by Vaughn, V.
He comes behind me and wraps an arm around my waist as he points off to the left. “You’re right around that corner.”
“It’s not that far.”
“No. It’s too far. But now that we’re bonded, I’m not going to be able to handle many nights without you by my side.” He’s still naked, and his erection presses against my back. I detect the sweet odor of my arousal, and I’m slightly horrified knowing that he’s been aware of my attraction all this time. But I push the revelation out of my head.
“I suspect I won’t be able to, either, will I?”
Ergan kisses the back of my neck. “Probably not.”
I only fastened one button on the shirt, and it’s slippery in my fingers as I release it while I turn around and face my mate. Ergan slips his hand under the fabric and around my waist to pull me against his body. I whisper, “Show me your room.”
* * *
A large woman squeezes me tight enough that I think my ribs crack. “Goodness, you have no idea how happy I am to meet you, Kayla.”
She releases me, and I step back. “It’s so wonderful to meet you, too, Mrs. Wakefield.”
She waves a finger at me, and I’m reminded of the day on the bus when Ergan did the same when he warned the players about kissing. She says, “You’ll be calling me Betsy.”
“Betsy.”
She grabs my hand and yanks me along as I shoot a glance at Ergan. He grins at me, and I think he’s proud to be showing me off. Our feet thump over the hardwood floor as she brings me to the back. The deck is more like a porch and wraps around either side of the house.
The aroma of ribs grilling makes my stomach growl, and Betsy turns to me. “Isn’t food so much fun now?”
I smile. “I liked it well enough before, but yeah. It tastes so amazing in this state.”
We approach a man that gives me a glimpse into what Ergan will look like when he’s older. Silver fox comes to mind, because his dad is strikingly handsome. He holds out a large hand. “Kayla, I’m Ted.”
I reach for it, and he traps me in his grip as I say, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” Ergan has disappeared, but I’m comfortable with his parents.
Betsy asks, “What can I get you to drink? Wine? Beer?”
“A beer would be great, thank you.”
Ted hasn’t let go of my hand, and I return my attention to him. He says, “Betsy’s going to be a bit much to take, but you’re going to be her first daughter-in-law.” He speaks low, although I’m sure all the wolf ears can hear us. “She’ll be asking for grandchildren next spring, so watch out.”
I give him a wink. “Got it. I’ll be prepared.”
Ergan returns to me with two guys that are slight variations of him. “You trying to steal my girl, Dad?”
Ted chuckles and lets go of my hand. “She’s mighty pretty, but I’m a married man. I’ll let you have this one.”
I grin at him and imagine he had his pick of women in his day. Ergan says, “Kayla, these are my brothers.” He hits one hard in the stomach with the back of his hand. “This is the baby, Ekton.”
Ekton grunts and extends a hand to me. I shake it as my mate says, “And this is my big brother, Esher.” Esher tucks Ergan’s head under his arm and rubs his hair before he reaches out for my hand.
I watch their strange behavior and imagine what it must have been like in this house when they were all younger. Ergan steps next to me and wraps a protective arm around my shoulders as Esher says, “I heard you’re coaching girls’ varsity soccer. You’ve got a good team this year.”
“I do.”
I chat with the Wakefield boys until Betsy pulls me away to give me a tour of the house and share stories of Ergan as a child. She just retired from teaching kindergarten, and it hits me that I’ll probably work as I raise my children, too.
When dinner is ready, we all sit at a picnic table, and I gaze at ribs, burgers, and a variety of salads spread out before me. Multiple conversations are happening, and I smile as I listen. The Wakefields are a rowdy bunch. Ergan is by my side, and he places a hand on my thigh. I glance around at my new family, and my heart is so full with love it feels like it’s going to burst.
I’d always dreamed I’d marry a man that would be my partner and stand by my side. Somehow I lost my way, but now that I’ve found Ergan, I’ve found the man I’ve been searching for all my life. Because we are bonded true mates, Ergan will protect me, and I’ll protect him. As equals. I reach under the table and take his hand to squeeze it. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
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V. Vaughn also has a complete bear shifter serial - Called by the Bear. Try Part 1 for free. Or get the complete set of nine parts.
Tempted by the Bear is the continuation of Called by the Bear and is available in Kindle Unlimited now.
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From V. Vaughn
Winter Valley Wolves
Brindle
Bosun
Berch
Chosen
Ergan
Esher 10/25
Ekton 11/12
About the Author
V. Vaughn lives in New Hampshire and spends winter weekends in the woods of Maine. She might have seen a wolf, or two….
V. Vaughn also writes Sport Romance as Violet Vaughn. You can read more about her Boys of Winter series here.
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