“We just picked up Deedee at the airport,” Cross explained. Cross Jonasson was very much a carbon copy of his dad—tall, handsome, and with long blond hair tied back in a ponytail.
Deedee stepped forward to give me a hug as I welcomed her back. I had to strain to look up at her. Although she looked like Aunt Jade, she definitely got her height from her father. Even in flats, she was nearly six feet tall. “Zac sends his regards,” Deedee said. “He didn’t make it to the flight. Sorry about that. Traffic to Heathrow was awful and if we didn’t take off, I would have missed your big opening.” Deedee had started her Master’s degree in Archeology at Oxford at the same time Zachary Vrost was doing his MBA at the London School of Economics. “He says he’ll definitely be here for the wedding.”
“I have to apologize for my daughter,” Aunt Meredith said with an eye roll at Astrid. “Please know that I did not advise her to wear that.” She wrinkled her nose at her daughter.
Astrid let out a huff. The annoyed look on her face made her look like a younger version of her mother. “What I’m wearing is fine, Mom. Hannah’s invitation said casual dress.”
“Er, it certainly is interesting,” I said, trying to be polite. Astrid was wearing stonewashed jeans rolled up at the ankles, a tie-dyed shirt in alarming shades of neon orange and green, and combat boots that had seen better days. Fashion was not her strong suit, though she was only twenty years old after all.
“At least you haven’t dyed your hair again,” Aunt Meredith grumbled. I laughed, remembering the incident when Astrid was fourteen. In a fit of what could have only been teenage rebellion, Astrid shaved off all her beautiful golden hair and sported a buzz cut. Her mother cried for a week until Uncle Daric grew it back and made Astrid promise to never cut it again. So, instead, she dyed her hair black and kept it that color for a year just to annoy her mother.
“We’ll leave you to your guests,” Uncle Daric said as more people poured in.
“We’ll chat later,” Aunt Meredith said.
I greeted more of the guests. Aunt Alynna and her daughters Amanda and Mika were there, as well as Aunt Cady and her youngest, Victoria. Aunt Frankie, Uncle Grant, and Julianna arrived not much later, followed by Uncle Enzo, Aunt Sharice, and their three kids. My brothers arrived later on, after they had closed Petite Louve and Muccino’s, Maxine tagging along. I had video chatted with Uncle Matt a few hours ago, as he was still in California where he was based. When the app he had been working on for years finally took off, he decided to move to Silicon Valley where he eventually met his wife. Uncle Rafe and Aunt Jenny had decided to join him, especially since Uncle Matt needed a partner to help run his company. Grandpa Noah, who was still going strong for a man his age, had actually settled in a clan deep in the Shenandoah Valley. There was work to be done at the farm, so he couldn’t come tonight. But, all of them would be here for the wedding.
“So,” Papa said much later when were talking with Aunt Frankie, Uncle Grant, and their kids. “It’s kinda great that we have a wedding gown designer in the family.”
“Oh?” Mama asked. “Why?”
“Well, you know, the kids all growing up.” He eyed Lucas, Adrianna, and Julianna, then looked around at the rest of the brood. “Maybe business will be good in the next few years.”
“Hell no,” Adrianna said with a shake of her head.
“Don’t look at me,” Julianna added.
“Oohh! I’d love a wedding gown by Hannah,” Isabelle squealed. “Actually, I already have a design in mind.”
“C’mon, now, Dante,” Uncle Grant said, then shook his head as his sixteen-year-old daughter continued describing her ideal wedding gown. “Just because your little girl’s getting married, doesn’t mean mine are following soon.”
Aunt Frankie laughed. “Well, it was going to happen sometime.”
He smiled down at Aunt Frankie. “It seems only like yesterday that we were waiting for Adrianna and Lucas to arrive. I’m not ready to be a grandfather yet.”
“I’m not ready,” Adrianna piped in.
“Oh, honey, you’ll never be ready,” Mama said, then looked up at Papa. “It’ll happen, and it’ll knock you off your feet.”
I gave Anthony a warm smile. I couldn’t believe it myself, but, sometimes, you just know, right? Like that first time I saw Papa walk into the principal’s office with Mama. I knew he was special and that he was going to change our lives, I just didn’t know how much.
The End
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Author's Notes
Written on November 12, 2017
I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since I wrote Romancing the Alpha. It was in this book that I first introduce Dante Muccino. I already knew that he was going to have his own story someday, though I never thought his would be the one to round out the first generation of the True Mates series. I get emails or comments every now and then asking me when Dante’s story is coming out, and so I hope you enjoyed his story. I still can’t believe that after a year, I’ve finally typed “The End”.
It seems strange that a Christmas standalone would finish up this part of the series, but also fitting. I love Christmas. It’s my favorite time of the year. I wanted to get this book to you in time, so as early as October, I started listening to Christmas songs, drinking hot cocoa and dressed up in my Christmas pajamas as I write this to get me in the mood. Even now, I’m sitting in a cafe, listening to Christmas songs and having a peppermint hot cocoa. I love that I’m going to share this gift to you this season. Of course, if you’re reading this at any other time of the year, I love that I also get to spread a bit of Christmas cheer any time of the year.
I hope you liked this story, and I want to hear what you think, so email me at [email protected] for your thoughts or all other comments. I also hope that you leave me a review, as reviews are what keeps authors like me going and writing.
Finally, I still plan to write Jackson’s story early next year, but you’ll have to bear with me as I’m going to be turning the clock back a bit, so chronologically, Dante will be the last. Which is why I wrote that special extended epilogue, just so you all get a peek at all the “kids” and how they’ve grown up. Jackson came as a bit of a surprise, just so you know and I wasn’t planning of writing his story. My Blackstone series had been outlined and ready, plus Dante’s had been in the works for a long time, which is why I couldn’t find any space for him in my publishing schedule. But, just wait (and of course, journey with me to Blackstone next year), and he’ll be here soon, plus an all new generation of True Mates.
All the best,
Alicia
Other Books by Alicia Montgomery
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PARANORMAL ROMANCE
The Lone Wolf Defenders
Killian’s Secret: Book 1
Lone Wolf Killian is keeping a secret. His family is finally back together after a tragic loss, but he’s living an empty life, and there’s a pain inside him that won’t go away. When he sets his eyes on the woman who broke his wolf and his heart, old wounds are reopened, but he can’t deny the powerful attraction and hold she
has on him.
The last person Luna wants to see is the man who destroyed her world. When Killian left her holding the bag, she lost her career, her home, and credibility. But, she’s keeping a secret of her own. If Killian found out the truth, he could destroy the fragile life she’s trying to rebuild.
A chance encounter brings them together again, and Killian discovers what Luna’s been hiding. While the bitter past puts them at odds, their passion is reignited. He wants her back, but she’s not sure she can trust him with her heart.
When a threat puts Luna’s life in danger, Killian will stop at nothing to keep her safe. But, can they put aside old hurts and realize that they’re meant for each other, or will their past actions continue to tear them apart?
Loving Quinn: Book 2
Fun-loving wolf shifter Quinn could have any woman he wants. Any woman, except sassy and curvy almost-witch Selena, who seems resistant to his charms. He denies his attraction her, but his wolf craves her attention.
Selena knows Quinn is trouble. He’s too handsome, too sexy, and way above her league. Pursuing anything with Quinn could only lead to heartbreak, yet he seems determined to break down her walls.
When Quinn’s past comes back to haunt him, it puts Selena in the line of fire and he’ll do anything to protect her. However, Selena has problems of her own and she finds herself having to choose between the life she’s always dreamed of or bet her heart on commitment-phobic Quinn. Staying together only means danger and pain, but can they really resist the attraction between them, which could end up imploding both their lives?
All for Connor: Book 3
Evie’s been denying her attraction to her brooding boss for months. He’s rude, anti-social, and has never said a kind word to her. He’s also a Lycan shifter, which makes him the wrongest wrong guy in existence. Yet, there’s something about Connor she can’t resist.
Lone Wolf Connor is in a desperate situation. Ever since the death of his mentor, the animal inside won’t stop ripping him apart and trying to take over. There’s only one way to stop Lycans who’ve lost control: death. Before that happens, he’s going to seek revenge on the very people who have turned him into a monster. However, he can’t stop thinking about the sweet and fresh-faced admin assistant who seems to have attracted this wolf’s attention. Evie only has to see the out-of-control beast inside him, and she’ll run away.
When Evie’s life is put in danger, Connor finds himself in a position to keep her safe. But, can he resist the powerful attraction and desire between them? Or will Evie be a distraction from his revenge and weakness that his enemies could exploit?
The True Mates Series
Fated Mates: Book 1
Since becoming an orphan, Private Investigator Alynna Chase was used to being on her own. When a chance encounter with sexy bodyguard Alex Westbrook unleashes her wolf shifter side, she discovers the secret world of werewolf clans. Not only is she a full-blooded Lycan, but she’s also a fabled True Mate offspring. She's thrust into the center of Lycan society, sought-after by eligible males, but also in danger from unknown forces trying to harm her.
Alex Westbrooke knows that Alynna could never be his. With her position so high up in clan hierarchy, he could only dream of possessing her. But the attraction between them is too powerful, and he risks everything to have her, even for just one night.
However, a threat to Alynna’s life draws them closer together, and Alex will do anything to protect her, even risk getting too close and defying Lycan tradition and hierarchy.
With so many things at stake, will their affair end in disaster or have these two lonely souls found what they’ve been looking for?
Blood Moon: Book 2
Despite growing up in the world of the New York Lycan clan, Cady Gray still feels like an outsider looking in. She’s built walls around her, to protect herself and the clan, harboring a deep secret from her past that threatens her future. The clan’s sexy Beta shifter has always intrigued her, but he’s kept his distance, that is, until one innocent dance.
Nick Vrost has wanted Cady for years, but kept his own desires at bay for the sake of the clan and his family. As second-in-command of the New York clan and heir to the Vrost fortune, it was his duty to marry a suitable high-ranking Lycan female and produce a child to carry on the line. After ignoring Cady for years, one touch ignites something he can no longer control and he may have to choose between family obligation and his long-simmering desire for the quiet beauty.
Romancing the Alpha: Book 3
New Jersey Alpha Francesca “Frankie” Muccino never had it easy. Alpha of her ragtag clan, head of her family, and manager of their ailing restaurant business, she’s got a lot on her plate. When a handsome, sexy, and very naked Lycan shows up on her doorstep, sparks immediately fly, but it’s one more complication she can’t handle.
Escaping from a kidnapping attempt by his enemies, New York Alpha Grant Anderson finds himself in New Jersey territory. He’s immediately drawn to the plucky and spirited Frankie, and has no qualms about going for what he wants - her, in his bed. The Jersey Alpha won’t be an easy catch, but Grant is determined to tame the wild she-wolf.
Witch’s Mate: Book 4
When a chance encounter with Liam Henney sparks instant lust, Lara Chatraine discovers that the Lycan Alpha may be her True Mate. Lara was born with special powers, but it comes with a price: a curse, one that would put Liam in danger if they pursued their attraction. Determined to protect him, she resists his advances and keeps the knowledge of their true connection to herself.
As Alpha to the most powerful clans on the West Coast, Liam Henney has a duty to his family and his people, not only to protect them, but also to produce the next Lycan heir. But, weeks after their passionate encounter, Liam can’t get Lara out of his mind. The normally constrained and reserved Liam wants only one thing – to possess the bewitching beauty and make her his.
When members of the San Francisco clan turn up dead, suspicion turns to the bloodthirsty mages. Liam and Lara must work together to stop Master Mage Stefan, and take him down before he harms more people and expose the existence of Lycans and witches to the world. As Liam breaks down her defenses and stokes her desires, can Lara keep him safe from her curse and defeat the mages before it’s too late?
Taming the Beast: Book 5
Shy and nerdy Lycan scientist Dr. Jade Cross has lived a quiet life, surrounded by her work and her research. She prefers proven facts, figures, and hard science and doesn't want complications in her life. But her resolve seems to go out the window every time she crosses paths with the handsome and dangerous Sebastian Creed.
Since rescuing Jade from her mysterious kidnappers, Sebastian has tried hard to stay away from her. But he’s irresistibly drawn to the innocent, delicate beauty and he wants nothing more than to give in to his hunger. When Jade’s life is put in danger once again, Sebastian is tasked with keeping her safe, and he risks everything to make sure no harm comes to her.
But, Sebastian has a secret. The former Marine turned billionaire CEO is hiding a beast inside him, an animal that wants to possess Jade. He must control his desires and wrestle his inner monster or risk destroying them both.
As the evil mages and their leader Stefan, continue their war against the shifters and witches, Jade must walk the fine line between opening herself to Sebastian and preventing him from finding out about the existence of Lycans. With so many secrets between them, can they survive or will they both be caught in the crossfire?
Tempted by the Wolf
Lone Wolf shifter Meredith is trying to make the next ten years of her life pass by quickly. After being caught trying to steal from the New York clan, she’s sentenced to servitude to them for the next decade to make up for her crimes. But, when she gets assigned to guard their prisoner, the handsome but dangerous warlock, Daric, things suddenly become complicated. She knows he’s their enemy, and possibly evil, but she’s having a hard time controlling her attraction to him.
N
ow that he’s is finally free from the evil mage Stefan, Daric has one single goal: the destruction of his former master. He’ll do anything to kill the mage who ruined his life, even if it means working with the New York clan and their alpha. However, his desire for his beautiful Lycan bodyguard is a distraction, one he can’t afford. The she-wolf is proving to be too alluring, and he’s craving for a taste.
When Meredith’s past comes back to haunt her and she’s left hurting, Daric can’t help but offer his comfort and assistance, especially when all roads lead back to the mages. Can he keep his head and his heart or will she prove to be the one weakness that could destroy him?
Contemporary Romance
The Billionaire Heirs Series
Seducing the Billionaire’s Daughter
Dania Antonov-Canfield is smart, sassy, and independent. Despite being the daughter and only heir of billionaire playboy Arthur Canfield, she prefers her boring, normal life to playing a pampered heiress and hobnobbing with high society. When a gunman for hire nearly kills her father and threatens her life, she is sucked back into his world. Arthur hires Sawyer Roland and his firm to protect himself and his daughter from whoever wants them dead.
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