Happy Howlidays: Shifters in Love Romance Collection (Shifter in Love Book 1)

by V. Vaughn

  He grabbed the ax he’d leaned against the tree. As he chopped it down, he tried to ignore the growing ache in his chest. Over the last few years, the desire to start a family of his own had been clawing at his chest. Or maybe it was his bear’s desire.

  Regardless, he’d been thinking about how much it sucked to be alone. But he had his hands full with the ranch and hadn’t had a lot of time to look for dates. He probably could have tried online dating, but he’d been reluctant. He didn’t want to end up with a crazy city girl who was just looking for a fast ride with a cowboy. No, he wanted something more. Something deeper than simply lust.

  He glanced at Jessica. Lust certainly factored into their relationship, but there was more to it. Given enough time, it might even become something. But how could he get more time with her? He couldn’t exactly order his ranch hands to stay away for the whole month of January. They’d all be back before New Year’s Eve.

  As he hauled the tree toward the trailer he’d attached to his truck, he tried to come up with a good solution. Nothing came. But he was a smart guy with a few more days in which to figure it out. He’d come up with something.

  Back at the house, he dragged the tree up the front porch into the living room. When he stood it in the tree stand, the tip folded over. He almost crossed his legs at the thought of what was coming next.

  “I’ll get a knife,” she said wickedly.

  “I’ll do it.”

  “You won’t pass out?”

  “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

  “I love watching you squirm.” She sat on the couch, elbows on her knees, hands on her chin. Waiting.

  “Sadist.”

  “Snip, snip.”

  He went to the garage to grab a pair of tree trimmers. When he returned, her grin widened.

  “Wait!”

  “What?”

  “I want popcorn.”

  “Not a chance.”

  “Spoil sport.”

  “I’m really beginning to wonder about you,” he said.

  “Oh really? What are you wondering?”

  “I’m wondering if I want to keep you around longer than just a few more days.” He blurted it out without thinking. He was planning on making a joke, but missed the punchline by a mile.

  Her mouth hung open. He crossed the room in two quick strides, then gave her a rough kiss. Screw it. She might as well know what he’d been thinking. Not that he wanted any kind of response right now. In fact, he was freaking out. Where the hell were the trimmers? He snatched them up and chopped the top of the tree off in one quick motion. It didn’t even hurt. Not like his heart. Because right before he’d turned his back on her, she’d looked away.

  6

  Jessica had replayed his comment through her head at least fifty times a day over the last few days. Had he really meant it? Did he want more than just a holiday fling? And if so, what would that look like? How would they date without anyone knowing?

  She flipped onto her side and gazed at his sleeping form. It was Christmas Eve and they’d gone to bed early. Not to sleep, but to make love all night. It had taken on an almost desperate edge. The closer it came to Christmas, the more frantic his kisses, the more frenzied her heart.

  Her bear was beside herself with frustration. Just yesterday, the beast had demanded to know why she hadn’t married her mate already. Married? They’d only known each other a few days. Well, a few months, really, but only as boss and ranch hand. However, over the last week, she’d learned everything about him. When they weren’t burning up the sheets, they’d spent hours talking about their hopes and dreams. He understood her in a way no other man ever could. And it all had to end.

  But what if it didn’t?

  What if she ignored the looks the other ranch hands gave her when they figured out she was sleeping with the boss? She’d withstood their scrutiny before. Could she do it again? Maybe…because… wouldn’t it be worth it?

  “Can’t sleep?” he asked softly.

  “No.”

  “Talk to me.”

  “What do you really want?” she asked.

  “World peace. Unlimited solar power.”

  “No, seriously. With me. What do you want?”

  He rolled onto his side and traced the curve of her hip with his palm.

  “I want you. Here. Every night. I want you by my side every day. I want forever.”

  “Forever?” Her breath whooshed out.

  “If not forever, then a chance at forever. I know it’s going to be hard to deal with the other ranch hands, but what if you didn’t have to work anymore?”

  “I love my job.”

  “You could still work if you wanted to, but you wouldn’t have to. I’ve been thinking about it. You could move in and stop working. We could see how things go.”

  “There’s the problem,” she said. “What if things don’t go well? I’d be out of a job and I’d have to find a new place to live. I’m sick of moving.”

  “Why wouldn’t it go well?” He reached over and turned on a lamp.

  “I don’t know.”

  “The last few days have been some of the best days of my life—because of you. When we’re together, I don’t feel so alone. I feel… whole.”

  “Please don’t say ‘you complete me’.”

  He laughed.

  “What if you do?” he asked, serious once again. “What if you’re the love of my life? What if you’re my mate?”

  Tears formed in her eyes. No one had ever talked about being her mate before. No one. It confirmed everything her bear had been hollering at her for the last week. If she got out of her head and listened to her heart, then she would know it was true.

  “Are you sure?” she asked.

  “Don’t you feel it?” He laced his fingers between hers and pulled her hand to his lips. He kissed her ring finger.

  “I do.”

  “Hang on now, I haven’t even proposed yet.”

  “Okay, now you’re talkin’ crazy. You haven’t even taken me on a proper date.”

  “I’ll fix that as soon as we can get away. Nothing’s open on Christmas, or I’d take you out right now.”

  “It’s 4 am.”

  “Then you’d better get some sleep or Santa won’t be able to come down the chimney.”

  “Santa’s going to burn his butt because there are still hot coals in the bottom.”

  “You made one hell of a bonfire in there.”

  “I’m a bit of a pyro.”

  “Good to know. I’ll make sure to hide the matches. Also, I love you.”

  Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks.

  “Really?”

  “I love you.” He held up his hand. “But, don’t say it. Not until you’re ready. Don’t do it just because I did.”

  “But I—”

  He silenced her with a kiss. She melted into it, grateful that he’d kept her from saying something stupid. She did love him, but he was right, she wasn’t ready yet. She still needed time to get to know him more. Although she jumped into new jobs with both feet, she never jumped into relationships this quickly. If he wanted forever, then she’d have to be dammed sure she was ready to jump.

  Christmas morning started with a long, hot session of sex. Toby still couldn’t get over the fact that he couldn’t keep his hands off of her. Every time they made love, it was better than the last. He was learning all the ways he could make her moan. Hearing her soft cries of pleasure when she came was easily the best sound in the world.

  He joined her in the living room. A roaring fire crackled in the fireplace. The Christmas tree sparkled with multi-colored lights and soft country Christmas tunes played in the background.

  Sitting in the center of it all was Jessica. She glowed with holiday spirit, insisting that they sip eggnog while opening presents. He hadn’t expected anything from her, so he’d been shocked to see several presents under the tree. Fortunately, he’d also wrapped presents for her after finding a couple of rolls of wrapping pa
per tucked in with the decorations.

  He handed her a cup of eggnog, then sat on the rug beside her.

  “Should we open presents?” he asked.

  “Yes! I’ll play Santa.”

  “Mmm…” He leaned over to nuzzle her neck. “You already played Mrs. Claus today.”

  “And you’re already at the top of the naughty list for that thing you did with your tongue.”

  “I thought I’d make it onto the nice list for that.”

  “Nope. Definitely naughty.” Her eyes sparkled. “Open this one first.”

  He took the perfectly wrapped present from her. It was the size of a shoe box and heavy. He shook it.

  “Whoa, be careful.” She sat up.

  “It’s a lump of coal, isn’t it?”

  “Maybe,” she said coyly.

  Heat flooded his cock. He considered setting the gift aside and rolling her onto her back so he could secure his spot on the naughty list.

  “Open it,” she said.

  He tore the paper. A shoebox sat inside. He lifted the lid.

  “Uh?” He held a mason jar of white and blue crystals up. When he tilted it, clear liquid shifted to one side. “Thank you!”

  “You have no idea what it is, do you?”

  “Not a clue.”

  “It’s sugar scrub.”

  “Do I scrub you down with it, then lick it off?” He grinned.

  “No, silly. Although, I guess you could. You use it to scrub away dead skin cells. The sugar acts as an abrasive, while the coconut oil leaves your skin soft.”

  “Hum… then can I lick it off of you?”

  When she laughed, his heart flipped. Love filled his soul. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was. She was everything he ever could have wanted in a woman, so he hoped to God his last present didn’t scare the crap out of her.

  “Open one of yours,” he said.

  He handed her a box the size of a coffee cup. She opened it to reveal a handmade Christmas ornament. He’d taken a pinecone and had glued googly eyes onto it. He had no idea why there were googly eyes in his mom’s old sewing box, but he’d been searching for anything that might make a good ornament. Two brown pipe cleaners stuck up from the top. They were supposed to be antlers, but he wasn’t sure what kind of animal it looked like by the time he’d finished. He’d been going for a reindeer, but it looked more like a blobby dork.

  “This is… special,” she said graciously.

  “It’s hideous.”

  “No, I love it. I’ll hang it on my tree every year and remember the time we spent together.”

  He didn’t like the way she was using past tense, like she’d be hanging the ornament alone. Without him. Not good.

  He glanced at the other gift he had for her. Maybe giving it to her was a bad idea after all.

  “Open the other one I made for you,” she said.

  “I would have gotten you something better. I just didn’t have much on hand.”

  “Don’t apologize. I love the reindeer-thing. It’s really cute. Besides, it’s the thought that counts.”

  After unwrapping a small, flat box, he opened it. It contained a small notebook with the word “coupons” on the cover. He flipped it open.

  Good for one massage.

  “Oh, I like that.” He turned the page.

  Good for one pancake breakfast in bed.

  “Nice!”

  “Keep going,” she said.

  Good for one afternoon adventure. Now that was interesting. What kind of adventure did she have in mind?

  He flipped through all of the pages, stopping to comment on the funny, sexy gifts she planned on giving him. It threw him off. Did she expect him to use all of them in the next three days? It seemed like he’d need a lot more time if she wanted him to go through the whole notebook.

  “Look at the last coupon.” She slid her hand into his.

  He flipped to it and it stole his breath.

  Good for one free “I love you, forever.”

  “Forever?” he whispered.

  “Are you going to use it?” she asked softly.

  “Not yet, I’m going to save it. Open your last present.”

  As she picked up the small box, his heart raced. He hoped more than anything in the world that he wasn’t making a huge mistake.

  She unwrapped a small velvet box. Her gaze snapped to his.

  “Toby, is this what I think it is?”

  “Open it.” His voice cracked.

  As she flipped open the box, he got down on one knee.

  “I know it’s fast, and that you wanted to take more time, but I have to take this risk. I love you, Jessica. I’ve loved you from the minute you stepped onto the ranch. I could tell right away that you were different. Special. Hell, I’ve never seen a woman wrangle a cow the way you can.”

  “I love it when you talk sexy to me.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. Good tears? Bad tears? He couldn’t tell, so he kept going.

  “I need you more than I’ve ever need anyone. You’re my sunrise, my partner in everything on the ranch, the most passionate woman I’ve ever known. I can’t breathe without you. I love you, and I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”

  She stared down at his mother’s wedding ring. It had been in the family for generations, and he’d been waiting his whole life to give it an amazing woman. And now he wanted to give it to her… if she wanted it.

  He didn’t have to wait long. She flung herself into his arms.

  “I love you, forever.”

  “But I haven’t used my coupon,” he said hoarsely.

  “You don’t have to. I already love you, forever.”

  He kissed her long and hard. When they finally parted, he slipped the ring on her finger.

  “It was my mother’s.”

  “It’s beautiful.”

  Diamonds sparkled in flickering light from the fireplace. But they were nothing compared to her. He kissed her again, reveling in the warmth of her lips against his. Her tongue slipped between his lips, sending sharp sparks of desire throughout his entire body. He lay her back on the rug.

  As he nibbled down the side of her throat, she whimpered. He pulled her robe open while shimmying out of his. Naked, pressed together in a sensual embrace, he slid into her, claiming her in both body and soul. He moved slowly, savoring the knowledge that in a few months, she’d be his bride. They could figure out all the details later. Right now, all he wanted to do was make love to his future wife.

  Hours later, when they were thoroughly exhausted, he cuddled with her in bed.

  “What will we tell the hands when they get back?” she asked.

  “I’ll leave that up to you. I can tell them if you want.”

  “No. I’ll do it.”

  “We can do it together.”

  “I like that,” she said softly.

  “Good, because you’re locked in now. There’s no going back.”

  She laughed and pressed a kiss against his shoulder.

  “I’d like to get married on the ranch,” he said. “It’s a family tradition.”

  “We could do it on the hill overlooking the valley.”

  “My parents married on that same spot over fifty years ago. Maybe they’ll be there in spirit.”

  “They will. You should invite your sisters.”

  “They might not come.”

  “You’re family. They’ll come.”

  “You’re probably right.”

  “Of course I’m right,” she said with a chuckle. “You’d better get used to it.”

  “Oh, really?”

  He flipped her onto her back and started tickling her sides. She shrieked and flailed around in the sheets. Panting and flushed, she begged for mercy. And he gave it to her in the form of a long, slow seduction that left them both breathless.

  As he lay by her side, trying to recover, he couldn’t help but think about the future. This was the first of many Christmas celebrations. In time, they’d start a family and the next
generation would keep their traditions alive. He couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas gift. What could be better than the gift of love?

  About the Author

  USA Today bestselling author Liv Brywood writes paranormal romance. Her scorching hot cowboy bear shifters love curvy women and aren’t afraid to show it. They’re loyal, brave, honorable, and above all — sexy. Liv’s stories are filled with passion, hope, and everlasting love.

  To be the first to find out about the next book in the series, and to get special offers and discounts, sign up for my email newsletter!

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  Little Puma’s Christmas Adventure - Scarlett Grove

  Puma shifter Stephany Page can’t find a mate. Tired of waiting, Stephany decides to go on a Christmas cruise to the Caribbean to forget her loneliness. Working for an elite covert squadron, grizzly shifter Max Johnson hopes he can make up for his past. Disaster strikes Stephany’s cruise, leaving both shifters stranded on a tropical island. Without her voice, Stephany can’t tell Max she believes he’s her mate. Meeting Stephany interrupts Max’s mission and changes everything. Can he save the girl, save the day, and let himself be loved?

  Copyright © 2018 by Scarlett Grove

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  1

  Stephanie Page wheeled her suitcase up the plank onto the deck of the ship. A pretty blond cruise attendant wearing a crisp blue-and-white uniform smiled in greeting and handed Stephanie the itinerary for her vacation to the Caribbean.

  "Enjoy your cruise," the attendant said.

  Stephanie wheeled her suitcase down the deck as she glanced at the itinerary. It detailed stops in the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, and Barbados over a two-week span that included Christmas and New Year's. The trip was sure to be exciting.