Unexpectedly Mated (BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance): An Alpha male. A curvy but sassy BBW. A trip to Sin City neither will ever forget. (Sassy Mates)

by Taiden, Milly

  Jaxon, the Alpha of the Golden Falls Pack, and longtime friend of the family, lifted his glass in silent salute. “I’m with you Mase. Why would anyone be crazy enough to want to get married when there are so many single sexy women ready to play?”

  Aric slapped Jake on the shoulder. “Congrats. We heard all about it when we got up this morning.”

  Mason threw some chips into the mix and glanced at his cards before grinning like an idiot. “I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t look like the face of a happily married man.”

  Jake growled, gripping the cards so tight they bent in his hold. “I would be very happy if I knew how to reach her.”

  Aric threw his cards down in surrender. “I’m out. What do you mean reach her?”

  Jake thought back. “When we’re in bed, it’s like she’s a whole different woman. She opens up and I can see the deeper emotions in her. But any other time she’s so aloof. So controlled. I want to shake her.”

  Jaxon threw some chips into the mix. “I know what you mean, Jake.” He sucked down his drink and grimaced. “I’ve come to a realization that explains it all.”

  Jake’s brows shot up. Jaxon was by far a much bigger womanizer than any of them, so it was interesting to hear that he had figured women out. With dozens of single females ready to become his mate, Jaxon had a very big choice to make soon. But he didn’t seem to be in any kind of rush. His father still handled a lot of the duties belonging to the Alpha and that gave Jaxon time to roam.

  “What’s that?” Aric asked.

  He glanced at each of them before shaking his head. “Women are crazy.”

  They all laughed.

  Mason shuffled cards again. “That’s nothing new.”

  Jaxon opened his mouth at the same time Kel walked in.

  “Join the party.” Aric motioned Kel forward. “You look like you need a drink.”

  “We have a lot of that.” Mason pointed to the bar that came with the private room.

  “Is it me,” Kel complained, “or are all women crazy?”

  Jaxon nodded. “Told you.”

  Jake got a message from Ellie. He glanced down at his phone, trying to decide if the idea was good or not. A date. If it would do to help Nic open up, then a date it was.

  A new text came in. Nate was worried for Caleb. He hadn’t seen him in days and the last he’d spoken to him, the rogues had grown in numbers.

  “Aric, did you get the same message I got from Nate?” Jake glanced up to see all the men checking their cell phones.

  “We all got it,” Aric’s tone changed from the fun to deep. Serious.

  “What do you think this means?” Jake asked, wondering if they’d need to head back and leave the women behind.

  “If it comes to it, we might have to send some enforcers back to Nate and Caleb.” Aric ran a hand through his hair. “Things have been so restless and the fight is spilling closer to us.”

  “I have people if you need some,” Jaxon offered.

  Aric nodded. “Thanks. We don’t really need them, but Caleb does. Only he refuses to accept help.”

  Jaxon sipped on his whiskey. “I know what you mean. If he’s going to take over that pack he needs to establish control and leadership himself.”

  “Where does this leave us?” Jake asked. “I fought with Caleb. I saw the methodical way he works. He’s not going to stop until he takes all those rogues and Rocco down.”

  “That’s true,” Aric agreed. “But we have to watch out for our people.” He glanced around the room. “There’s been word that Rocco is in cahoots with vamps.”

  “What?” Jake and Mason said in unison.

  “Vamps?” Jaxon asked with a shake of his head. “That’s serious, right there. Weres and vamps don’t mix.”

  “For the right kind of money they do.” Aric frowned. “He’s got a tab on Caleb’s head.”

  Crap. That meant they really needed to help. No way in hell any of them would let their friend get hurt.

  “Let me call some of my guys,” Jaxon said. “They’re good. Can give you great backup and that way you don’t have to cut the trip short. We’re not having any problems down south. They’re itching for something to do.”

  “Fine,” Aric agreed. “I’ll give Nate the heads up. If we haven’t heard from Caleb in a week, we’re taking matters into our own hands.”

  Jake shook his head. He knew Caleb. Had seen him fighting. The man was a machine. Quiet but methodical. He wouldn’t go without a fight unless he had reason to. “Give him time. I’m sure he’ll turn up.”

  Aric shrugged. “He’s like a brother. I love him but I won’t put our pack in the line of fire without knowing what he’s up to. He either contacts us or we’re moving in.”

  “Now.” Jaxon pointed at Jake. “What happened to you?”

  He shrugged. “Nic’s freaking out because we got married and she can’t remember doing it.”

  Aric gave him one of those older brother looks. “Is that the real reason why she’s freaking out? Could it be because she’s scared to be in a relationship with you?”

  “Why should she? I’ve never treated her badly.”

  “So maybe she’s just a commitment-phobe,” Mason said. “I got one of those. Emma refuses to admit she’s mine. I’m seriously considering tying her up again to get her to say the words.”

  “Again?” Jaxon asked. “I like where this conversation is going.”

  Mason grinned. “She’s not your usual type of woman. Trust me. She’s got more balls than a lot of men, which makes it hard to protect her.”

  “I like women with some sass.” Jaxon nodded. “Got any more like that so I can get my own?” He made a face of disgust. “I’m being asked to get a mate. It’s kind of hard to do when the women in my pack are all so...”

  “Agreeable?” Aric supplied.

  “Yes. Agreeable. Whatever happened to giving you something to chase?”

  Jake rubbed the back of his neck. “Be careful what you ask for. We all wanted women with sass and have ended up having a hard time getting them to accept being our mates.”

  “No, we just have a hard time getting them to understand we won’t let them go off and do all kinds of crazy stuff just because they’re independent women,” Aric added. “Whoever the hell invented independence needs to be shot in the balls. I’m getting gray hairs every time Jordan goes for a run in the woods.”

  “Better to have a sassy woman, I think.” Jaxon picked up a new round of cards. “I like a woman who answers back and tells me what she really thinks. Makes life more interesting.” He grinned. “And the make-up sex? Un-fucking-believable.”

  Jake chuckled. He was right. Though any sex with Nic was hot as hell.

  Later, when she stood in her mother’s massive living area, Nic’s thoughts still centered on Ellie and Caleb. If he didn’t take over his pack soon, he might never get them back. As it was, his uncle was hiring a lot more rogues to back him up. Giving the lawless men the pack’s women had gotten Caleb’s uncle Rocco a new flood of dangerous wolves ready to take down anyone who got in their way. Including the Wolfes.

  “There you are!” Nic’s mom said as greeting.

  She hadn’t seen her mother in a few years. But nothing about her had changed. Her hair was still in that perfectly sharp, shoulder-length cut. She wore one of her favorite couture evening gowns.

  “Are we expecting company?” Letty asked, glancing down at her work clothes.

  Luckily, Nic had dressed for her date with Jake, so she had on a pretty black dress. She’d gone the naughty route and worn garter and hose to tempt him later. Just because she wasn’t sure about her feelings didn’t mean she had to abstain from his body. His body was much too sexy for her to ignore.

  “We were expecting a guest,” her mother said and eyed Nic up and down with a raised brow. “You did know you were coming to visit, didn’t you?”

  The condescension in her voice was usually something Nic ignored. Today, however, she wasn’t feel
ing like playing the part for them.

  “I came to see you. What I wear shouldn’t matter. I’m here, aren’t I?” she snapped.

  Letty whipped her head sideways. “Nice one.”

  Her mother rolled her eyes. “I see you are still a spoiled brat.”

  “Is this what you wanted to see me for? To remind me how my selfishness meant you didn’t get my trust fund for yourself?” She took a step toward the door. “Because if that’s what we’re here for, I’m not changing my mind. I worked for every penny I earned modeling and whatever Dad left me will go to any children I have. So, no, I won’t sign my money over to you.”

  “What is all this yelling?” Her step-father strolled in from his study with someone in tow. She knew that guy. A hazy image of the same man walking away from her shot through her mind.

  “Nicole,” he said with a grin. Only the grin didn’t reach his eyes and something about him didn’t sit right.

  “Hi…I’m sorry, have we met?” She knew she had but couldn’t place him. His face brought back hazy memories of drinking and the elevator.

  “Last night.” The man approached her, completely ignoring everyone and stopped before her to lift her free hand to his lips. “You were going to the bar to meet friends.”

  Recognition zoomed forward. Not in a good way. “You’re Grady Harris.”

  “In the fur.” He chuckled a deep rumble. The laughter sounded hollow to Nic’s ears.

  Letty cleared her throat. She glanced back and forth between Nic, Grady and their mother. “Excuse me, but what am I missing here?”

  “Come, Leticia.” Dina grabbed Letty by the elbow and tugged. “Let’s get something to drink and leave Grady to talk to Nicole.”

  “I’ll be right back, Nic.” Letty frowned.

  Nic watched everyone leave her alone with the very dangerous shifter. Oh, she knew he was dangerous. She saw it in his eyes. Though handsome, there was a deadly coldness to his gaze. It made goose bumps break over her skin.

  “I didn’t realize you knew my family so well,” she mumbled, a pathetic attempt at conversation. This guy wasn’t someone she wanted to be around. What she really wanted was to go back to the hotel and start her date with Jake.

  Grady moved to the bar at her right, his steps quiet. “I wasn’t sure you were the same Nicole until I spoke to your step-father.” He poured her step-father’s whiskey into a tumbler and took a gulp. “Now, I am glad we did business together.”

  The way he said the words wound around her stomach in a vice of dread. “What kind of business did you do?”

  Grady’s eyes flashed. The animal was very near the surface. Then it hit her. The scent of his animal. An evilness and darkness radiated from him. She didn’t like it. She blinked and then watched his skin tighten over his face, showing off the nearing shift. His eyes only glowed brighter. More dangerous and made her already rising panic shoot skyward.

  “They needed money to keep up with their lavish lifestyle.” Grady’s voice turned so deep it was almost impossible to hear.

  She took a slow step back. Needed to get away from him. From his scent. From the danger he represented. Something told her to get away now or she’d regret it.

  “You gave them money?” She blinked again. The room shifted and she lost focus. Her temperature rose, until she swore they’d turned off the air conditioning. Not a good time to get sick. “Why did you give them money? What’s in it for you?”

  Grady turned on his heel. He watched her, his gaze raking up and down her body. It was a bold look given by a man who wanted a woman. “You.”

  The back of her legs hit the side of a chair hard. She winced from the sharp thump against the unforgiving metal. That was going to leave a bruise. She slid sideways and fell on the cushion. He didn’t kid around. The way he said the words, with that self-assurance that made her want to punch him in the nose, told her he was telling the truth. “What the hell do you mean me?”

  She wanted to jump to her feet and argue, but her body didn’t listen. Her muscles burned and all kinds of weird stuff moved under her skin. It took forever, but when she glanced down she didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.

  “I was promised a mate.” Grady grinned, showing his extending canines. Oh. Shit. “And I have to say, you are absolutely perfect for what I have in mind.”

  No! Not in this lifetime. Even if she didn’t have the struggle of her feelings for Jake, she’d never want Grady. Danger emanated from him. He wasn’t Jake with his sexy smiles, sweet words and unbelievable hot sex. Grady had nothing on the shifter she knew she belonged with. He might be Alpha but he knew nothing about how to treat a woman. “I am already mated.”

  Grady’s eyes flashed gold. His facial structure started to change. Jesus Christ. She couldn’t fight a shifter and definitely not an alpha. She needed to keep him as far away from her as possible or she’d be the loser in that battle.

  “I don’t care. I’ll mark you as my own. Even if I have to tear the flesh he bit to do it.”

  Nic pushed to her feet, only to fall to the ground with a loud groan. Pain bounced around her side from her fall. Her leg muscles turned soft on her. She didn’t know what was wrong, but if she didn’t do something, Grady would be tearing bits of her shoulder off. Anxiety grew wings in her chest. Her fear for her life increased with every passing second, choking the air out of her lungs. He closed the distance, his steps those of a predator on the hunt.

  “Stay away,” she whispered. Her limbs shook. She fought her body and won, able to move up to her knees. That small movement felt like swimming against the current in the ocean. “I belong to Jake.”

  “No. You don’t.” He laughed, shaking his head slowly. He acted as if her words were some sort of joke. “I plan to fuck you tonight. I’m going to make you mine. And then I’ll hunt down the Wolfe who dared touch you.” Fur sprouted from the sides of his face. He inhaled and frowned. She wondered what he had in mind. Her body turned sluggish, as though she’d lost all will to move. “Yes, I can smell your heat. I want it for me. I’ll bury myself deep inside you and make you mine.”

  Nic fell back on the ground. A loud growl tore from her throat. Twinges started at her feet and shot up to her arms. Painful throbbing expanded with every breath she took. Muscles burned, bones ached and she lost her ability to move. Getting her body to do what her brain commanded was impossible.

  “Never. I don’t want you!” She felt the something happening inside her then. It was new, scary and she had no idea what the hell was going on. She fought it, the way her muscles burned too much for her to handle.

  He backhanded her across the face. So hard she thought her jaw was broken. The stinging pain shot up to her ear and down to her neck. Acid hit the back of her throat along with the metallic taste of blood. Her limbs stopped shaking. The sound of bones breaking filled the air. Grady was going to shift. He dug his claws into her neck, ready to bite down. Suddenly, a flood of energy and power filled her.

  She pushed hard, knocking him off her. His body flew across the room, breaking an expensive antique glass table in the process.

  Another growl sounded from her throat. Louder. Angrier. The world seemed different now. The colors brighter. A new furious fire flourished at the pit of her stomach. Grady stood, appearing unaffected by the blow against the table.

  “Feisty.” He licked his lips. “I like that.”

  He was fucking crazy. She didn’t get a chance to say anything because just as she started to stand, he ran for her. She tried to move out of the way, but it was too late. He took her down, her back hitting a chair and flipping them over. The air was knocked out of her. Intense throbbing continued to spread through her body in a wave of pain. He grabbed her by the hair and gripped a chunk to hold her head still.

  “Oh, yeah,” he groaned, thrusting his hips between her legs so she could feel his erection. “I’m going to love taming you.”

  Bile rushed up the back of her throat. She bit back the urge to gag. Any second now,
he’d bite half her arm off and her body refused to help push him off. She twisted her face, trying to get it away from him. He dug his claws into her cheek. The metallic scent of blood filled her lungs. Her blood. She tried to shake him off again.

  “Get off me, you sick bastard!”

  He licked the side of her face, inhaling when he reached her ear. “You smell so fucking delicious. You’ll be in heat soon. I can tell.”

  “Get. Off. Me!” she growled. “I will kill you for this.”

  “No.” He punched her then. Hard. An explosion of agony sprouted over the side of her face to her cheek and jaw. “You’ll spread your legs and let me fuck you.” He grazed his teeth over her aching chin. “I’m the Alpha here.”

  The fury growing in her belly expanded. Some wild animalistic need to kill him filled her brain. A growl sounded in her head. Louder and louder until all she could hear was a beast howling for blood. She managed to free her hand and dig her nails into his body. A smile curved her lips. She shouldn’t be smiling, but there was no stopping it at the feel of his blood soaking her fingers.

  “Ah!” he screamed, caught unawares.

  Calmness spread through her. Knowing he hurt, even if only mildly, gave her a measure of comfort. She kicked her knee up hard, connected with his balls and shoved him off as soon as he loosened the grip on her hair. He moved from her and she yanked her nails down, tearing through the shirt and his side. He had deep visible cuts. She watched the side of his torn white shirt soak up the blood leaking from the massive scratches she’d given him. Her gaze snapped down to her fingers. Her nails. Dear God! They were claws.

  What in the hell was going on?

  The sound of gunfire filled the room. Letty walked in with a handgun pointed in Grady’s direction. Slung over her shoulder was one of her step-father’s prized possessions, a double-barrel shotgun.

  “You get the fuck out of here, or I will shoot,” Letty promised, her voice deathly soft. She pointed the gun directly at Grady. “I don’t care if it doesn’t kill you. It will hurt like hell.”