner, Lynn,

adopted a child, there wouldn’t be any little ones running around for a while. Convincing the
independent Emmaline Nettles they were mates would be no small feat, so he didn’t see kids in the
near future either. Hell, he bet it would be easier to amass another fortune than to get her to give him a
serious chance.

Wade cut the engine, grabbed his duffel, and headed on in. “I’m back!”
“In here,” came the call from the kitchen.
It was a little after five and they were most likely eating. They were such early birds. As soon as

he saw his parents, Wade smiled.

“I see you made it okay.” His father put down his fork, stood, then hugged him.
“I did.” Wade stepped over to his mom and kissed her on the cheek. “I really need to shower.”
“Should I make you a plate?”
“No, I’m going out to dinner.”
“You just got here.”
He smiled. “Don’t worry, you’ll see enough of me later.”
“Well, have a good time.”
Wade rushed out of the kitchen to get ready for his date. Before he’d left Pittsburgh, he’d debated

whether to dress for success or go for the casual look. Emmaline probably had to dress up for work
each day and figured she might appreciate it if they had a casual dinner. If he recalled correctly, she
hadn’t looked very comfortable in her fancy bridesmaid dress. When he’d called to tell her his plans,
she seemed okay with Carmelita’s, a cozy, homey Italian place.

After he showered and shaved, he ran a wet cloth over his boots to get rid of any dirt, and then

checked his jeans to make sure they weren’t sporting any holes. Satisfied he didn’t look like a
criminal, he headed back to the living room where his parents had congregated.

Dad whistled. “She must be special.”
“She is.” There was no use denying it.
“What’s her name?” his mom asked.
His folks had no problem with who he dated, whether it be human, cheetah, bear, or wolf. Most of

the women he took out were from Pennsylvania, anyway, so they never got to meet them.

“Emmaline Nettles.”
His dad quirked a brow. “Doesn’t her father own a bunch of dry cleaners in the area?”
Sad to say, he hadn’t asked much about her family. The bear in him had been too excited to taste

her, and he hadn’t had the time to get to know her. “I’ll be sure to ask her tonight.”

His mother stepped over to him and brushed off what he assumed was imaginary lint. “Be careful

and drive safely.”

“I’m thirty, Mom.”
She kissed his cheek. “You’ll always be my little boy.”
He had to laugh. “Don’t wait up for me.”
Wade hadn’t meant to say those words. This date was supposed to be about them learning about

each other, not him giving into his baser urges.

His dad placed a hand on his arm. “Are you going to tell her what you do for a living?”
Wade would have to at some point. “Soon. If it works out.”
“I can tell you like her.”
“How?” This he wanted to hear. “Am I giving off a scent or something?”
“You wouldn’t have come home so soon after the last visit if she weren’t important.”
His dad always did see through his plans. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”
Before they grilled him any more, he left. Emmaline only lived about fifteen minutes from his

parents’ house, but the trip seemed almost too short, since it didn’t give him enough time to figure out
how he wanted to bring up the concept of her being his mate. This was a big moment. If he fucked it
up, he’d have a sad and lonely life.

He parked in front of her house. Now he wished he’d gone with his gut and bought her some

flowers or perhaps a box of candy. How sad was it that he knew so little about what she liked.

If he didn’t get out of the truck, though, he’d never find out more. He rang the bell and waited. And

waited some more. His acute hearing detected movement inside, so he wondered why she wasn’t
answering. He was about to knock when the door eased open. All pre-planned thoughts of how this
evening was going to pan out disappeared the moment he saw her and detected her alluring scent.
Every visceral reaction possible happened, from his heart racing to his palms sweating. Jesus, this
sucked. Now, she’d never want him. He was no better than a horny teenager.

She smiled. “Come on in.”
Focus on anything but her. The walls were white and the furniture plain. Her place reminded

him of his first rental unit. As much as he wanted to check out where she lived, he couldn’t help but
bring his gaze back to Emmaline.

Hug her, stupid.
Wade gathered her in his arms and placed a kiss on her forehead. Any more contact, and his body

would go berserk. He leaned back. “How have you been? You look awesome, by the way.”

Color flitted up her face. “Good, now that you’re here.”
“Oh, yeah?”
She grinned then stepped out of his grasp. The pulse at her neck was beating fast as if she, too,

was highly affected by being near him. Wade inhaled her scent again and his groin tightened. If he
didn’t know better, he’d say she smelled a bit like a bear, though that was impossible—unless her
mother was one. He was too polite to ask, but at some point, he’d have to.

He cleared his throat, needing to put an end to his lustful thoughts. “You ready? I’m starving.” For

you.

“Yes. Let me get my purse.”
She sounded defeated, so he reached out to stop her. “Is everything okay? Did you have a bad

week?”

He swore there was a hint of fear in her eyes. “No.”
When she moved in front of him, probably to retrieve her purse from the table, something inside

him snapped. The draw between the two of them astounded him though it shouldn’t have since they
were mates. “Maybe if I greet you properly, you’ll feel better.”

Not waiting for Emmaline to answer, he wrapped his arms around her waist, bent down, and

kissed her. But it wasn’t an ordinary kiss. The moment their lips touched, it was as if someone had set
a bonfire under him. Every hormone rushed through his veins, replacing all thought. He needed to
slow down, but he seemed to be incapable of doing so. Her moan, along with the way her tongue
darted around his mouth as if she couldn’t get enough, spurred him on.

He reached between them and twisted his wrist to cup her breast. At that touch, his cock turned to

steel. Everything told him to slow down, that she’d think he was some kind of horny pig, but he
couldn’t let her go.

“I want you, Emmaline,” he whispered. “I can’t get you out of my head.” This wasn’t what he

should have admitted, but every shred of being a gentleman disappeared.

Please say you want me, too. She bit down on his lip, and the animal in him beat on his chest

from the inside.

“Me, too, but if we start, I might not be able to stop,” she said.
This was too good to be true. “What do you think we should do about it?”
“If I allow myself one little touch, perhaps I can get you out of my system,” she said as sweetly as

could be while nodding at his bulging cock. She then giggled.

“One touch will do it?”
“I don’t know, but how about I try?”
Wade laughed, loving her flirtatious manner. He stepped back, unbuttoned his jeans, and lowered

them a few inches. His need was so great, it was as if he were back in high school again.

With her gaze on him, Emmaline lowered her red lace panties from under her skirt and dropped

them on the carpet. “Just one suck.”

She’d taken off her panties; she wanted more. Her actions, and then her words, were like wicked

flames to his hot body. “Okay, but don’t stay too long down there, or I’ll have to ravish you. Just
being around you is making me crazy.”

She ran a finger down his chest. “Oh, yeah?”
He had to look at the ceiling and grip his hands to stop himself from slamming into her. When she

leaned over, her full breasts practically popped out of her top. No man—especially a mate—would
have been able to resist her.

She reached out and dragged a finger up his length. “I’d forgotten how big he is.”
“Once your mouth gets on him, he’ll grow even bigger, so you better hurry.”
“Okay.” He caught the smile that quirked her lips.
Lightly, she let his balls rest on her right palm. With the other hand, she grabbed his dick and

squeezed. Shit. Her touch sent him spiraling. When he threaded his fingers through her long, caramel
colored hair, and tugged, the silky strands altered something inside him.

Her tongue rimmed the tip of his cock and he had to close his eyes to keep from coming. He’d let

her have her way with him for a bit, but then he’d have to stop her since he wouldn’t last.

“Suck on him. Hard.” He shouldn’t have said that. He must be a masochist, or else he feared this

might be the last time he’d experience her. After tonight, she might conclude he only wanted her for
her body, and he hoped like hell that wasn’t true.

Her tongue encircled his cock one time before she drew in at least half of him. A roar from his

chest bubbled up and escaped. Emmaline jumped back, her eyes wide.

“Oh, shit. I’m sorry.” He’d never be able to explain that she’d almost made him shift. He pulled

up his pants.

“What are you doing?”
“I thought—”
“That I was afraid? I wasn’t, so please don’t deny me the rest.”
“I thought you only wanted one lick.”
“I lied.”
Wade had no words to answer her. “You can have anything you want.” He’d meant that in the

broadest sense.

“Then I want you.”
Men did not swoon—especially bear shifter men—but he was about to. “You want to get me

naked?”

As long as she didn’t ask him to take off her clothes, he’d be good, because if his fingers settled

on her tits, he’d be lost. Then she really would have reason to be afraid of him.

She stepped closer, bolder now, lifted his long sleeved shirt over his head, and dropped it on the

floor. “Wow. In the light, you look even better.”

Her grin had his ego soaring. “Thank you.”
So as not to delay the inevitable, he stood on one leg and tugged off his boot. He must have been

over zealous because he lost his balance and had to hop to regain it. Emmaline pressed her lips
together.

“Don’t you laugh, girl. I’m trying to be debonair here.”
She tilted back her head and guffawed. “If you say so.”
Christ, she must think he was a bumbling fool. It had been bad enough in the truck when she’d had

to straddle him. He concentrated, and pulled off the other boot, which then allowed him to discard his

jeans and briefs in one fluid motion. Her gaze latched onto his dick, and it jerked in appreciation and
anticipation.

“Your turn,” he said, his throat suddenly dry.
Her top was the stretchy kind that she easily removed. She toed off her sandals, and when she

unzipped the back of her skirt, his bones nearly broke through the skin. If he shifted, he’d never be
able to live with himself, but hot damn, what this woman did to him.

Wade wished he knew if his reaction to her would always be this powerful, but only time would

tell.

As soon as her skirt fell to the floor, Emmaline stepped out of it and stood before him naked

except for the bra that matched the panties already on the floor. He licked his lips, lust soaring
through him so fast he had to suck in a deep breath. “You are gorgeous.”

She smiled and his heart nearly folded in on itself. Slowly, Emmaline reached behind her and

undid the clasp. When she lowered her arms, her breasts pushed out the material.

Wade pounced. “I can’t wait any longer.”
With one quick tug, he stripped her of her bra and let it join her panties on the carpet. With both

hands, he cupped her breasts. As he lifted them, she grabbed his cock and grinned. Heaven help him.
She was a devil, and here he’d thought she was some innocent.

“You are such a wolf,” he whispered.
“That I am. Thankfully, you aren’t all wooly, like I thought you’d be.”
“Only when I shift. Am I the first bear you’ve been with?”
Her brows pinched. “Yes.”
He smothered his face in her tits and inhaled. Her scent was different—muskier—than he

remembered. Something stirred deep inside him and he gathered her in his arms and hugged her tight.

Not able to stand another second apart, he stepped back, yanked his wallet from his pants, and

retrieved a condom. “I have to have you. Now.”

Chapter Five

M M ALINE

NEVER

INTENDED

for things to get this out of control, but the moment Wade walked into her

house looking so tall and hot and sexy, her body forced her to give into him. Had he not kissed her
with such overwhelming passion, she might have been able to resist him. He was a bear, for wolf
sake. She shouldn’t find him attractive, and yet she did.

As soon as he sheathed his cock, he grabbed her waist and walked her backward until her spine

hit the front door. The kiss that followed curled her toes, probably because the blood had clearly left
her brain. She could barely breathe, the intensity of her reaction to him insane. There was no reason
for any of this to be happening. He was just a guy—albeit a wonderful smelling, beautifully
sculptured one.

She should suggest they go into her bedroom, but she couldn’t wait that long. Emmaline clutched

his waist and pressed her belly and breasts against his rock hard body. Wade moaned and deepened
the kiss, his insistent tongue dominating her mouth to the point where she would do anything for him.

His palms cupped her rear, and he lifted her up. He broke their connection for only a second to

say, “Hold on tight, sweetheart.”

His nickname made her pulse race. She pressed her heels onto his thighs and leaned back to let

him thread his cock into her. When his thick shaft slipped between her folds, she closed her eyes,
yearning to be transported to another place and time.

She pictured them together, running through some sun-drenched field—her in her wolf form and

him as a bear. She’d be tiny next to him, and together they’d romp and play until the sun set.

His cock edged into her, bringing her back to the present. His eyes were closed and his jaw tight

as if he was trying hard to be gentle.

“You won’t hurt me,” she said, hoping he’d understand that she wanted it fast and furious.
With her back firmly against the door, he rubbed his thumbs over her nipples, causing sparks to

fly across her chest. Taking things into her own hands, she lifted and then plunged down hard on him.

Holy howls. The friction set her on fire. Her pussy stretched and her breath caught. That little

taste was enough to drive her mad with need. As she tightened her grip on his cock, she lowered her
head and sucked on his shoulder.

“I’m so close already,” he said, taking a breath between words.
She pressed on his thighs to lift off him. “So am I.”
As if she’d waved the red cape in front of the bull, Wade charged into her. With each thrust, she

dug her teeth into him, trying not the break the skin. It was as if he’d possessed her soul. She’d lift and
drop, and then he’d take his turn, thrusting into her, their rhythms and breaths matching. He kissed her
shoulder, then her neck, and finally nabbed her earlobe.

She leaned back, needing one more kiss. The second their tongues touched again, she lost it and

went off like a hand grenade without its pin. Heat swamped her as her climax stole her mind. Em kept
groaning while Wade grunted. His cock pulsed and throbbed as the condom caught his hot seed and
sweat beaded on their bodies as he held her tight.

“I can’t get enough of you, Emmaline.”
Me neither. Which was why she had to tell him they could never be.

* * *

ADE

HAD

convinced Emmaline to join him for dinner was anyone’s guess. She should have

booted him out the door after he ravished her like that. She had to think he was only interested in sex.
He couldn’t help it that his body kept betraying him.

After they cleaned up, Wade wanted to talk about their mating connection, to see if she’d been as

moved by the experience as he’d been, but he then decided to give her some time to get used to the
fact they were meant to be together. Sure, she’d said that if she started, she might not be able to stop,
but she hadn’t come out and said the attraction had overwhelmed her.

As they drove to the restaurant, he asked her about her volunteer work since she’d mentioned she

went to the women’s shelter every Monday. She said much of what she did was confidential, and
since he respected that more than she could ever know, he let it be.

Once they were seated at Carmelita’s, she ordered a glass of iced tea. Emmaline must want to

show him she wasn’t a lush—that her alcohol consumption at the wedding had been a one-time event.
He ordered coffee, not wanting to be the one who drank too much this time.

He needed to set the tone of the evening, to show her he could be a good listener, and not just

some playboy. “Why don’t you tell me about your family?”

Only then did he realize he rarely asked a woman about her home life. Instinctively, he must have

sensed he and his dates hadn’t been destined to be together for long.

“Seriously?”
He chuckled, then quirked a brow. “Too personal?”
“No. I’m surprised you want to know, that’s all.”
“Ouch. Emmaline, I’m sorry that our relationship got off to a rocky start. Trust me, I want to know

you as a person, but every time I get near you, my mind tells me to head in a different direction.”

She chuckled and leaned close. “I think you mean your brain lives in your dick.”
He cracked up. “Touché. Where have you been my whole life?” She was so refreshing.
She stared at him for a few seconds. “I grew up in Hidden Hills, but my mom home schooled me

until I was thirteen, and then my parents sent me to boarding school.”

That wasn’t what he’d meant, but he was delighted she’d shared something of herself. Actually, he

was glad they were finally on a topic other than sex. “I think I would have hated going away to high
school.” His parents had kept both him and Holly around. “What was that like?”

She shrugged. “It had its good points and its bad. The good was that I got to be away from my

three older sisters, but the bad was that I was the only shifter in the whole school—unless I hadn’t
developed the ability to tell if someone else was.”

“It takes some maturity to know. I had it easy. I’d say about a third of those at Hidden Hills High

were shifters.” He leaned forward, curious about her childhood. At least it explained why he hadn’t
known her when they’d both grown up in the same town. “Why didn’t you get along with your
sisters?” Emmaline was so sweet.

“We had nothing in common. Fredericka is two years older than I am and was into organized

sports. She couldn’t understand why I hated them. Millicent is four years older. She lives in town and

teaches fourth grade. When I dropped out of college at the end of my sophomore year because it
didn’t interest me, she emotionally cut me off.”

“That had to be tough.”
“It was. The worst of the three is Elizabeth. She’s thirty-six, married with two kids, and is richer

than sin. She has no use for anyone other than humans and wolves. In fact, she’s married to a human.
She could turn him, but she likes the idea of being married to such a superior person.”

She had to be kidding. Wade tamped down his frustration. “I detect a hint of prejudice on her part

against other species.”

Emmaline looked away. “You could say that.”
He was surprised she’d been able to stay so open-minded. “What about your parents? They’re

both wolves, right?” He was still curious about the small hint of bear he smelled on her.

“Totally. Trust me, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be married to each other. They’re both as bad

as Elizabeth. As for who they are as people, my dad worked all the time when I was growing up, so
we weren’t close. He opened his first dry-cleaning store when he was twenty–two, and by the time he
married Mom, he had four stores in the vicinity. When I was born, he was so involved in his success
that he found it difficult to relate to me.”

“What about your mother?”
“What about her?”
“Do you two get along?”
“Let’s just say she wanted me to be like her, and I wasn’t.”
Bitterness and hurt poured off her. Wade reached out, and when he ran his thumb over the back of

her hand, he was thankful she didn’t flinch. “You have a good job and a good life. Doesn’t that count?
Does your mother even work?” He failed to keep the disgust from his voice.

She cracked a smile. “No, but the standards she holds for me aren’t the same ones she lives by.”

Emmaline withdrew her hand from his and fiddled with her silverware. “What about your family?”

It was only fair to share. “I have one sister, Holly, who’s five years older than I am. She lives in

Kansas City with her partner, Lynn. Growing up, we had quite the idyllic family life, other than the
usual sibling rivalry.”

Emmaline leaned forward, appearing quite interested. “What does your dad do?”
“He’s a realtor, and Mom is a housewife who loves to bake.”
Emmaline smiled. “Sounds wonderful.”
“It has its ups and downs.” He patted his stomach to let her know that if he stayed at his folks’

house for long, he’d have to increase his exercise time.

“Why did you leave Hidden Hills if you liked it here so much?”
He was wondering when she’d ask. “I went to college in Pittsburgh, got a job there after I finished

school, and the rest is history. I’m considering moving back here.” He probably should mention the
home he was building but thought he’d leave that to another time.

Her brows rose. “Why?”
“Dad needs help around the house. Besides, I have good friends here.” And hopefully a mate.
“Sounds good.” A twinkle filled her eyes. “What’s your favorite memory growing up?”
He laughed, thankful she didn’t probe further. “Favorite? That’s a hard one. Perhaps my most

memorable one was when I was a stupid ninth grader. Burke was with me in fact.”

“This I gotta hear.”

“It has a sad ending.” Then he smiled. “We’d finished playing a game of hoops on a Saturday

night, and a few of the older boys invited us to join them for a little party. They’d managed to snag
two bottles of Jack Daniels. I know, I know. It was dumb, but we were only fifteen.”

“I trust you got trashed?”
“It was worse than that. They drove us out to the abandoned water tower on the northeast edge of

town. They all took a few sips, but then they encouraged us to consume as much as we wanted.”

The waiter delivered their drinks and asked what they wanted to eat. Emmaline went simple;

spaghetti and meatballs. He opted for the veal marsala.

“Go on.”
“After we got stinking drunk, they dared us to climb the ladder to the top. Said they’d be right

behind us.”

She smiled then sipped her tea. “I’m guessing you charged on up, but the others didn’t follow.”
“You guessed it.”
Her lips lifted. “What happened?”
“They drove off.” He shook his head. Good thing Dan Williams moved away right after high

school or else Wade would have been tempted to punch the shit out of him—even now.

Emmaline laughed and covered her mouth. “What did you do?” Her words came out muffled.
“We thought about shifting, but we believed we could run faster as humans. If we hadn’t been

drunk, that might have been true. We’d gotten about a mile down the road when a cop stopped us.
Apparently, someone called it in. That someone just happened to be the forward on our basketball
team.”

“Hazing sucks. Bet your dad wasn’t pleased.”
“You can say that again. Not only was I benched for the rest of the season, I spent my afternoons

and weekends doing extra chores.”

“I like your dad already.”
“He’s a good man.”
For the rest of the meal, they told stories of their lives growing up, and Wade began to see a

woman who wasn’t given as much love as she gave. He hoped he could do something to change that,
but it would take time.

Once he paid the check, they left. The problem was that as they neared her house, the more his

mind went into mating mode. He needed an intervention. If he didn’t receive some advice about how
to be with her and not want to have her sexually all the time, he’d mess things up for sure.

In her drive, he cut the engine, and she faced him. “How long are you in town?”
For as long as you’re willing to see me. “Not sure. A few days at least.”
Wade jumped out of his side and rushed over to hers. Hand in hand he walked her to the door.

“Thanks for a great night. I’m glad I got to learn more about you.”

“Ditto. You want to come in?”
She had to be kidding. “I think you’ve had enough of me for one day. I’ll call you tomorrow.” He

had planned to go in and talk some more, but he could tell he’d never be able to keep his hands off her
if he did. Instead of the full-blown kiss he wanted to give her, he brushed his lips against hers. “Night,
Emmaline.”

He waited for her to go inside before heading home. He had no doubt it was going to be a long,

sleepless night.

Chapter Six

M M ALINE

WAS

M ORE

confused than ever. As soon as Wade pulled out of the drive, she plastered her

back against the door—the same one where they’d made love. She didn’t know what had come over
her when she’d practically thrown herself at him. At least, he hadn’t seemed to think less of her
because of it and had even made her quite comfortable during dinner.

She’d really enjoyed getting to know him. It had been nice to learn he’d been just a normal, happy

kid, but that knowledge was dangerous, as it made her want him more. It would be best if she cut the
cord sooner rather than later since nothing could come of this relationship. When he called tomorrow,
she needed to be strong and tell him she couldn’t go out with him again. Wolves did not date bears, as
they were beneath her kind—or so she’d been taught.

Em headed into her room to get ready for bed. She donned her pajamas, and when she stepped

into the bathroom to wash up, she spotted the pregnancy test on the counter. She still hadn’t had her
period, and her stomach this morning had been queasy. At the time, she’d chalked it up to nerves, but
now she feared something else might be going on.

It was time to find out if she was pregnant or not. If she wasn’t, and this ill feeling didn’t go away,

she’d stop over at Storm’s clinic to have some blood work done.

Emmaline opened the package, read the directions to make sure she didn’t do it wrong, and peed

on the stick. Then she waited. When the word pregnant appeared, she didn’t want to believe it
despite the mounting evidence. She shook her head, knowing there had to be a mistake. Her stomach
cramped, and her pulse raced.

“It can’t be.”
She must have bought a defective one. It was the only explanation. Since it wasn’t quite ten, the

pharmacy would still be open.

Back in her bedroom, she redressed, but when she reached the front door, realization dawned, and

she stopped. The condom they’d used had been a gag gift. The damned thing probably wasn’t even
meant to be used for protection. She’d been so stupid not to have asked. It was her fault she was
pregnant.

Her legs shook, and she barely made it to the kitchen table before collapsing onto the seat.

Emmaline placed a hand on her stomach. Oh, my howling dogs. She’d gotten pregnant with a bear
shifter no less. She couldn’t tell Wade. He’d either insist they marry or else he’d think nothing of it,
saying he probably had a lot of little Blacks running around. Even if it would solve some of her
problems, marrying him could never happen. She’d lose her family for sure. Her chest squeezed.

She remembered him saying he might move here, and if he did, she’d never be able to keep her

pregnancy from him. Wade would never believe that her baby was another man’s since she’d been by
herself at Chey’s wedding, and it would only take a few well-placed questions to learn she didn’t
date much.

Sweat beaded on her forehead, and she’d never felt more alone in her life. She needed to talk

with someone, but calling Tasha was out of the question. Her fiancée and Wade were best friends.

Chey was off limits, too, since she wouldn’t be able to keep that kind of secret from Tasha either.

Piper! She was a nurse, or at least she worked at the hospital. Though what she could do,

Emmaline didn’t know. Piper was a human who couldn’t understand what this would do to Em’s
family dynamics. Her mom and her sisters were the last people on earth she’d confide in, but they
would find out—eventually.

She didn’t want to think about what they’d say she should do. No matter what, she was going to

have this baby. It better be a girl, though. Then, at least, the child would be a wolf. If she had a little
boy, he’d be like his dad—a bear.

Added to her trouble was that a child cost money—lots of it—and that was in short supply. Mr.

Francolini paid well, but a paralegal’s salary could only rise so high.

Even though she was full from dinner, she had the urge for something sweet. She rummaged

through the refrigerator and found some chocolate ice cream. Perfect. Maybe if she gained a ton of
weight, people would think she was merely fat instead of pregnant.

* * *

UCK

WAS

Emmaline’s side the next day when Wade called. He said he had to help his dad today, so

they couldn’t get together. Apparently, a water pipe had burst and he would be spending the entire day
cleaning up the mess and waiting for the plumber to do his magic.

Because she didn’t want to sit around and mope, Emmaline headed to the women’s shelter, hoping

to take her mind off her situation. Once there, she stepped into the back office where Francis greeted
her. “Need me to do anything today?” Em asked.

Francis grinned. “You angling to get a job around here?”
Emmaline laughed. “Just trying to keep busy.” And not think about Wade’s baby growing inside

me.

“I could use someone in the delivery room sorting packages. You okay with that?”
She pushed aside the idea of another type of delivery room she’d be in early next year. Emmaline

was happy just to be useful. “Totally. How’s Mahalia Drake doing?”

“You’ll be happy to know she’s adjusting well.”
Emmaline was relieved. “Her husband hasn’t tried to find her?”
“Not that I know of.”
“Great. I guess I’ll get to work.”
Three women were working in the large staging area where people dropped off their goods to be

donated. Sorting through the useful from the trashy was a tedious job but once she started chatting
with the others, time flew by. After a few hours, though, her body began to ache from bending and
lifting. When her stomach complained from lack of food, she decided to call it a day. There were a
few items that she needed to transcribe for Mr. Francolini tomorrow, anyway, and it wouldn’t hurt to
get them done in the leisure of her home.

On her way back, she stopped at the store to pick up some items she’d been craving. Now she

understood where those had come from. After purchasing another gallon of chocolate ice cream along
with some chips she headed home to do her work.

* * *

M UCH

Emmaline tried not to think about her condition, she couldn’t stop the chatter in her brain.

Sleep had been sporadic that night, but Monday morning eventually arrived. Even though her boss
would be at the doctors first thing, Em arrived promptly, not wanting any more time at home than
necessary. No matter where she looked, she could picture Wade—naked, hard, enticing. Her body
kept reacting to the image time and time again, and she wished she knew what she had to do to make
this insanity stop.

At first, the office was almost too quiet, but by nine thirty, the phone calls began. She had to

explain to everyone that Mr. Francolini was out of the office but would be back soon. Here, she
thought his client list had been dwindling.

By ten thirty, she began to wonder what was taking him so long. From all accounts, Storm took his

patients quickly and treated them efficiently. The answer was easy enough to find. Emmaline called
his office.

“Dr. Durant’s office. How may I help you?”
“This is Mr. Francolini’s secretary, Emmaline Nettles. Can you tell me when he’ll be finished

with the doctor?”

“I’m sorry, honey. Your boss never showed up this morning. I was just about to call for him to

reschedule.”

“Are you sure he didn’t come in?”
“I’m sure. I opened the office and haven’t left.”
“Thank you. I will reschedule for him later.” Just as soon as I ask him what happened.

Perplexed, Emmaline disconnected the call.

Perhaps her boss had decided to stay home and work from there. It wouldn’t have been the first

time he’d forgotten an appointment. In the past, when he planned to come into work late, he’d always
called. Emmaline punched in his number and leaned back as the phone rang and rang. The voice
message picked up saying he couldn’t come to the phone, so she left a message for him to call her
back.

Mr. Francolini had been a little absent-minded of late. Perhaps he was speaking with a client and

had forgotten to tell her. Hopefully, he would be in later this afternoon, but she wasn’t sure how long
she should wait. If he’d been in an accident or was stranded somewhere, she ought to call the hospital
and see if he’d been admitted.

Stop blowing this out of proportion. Jeez. Her hormones must be messing with her mind. She’d

wait a bit longer before taking action. There was sure to be a simple explanation.

Knowing that her stomach had a tendency to be upset after eating, she’d brought a rather bland

lunch to eat in the office. She’d stayed busy the hour after lunch, but by two o’clock worry ate away at
her. Something was wrong. Mr. Francolini never stayed out of the office this long.

She knew where her boss lived, but she felt a little strange going over there by herself. The image

of Wade flashed in her mind, and she wondered if he might be willing to go with her.

Without giving it any more thought, she called him.
“Emmaline? Something wrong?”
She wished he wouldn’t jump to conclusions so easily. It didn’t matter that it was true. “Can I ask

you a favor?”

“Of course.”
She explained about her boss being MIA. “Would you mind coming with me when I go to his

house?” She wasn’t usually like this, but she was still reeling from her recent news.

“Have you tried calling him?”
“Yes. He had a doctor’s appointment this morning, but he never showed.”
“I’ll be right there.” His serious tone almost scared her in its intensity.
However, once she’d shared her disturbing news with Wade, Emmaline’s despair lessened. Just

having someone to commiserate with had made her feel better. With the few minutes she had until he
showed up, she searched her boss’s desk for a hint as to where he might have gone. His calendar—
one that she’d filled out—showed the doctor’s appointment this morning and nothing else.

On his desk sat several folders. She looked through them to see if perhaps he had a deposition

hearing scheduled and had forgotten to tell her. Nothing popped out at her though. Just as she returned
to her desk, Wade walked in, and a rush of lustful excitement, along with relief that he was there
filled her.

“Thanks for coming.” She stepped up to him and grabbed his arm. For some reason, he brought

her needed comfort.

“You have your boss’s address?”
“Yes.”
Emmaline was about to suggest she drive, but once they stepped outside and she found his truck

parked in front, they took his. As soon as she slipped into the front seat, the memories flooded back.
She remembered her panties hanging on the mirror, and remembered how she’d laughed, but there
was no humor in her body right now.

Wade put the address in his phone and had no trouble finding her boss’s place.
As they neared his house, she spotted Mr. Francolini’s car in the drive and relaxed back against

the seat. “Thank goodness he’s here.”

Together they marched up to the front door, and she rang the bell. When no one answered, she

peeked in the living room window but didn’t see him. Lights were on in the kitchen, so she knocked
again. “Maybe he’s taking a nap or is on the phone in back,” she said.

“I’ll go around to the side and check,” Wade offered. “Keep knocking. He might be getting

dressed.”

That made sense. Emmaline wanted to go with Wade, but it would be better if she tried to rouse

her boss. A few seconds later, glass shattered, and her pulse soared. Emmaline dashed around the
side to see what was happening. Just as she reached him, Wade was sticking his hand in through a
windowed side door to get in. She ran up to him. “What are you doing?”

“Emmaline, stay here. Please.”
She didn’t want to, but from Wade’s tone, perhaps she should. Something bad must have happened

or Wade wouldn’t have broken the glass. He disappeared inside and she paced. Her nerves jangled,
and eventually she couldn’t just wait outside and do nothing. She entered and heard Wade down the
hall. As soon as she spotted him leaning over Mr. Francolini on the floor, she froze. “Wade?” Her
voice cracked.

Wade turned, his face drawn, and shook his head. “I’m sorry.”
Her stomach tumbled, and she shut her eyes, not wanting to see his prone body. “Is he dead?”
“It appears so. I didn’t want you to see him like this.” Wade blocked her boss’s body, pulled out

his phone, and pressed three buttons. “We need an ambulance at 147 Oregon Road.” He waited a beat
before turning his back to her. He mumbled something into the phone that she couldn’t quite make out,

mostly because the blood pounding in her ears blocked out everything.

Hand over her heart, she stumbled to the door and leaned against it. It couldn’t be true that Mr.

Francolini was dead. She inhaled and the smell of death finally permeated her sensitive nostrils. She
wanted to vomit.

Wade approached and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Let’s wait outside for the ambulance.”
Putting one foot in front of the other, Emmaline let Wade escort her around to the front. He placed

her on one of the chairs and sat next to her. “I’m sorry.”

“He said he wasn’t feeling well on Friday and had me make a doctor’s appointment. If only Storm

had been able to see him sooner.”

“Don’t do this to yourself,” Wade said.
Tears streamed down her cheeks. She really loved this man. He was like the father she’d never

really had. “What am I supposed to do now?”

Her baby’s well-being rushed to the forefront of her brain. She had no way to support both of

them. Her parents had money, but she refused to ask them for any help. Not only that, when they found
out whose baby she was having, they’d probably want nothing to do with her.

Wade picked up her hand. “Does he have a wife?” She shook her head. “Do you know if he has

any other relatives in town?”

Emmaline’s thoughts were too scattered. Think. Think. “He has a daughter, but I’m not sure where

she lives.”

“Would anyone know?”
Everything seemed fuzzy all of a sudden. “He spoke about a woman named Agnes, who was his

friend. I think she lives in town. She might know.”

Wade stilled. “Do you know Agnes’s last name?”
“No.”
Before he could make another suggestion, sirens sounded as the ambulance raced toward them.

Wade stood to meet them while she remained on the porch. The paramedics slid out of the cab, spoke
with Wade, and then headed around to the side door, while she remained on the porch to grieve. She
couldn’t bear to see her boss so lifeless. He might not have been young, but he still had more years
left.

After what seemed like forever, the two paramedics finally rolled Mr. Francolini out on a gurney.

As soon as they sped off, Wade returned to her side. “Are you going to be okay?”

Not really. “Yes, but I need to go back to the office.”
Wade pulled her to a stand and folded her in his arms. “Emmaline, no you don’t.”
She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “I have to make arrangements. I need to contact his

clients. I have to be there for him.” The words came out so rushed she hiccupped. She wouldn’t get
paid for her work, but she needed to do this for him.

Wade inhaled then exhaled, studying her. “Okay, but I’m coming with you.”
She wasn’t certain that was a good idea. As much as she’d appreciate the company, she had a

feeling this would only make her want him more.

Chapter Seven

M M ALINE

SAT

her desk, not really knowing where to begin, and debating whether she should call

all of Mr. Francolini’s clients first, or try to locate her boss’s next of kin. She looked up at Wade.
“Do you think I should find another lawyer to take over his cases?”

“If I were a client, I’d feel better knowing someone would be there to pick up the pieces. Would

you like me to ask around who might be available? Or do you have someone in mind?”

She was the one who was knowledgeable about the other lawyers. Besides, this wasn’t Wade’s

responsibility. “I’ll take care of it.”

“What would you like me to do then?”
She had to think. “I’m guessing I’ll have to pack up all of his things at some point.” A well of

emotion bubbled, and she lowered her head into her hands. “I thought he looked paler than usual. If
only I’d said something, he might have sought help sooner.” She looked up, her eyes watering. “Do
you think it was a heart attack?”

Wade stepped over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sure we can find out if you

want, but this wasn’t your fault, you know.”

She sniffled. “Perhaps, but it’s just not fair. He had so much more to give.”
Wade nodded then glanced away for a moment. “Would you like me to buy some boxes and start

packing?”

The idea of shutting down the office seemed so final. Wade was being incredibly helpful, though

she wasn’t sure why. She needed the aid, but damn, the man was worming his way into her heart,
something she needed to avoid at all costs. “That would be wonderful.”

* * *

WEEK

AFTER

her boss’s death continued to be a nightmare. Emmaline had spent every day at the

office trying to sort through the files, calling the clients, and locating Mr. Francolini’s daughter—who
she eventually did find, but only after Agnes Browning called to inquire after Harold Francolini. She
gave Emmaline the information about his daughter, Janelle, who lived in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Fortunately, his daughter was able to drive to Hidden Hills that day, and boy was the woman a
whirlwind of efficiency. She succeeded in not only getting the death certificate signed, but she
organized the service within hours of her arrival.

Her dad, she’d said, had died of a heart attack, and because he wanted to be cremated, she would

hold the service at the local mortuary in two days. Emmaline had been pleased that a good number of
people attended. Wade had come with her and had been her rock every time she broke down.

On Saturday, he told her that he needed to get back to Pittsburgh, and she totally understood. It

was better that he leave because having him around aroused too many feelings. No sooner had he left,
though, than the depression set in. Or maybe it was just the pregnancy blues. She had to constantly
remind herself that wolves should not be mated to bears.

By Tuesday—over a week after Mr. Francolini’s death—she closed the office for the last time

and handed the keys over to the landlord. Emmaline hadn’t felt this lost since the first day she’d been
sent to boarding school.

The partial solution to her dilemma was to find another job, only she had no idea what that might

be. She’d searched the want ads endlessly but had come up empty handed.

Regardless of her employment situation, she had to give more thought to her growing baby. She

finally called Piper at the hospital to ask for her recommendation of a obstetrician. For some reason,
going to Storm didn’t settle well with her. Piper was surprised and excited for Em and suggested she
see a Dr. Samuels. While the man was human, he’d dealt with shifter babies before.

“I promise I’ll give you the details when we meet,” Em said.
“No problem. Mum’s the word until then.”
Not wanting to procrastinate further, Emmaline made an appointment with him for the following

week. She held no illusion about her pregnancy anymore. The increased morning sickness confirmed
it, not to mention the pregnancy test itself. Now, more than ever, she had to find employment as it
wasn’t just about her anymore.

Not wanting to be by herself today, she headed to the café to do more searching on her laptop. No

sooner had she settled in with her coffee and sweet roll than her cell rang. Excitement raced through
her at the thought it might be Wade, but when she checked the screen, she had to swallow her
disappointment. It was Agnes, the woman who helped find her boss’s daughter, Janelle. The white-
haired woman, who looked to be about her boss’s age, had been as upset about Mr. Francolini’s
death as Emmaline had been. She’d mentioned that ever since his wife’s passing, they’d become good
friends.

“Hello, Agnes.” They’d not only spoken over the phone a few times, they’d met at the funeral.
“Janelle gave me your number. I hope you don’t mind that I’m calling your cell, but the office

number was no longer in service.”

“No, not at all.” I wanted to let you know that I will be retiring soon as the personal assistant for

Mr. Emerson of Emerson Investments, and he’ll be looking for a replacement. I thought with you out
of a job, you might be interested in coming in for an interview.”

Emmaline’s heart beat fast. “That is so kind of you, but I know nothing about investments.”
“You don’t need to. Mr. Emerson just needs someone to handle his appointments when he’s in

town. You might be asked to make airline reservations and ensure he meets with his clients when he’s
supposed to, but that’s about it. He’s a very busy man. Would you be interested in an interview with
him tomorrow?”

Emmaline was nearly speechless. This sounded almost too good to be true. Her job as a paralegal

was quite stressful and working for Mr. Emerson—a man who wasn’t in the office very often—might
be less so. “Absolutely.”

“How does ten in the morning sound?”
“Perfect. What’s the address?”
Agnes gave her the details. For the next half hour, Emmaline sat there thinking how lucky she was

that she’d met this woman, though she wished it had been under better circumstances. Funny how
things happened to work out when one least expected it. Perhaps it was fate that brought the two of
them together.

Feeling better than she had in a while, she decided to take a walk over to the library and visit

with Tasha for a few minutes. Ever since her boss’s death, she hadn’t spent much time with her or

Chey. Now she’d relish the connection.

As soon as she walked into Tasha’s workplace, Emmaline could feel the excitement. Em poked

her head into the side room where Tasha often frequented and spotted her sitting on the floor
surrounded by ten kids. It was reading hour, and Emmaline’s hand shot to her belly. Her friend looked
so content reading to them. Standing at the entrance, Emmaline listened and soon had a smile on her
face. Tasha finally looked up and waved.

After ten more minutes, she closed the book and told the children reading time was over. They

moaned, but then jumped up and rushed out to meet their parents who’d gathered in the area behind
Em.

“Hey there,” Tasha said. “How are you doing?”
“I got a job interview.”
Tasha hugged her. “That’s wonderful. Where?”
She explained about Agnes’s call and how the woman was retiring. “I was wondering if you

know anything about the firm.”

“No, but I think this calls for a celebration. Do you want to head over to the Cove Bar?”
Emmaline wanted to go in part because she needed the company, and because it was time to tell

Tasha about her condition. The hard part would be convincing her not to let Burke know. “Sure.”

After Tasha clocked out, they walked across the street to the bar. When Emmaline ordered iced

tea, along with Tasha, her friend’s brows rose, but she said nothing. She was the one who often didn’t
drink during the week, not Emmaline.

They found a seat in their usual corner. Emmaline wished Chey could have joined them but she

wouldn’t be off work for a while. “I have something to tell you.”

Tasha smiled. “You know how much I like gossip.”
There was no way to broach the topic easily, so Emmaline just spit it out. “I’m pregnant.”
Thankfully their drinks hadn’t been delivered or else Emmaline was certain the tea would have

been all over the table. “You’re what?”

“You heard me. I’m pregnant.”
“Not that I really need to ask, but who is the father?”
“Wade.”
Tasha pressed her lips together. “Does he know?”
“No. And before you ask, I’m not going to tell him.”
Tasha’s mouth opened. “And how do you propose to keep that from him?”
“I’ll have to tell him at some point, or else he’ll do the math and figure it out.”
Their drinks arrived, but neither touched their glass. “Why don’t you want him to know?” Tasha

ran her hand up and down the sides of her tea.

Emmaline had given that a lot of thought. “At first, I believed Wade was this playboy, and now I

can see he’s really a good guy.”

“Like my Burke.” Em nodded. “Then what’s the problem?”
Surely, Tasha would understand. “No offense to your breed, but Wade’s a bear, and I’m a wolf.”
“So?”
“My parents will be furious.” That sounded lame. “Damn, I don’t know what I’m supposed to

do.”

Tasha placed a hand over hers. “You have to tell him, honey.”

“What if he suggests we get married?”
“Would that be so terrible?” Tasha picked up her tea and sipped.
“I don’t need him to take care of me. I can do that myself, but if he wants to be part of our child’s

life, I’ll agree to that. I just don’t want him to suggest marriage out of obligation.”

“You’ve given me suggestions in the past, so now it’s my turn. Tell him how you feel. You won’t

know what he’s thinking unless you come clean.”

Emmaline lifted the glass to her lips and held it there mostly for comfort. She took a sip then set it

down. “I’m not even sure when he’s coming to town next.”

“You could call him.”
“I’m not doing this over the phone.” Maybe she had decided to tell Wade then and wasn’t even

aware of it. Suddenly, things seemed to be a little brighter. She looked up at Tasha. “You’re right; he
does deserve to know.”

* * *

M M ALINE

WAS

NERVOUS.

She’d donned her best suit and even sported some high heels for the interview.

It wouldn’t hurt if Mr. Emerson found her attractive even though he’d had Agnes as his assistant for a
long time.

When Em entered the office building, a buzzer above the door sounded, announcing her arrival.

She looked around, a little surprised at the small space. A compact, but well-appointed lobby ended
at a hallway, implying the offices were in back. The leather chairs looked expensive, as did the prints
on the walls.

Footsteps sounded, and then a smiling Agnes appeared. “Hello, Emmaline. Mr. Emerson has

stepped out for a few minutes, but if you come with me, we can go over some information first.”

As she followed the older woman, Emmaline debated whether to mention she was pregnant since

her condition might make a difference in whether Mr. Emerson thought she could handle the job.
There might be times when she had to leave and take care of a sick child.

At this point, she wasn’t even sure what she would do with her baby while she was at work.

Daycare was an option, but that was expensive. Em doubted her mother would volunteer to help out,
especially when she learned the baby would be half bear. She didn’t want to think about the six
weeks she’d need after the baby was born either. She sighed. Not having been offered the job, it was
premature to even be thinking about this.

Agnes opened the door to a rather sterile looking office that seemed unused. “Have a seat. As you

know, Harold and I were friends. He spoke of you many times, about what a great job you did.”

“Thank you.” She was thrilled since Mr. Francolini didn’t dole out compliments very often.
Agnes picked up a pen. “Tell me what you’re looking for in a job.”
She hadn’t expected that question. “A nice boss. Good hours? Decent pay?” She felt as if she

were sinking with each word.

Agnes laughed. “That works. I think you will find Mr. Emerson very easy to work for. He’s

demanding only in that he expects you to do what he asks.”

“I’m very conscientious.”
“I’m sure you are, dear.” Agnes asked for her contact information, her educational level, and any

other jobs she’d held. Then she stood. “Why don’t you take a seat back in the lobby, and I’ll find you

when Mr. Emerson arrives. I know he’ll want to go over the job in more detail with you.”

Hope and excitement rushed through her. The fact the boss might still be interested was a good

sign. Once she was settled in the lobby, Agnes disappeared down the hall. A stack of magazines,
mostly involving investment strategies, sat on the table next to her. Em picked up one and searched for
something interesting to read.

A few minutes later, the door buzzer sounded, signaling a new arrival. She looked up and froze.

Holy howls. It was Wade dressed in blue jeans and a T-shirt, looking amazingly hot.

She jumped up. “What are you doing here?”

Chapter Eight

ADE

HOPED

hadn’t made a mistake. Many times this past year, Agnes had told him she wanted to

retire, but he’d been able to talk her out of it. When Emmaline lost her job, he decided he could
finally grant Agnes her wish. His biggest problem was whether Emmaline would hold it against him
that he hadn’t told her who he was or what he did for a living—but he had his reasons.

“Hi, Emmaline.” He didn’t want to tell her he was surprised to see her there because he was

through with lying—or at least he would be in a moment. “I’m here to see the boss.”

Technically, that was true since he was the boss, and he’d be looking at a mirror to make sure he

looked good for her interview. Unfortunately, the animal in him was working hard to come out, and he
hoped he could make it into his office before he gave into his urges. He’d like nothing more than to
taste her, but if he touched her, he’d want it all.

Not wanting her to ask any more questions, he headed toward the hallway.
She called after him, “The boss isn’t back yet.”
Wade held up a hand to indicate he’d heard. “I’ll sit in his office and wait for him.”
If he looked over his shoulder and saw her face, he’d cave. She’d either be concerned for his

welfare, or be angry that he’d barged in ahead of her, but that was the chance he’d have to take. What
that woman did to him. If that reaction didn’t convince him she was his mate, nothing would.

As soon as he stepped into his office, he rushed over to his closet where he kept his suit. Too

often he drove in from Pittsburgh and had to clean up and change before he met with clients. He tore
off his T-shirt, and just as he picked up his white button down shirt, the door eased open—a door he
must have failed to close completely. It was Emmaline. Now it was his turn to freeze.

“Wade, you shouldn’t be in here,” she whispered. “And why are you half-naked?”
He wanted to keep it light. “Are you worried about me?”
When she charged up to him, he wanted to kiss her more than anything. He’d already discussed his

attraction to Emmaline with his father, and how she had the scent of a bear. His dad’s first words
were to ask if she were pregnant. Wade denied it at first, but now, more than ever, he could smell his
own breed in her. As disappointed as he was that she hadn’t confided in him, she might not even
know herself.

“I am, but why are you here?” She plucked the clean shirt from his hand, set it on the desk, and

handed him back his T-shirt.

As much as he wanted to taste and ravish her again, he needed to come clean. With his T-shirt in

hand, Wade sat on the edge of his desk. “We need to talk.”

She looked behind her, probably to make sure the real boss wouldn’t walk in. “Not here, we

can’t.”

She looked so adorable being confused. “Yes, we can.”
She stepped closer, yanked his arm, and tugged. “Come on. I’m supposed to have an interview as

Mr. Emerson’s personal assistant, and I can’t afford to mess this up.”

He smiled. “Don’t worry. You have the job.”

“You don’t know that.”
“Yes, I do because I’m Mr. Emerson and I’m hiring you.”
She stepped back, her mouth slightly parted. What he wouldn’t give to kiss her right now, but he

wanted to see her reaction to the news first.

“Did you just say you’re Mr. Emerson?”
“Yes. My real name is Wade Emerson Black. Emerson was my mother’s maiden name. I chose

that instead of Black Investments so that people wouldn’t confuse me with my father.”

She retreated, but when her legs hit the chair, she dropped down, clearly in some kind of shock.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I wanted you to like me for who I was and not because I’m rich.” He always believed

the women in Pittsburgh who chased him were mostly after his wealth.

She glanced to the side. “Were you ever going to tell me?”
That was a good one. “I’ll toss back the same question to you. Were you ever going to tell me

you’re pregnant with my child?”

Her mouth opened. “Burke told you?”
“Burke knew?”
Crap. “I confided in Tasha, and I figured she’d have told Burke. I was going to tell you when I

saw you next.”

“No one had to tell me. I’m a bear. I can smell and sense my kind inside you.”
Her eyes darted around the room, panic written on her face. “How long have you known?” Her

hand shot to her belly.

Seeing her so maternal shook him. “I suspected on our first date. As soon as I walked into your

house and came near you, I thought I detected the bear in you. Then when I drove you to Mr.
Francolini’s house, your scent was even stronger.”

“Why didn’t you say something?”
“It’s your body. I wanted you to make the decision as to when you told me.”
She covered her mouth. “I didn’t even know on our first date.” Her hand shook, and then she

lowered it. “If you could detect the bear in me, does that mean I’m having a boy?”

“No, it just means that part of me is in you.” Her body trembled, and Wade could no longer take

it. He slid off the desk, raced over to her, and lifted her to a stand. He then wrapped his arms around
her.

She planted her palms on his naked chest, her fingers searing his skin. “I understand why you

didn’t tell me who you really were. I’m the one who needs to apologize for keeping a secret. I should
have told you right away about the baby, but I’m still trying to come to grips with it all.”

“I can see why, but how about we discuss it later?” He cupped her cheek. “Right now, I need you

more than I can possibly say.” His body vibrated with a desire so strong, he was certain his inner
beast was about to come out.

Her eyes shone and her whole body seemed fragile to his touch. Wade placed a gentle kiss on her

lips and let the connection seep deep into him.

“Okay.” Emmaline then wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back with even more

emotion. “I need you, too,” she said. She then lowered her hands to his pants and pulled open the
buttons.

That one action spurred him on. As much as he wanted to talk about their future, if he didn’t have

her right now, no telling what he’d do—or rather what the animal in him would do.

He placed a hand over hers to stop her. “Are you sure?” He wasn’t certain exactly what he was

asking of her, but he wanted her consent more than anything.

“For now, yes.”
He’d take what he could get. Not wanting Agnes to walk in on them, he strode over to the door

and locked it.

“She won’t come looking for you?”
“I hope not. She knows what you mean to me.”
“So she was in on this job interview hoax the whole time?”
He didn’t need to get into an argument about that deception. “Does it matter? You’re here now and

you know who I am. If we could table this discussion, I’d greatly appreciate it. If not, I’ll melt before
your eyes.”

She smiled, just like he hoped she would. “I can wait.”
He kicked off his shoes and socks and dropped trou. In the past, he might have waited for her to

get undressed, but not now. His urgency was too strong. Emmaline moved closer and dragged a finger
from his breastbone to his belly button, leaving a trail of fire, and making his cock grow even harder.
“I’ve missed you, Emmaline.”

“Oh yeah?”
“Let me show you just how much. You look so beautiful in your outfit, and I hate to take it off, but

I have to.”

She grinned. “Is this part of the interview process?”
“It is now.” As much as he wanted to go slow, he couldn’t. He yanked open her blouse with speed

and agility. As he peeled back the material, his breath caught at the sexiness of her red, push-up lace
bra. “I see you were determined to get this job.”

“Like I knew you’d be the boss?”
He chuckled. “Glad to hear it.”
Wade removed her top and tossed it on the chair behind her. He then slid his fingers under her

bra, and when he lifted it over her tits, her delicious pink nipples called to him. Wade brushed his
thumbs across the tips and watched them peak. His inner animal growled, forcing him to lean over
and taste her. The first lick made his rigid cock rock hard, and he wasn’t sure how long he would last.
“I need you naked now.”

“Let me help.” She kicked off her heels, forcing him to bend over farther to keep sucking on her

tits.

“Why can’t we make love in a bed like an ordinary couple?” he panted.
She chuckled. “It’s more exciting and daring this way.” Without asking, she unzipped the back of

her skirt and let it pool at her ankles.

Her delicate, red panties made him want to throw her on the ground and do her right there—but he

wouldn’t. Emmaline deserved better. As if she understood what he needed, she grabbed his cock and
squeezed it tight. God help him. He wasn’t certain if he could keep any kind of control.

* * *

M M ALINE

WAS

shock. Her body was going wild with need while her mind was unable to comprehend

what had happened. All this time, she’d thought Wade held a menial job, and here he was rich. Boy,
had she been fooled, but to her surprise, it didn’t bother her. He had his reasons for not telling her—
good ones.

The problem was that he was her new boss, and she shouldn’t consider making love with him

since it might mess everything up. They should talk about the baby first and how this was going to
work before having sex, but the wolf in her had other ideas.

“I need to take off your panties,” Wade said, lust pooling in his eyes.
The moment he slipped his thumbs under the waistband and tugged them down, all of her

questions and doubts vanished. The logistics of how they could work together and what they were
going to do about her situation flew out of her brain as her hormones shot into overdrive. Nothing
mattered but having him.

She stepped out of her panties and once more wrapped her arms around his neck. She needed his

mouth on her worse than anything. When their lips connected again, she delved in, tasting and
savoring him, wanting to reach his soul.

He walked her backward to his desk, lifted her up, and placed her on top. He then pushed aside

some papers. “Lean back.” His strong command had delicious goose bumps chasing up her skin.

Heart pumping fast, she did as he asked. Wade folded his shirt and placed it under her head.

While he bent over, she grabbed his neck and pressed her breasts against his chest. At the moment, it
didn’t matter that he was a bear and she a wolf.

“I’ve missed you,” he said. “A lot.”
Wade planted her feet on the wooden surface, and when he slipped two fingers into her pussy,

shards of pleasure pierced her. She clutched his shoulders, her breaths coming out fast. She couldn’t
stop if she wanted to. “Fuck me, please.”

“We have time.”
Instead of entering her, he cupped her breasts and sucked hard on her nipples. He tugged and

pulled, twisted and licked. Great wolves in heaven. Pulses of lust streaked down her body, jamming
at the intersection of her legs while contractions rippled inside her, causing her need to grow by the
instant.

“Please, Wade.” Her desperation added to her need.
“I love your tits,” he said. “But I want you more.”
She spread her legs wide, and he slowly entered her. The friction ignited her, causing shivers of

delight to spread through her. Once he was jammed in all the way, she pulled herself up and kissed
him hard. He groaned, and she answered with a moan. “What you do to me,” she said after breaking
the contact.

Wade nibbled on her neck, and spikes of passion shot through her. As if her inner beast had taken

over, Emmaline inhaled and scooted closer to the edge of the desk, helping to drive his cock in to the
hilt again. Her body caught fire, and passion pummeled her. She cupped his face, needing more. Em
kissed him once more, but instead of devouring him, she savored his taste, letting his whole being
drift into her.

Wade dragged his lips down her neck, sending bolts electricity straight to her core, possessing

her. He clamped his hands on her hips and held her still as he thrust into her over and over again until
she nearly came apart. Desire, lust, and overwhelming need infused her, and her mind ceased to
function.

She acted on instinct only. Together, they did an erotic dance, melding their two bodies together.

She touched and kissed every bit of him, then ran her hands through his hair and down his shoulders.
Squeezing his large biceps, she thrilled to his taut sinews and powerful muscles.

Blood pounded in her ears as her climax neared. Every scent, sound, and touch was heightened

through their union, and as sweat slickened their skin, her desire grew. Heat bubbled inside and the
pleasure consumed her.

Wade drove in hard once more, and as his cock exploded, sending hot seed into her, she dropped

back onto his desk and gasped. Wave upon wave of pleasurable ecstasy charged at her. Her orgasm
swirled around her, taking her to a place she never wanted to leave.

Eventually, their bodies came down from their high, and Wade buried his face in her breasts and

held her tight. “I wish we could stay like this for ever.”

Me, too. “That would make my new job rather easy, I suspect.”
He lifted up and raised a brow. “Does that mean you’ll accept my job offer?”
She smiled. “Depends on the benefits.”
“They’re negotiable.”
“Deal.” Emmaline hoped she hadn’t made a mistake.

Chapter Nine

THE

few days, Emmaline was delighted that her job went so smoothly. Wade was a great

boss. He spent time with her and was very patient as he outlined what her duties would be. While
she’d messed up a few times, he never lost his temper. To her delight, she found this job wasn’t all
that different from the one she’d had with Mr. Francolini, except that it was less stressful. Having the
wonderful eye candy around helped, too.

Her only disappointment was that Wade hadn’t kissed her in his office again, nor had he stopped

over at her place at night. She expected him to bring up the topic of the baby, but so far he hadn’t. All
she could think of was that he was waiting for her to broach the subject, or else parenthood held little
interest for him. Right now, she was content with the status quo.

On Wednesday, Wade invited her to dinner with him and two prominent clients, saying he thought

she’d enjoy the change in venue. If she took notes, not only would it help him remember what was
said, she might learn a bit about the business, and the more involved she became, the better help she
could be. She had to admit, she enjoyed herself.

Then on Thursday morning, Wade stepped into her office. “Can you make some airline

reservations for me to fly to Pittsburgh?”

Her pulse beat harder. She liked having him around since it gave her a sense of security. “For

when?”

“I need to leave tomorrow morning and will return Sunday—the earlier the better.”
She waited for him to tell her why, but she figured it was for business. “Sure.”
Emmaline had planned to have the discussion about their future this weekend—a future that did

not include Wade permanently in her life. She didn’t think he would be offended since he hadn’t said
anything about marriage or being there for the baby. It was possible that when she’d mentioned she
had her obstetrics appointment on Friday afternoon, he was waiting until after that to have the
discussion.

Wade kept her busy the rest of the day sorting, filing, and making a lot of phone calls. At five, he

stopped in again. “You want to catch a bite to eat?”

That caught her off guard. “I’d love to.” Emmaline had yet to figure out his agenda, but hopefully

she’d find out now.

“I’m ready now if you are,” he said.
“Sure.” Once she shut down her computer, he helped her on with her heavy sweater and escorted

her outside.

“Mind walking?” Several restaurants were close by.
“I could use the exercise.” All she’d done was sit this past week.
“Can you handle Chinese food?” he asked. “I know you’ve mentioned some things upset your

stomach.”

How sweet of him to ask. Of late, she had felt queasy but only in the morning. “I’m game.”
As they walked to the restaurant, Wade clasped her hand, acting as if they were a couple again.

She liked touching him, but it confused her at the same time. She couldn’t quite decide whether he
wanted to be her boss, her lover, or both.

“How do you think things are going?” he asked.
She wasn’t sure if he was talking about work or the baby. “I love the job.”
“I’m treating you okay?”
Everything he said seemed to have a hidden meaning, but until he asked her out right, she’d take

the easy route. “You’re an excellent boss.”

He smiled. “I’m glad you think so.”
For the next two blocks they walked in companionable silence. It was still light out, and a lot of

people were getting off work and apparently doing some last-minute shopping. Once the two of them
entered the restaurant, the hostess led them over to a cozy booth.

He ordered coffee, while she opted for tea, and Wade ordered them an appetizer of egg rolls.

“We need to talk about the baby,” he announced.

Her stomach did a somersault. Emmaline collapsed back against the seat, her pulse soaring. He

wanted to talk now, but suddenly she wasn’t ready. “Please, Wade. I’m a grown woman and can
handle this myself.” She thought it best to cut off his intervention right from the start. Thankfully, her
voice didn’t waver.

“You act as if having the baby is a one-person job. Did you forget I’m the father?” She detected a

hint of anger.

Em sighed. “You can be as involved as you want with our baby.”
He cocked a brow. “What about you and me?”
“What about us? We barely know each other.” She wasn’t ready to say they belonged together

because the sex was hot. Mixing breeds was never a good idea.

“I was hoping to change that.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” She’d never be able to explain to him the difficulties they’d

encounter if they became a couple. He hadn’t suggested they marry, so perhaps he just wanted to date,
but once she began to show, he probably wouldn’t be interested in her. Holy wolves, she was
confused.

“What can I do to change your mind?” His demeanor was intense and focused.
“Let me keep this job.”
“That’s a given.” He leaned forward. “I know you’re perfectly capable of taking care of our

child. I’m not debating that, but I’d like to be in your life. You know that when we’re together we
seem to combust around each other. I’ve even spoken to my dad about you.”

Her eyes widened, unsure if this was a good thing or not. “You have? What did he say?” Most

likely, his father told him to get as far away from her as possible. On the other hand, he was a bear,
and his dad might be proud to have his son with a wolf.

“The fact that I could detect my baby in you means we’re mates. I want you, Emmaline. Not

because you’re pregnant, but because we belong together.”

His sincerity shook her. He seemed to believe what he said. “That’s sweet of you to say, but I

hate to break it to you, there are no such thing as mates.”

Now, it was Wade’s turn to lean back. “Oh really? Then how do you explain this intense

attraction we have for each other? I’ve never felt anything like this with anyone else.”

Neither had she, but it didn’t seem smart for some reason to mention it. She shrugged, attempting

to act casual. “You’re hot and good-looking. What’s not to desire?”

“I can see I’m not going to get very far with that line of argument, so I have a proposition for you.”
“What?”
“I’m in the process of building a home on the outskirts of town, but it won’t be done for many

months. In the meantime, since I’m spending so much time here in Hidden Hills, I think I should move
in with you. You did say we needed to know each other better.”

She nearly choked, but it was what she said. “You don’t take no for an answer, do you?”
“Not where you’re concerned.”
The server brought them their drinks and took the rest of their order. With her mind racing, she

kept her gaze averted.

“For now, I’ll let it go,” he said. “But if you need my help with the baby or anything else, I’m

going to be there for you, whether you want me or not.”

“Sounds good.” Once he’d learned just how independent she could be, he’d back off. She could

only hope she’d never really need him.

* * *

M M ALINE

HADN’T

REALIZED

how empty the office would be with Wade gone. She tried to remain focused

all day, entering the data just how he’d taught her, but it was hard to concentrate. Visions of him with
another woman irrationally surfaced. He might have a secret life in Pittsburgh, which was why he
hadn’t mentioned marriage. Surely, he’d dated a ton of women there. She’d seen television shows that
depicted a man with separate lives in different towns—two wives and many children. Shivers rippled
over her skin.

Stop it.
She was not jealous. She couldn’t have it both ways. Either she wanted him and had to tell him, or

she didn’t. He deserved to live his life any way he wanted to.

By the time three o’clock rolled around for her doctor’s appointment, she was almost happy to get

out of the office. Unfortunately, she had to wait over twenty minutes before she was able to see Dr.
Samuels. After he asked her a series of questions, many about Wade and his species, she had to
supply a urine sample and schedule a blood test. He then said she needed to have an ultrasound done.
“Patty will escort you down the hall.”

For a brief moment, Emmaline wished Wade had been there. Going alone was more stressful and

uncertain than she’d thought.

When she entered the room, she was delighted to see Piper.
“Hey,” Piper said. “How do you feel?”
“I’m sick in the morning, but I’m getting through.” Emmaline nodded to the ultrasound machine.

“Will you be able to tell the sex of the child?”

Piper looked down at the paper again. “No, it’s too soon.”
That might be just as well. If she ended up having a little boy, Wade might feel obligated to stay

with her for the sake of the baby, as he possibly thought a wolf having a bear would be difficult. Even
she wasn’t sure about it.

Emmaline hopped on the table and stretched out. Piper picked up the tube of gel. “I need the

deets.”

Em had promised to fill her in. “His name is Wade and he’s a bear shifter.”
Her brows rose. “Is this the same Wade you had your date with?”
“Yes.”
“A bear shifter, huh. Is that a problem?”
Emmaline had given that a lot of thought. She personally didn’t care if they were the same breed

or not, but her family was a different matter. She should probably tell them to go to hell, but she did
love them, despite their faults. “Yes and no.”

“Hmm.” She waited a beat, and when Emmaline didn’t answer, she continued. “Does Wade know

he’s going to be a father?”

“Yes.”
“What does he think?” Piper opened Emmaline’s gown and squirted the cool gel on her belly

before running the wand across her stomach.

“He thankfully hasn’t said anything about marriage, but he wants to move in with me. I’m afraid if

I let him do that, he’ll expect more.”

“More?”
“More say-so on how I do things. He’ll end up telling me that I should take it easy. Next thing I

know, he’ll be buying baby furniture.”

Piper chuckled. “That doesn’t sound half bad to me. Trust me when I say I hear a lot of stories

from pregnant women about how their husbands or boyfriends want nothing to do with the child. It’s
very sad. You’re lucky.”

Emmaline glanced at the ceiling. “Maybe. I just don’t want him to feel obligated to me.”
Piper moved the ultrasound wand around and black dots appeared on her screen—dots that made

no sense to her.

“You’re not really giving him a chance,” Piper said.
“I am, too. I work for him now, so we’ll be seeing each other all the time.”
“I might be a human, but I’ve heard a lot about this mating stuff.”
“Like what?” Em was curious what others thought about this phenomenon.
“Apparently, the physical attraction between you and your mate is beyond intense. Is that true?”
“I never said he was my mate. But as far as the sex is concerned, it’s the best I’ve ever had.”
Piper wiped off the wand, set it aside then pulled down Emmaline’s gown. “Not that you’ve

asked my opinion, but it seems to me that you two have a great start. Hell, girl, if he wants to move in
with you and be part of your life you ought to consider it. That is, if you like him.”

That was the problem. She liked Wade too much. “We’ll see.”

* * *

NCE

M M ALINE

LEFT

the doctor’s office, she headed to the grocery store, deciding that she really

needed to start eating better. A baby needed a lot of nutrients. The problem was that once she stepped
inside the store, nothing looked appetizing, but not wanting to leave empty-handed, she bought fresh
vegetables, fruit, and two packages of meat. No processed food for her baby.

As she neared her car, a man stepped out from behind his. Oh shit. It was Mr. Drake, the man

wanting to know where his wife, Mahalia, was.

He approached her. “Well, lookie who’s here.”

“Mr. Drake, I don’t know where your wife is, and even if I did, I wouldn’t be able to tell you.”
He stepped closer, straightened, and bared his teeth. Like that would frighten her? He must not

have a clue about her shifter status. Who said humans were the smart ones?

“I don’t believe you.” He swatted at one of the bags of groceries in her hand, and the hit was

strong enough to break it open. Oranges, apples, and a package of fresh meat rolled onto the ground.

She saw a red. Bending her knees, she lowered the other package to the asphalt before standing

again. “I’ll tell you for the last time. I don’t know where your wife is. Please leave.” Two of the
oranges continued to roll under another car.

Between the guilt she had from speaking with Piper about Wade, not to mention the fact she was

missing him, she’d reach the end of her patience. As Mr. Drake stepped closer—ready to do what,
she didn’t know—Em shifted. The look of astonishment and fear in his eyes almost made her laugh,
but she was too mad to do anything but attack his ass. She leapt at him, but he was able to move out of
the way before she could do any damage.

Screaming, Mr. Drake twisted around and ran out of the lot. Emmaline chased him a few feet,

growled, and then stopped. His ass wasn’t worth it. In a flash, she changed back and then retrieved
her food, mumbling and cursing the whole time. She rubbed her stomach, hoping the change hadn’t
harmed the baby.

When she collected her food, she was so shaken that even after she made it to her car, she didn’t

start the engine right away. Her hand wouldn’t stop trembling, nor could she calm her breathing. If she
didn’t need to put the groceries away, she would have driven to the shelter and spoken with Francis.
Instead, she called her volunteer boss and told her what happened. Emmaline left out the part about
shifting and chasing the man.

“Emmaline, I am so sorry. I’ll call the police and have them pick him up for assault.”
“That’s okay. I don’t think he’ll bother me again.”
“Nonsense. We can’t have the men harassing our workers. It’s not good for anyone.”
Emmaline didn’t want to make matters worse for Francis. “Thank you.”
Knowing she’d done all that she could, Emmaline started the car and headed home.

Chapter Ten

ADE

HAD

rough two days in Pittsburgh. It wasn’t the work, it was trying to figure out what to do

about Emmaline. He understood that she didn’t like being told how to run her life. Hell, he couldn’t
blame her. He really did understand that it would be hard for her to accept him as her mate. From
what she’d said, her parents would reject him, which had to be hard for her. He could live with that
though. Right now, Emmaline and the baby were his main concern.

Once he landed in Asheville Sunday morning, he headed straight to the office. There were a few

things he needed to pick up before he stopped over at her place. It might not be wise to visit, but he
couldn’t help himself. After being away from her for so long, his need had escalated to the point of
distraction. He could only hope it was the same for her.

From his desk, he retrieved the flash drive that he’d forgotten to take with him. Before he headed

out, he stopped in her office to locate a folder, and the light on the landline was flashing. Thinking the
message might be for him, he pressed the button and listened. “Hi, Emmaline. This is Francis.” Wade
should probably click it off, but he didn’t. The message continued. “I couldn’t remember if this was
your cell phone number or your work number, but I wanted to let you know that the police took Mr.
Drake in; he won’t be bothering you again.”

Anger ripped through him fast so fast he was tempted to fling the phone off the desk. Wade wanted

to know who the hell Mr. Drake was, and why the fuck he’d bothered Emmaline. This was all the
more reason for him to be with her. God, his Emmaline was stubborn. In that regard, she was very
much like a bear.

He had no choice now. Wade clicked off the office lights and headed out to his parents’ home to

tell them of his plans. Emmaline would not be happy that he was about to barge in on her life, but too
bad. It was what needed to be done to keep her and the baby safe.

It took him less than an hour to greet his parents, toss a few toiletries into a second suitcase, and

drive back to town. Given the early hour, he stopped by a fast food restaurant to pick up some ham
and egg croissants, as well as two cups of coffee. It wasn’t his first choice of food, but it was the best
he could do on short notice.

When he reached her house, fortunately, her car sat in the drive. With both suitcases and the food

bag in hand, along with the bag containing the coffee secure between his teeth, he traipsed up the front
porch and set everything down. He probably would be waking her given it was so early, but perhaps
she’d be in a better mood if her defenses were down.

He knocked and waited patiently for her to answer. A minute later, an adorable looking Emmaline

pulled open the door, dressed in an oversized T-shirt. Her hair was rumpled, and she couldn’t have
looked cuter if she tried.

“Wade? Why are you here?” She glanced from his face to what he’d brought. He couldn’t tell if

there was anger behind her confused look or not.

Without answering, he handed her the coffee and food sack, picked up his two bags and marched

in. “Where shall I put these?”

“What are you doing?”
“What does it look like? I’m moving in.” Her home was as tiny as he remembered. The kitchen

and dining room were on the right and the living room on the left. In front of him sat a hallway, and it
looked like there were maybe three rooms off it. Damn, but the small size would make this quite hard.
He’d been here before, but his mind had not been on the layout. “Which one is your room?”

By now Emmaline had perked up. “You can’t stay here.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’re not invited.”
Wade held up his palms. “Fine.” He plucked the food bags from her fingers, stepped over to the

dining room table, and sat down. “We should have some breakfast and talk about this.”

Emmaline shook her head but took the seat across from him. “Since you aren’t going to leave, I

guess I can eat.” She looked up at him. “You’re lucky you know.”

“How’s that?”
“If you weren’t a bear shifter, I’d shift and attack you.”
Emmaline sure had a sense of humor. “Call me Mr. Lucky. So how was the rest of the week? Did

everything go okay?” He wanted to divert her attention away from his plans. Wade had called her on
Friday to ask about the doctor’s appointment, but all she’d said was that it had been fine. Before he
could ask for any details, she’d received another call.

“Yes. No emergencies.”
He pulled out the croissants, and handed her one, along with a cup of coffee, and waited for her to

tell him about the altercation with the angry Mr. Drake. When she said nothing, Wade decided to
bring it up himself. “When I stopped back at the office before coming here, you had a message on the
land line. It was from Francis.” Her face paled. “Care to tell me what happened?”

“What did she say?” She passed him her coffee. “I’m not supposed to have too much caffeine.”
Damn. He forgot. “Francis said that Mr. Drake was taken in by the police.”
She got up, filled a glass full of water, and returned. “It was nothing, really.”
“If the police had to intervene, I’m thinking the offense was serious.”
She inhaled and then proceeded to tell him about Mahalia Drake and the trouble Emmaline had

with the woman’s husband. He’d accosted Em not once but twice. “I never felt as if I was in danger. I
shifted, growled, and ran after him. If I had wanted to hurt him I would have.”

Wade liked her spunk, especially the shifting part. “As long as you weren’t hurt.”
“I wasn’t.”
He wondered what else she hadn’t told him about. They both finished their meal in silence.

Emmaline was pale and her hand was trembling. He didn’t like it one bit. “I’ll toss these things in the
trash. Why don’t you get dressed?”

She didn’t argue and headed down the hallway. He cleaned up the table and looked around. Her

kitchen was a small-galley style, with old, but functional appliances. Clearly, he hadn’t paid attention
the first time he’d been there. He glanced over at the closed front door and remembered the amazing
sex they’d had against it. His cock hardened as he thought about taking her again. Christ, when he was
near her, he lost all ability to control himself.

He’d had to use every ounce of his willpower to stay away from her during work, but that was

because he didn’t want her to think he was only interested in her for sex—which he wasn’t—at least
not all the time.

When a strange sound came from the bathroom, Wade jumped up and rushed to see if Emmaline

needed help. He stood at the door and placed his ear against it. Oh shit. She was throwing up, and he
had no earthly idea what to do. Wade was good in a fight. Hell, he could handle seeing a dead body,
but he sucked when it came to dealing with a sick woman.

He knocked on the door. “Are you okay?”
“Go away.”
That worked for him, but then he pictured her hugging the toilet with her hair hanging down, and

decided he needed to go in. Wade twisted the handle and peeked his head inside. He was about to
help when she heaved again. He gagged, slipped out, and placed his back against the door. Maybe he
wasn’t fit to be a husband and father after all.

* * *

M M ALINE

SHOULD

embarrassed that Wade was seeing her like this, but she wasn’t—not really. It

came with the territory of being pregnant. While the ill effects seemed to be restricted to the
mornings, they were getting worse by the day. She feared she might be having a boy—a very large
boy bear.

When she’d questioned the doctor about the effects of having such a large child, he said the baby

shouldn’t be any bigger than any other child, but she wasn’t certain he knew. He was, after all, only a
human.

She sat back on her haunches, feeling a little better, her stomach finally having settled. After

cleaning up, she opened the bathroom door. Whoa. Wade was there, looking a little green himself.
“You okay?”

“Yes. I’m sorry I couldn’t help,” he said.
“There was nothing you could have done.” She glanced down and spotted something on her

nightshirt. “Excuse me, I need to change.” She’d been headed to the bedroom to change in the first
place when she took ill.

“Sure. I’ll wait for you in the living room,” he called after her.
She was tempted to tell him to go, that the idea of them living together would never happen, but

she didn’t have the heart, not after he’d shown such concern. She’d truly believed that when Wade
saw her at her worst, he’d walk out—but he hadn’t.

Once in the bedroom, she dressed in a lightweight pair of sweats and a large, baggy T-shirt. She

didn’t even bother putting on a bra as she wasn’t in the mood for something that restrictive.

When she stepped into the living room Wade was on the sofa. He patted the seat beside him. Not

in the mood to argue, she sat down and leaned her head against his shoulder. The comfort he brought
surprised her. Had she not been so exhausted, Emmaline might have talked about his bold move to
come here with his suitcases in hand.

“Would you like a back rub?” he asked.
That came out of nowhere. She’d love one, but she didn’t trust Wade not to take it a step further.

Hell, she didn’t trust herself. Once his strong fingers touched her body, she might relent and give in to
her urges. Even now, her body was reacting to his presence. If that happened, he’d never believe her
if she said she didn’t want to be with him.

“Okay.” Well shit. Where was her backbone when she needed it?

“Why don’t you stretch out on your stomach and rest your head on my lap? I’ll see what I can do

to make you feel better.”

Since she felt kind of crummy, she did as he suggested and rested her forehead on her folded

arms. With one hand, he gently rubbed her back, and with the other, he fingered her hair. His touch
was nice—soothing even, without being too seductive. Emmaline relaxed, letting him do his thing.
Soon she found herself working hard not to fall asleep. Lying there without any expectations was like
a drug.

She wasn’t certain how long he’d been touching her, but soon her body began to heat up from the

inside out. As soon as she recognized that danger, she rolled over and looked up at him. “That was
nice, thank you.” If she let his fingers wander any lower, the wolf in her would wake up.

“My pleasure. Would you like a foot rub?” he asked.
The man must be able to see into her soul. To her, nothing was better. “I’d love that, but only if

you let me return the favor.” She sat up and twisted around.

Wade chuckled. “Oh, no you don’t. I’m not strong like you are. Be forewarned. One touch and I

will have to possess you.”

“You have to be kidding. You want to have sex with me? I’m a mess.” At least she’d brushed her

teeth and washed her face after her incident.

“To me you aren’t.”
This new side of Wade intrigued her. He untangled her limbs and began to massage one of her

feet, but she quickly withdrew her leg from his touch, despite the intense pleasure. “What are we
doing, Wade? And I’m not talking about the foot rub.”

“Honestly?” he said. She nodded. “I want to be part of your life, Emmaline.”
“You already are. You’re the father of our unborn child as well as my boss.”
“I want more.” He folded his arms over his chest and stared at her. “Let me say this. I’m not

leaving, no matter how much you protest. I know you like me, and I know we make a good team.”

He was something else. “We’ll have to see, won’t we?”
He lowered his arms. “Does that mean I can stay?”
She chuckled. “If I said no, you wouldn’t leave, so it’s not like I have a choice.” Wade picked up

her foot again, and when he massaged the instep, relief whooshed through her.

“You’re right. There’s nothing you can say or do that will get rid of me.”
She could think of a half-dozen things that would scare off the bravest of men, but the question

was whether she wanted to do any of them.

Chapter Eleven

M M ALINE

WASN’T

CERTAIN

if she’d just agreed to give Wade a chance or not, but from the way he was

grinning, apparently she had. When she’d decided she wanted him there, she didn’t know, but it
almost felt good to give in. He reached out and stroked her arm, shooting her hormones into high gear.
Perhaps it was because she was pregnant that her rational side kept going MIA, but right now all she
could think of was having Wade.

The best way to signal him that she was interested in giving them a try was to take off her shirt. As

soon as it floated to the floor, he whistled, and his eyes glazed over.

“Welcome to my home,” she said. His mouth opened, and when he licked his lips, fire flared

inside her.

“I’ll admit I never expected this kind of reception, but I can’t tell you how happy you make me.”
“Show me.”
Wade stood and ripped off his clothes in under ten seconds flat. The sight of his large cock sent

her already bursting hormones spiraling out of control, and her mouth watered at the thought of tasting
him. She reached out, grabbed his dick, and drew him closer. Because Emmaline wanted to drive him
as crazy as he was making her, she squeezed his cock tight. Oh, how she loved his muscular hardness.

“You going to hang on forever or suck on it?”
“Both?”
Wade laughed. Vibrating with need, she leaned over and drew his hard shaft into her mouth. The

second she tasted his bear scent, her need exploded. Somehow being pregnant added to her
animalistic urges. Not able to go slow, she pumped her fist hard and sucked his dick until she drew
moans and groans from him.

He fisted her hair and tugged hard. “Emmaline.” That one word came out strangled.
As if he’d robbed her of all sanity, she reached behind him and grabbed his ass, tugging him even

closer. She swallowed hard and opened her throat to take in more of him. The moment the tip touched
the back of her mouth, he whipped her head back, and grabbed her wrist.

She looked up. “Can’t take the punishment, big boy?”
“Not around you, I can’t.” He drew her to her feet and dragged down her pants and panties. “Step

out of them.”

His touch sent wild need soaring through her. Wade dropped to his knees and spread her legs

wide, the vulnerability heightening her already needy state. As he reached between her legs, her
stomach clenched. She clamped a palm onto the top of his head and held on for dear life. He opened
her folds and teased her little bud until she was ready to scream his name. His goal seemed to be
torturing her with lust.

“Suck on me,” she growled. He obeyed by dragging his velvety tongue across her opening. Her

little bud strained as molten explosions cascaded through her. She clutched his shoulders and dug her
nails into his skin, a frenzy of desire swirling inside her. “I need your cock now.”

He looked up and smiled. Then the bastard slipped two fingers into her and wiggled them around,

banging her G spot over and over again. Her muscles convulsed and her body trembled. A howl left
her throat as her climax ripped through her, the intensity nearly taking her breath away.

Wade leaned back on his haunches then pressed up to a stand. “I see you liked that.”
“I could take it or leave it.” So what if she’d just begged him seconds before to take her. She

might have been able to convince him what she’d said was true had she been able to keep the smile
off her face.

“That so?” He held up his slick fingers. “You’re turned on. Don’t deny it.”
“A little.” She tucked her tongue in her cheek.
“I got your number, wolf lady. How about sitting down? It might be more comfortable for what I

have in mind.”

She did as he asked, expecting him to sit next to her. Instead, he straddled her, his cock pressing

against her belly. He cupped her face and when he kissed her hard, she opened up to receive him. The
moment their tongues touched, sharp spikes of need raced through her. Her own feral desires took
over, and she clutched his back, digging her nails into his skin.

The drugging kiss made her inner walls flutter. Needing air, she broke the connection and ran her

lips down his neck and over his shoulder. The slight sweat on his skin clinging to her tongue drove
her mad. What this man did to her should require a permit.

Wade cupped her breasts, and she dropped her head back. He sucked on each tip, nipping and

tugging, making her nipples swell. With each tongue swirl, the intensity grew and fire soaked her
insides until her need spiraled. As much as she loved the attention, her pussy was convulsing with a
strong ache for his cock.

“Please, Wade. Take me.”
He leaned back. “If the bear in me wasn’t banging on my chest to get out, I’d spend hours loving

your tits and devouring your mouth, but the thought of your pussy makes me want to roar.”

She laughed. “You do have a way with words. Now, fuck me.”
“What the lady asks for, she shall receive.” Wade stood and pulled her to her feet again. “Grrrr.”

He wrapped his arms around her and when he delivered another earth-shattering kiss, she’d never felt
so cherished.

Her body had a hunger that demanded satisfaction. Wrapping one arm around his neck, she

squeezed his tight butt cheeks with the other hand then pressed her breasts against his chest and
tugged. “Didn’t you promise me something?”

“I did.” Wade backed her up to the end of the sofa and twisted her around. “Grab on.”
Standing behind her, he dragged his hands across her belly and up to her tits. When he pinched her

nipples, she yelped, but the quick shot of pain quickly morphed into pleasure that rippled down to her
belly. His every touch seemed to send her closer to the edge. If she didn’t know better, she’d have to
conclude he was her mate. “Come on. You promised.” She hadn’t meant to sound so eager. The
words just came out that way.

“I did.”
He lifted the damp hair off her neck and let it hang off on the other side before placing tiny kisses

along her collarbone, sending primal need through her. When his tongue did a dance on her skin,
electric sparks shuttled up and down her body.

As much as Emmaline loved what he was doing, she had another need, the intensity of which was

burning inside her something fierce. She reached between her legs, grabbed his cock then placed it

between her pussy lips, her wet slickness coating his skin.

“You win,” he said.
One second his cock rested on her slit, and the next he was plunged deep inside her. Holy howls.

The sensation ricocheted through her like a mini tidal wave, and a series of tremors vibrated through
her entire body. Her moans alternated between growls that made her fear she might shift.

Wade lowered his hands to her waist and pressed his chest against her back. As he eased out, he

dragged her earlobe between his teeth and his breath rippled over her skin. Her resolve not to come
nearly shattered, forcing her to clutch the sofa arm. When he drove into her once more, fire swept
through her.

“Yes, Wade.”
He must’ve been waiting for her plea, because his fingers notched into her skin, and he pounded

into her as if he could no longer control his movements. He crisscrossed his arms and captured her
breasts while sinking his teeth into her shoulder. The impending storm inside her descended, and the
dam broke—the maelstrom of pleasure detonating as her orgasm exploded. His cock went off, and
heat seared her insides. His grunts came out loud, and her world seemed to tilt. As she absorbed his
animal scent, they became one in every way.

Minutes passed, and except for their rapid breaths, silence surrounded them. It took a few minutes

for her heartbeat to calm enough for her to drop onto her elbows to rest.

Wade finally withdrew and picked up his briefs. He then turned her around and wiped her clean.

“I hope you don’t think that I only came here to have sex with you.”

“No.” That was the truth. She believed his intentions had been good, but they seemed to have

trouble keeping apart, slowly convincing her that they were mates after all.

* * *

ADE

WAS

COVERED

in sweat. “You want to take a shower?”

“Have you seen my bathroom?” Her voice rose.
“It’s a little small, but maybe we can fit.”
She ran a hand down his arm. “How about if you get settled in while I shower? Then you can take

one.”

Being the guest in her house, he wouldn’t argue. He’d never lived with anyone before, so he

really wasn’t sure how this was going to pan out. “Works for me.”

Emmaline gathered her sweats and shirt and walked bare-assed down the hallway. God, she was

a beautiful woman. Wade stepped into his pants, picked up his other clothes, and gathered his two
suitcases. He’d not been to her bedroom before, but he hoped it held at least a queen-sized bed.

As soon as he entered, he could see things would be a tight squeeze. The bed was of acceptable

size and she had a dresser, but not much else. That was okay. He could handle it. Wade wanted to be
with Emmaline, and if it meant a little inconvenience, he’d deal.

For the time being, he’d leave most of his clothes in his suitcases, but he did need to hang up his

one suit and three dress shirts that he brought for when he had a meeting with a client. Most times he
could get away with casual attire at work, but not always.

Once he gathered his good clothes, he opened her closet. Well, shit. Her stuff was jammed in

there with no room for any of his gear, though he managed to snag three hangers to put his shirts on.

He ended up hanging one shirt on the doorknob, another on the closet handle, and the last he hooked
on the dresser. Possibly not the best solution, but it would have to do.

Gathering his toiletries, he headed to the bathroom. The shower was still running, so he opened

the door and stepped in. Steam billowed around the room, heating him even more.

“I’m not done yet,” Emmaline said from behind the opaque shower curtain that was covered in

howling wolves. Once his child was born, things might have to change—like having a curtain covered
with pictures of cute little bears.

“I’m just here to put up my toiletries.” Wade had to shove some of her things to the side to make

room for his razor, electric toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. Having run out of space, he stacked
what was left on top of the toilet tank. He stepped back, pleased with how he was able to fit.

She shut off the water, and a towel disappeared from over the top of the bar. A few seconds later,

a hand wiggled out of the side. “Can you hand me the pink towel?”

“Sure.” He took it off the rack, gave it to her, and then chuckled at her modesty.
Since it was now his turn to shower, he ditched his pants and waited for her to get out. When she

did, one towel was wrapped around her head and the other surrounded her body. She glanced
between the top of the toilet and the counter. “You moved my things.”

Wade was uncertain how to respond. He thought it obvious that he’d done the best he could given

the space. “What would you have liked me to have done?” He was rather pleased with his calm
reaction.

Her lips firm. “I don’t know. I’ve never lived with anyone before. Actually, that’s not true. I’ve

lived with three sisters and we had to share a bathroom, but it was always neat.”

Ouch. He could see why she was so concerned. He quickly straightened his junk. “Maybe I can

get one of those storage units that go around the toilet so I can put all my gear in there.” Emmaline
didn’t answer at first. She picked up her clothes and hugged them to her chest. “That might be good.”

She stepped past him, opened the door, and slipped out. Well that didn’t go as well as he’d

hoped. He could find solutions to people’s investment problems, yet he didn’t seem to be able to
work his magic with Emmaline. Perhaps his good friend, Burke, could give him some pointers. After
all, he’d recently moved in with Tasha, and they seemed to manage quite well. Then again, Tasha
wasn’t pregnant.

Chapter Twelve

WEEK

had to have been the worst in Emmaline’s life. What started out odd but okay, ended in

tragedy. For starters, Wade wasn’t acting normally. No matter how frustrated, sick, or testy she
became, he always had a smile on his face. That was the odd part. She should have been thrilled that
he was so easy to live with, but she knew it wouldn’t last.

Then the little things started to bother her, like how toothpaste rings would appear on her

bathroom counter under his electric toothbrush, and how the bar of soap never made it to the dish.
Even though she had a bin for the toilet paper, never once did the roll get on the holder. The toilet seat
being left up honestly didn’t bother her as much.

True to his word, he’d purchased an over-the-toilet cabinet to store his things, but that only

temporarily solved the problem as the items began to migrate to the counter. Then there was the issue
of the towels. Wade often forgot to hang his up, leaving it on the floor instead.

The bedroom was a total catastrophe. Sure her room was small, but he left his clothes strewn

everywhere. At least the sex had been great in there, though that meant she went to bed every night
exhausted. She could have handled that, but her morning sickness wasn’t getting any better. She’d
made an appointment with Dr. Samuels for next week, hoping he could give her something for the
nausea.

Work went downhill, too. By the end of the week, she found it increasingly more difficult to

concentrate since her hormones were messing with her brain. Each day she’d reminded herself that
Wade had an appointment with a very important client at noon on Friday, and that her only job was to
order in sandwiches for them. No sooner had the man arrived than she’d received a phone call from
her mother, which had distracted her.

“I wanted to remind you about Millicent’s birthday tomorrow.”
“I remember, Mom.” Now that you’ve told me. “What time would you like me there?”
“Everyone is showing up around three o’clock.”
“Can I bring anything?” She didn’t know why she bothered asking, as her mother would have

everything and then some.

“Just yourself, dear.” It was understood that she’d bring a present.
Just as she hung up, Wade came out of his office, his body stiff. “Are the sandwiches here yet?”
Blood drained from her brain. She glanced at the clock. Oh, shit. It was quarter past one. “I

forgot. I’m sorry. I know how important this meeting was to you.” Her chin trembled and her eyes
teared. “I even wrote it down.” Emmaline fumbled through the papers on her desk and actually
located the sticky note with the information on it—not that it did her any good hidden under a folder.
“I can call them now.”

“Please do.” He spun on his heels and charged back into his office. Crap. She’d messed up big

time. Everything suddenly seemed so hard. Being pregnant probably had something to do with it, or
else living together was getting to both of them.

She placed the order and promised the delivery boy an extra big tip—that she’d spring for—if he

could get the meal there in under fifteen minutes. As soon as she hung up, she realized she had yet to
get her sister a present. Emmaline had no doubt that she was slowly spiraling out of control and
prayed she could stop the descent before she hit rock bottom.

* * *

ILLICENT

SHOOK

THE

box. “I wonder what’s inside?” She turned it over. “Oh. This one’s from

Emmaline.”

Em had been at a loss as to what to buy her sister, as Millicent seemed to have everything. She

was an elementary school teacher and didn’t wear anything too fancy to work, so jewelry was a no
go.

Her sister ripped open the box and picked up the silk scarf. “How sweet.” Her smile appeared

gracious but when she stuffed her present back in the box, Emmaline had the impression it would
never be worn.

Both of her older sisters had flown in for the birthday celebration. Elizabeth, the wealthiest of the

three, gave Millicent a very classy looking blue silk coat that must have set her back a few hundred
dollars.

Millicent glowed. “This is amazing. Oh, Elizabeth, you shouldn’t have.”
“Nothing’s too good for my little sister.”
Emmaline remembered what Elizabeth had sent her on her birthday. It was a one-month

membership to the local gym that she’d yet to use. Frederica’s present was a new iPad, and her
parents had said they’d buy her a new sofa for her apartment—any one she wanted.

Millicent had squealed as if it was the best thing she’d ever received. Emmaline had to admit it

was a pretty terrific gift. Now she felt bad that her scarf wasn’t nearly as good as the rest of the
presents.

“Emmaline, will you help me get the glasses and the wine,” her mom asked.
She jumped up to help. In the kitchen, her mother set six wine glasses on the tray and filled them.

“I’d rather have water,” Em said.

“Darling, this is your sister’s birthday celebration. We always have wine.”
“I’m not feeling very well.”
Her mother’s chin lifted. “Suit yourself.”
Thanks for asking what’s wrong.
Mom left the kitchen empty-handed, meaning that Emmaline had to carry the tray. Growing up, she

often felt like Cinderella. Her three sisters were treated well, but somehow she never was. Not
wanting to think of herself as a victim, she’d taken her life and her career into her own hands by
finding her own apartment and getting a job her father hadn’t helped set up. When her dad had offered
to help with one month’s rent on her first apartment, she’d turned him down. Owing them anything
wasn’t her style.

She set the tray on the large, wooden coffee table, passed out the glasses, and then raised hers.

“Happy birthday, Millicent.”

The others drank, but she only took a tiny sip before setting her glass down.
Her mother lit the one candle on top of the cake and everyone sang happy birthday, which Em

admitted was really nice. When the pieces were cut and passed out, Emmaline tried to make the best

of the situation. Unfortunately, after eating half of her slice, her stomach decided it couldn’t handle the
rich chocolate. She put down her plate and stood. “Excuse me.”

She rushed down the hallway into the guest bathroom and made it just in time to vomit. Shit, shit,

shit. When she felt better, she rinsed out her mouth and went back to the party, hoping no one even
cared that she was gone for a few minutes. It wasn’t to be though. All eyes were on her.

Her mother straightened. “Are you all right, dear?”
“Yes.” Emmaline wanted to tell them about the baby, but with them staring at her, she lost her

nerve.

Mom’s lips turned down. “You stained your shirt.”
She looked down and heat flushed her face. Emmaline picked up her napkin and blotted the cake

residue. When she looked up, her father was scowling, and her sisters were glaring. She let out a
sigh, knowing she’d have to tell them. “If you must know, I was sick because I’m pregnant.”

Emmaline expected them to be upset, but she hadn’t anticipated the ugly stares. Her mother’s lips

were so thin they disappeared. “Who’s the father?” Mom asked with layers of bitterness and
disappointment. Clearly, the blot on the family name would never be forgiven.

“His name is Wade Black. He’s a bear shifter, if you must know.” Her stomach almost heaved

again waiting for their response.

“How could you?” Elizabeth said. “Why couldn’t you have found someone of your level of

upbringing?”

Like a human? “It’s not as if I planned this. Wade and I are mates.” The words just tumbled out,

but there was no use denying it.

Frederica laughed. “That’s rich. You don’t even believe in mates.”
“You’re right. I didn’t, but I do now. When Wade and I are together it’s like—” Pleasant images

filled her head, but only for a second as her father cut her off.

“We don’t want to hear the disgusting details. What are you going to do about it?” he asked.
His arrogant attitude pissed her off. “I’m not doing anything about it. I’m going to have the baby.

I’m sorry if you don’t approve.”

Her mother stood. “Then I think you should leave.”
Emmaline had not been ready for that. A tight band squeezed around her chest. “What do you

mean?”

“It means that if you do not leave this man, you will no longer be welcome in this family.”
Stunned, Emmaline looked between her sisters’ faces and her dad’s. All looked identical, so she

rose as gracefully as she could. “I guess that’s that.” She faced Millicent. “Happy birthday, sister.”
She hadn’t meant for her words to contain so much sarcasm, but they did.

With her stomach swirling, she grabbed her purse and sweater and ran out. If that didn’t constitute

a tragedy, she didn’t know what did.

* * *

M M ALINE

DIDN’T

WANT

to go home, but she knew she had to at some point. Facing Wade now would be

difficult. It would be hard to tell him that she’d had to choose between him and her family. Too bad,
she had no way of knowing how he’d respond.

When she found that Wade wasn’t there, she was actually relieved. Turmoil still blanketed her

though. Wade was her mate—that much she’d finally figured out.

She fixed a cup of herbal tea to help her think more clearly. As a former paralegal, she believed

in the logical thought process and mentally studied the facts. She would have this baby, and Wade
would be part of his or her life. As much as it would have been nice to have her mom or her sister
help out with the babysitting duties, with their rejection, that was out of the question. The bottom line
was that Emmaline had to decide if she could be happy never seeing them again. Even when they saw
their first grandchild, she doubted they’d change their minds.

With teacup in hand, she moved over to the dining room table and sat down. When she thought

about her dilemma, her stomach revolted again, and she made it as far as the kitchen sink before
throwing up.

Heart pounding, Emmaline realized she couldn’t live like this. She had to make a final decision

between staying with Wade and siding with her parents. In either case, she would keep the baby.

As she turned to go back to the table, she spotted a note from Wade next to the sink, stating that

while she was at her sister’s birthday party having fun, he, Burke, and Storm were getting together to
shoot pool at Justin’s Pool Hall. He asked if she would call him when she got home. She’d mentioned
the party included dinner, so he wouldn’t expect her for a while.

Needing some counsel herself, she decided to let Wade have a good time with his friends before

she broached the topic with him about what happened today. Not wanting to disturb Chey and her new
husband, she dialed Tasha.

“How was the birthday party?” her friend asked.
“It was a disaster.”
She sucked in an audible breath. “Tell me what happened.”
Discussing her problems over the phone made her uncomfortable. “Any way you can meet me at

the Cove Bar? I really need to talk to you. I’m so confused.”

“Totally. Do you want me to call Piper and Chey?”
A while ago, the four of them had agreed that more minds made for better decisions. “Do you

think we should pull Chey away from Storm? No, wait, I just remembered Storm is with Wade. Yes,
call her, please.” She hated how her brain tried to trick her.

“Are you going to be okay?” Tasha was concerned about everyone.
“I hope so.”
“I’ll call the girls and meet you as soon as we can get there.”
Emmaline hung up, poured the rest of her drink down the drain, and left, not wanting to chance

running into Wade should he decide to come home early. When she arrived at the bar, the place was
rather empty, so she was able to snag a table in their usual corner. One of the server’s came over and
asked what she liked to drink. If she hadn’t been pregnant, she would’ve ordered a double. “I’ll have
a hot tea.”

She didn’t have to wait long for her friends to arrive. Tasha came in first, then Cheyenne, and

Piper followed a few minutes later, each stopping at the bar to order drinks. Tasha must have warned
they’d need them.

Tasha placed a hand over hers. “What’s going on?”
Tears brimmed her lids. “I don’t know why I was surprised, but when I arrived at my parents’

house and gave Millicent her birthday present, it was as if I had become invisible.” She told them
about getting sick from the cake and finally having to confess that she was pregnant.

Cheyenne placed a hand over her mouth. “That didn’t go over well did it?”
“Let’s just say they told me I had to choose between being with Wade and being a member of the

family.”

All three women talked at once, their faces full of concern, anger, and injustice.
Piper leaned forward. “What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. I’m falling in love with Wade. He wants to be part of my life and is doing

everything to make the transition smooth, but of late, he’s been driving me crazy.” She told them about
the little things—the towels on the floor, his clothes everywhere, and his toiletries running into hers.

Tasha leaned back. “Oh, honey. Living with someone takes getting used to. Didn’t you tell me that

Wade was building a larger home?”

“Yes.”
“I bet when it’s done, your space problem will disappear. You need to give him a chance.”
Emmaline closed her eyes for a moment and placed a hand on her belly. She then sat up. “Do you

know what I fear the most?” All three shook their heads. “When I tell Wade that it’s either him or my
family, he may walk out. Family is very important to him.”

“Are you ready to walk away from yours?” Cheyenne asked.
That was all she’d been thinking about. “As a matter of fact, I am. I really want this baby, and I

truly believe that Wade will be an amazing father.”

The server arrived with the women’s drinks, and Tasha held up hers. “To a new beginning.”
“I can only hope,” Em said.
With the decision made, Emmaline began to feel better. Given her parents’ ultimatum, she didn’t

need to inform them of her decision. It was Wade she was worried about. She had no idea if he would
stay, or if he’d think he needed to be noble and leave.

Chapter Thirteen

“Y

KNEW?”

ADE

couldn’t believe his friends hadn’t said a word about Emmaline’s pregnancy.

Burke tipped back his soda. “Tasha would’ve killed me if I’d mentioned it. She made me

promise.”

Justin’s Pool Hall was working on getting their liquor license and needed to hurry up. Wade

glanced to Storm who just shrugged. “Same here. When a woman is pregnant, she can go from being
irritable and irrational, to loving all in a span of minutes.”

That about summed up Emmaline’s behavior. Wade picked up his pool cue and eyed the table.

“The fifteen ball in the corner pocket.” He took the shot and missed. Figured. He couldn’t do anything
right today. “She’s at her parents’ house right now for a birthday celebration.” He explained how her
relationship with her family was already strained. “She said she wasn’t sure when she would tell
them about the baby, but at some point, she’ll have to.”

“Do you think they’ll have a problem that you’re a bear shifter?” Burke asked.
Wade chuckled, but it held no mirth. “They’re about as prejudiced as they come. All species,

except humans, are beneath them, which was why I didn’t go with her today.”

Storm lined up his shot and took it. The ball dropped in the pocket, but his next shot would be

more difficult. He leaned the cue against the table. “That might be a good thing—no in-law visits.”

Wade held up his hands. “We haven’t even discussed marriage yet.” He could tell from their

furtive glances they were surprised. “I do plan to ask her, guys, but I don’t want to rush her and
chance she’ll say no. I need to give Emmaline time to get used to having me around.”

“Don’t tell me you’re a slob,” Storm said, and Wade nodded. “You better shape up or she might

boot you out.”

“I’m trying. It’s just that her house is too damned small. I have no place to put my shit.”
“When will your house be ready?” Burke asked, taking a drink then placing it on a nearby table.
“Not for another few months. Before they finished putting in all the walls, I want Emmaline’s

opinion on how big she’d like some rooms.”

“You haven’t asked her?” Storm’s brows pinched.
“I will when I believe she won’t snap my head off.”
His friends laughed. “She has you whipped, boy,” said Burke.
“Only because she’s fragile. I’m walking on eggshells here.”
Storm picked up his cue and sunk two more balls before missing the next one. “Do you love her?”

he asked.

Wade’s pulse raced. That was about the only question he didn’t need to think about. “Yes. And

it’s not just because she’s my mate. Emmaline works hard, and she wants to please, but she has a
mind of her own, too. She’s no pushover, that’s for sure. I truly believe she’s not interested in my
money either.”

Storm slapped him on the back. “You’re a lucky man, Wade. I can’t wait until Cheyenne and I

start a family.”

Wade leaned a hip against the table. “I am excited about our child, though I never thought I’d have

one so soon. Now all I have to do is figure out how to win Emmaline’s heart.”

“What about your business up north?”
Since returning to Hidden Hills, he and Burke had shared a lot about their companies and their

financial success. Burke was planning to invest with Wade in the coming months.

“That’s another hurdle I need to figure out. Even though I spend more of my time here, most of my

clients live in Pittsburgh. If I want to stay in business, I need to spend a lot more time there, but I
don’t want to leave Emmaline for weeks on end.”

“Take her with you,” Burke suggested.
“I’m thinking of doing that, but I need to ask her first. Do you think she’ll say yes? She was born

and raised here.”

Burke and Storm looked at each other and then shrugged.
“Only way to find out is to ask her,” Burke said. “If her parents aren’t supportive of her, she might

want a change of scenery. Then again, what do I know? I’ve given up trying to second guess what
Tasha’s thinking.”

“I think she’ll go,” Storm chimed in. “She’s your administrative assistant and shouldn’t care if

she’s in Hidden Hills or Pittsburgh. Hell, she might like the taste of big city life.” That was funny
coming from Storm since he’d left Baltimore for that very reason.

That was Wade’s logic, too, but he didn’t know if Emmaline would agree.

* * *

M M ALINE

WAS

SCARED.

She’d thought about calling Wade and asking him to come home, but she needed

the time to think. The girls were right. She hadn’t really given him a chance. From the moment he’d
moved in, she hadn’t budged an inch about anything. She complained when he didn’t clean up after
himself, and yet there really wasn’t any place for him to store his clothes.

They kept bumping into each other in the kitchen, but perhaps she should have given him more

room. She bet not many men would be willing to stay around when their woman was sick all the time.
That couldn’t be sexy.

Wade Black was a good man, and Emmaline needed to make sure she didn’t chase him off.
Before he arrived home, she needed to get ready. Knowing he could have any woman he desired,

Emmaline wanted to show him that she really wanted him there. Initially, it might have been because
she was pregnant, but now she believed he truly cared for her, and that they share a deep-seeded
connection.

God only knew she hadn’t been the best employee either. If they were going to make a life

together, she needed to work harder—starting with making herself a little more presentable. She’d
gotten into the habit of wearing her sweatpants and a shapeless top around the house. Wade hadn’t
seemed to care, but the man deserved better. She scrounged through her drawers to find her sexiest
bra and panties. She remembered how much he liked the outfit she’d worn when she interviewed with
him and plucked up those. Wanting to dress in something that was easy to remove, she donned a sheer
black blouse, and a stretchy skirt that he could tug off.

While she couldn’t have anything to drink, she certainly could eat. The other day she’d purchased

her usual half-gallon of chocolate ice cream, but she’d also picked up some chocolate sauce and a can

of whipped cream, and her imagination ran wild. Wade would be in for a surprise when he came
home.

Her strategy was to seduce him, and then she’d feel more comfortable having the discussion about

their future.

* * *

EFORE

ADE

WENT

back to Em’s house, he visited his parents. While he was confident they’d be

thrilled with his decision to be with Emmaline on a permanent basis, he wanted to make sure they
didn’t have any objections. While there, he wanted to pick his mom’s brain. Hopefully, she could
provide some insight as to how to deal with Emmaline’s mood swings. After all, Mom had been
pregnant twice.

He only spent forty-five minutes with them, not wanting to keep Emmaline waiting if she was

home, but the trip had been insightful. Basically, his mother said to give Emmaline anything she
wanted. His dad had disagreed, but from the sparkle in his eyes and the stories his father told about
some of his mom’s strangest demands, he’d probably done just that. All in all, they’d shared some
good laughs.

While he’d texted Emmaline with his time of arrival, she’d never gotten back to him. He’d

debated picking up some flowers as a peace offering to surprise her when she arrived home, but not
only would the stores be closed, he had no idea if she’d go off on him. She might say he was trying to
buy her. Of late, Emmaline’s reactions had made no sense, but that only made him more determined to
win her over.

When he spotted her car in the drive, his gut tightened. Tonight, he planned to tell her just how he

felt—that he wanted a life with her. A man could only wait so long. He unlocked the front door and
stepped in, but he was not prepared for what he saw. Candles lit the room, creating a sexy, warm
vibe. Emmaline was leaning against the back of the sofa, dressed in the most seductive outfit he’d
ever seen, and his brain ceased to function.

“What are you doing?” As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized he’d probably made a

mistake. Fuck it. She couldn’t expect he’d always say the right thing.

“I want a fresh start.” She walked toward him, slowly, enticingly, with purpose, causing his cock

to painfully harden and his mouth to turn dry. “I know I’ve been difficult to live with—and to work
with—but I want to make a change.”

The animal in him nearly exploded. “Do you want to sit down and talk about it?” Please say no.
“Do you?” She ran a finger down his chest and then latched a finger in his jeans waistband.
His thought process completely stopped. “Not really.”
“I say we table the discussion until later. Showing is so much more fun.” She winked and his

pulse raced. “I’d like to try something new.”

“Oh, yeah. What’s that?” A vein in his neck throbbed.
“I bought some whipped cream and hot chocolate sauce.”
The bear in him nearly burst out of his skin, and he had to clear his throat to even speak. “Where

do you suggest we put this cream and sauce?” He closed his eyes for a split second and pictured
licking the cream off her tits and the chocolate sauce from her belly. His bones nearly cracked,
desperate for release.

“I’m open to suggestions; wait here a second.” Emmaline sauntered over to the kitchen and picked

up something then twisted around, but he couldn’t tell what it was since her hands were behind her
back.

“What do you have there?” He tried to look around her, but she twisted to the side. With a sense

of dramatic flair, she slid her arm from behind her back and dangled one of his ties from her fingertip.
Lust raced through his veins. “You asking me to tie you up?” He’d like nothing better.

“I thought it might be more exciting if I blindfolded you.”
His first thought was to say no, but then he remembered he’d promised himself that he’d loosen up

and give her what she wanted. “And then what?”

“Where would the fun be in that if I told you?” She stepped closer and wrapped the tie around his

neck. When she pressed her breasts against his chest, white-hot need sizzled through him. He wanted
nothing more than to slam her against the wall and make love to her, but this wasn’t about his need.
Emmaline had an agenda, and he needed to be brave enough to go along with it.

“I’m game.” How long he would last with her hands and mouth on him was anyone’s guess. She

dragged her fingers up and down the tie, and he pictured her doing the same thing to his cock. His
need grew to epic proportions.

“By the way,” she said, “I told my parents that I was pregnant and that you were my mate.”
She’d said that so casually, it was as if all had gone well, but he didn’t want to break the mood by

asking for details. Instead, he focused on the second half of her comment. “You believe you’re my
mate?”

She laughed. “I know I haven’t been very receptive to that idea, but when I gave it some thought, I

realized we were destined to be together.”

Happiness nearly drowned him. He circled her waist and spun her around. “That’s fantastic.”

When he set her down, he kissed her with every ounce of passion in his body. He would do anything
for Emmaline. She was his, now and forever. “You said something about blindfolding me?” He
wanted to make her happy.

She smiled. “I did. Turn around.” She placed the tie over his eyes and made what was probably a

very neat bow. “Can you see?” she asked, turning him to face her.

“No.” He had to admit this was a new experience for him. He was the one to blindfold the

woman. Now he was at Emmaline’s mercy.

She ran her palms under his shirt, and when she cupped his pecs, his body ignited. “First things

first,” she said. “You need to take off my clothes, and I’m not going to help you.”

He laughed. “What a hardship.” He reached out and when he slid his hands under her shirt to cup

her tits, their fullness altered something inside him. He ran his thumbs across the tips, and when she
moaned, he wanted to rip the clothes from her body—but he wouldn’t. “You don’t know how long
I’ve been dreaming of doing this.”

“We had sex last night, or don’t you remember?”
“I must’ve forgotten.” Not true. He remembered every kiss and delicious touch. He slid his hands

from under her blouse and located the top button. With practiced ease, he undid each one until the
material flowed open. “You are so beautiful.”

She laughed, just as he’d hoped. “You can’t see me.”
“I don’t need to. I can feel you. Remember, you’re my mate. I can sense everything about you.”
“Can you sense what I want to do with you?”

Emmaline was such a delight. “I’m not telling. Where would be the fun in that?”
She tapped his chest. “You need to finish what you started.”
“Deal.”
The bra had one of those front opening clasps that he truly loved. He should send a thank you note

to the manufacturer. He unsnapped it and dragged his thumbs over her distended nipples. He so
wanted to devour her, but for once in his life, he would force himself to take his time. This was a new
beginning for them, and he wanted to get it right.

He then slipped her blouse off her shoulders and slid the bra straps down her arms. Where either

piece landed he had no idea, but he didn’t care. His focus was on tasting her.

Wade leaned over, and when he captured a nipple in his mouth, excitement raced through him.

The animal inside him was ready to get out, but he wanted to enjoy every inch of her first. He thought
he could savor her for a while, but with the way her arousal was perfuming the air, Emmaline was
needy, too.

She grabbed his crotch. “I need you naked.”
“Uh-uh. I’m not finished with my delicious task.”
“Then hurry.” He loved the breathiness of her response. He was getting to her.
He couldn’t remember if she had on shoes, but it didn’t matter. “Turn around.”
With his hands on her waist, he could feel her body twist. He then fumbled in the back for the

zipper, but couldn’t find one. “Where is it?”

She laughed. “There isn’t one. Just tug.”
“I’m liking that.” He pulled on it and the skirt practically fell off. “Step out of it.”
Given she tilted to one side then the other, he guessed she obeyed. His fingers stroked her hips.

“Are they red like the set you wore to the interview?”

“They are.”
His hands tightened on her hips and he spun her back around to face him. Sliding his palms

between the lacy material and her curvaceous ass, he tugged her panties to her thighs. When his balls
tightened and the hair on his arms thickened, he had to work hard not to shift on her. She didn’t need
to be reminded that he was a bear.

Brushing his hands aside, she grabbed hold of the elastic and stepped out of his grasp. “Hey,” he

said.

“It’s my turn. Don’t move.”
She had to be kidding. “If I shift, it won’t be my fault.” With his vision cut off, his sense of smell

heightened. “I like your perfume.”

“It’s called eau de wolf.”
He laughed. “I bet.”
“Lift your arms,” she commanded and he did. Instead of her whipping off his shirt, she raised it

halfway and licked her way between his nipples.

“None of that. Only I get to suck on tits.”
“Spoilsport. You’ll pay for that.” As he tried to lift off his shirt, she swatted away his hands.
This time, she removed his shirt in one fluid movement. He was dealing with the sensory

overload rather well until she unbuttoned his jeans, reached in, and grabbed his cock. Then a tidal
wave of desire descended. Between her acceptance of them being mates, his lack of vision, and her
delicate touch, it was all too much. The bear in him exploded, and he shifted.

A strangled cry escaped from her lips.

Chapter Fourteen

“W

ADE!

HAT

ARE

you doing?”

A second blue flash nearly blinded her, and then he was back to his glorious, half-naked self. He

tore off the blindfold. “Shit. I’m sorry.” Wade gathered her in his arms and kissed her. “I became too
excited.”

“That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever done. I was a bit startled, that’s all.”
“If I didn’t love you so much, I could have controlled myself.”
Emmaline wasn’t sure she heard him. “Could you repeat that?”
He grinned. “You heard me. I love you, girl.”
She probably should say she loved him, too, but it might be more fun to see what he’d do to worm

it out of her. “Well, that makes one of us—unless you can convince me I should love you back.” She
giggled.

Wade kicked off his boots and socks then ripped down his jeans and briefs. “Let’s see what I can

do to persuade you.”

She smiled and then raised her brows. “I was hoping we could have a repeat performance of the

creation.”

His forehead furrowed. “The creation?”
Sometimes men were dumb. “Don’t you remember when I straddled you in the back seat of the

truck the night we created this baby?”

His mouth opened. “You want to have sex in the truck?”
She chuckled as she shook her head. “No. I want to straddle you.”
“Ah.”
She grabbed his hand and dragged him to the dining room. “Sit down. Please.”
As soon as he was seated in all his nakedness, she rushed into the kitchen and grabbed the jar of

chocolate and the whipped cream. She’d always had a fantasy of making a sundae out of his dick, his
luscious lips, and a few other parts.

She set the two items on the table, debating whether she should retrieve the blindfold. “Close your

eyes.”

“Then I can’t feast on your beauty.”
She opened her mouth, and he held up his hands. “Fine.” Wade closed his eyes.
Decisions, decisions. She picked up the can of whipped cream and squirted a dollop on his lips.

He immediately licked it off.

“No fair. That’s my job,” she complained.
He laughed, but kept his eyes closed. “Try me again. I’ll do better this time.”
She encircled his lips with the cream, and when he didn’t move, she smiled. He was empowering

her, and she loved him more for it. She leaned over to lick the cream off his lips, but before she
reached her destination, he cupped her tits.

“Mmm,” he said. “I like these.”

“You’re not playing fair.” Acting fast, she kissed him, getting the cream over her lips and part of

her face.

He growled and opened his eyes. “You cannot be in charge any longer. You are irresponsible

with the goods. Look at you. You’ve made a mess.” He swiped the thumbs across her upper lip and
ate the cream.

He then slipped the can from her hands and squirted her tits. “Cold!” she cried out.
A second later his lips latched onto her nipples, warming her up. Even though divine bliss

skittered over her body, this was war—one she was determined to win. As soon as he took a breath,
she scooted off his lap, dipped her finger in the chocolate, and slathered it on his cock.

Wade glanced down. “You better lick every drop of that off, or I’ll have to reciprocate.”
“Oh, yeah?” If she wanted him to impale her, she’d have to clean him up. Emmaline dropped to

her knees, spread open his thighs, and leaned over. As much as she wanted to torment him by licking
him slowly, her need had escalated. “Close your eyes again.”

He did as she asked. Diving onto his cock, she sucked him hard, loving the added bonus of the

chocolate. His heated skin had already started to melt the thick goo, and as she wrapped her tongue
around him, her insides smoldered with desire.

He latched onto her shoulders and kneaded her skin, his fingers pressing harder the deeper she

took him. His moans and grunts cocooned them in their own world—one they were about to share.

Her excitement soared, pushing her to the verge of shifting, but she centered herself on what she

was doing to Wade and pushed back the urge, gaining back some control.

“Stop!” Wade nearly shouted.
She glanced up. His eyes were still closed and his breathing had turned rapid. “Sit on me. Now.”
A clear liquid had bubbled up from his cock. Phew. That was a close call. Emmaline stood and

straddled him. This time, she had room to do what she wanted. She hadn’t treated him the best in the
last week or two as she’d been irritable and not always willing to compromise. The pregnancy had
contributed partly to her bad mood, but mostly it was her. She was scared. Scared of having a baby.
Scared of being with a man she didn’t know that well, and scared of what actually had happened—
getting kicked out of her family. Having Wade in her arms, though, made it all worthwhile.

“I love your tits.” He opened his eyes and grinned.
“You can love them all you want because I intend to love your cock more.” As much as she

thrilled every time he licked her pussy, right now, it was throbbing and aching for him. Desperate for
his loving, she grabbed his dick, held it tight, and sat on him.

Her juices slickened the way as his thick cock entered and stretched her wide. Shudders wracked

her body with each inch traveled.

“Christ, you feel good,” Wade said.
He plowed his fingers through her hair and drew her face to his. The drugging kiss that followed

tortured her all the way down to her clit. Their tongues clashed, and a new energy built inside her.
They were becoming one and being mated in the truest sense.

While maintaining their kiss, she dug her fingers into his corded muscles, all the while lifting up

and then dropping down on him. Desire spread through her like wildfire. She ran her hands up to his
neck, and then cupped his cheeks, wanting to touch every plane and slope of his body while she
fucked him hard.

Wade broke the contact, dipped his head, and captured first her right nipple and then her left.

Streaks of pleasure rippled out in tiny waves across her heated skin. He grabbed her hips, held her
tight, and plowed into her, sending her already rapidly beating heart into overdrive. She clamped
down on him like a vice, wanting more of the texture, the pressure, and his heat, her animalistic urges
exploding.

Wade looked up at her. “I can’t take much more.”
Her body tensed, and then began to shake in carnal desire since her need for him was beyond

anything she’d ever experienced. As his cock filled her to the hilt, pinwheels of light burst behind her
lids, and her teeth extended in true wolf form. She leaned over and when she sunk her canines into his
neck, Wade bellowed, making their union almost complete. He returned the favor and clamped down
hard on her, and together they ascended. Chaos swirled inside her as she was transported to another
world, and her orgasm consumed her, matched only by his bursting cock.

He roared loudly, and she howled. Together they became one, and she couldn’t have been more

content.

* * *

FTER

THEY

CLEANED

up, Wade insisted they talk. “Go sit in the living room, and I’ll fix us something to

drink,” he said.

“Herbal tea for me.”
“You got it.”
He was a wonderful man. She had no doubt that he would make an incredible father, too. A few

minutes later he entered carrying the two drinks. He set them on the coffee table and dropped down
next to her. “You want to tell me what happened at your parents?”

“You have to promise you won’t get mad.”
“Why would I be mad? You’re here aren’t you?”
She twisted toward him and curled her legs under her. “I gave my sister a scarf for her birthday.”

She wasn’t sure how she could possibly explain why she felt so small.

“She didn’t like it?”
“She pretended to.” Emmaline then explained what her sisters and parents had given Millicent. “I

was okay with that. They have money to burn, so I get it. Then we had wine and cake.” Wade’s brows
rose. “Don’t worry I didn’t have anything to drink, but the cake was too rich and I got sick.”

“Let me guess. When you told them you were pregnant, they asked who the father was, and you

told them about me—a bear shifter.”

“That about sums it up. I tried to explain how incredible you were, but they all acted as if I had

betrayed them.” She glanced away. “My mother then told me that either I left you or I was no longer
welcome in the family.” She grabbed his hands and pulled them to her lips. “I was so afraid when you
found out that you would try to do the noble thing and leave.”

“If I thought that your family treated you well, I might have. Do you think they will change their

mind once the baby is born?”

Emmaline released his hands, picked up her tea, and took a sip. “I thought about that all the way

home, and I think the answer is no, but then I realized I don’t want them around if they plan to treat our
child like he’s a second-class citizen. This upsets me since I don’t like to disappoint anyone.”

“I know. It’s one of the things I love about you.”

She sniffled. “Since you were with your friends, I decided to speak with mine. They are very

wise. The first thing Cheyenne asked was if I loved you.”

Wade traced a finger down her arm. “What did you say?”
He’d told her how he felt, and now it was her time to tell him. “I told her that I loved you more

than anything in the world. And I mean it from the bottom of my heart. At first, I was scared. Scared of
having a baby and maybe scared that you would leave me. I know I never believed in someone being
a person’s mate, and maybe there is no such thing, but what I do know is that we belong together. I’m
going to do whatever I can to make our relationship work.”

“It already does work. You are everything I’ve ever wanted. You’re kind, smart, and seem to

enjoy being with me. There is no denying that physically the two of us together are perfection.”

She smiled. “That we are.”
“Perhaps now is as good a time as ever to ask you to come with me to Pittsburgh.”
She wasn’t sure exactly what that entailed. “For how long?”
“That depends on you. I have a nice home there, and as much as I enjoy being here, your place is a

bit small.”

She laughed. “You do have a way with words.”
“As you know, I am building a home in Hidden Hills, but that will take time. I also have clients

here, so I will have to return periodically. You can decide if you want to come back with me when I
do. What do you say?”

Emmaline lifted onto her knees, scooted forward, and straddled him again. She wrapped her arms

around his neck and touched her forehead to his. “As long as I’m with you, I’ll be happy.”

“Then I say you should get packing, girl.”
“Are you always going to be this bossy?”
He grinned. “I think we both know who the boss is of the two of us.”
That would be me.

* * *

M M ALINE

FOLLOWED

ADE

into his Pittsburgh home, his arms full of packages. “You didn’t have to buy

me so many clothes.”

He looked back over his shoulder. “I want you to feel comfortable.”
“A couple pair of sweatpants would have done the trick.”
He chuckled. “Not when you’re in the office.”
She walked next to him into their massive bedroom. She swore it was the size of her entire house

back in Hidden Hills. His high-rise overlooked downtown Pittsburgh and the Ohio River. It was
simply stunning.

“I thought tomorrow,” he said, “we could pick out a paint color for the baby’s room.”
Fearing something might happen, she thought it was a little too soon. While she had something for

her nausea, and her mornings were much easier now, it didn’t mean she was out of the woods. “I’d
like to wait until after my first trimester if that’s okay with you.”

He shrugged. “Whatever you want.”
Emmaline still couldn’t believe she was here with Wade. If they did have an argument over

something, it ended quickly, and she’d never been happier in her life. “What time did you say your

parents and sister were arriving?” He claimed they often came to visit, but she suspected this time
they were coming because he wanted them to meet her before her body ballooned.

“They should be here in about an hour. My folks will pick Holly up from the airport and come in

together.”

“I guess I should get dressed then.”
She wanted to cook dinner for them, but Wade thought it would be easier on her if they all went

out. While she unpacked her new clothes, Wade returned to the living room. He’d bought her a
beautiful pale green dress that tucked under her breasts and flowed to below her knees. While the
dress was absolutely stunning, it was the jade necklace that made the outfit so special. Wade had
spent so much money on her that she felt a little guilty, but he said he loved buying her things. All of
this overwhelmed her, and it would take some time getting used to it, but what a wonderful time she
was going to have.

Less than an hour later, the doorbell rang. She inhaled, nervous that things wouldn’t go well.

While she’d never met his parents or his older sister, he promised her they would love her.

Emmaline stepped out of the room and when she saw Mr. Black, she smiled. Wade was his

spitting image. Mrs. Black was much shorter, and rather round, but she had the sweetest face. Next to
them was his sister Holly. She was tall and built like Wade, but had lighter hair and fairer skin.

“Come meet the family, Emmaline.” In their foyer sat three suitcases, neatly stacked. Wade must

not take after them.

Mrs. Black was the first to greet her with a hug. “Welcome to the family.”
Mr. Black followed suit. “My boy sure does have good taste.”
His compliment made her blush.
Holly held out her hand. “So nice to meet you.”
Wade placed a palm on her back. “Let’s all sit in the living room for a bit, and then we can head

on out to eat.”

Wade had set four glasses on the coffee table—wine for his family and sparkling cider for her.

They all sat, except for Wade.

He glanced to each of them. “I’m so grateful that you all could be here for this momentous

occasion.”

She had no idea what he was talking about, but from the smiles on his family’s faces, they did.

Wade stepped in front of her, dropped down to one knee, and picked up her hand. Her pulse
skyrocketed.

“I would have done this a long time ago,” he said, “but I wanted to make certain you would say

yes.”

Emmaline’s heart nearly jumped out of her body. Perhaps it was the hormones, or just all her sass,

but she looked at him with total innocence. “How can you be sure I will now?”

“Because I’m hot, rich, and your mate.”
She burst out laughing. “That you are.”
He dipped his hand in his jacket pocket and withdrew a ring that contained a huge large chocolate

diamond sandwiched by two white diamonds. “This ring represents the three of us as a family. We
have been blessed with the special gift of a baby. You and I are the smaller diamonds who will
always surround and protect our child.”

All words left her. Her body shook and tears of happiness streamed down her face.

Wade slipped next to her on the sofa. “Are you okay?”
His concern only made her tear up more. “Yes.”
“Then would you do me the honor of being Mrs. Wade Emerson Black?”
“It would be my dream to be your wife.”
His father cleared his throat. “I hope you understand that we all come as a package.”
His mom elbowed his dad. “He’s only kidding, Emmaline.”
“Am not. This might be our only grandchild, and I want to be part of its life, as well as

Emmaline’s.”

“I’d love to have three more wonderful people to share in my journey.”
Surrounded by this new family, the most wonderful man of the world, and her unborn child,

Emmaline Nettles was one happy woman.

The End

MONTANA PROMISES (Full length contemporary)

Promises of Mercy

(book 1)

Foundations For Three

(book 2)

Montana Fire

(book 3)

Hart To Hart

(book 4)

ROCK HARD, MONTANA (contemporary novellas)

Montana Desire

(book 1)

Awakening Passions

(book 2)

PACK WARS (Paranormal)

Training Their Mate

(book 1)

Claiming Their Mate

(book 2)

Rescuing Their Virgin Mate

(book 3)

Box Set

(books 1-3)

Loving Their Vixen Mate

(book 4)

Fighting For Their Mate

(book 5)

HIDDEN HILLS SHIFTERS (Paranormal)

An Unexpected Diversion (book 1) – Free

Bare Instincts

(book 2)

Shifting Destinies (book 3)

Embracing Fate (book 4) – coming soon

Author Bio

Want a FREE book? Sign up for my newsletter and receive MONTANA DESIRE.

COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER:

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Check out my latest interview on You Tube:

youtube.com/watch?v=sQo5pyyVMDI

Not only do I love to read, write, and dream, I’m an extrovert. I enjoy being around people and am
always trying to understand what makes them tick. Not only must my books have a happily ever after,
I need characters I can relate to. My men are wonderful, dynamic, smart, strong, and the best lovers in
the world (of course).

You’ll find me most days on my chaise lounge with my laptop and my iced tea(unsweetened!) on

the side table. I love to sleep in late and write into the wee hours. I also love FB, so you’ll find me on
there, too!

I believe I am the luckiest woman. I do what I love and I have a wonderful, supportive husband,

who happens to be hot!

Fun facts about me

(1) I’m a math nerd who loves spreadsheets. Give me numbers and I’ll find a pattern.

(2) I’m addicted to taking pictures (I taught high school photo for 30 years). I plan to periodically

post some of my favorites on my newsletter [so sign up!].

(3) I also like to exercise. Yes, I know I’m odd. Not only do I walk with different women each week,

I teach Pilates twice a week at a local rec center, and lift weights the other days.

I love hearing from readers either on FB or via email (hint, hint).

Social Media Sites

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Document Outline

Title Page
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Other Books by the Author
About the Author

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