Happily Ever Alpha: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance

by Catherine Vale

  “I know you do. I know when you’re lying, remember?” He chuckled, a deep rumble, bending his head again, kissing his way down to her chin.

  His lips met hers gently, searching, seeking, and she welcomed him without question, without reservation. There were no words needed between them—the time had come, and despite all they’d been through—or perhaps because of it—they both knew they were ready.

  He lifted her carefully from the tub, carried her to the bed, and then stripped off his clothes before joining her. Arya sighed with pleasure at the feeling of his warm, hard body pressed against hers—he was being very careful not to put all his weight on her, and yet still allowing her to feel him. She kissed him again, long and slow, and he used his fingers to tease her body into readiness, to forget about anything but him, and the pleasure that awaited.

  “So beautiful” he growled, kissing his way down to one rose-colored nipple, circling it with his tongue, feeling it grow hard at his touch.

  Arya shuddered, arching her back. Kellan moved to the other breast, kissing a soft line to that nipple, flicking it carefully with his hot, wet tongue, pulling it fully into his mouth. His fingers kneaded her thighs, barely skimming over her warmth as he continued to caress her with his tongue, the softness of her skin brushing against his lips and cheek.

  “Please, Kellan,” she gasped, having peaked twice already beneath his skillful fingers. “I want to feel you… inside of me.”

  He nuzzled her neck, then nipped gently. “Are you sure?” His voice was rough.

  “Yes.”

  As they joined for the first time, Arya felt as though her mind was opening up to something completely new. Kellan seemed to invade all her senses, so that she saw nothing else but him. He became larger than life, filling her entire field of vision, and it was as if the rest of the world had fallen away. She saw him running through sunlit fields with her, holding her hand tightly as she went through childbirth, and then swinging a child through the air that had his green eyes and her long, chestnut hair. Her heart swelled with the sheer enormity of it all—of her love for him and the endless possibilities of their future together.

  There was something about Arya, a feeling that calmed him even as she excited him more than any woman ever had. No woman had ever made him feel so much, so soon. On some level… hell, on many levels, this unnerved him.

  But he wanted more and he wanted it now; his body was taking the lead, impatient to move this forward. She looked up at him, her eyes going wide for just a moment, before they darkened, mirroring his desire.

  He kissed her hard, the gentleness gone, claiming her lips, his tongue plundering her accepting mouth. She met him fully, her kiss as insistent as his, her tongue thrust into his mouth.

  Her hands came up to his chest, her arms wrapping around his neck, fingers winding through his hair. He wanted to touch every part of her, to crush her against his body, feel the soft fullness of her breasts against his chest, his cock against her stomach, her ass in his hands.

  His lips found her breasts again, the longing still there, but his desire to take her stronger now. Moving over her, he settled between her legs. She wrapped them around his waist, pulling him down to her. Her eyes were locked with his; he could read the passion and arousal in those green depths.

  From the look of wonder passing across Kellan’s face, she could tell that he was going through a similar experience, and she realized that it must be the bond completing—their souls and hearts binding together so that they were one.

  He watched her eyes widen, and her lips part as she exhaled, as he thrust himself fully into her. For the moment, this was enough, holding her, looking down at her, sheathed in her body.

  But the ache he felt, the desire for more, was stronger. Kellan pulled back before thrusting hard once again, feeling her body respond to his, her hips rising to meet him, pushing back, accepting, and then asking for more.

  It wasn’t long before they were locked in a primal dance. Kellan was surprised by her sudden aggression; her hands were everywhere, raking over his back, clutching his hips, her lips seeking his mouth, desperate for more.

  Pulling away, he held himself above her, bracing himself on his knees, pushing her legs further apart. He wanted to watch her face, watch himself as he slid into her, to see how much pleasure he could give her, how much love he could show her.

  “I will never stop loving you…” Kellan’s eyes were riveted on her, his movements slow and gentle, as he eased himself into her.

  Her eyes rose to his. “Kellan…” She swallowed, closing her eyes. A flush rose in her cheeks and he stilled himself. He wasn’t sure if he’d done something wrong, if she was suddenly scared, wanted to stop…he didn’t quite understand.

  With her eyes still closed, she spoke, her voice just above a whisper. “I’ve never felt… so wanted.”

  Kellan waited, aching to move, afraid he had scared her. She opened her eyes, her gaze locked with his, passion flaring in her eyes.

  “Don’t stop.”

  And he didn’t, until he took them both to the edge. Arya cried out first, arching up beneath him, her hands clutching at his shoulders and back. He held himself above her, watching her face as she twisted, muscles taut. There was a moment where he felt her contract around him, pulling him deeper. The sensation of feeling her orgasm almost pushed him over the edge, but he wanted to wait, wanted to let her enjoy herself before taking his own pleasure.

  Arya had never felt so completely loved or cherished in her life, and clung to him tightly, not wanting the moment to end. But eventually it did, with a burst that left them breathless and shattered, followed by a warm, comforting glow.

  “I never want to be away from you again,” she whispered, her eyes searching his.

  “You never have to be.” He replied, his voice low, a smile on his lips. “I’ll be by your side for the rest of your life.”

  * * *

  Many of the villagers stopped to greet her and ask her how she was, and Arya’s heart was warmed by the fact that they all looked at her with quiet respect in their eyes—even the ones who used to look at her with complete disdain.

  She was even happier when she ran into Lucas, who was enjoying the fresh air, accompanied by a guard. Kellan had been unhappy about letting her near him, but she managed to talk him down, assuring him that Lucas had never once tried to harm her before.

  “I’m glad you are well, Arya,” Lucas said earnestly, taking her hands in his. He dropped them quickly at the look on Kellan’s face. “I was out of my mind for the first two days, especially since they wouldn’t let me see you—but at least I know you are in good hands, with the doctor and… him.” He passed another cautious look to Kellan.

  “It’s alright, Lucas,” Arya assured him. “I know that you were just trying to do what you saw as the right thing.”

  He nodded. “It’s been… interesting, living here these past few days, and getting to know these people. I’m ashamed I ever thought the way that I have. I was wrong about them.” He lowered his eyes.

  Arya patted him on the arm. “When I first found my way here I was quite misled in my feelings about them as well. I was certain they would see me as nothing more than a quick meal.” She tossed a grin at Kellan.

  “I generally prefer deer to human meat.” Kellan replied, chuckling.

  Lucas laughed, his warmth shining through. “So… this is the man you’ve chosen, is it? And you both are happy?”

  Kellan gently placed a possessive arm around Arya’s shoulder, and she quickly nodded. “We are. And I’m even happier that I can still keep your friendship, Lucas.”

  They talked for a bit about how the negotiations were going… how several of the other elders had been taken to the village to help Lucas hash out terms—though unlike him, they were returned at the end of every day. He said that after tomorrow, he would be allowed to return to the farm.

  “Oh, and before I forget, Dr. Mason sent word to me that your aunt has made a full rec
overy,” he told her with a broad smile. “She is wondering when the two of you will come to visit.”

  Arya stood for a moment in shock. “Is… is it really true?”

  “It is.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful!” She tossed her arms around Lucas for a quick hug, and then spun around to face Kellan. “Can we visit her, please? I was so worried about her. I was afraid she wasn’t going to make it.”

  He smiled down at her tenderly. “Of course we can. We will go see her tomorrow.”

  They said their goodbyes to Lucas, and Kellan ushered Arya back home, even though she wasn’t at all tired. She didn’t have the heart to be angry with him for being so over-protective—she was still filled with the afterglow of the mating, and her spirits were further lifted after her conversation with Lucas.

  “You seem much more relaxed,” Kellan commented once they were inside.

  Arya nodded. “I feel like a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders. At the beginning of all this I was worrying so much about what I was going to have to give up no matter what choice I made. But now, at the end, I’m able to keep my family, my friends, and my mate. What more could I ask for? It has turned out better than I could ever have imagined.”

  Kellan smiled, pulling her into his arms. She nuzzled against his chest, breathing in the complex scent of the herbal cologne he wore, clean soap and the underlying scent of Kellan himself, rich and warm and utterly masculine.

  He held her gently, his lips on hers, and for a moment all thoughts left her mind. When he broke the kiss, she sighed, running her hands over Kellan’s face, tracing the contours of his lips with her fingertips as he kissed them softly before leaning in to whisper in her ear.

  “Miracles usually do.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Though Arya had grown to love the wolf village almost as much as she did Kellan himself, there were times when she longed for the warmth of sunlight on her face. Winter had come, and the darkness of the woods pushed the cold into her and saturated her to her core.

  “I know what it is you wish for,” Kellan told her one morning. “Come. Let us visit your aunt.”

  Arya’s face brightened, and she clasped her hands together. “Really? Can we?”

  It had been weeks since their last visit, and she desperately wanted to make sure her aunt was well. And, if she admitted it to herself, she longed for the bright, open spaces around the farm.

  “I am sure she’s been missing you terribly,” Kellan said. “It is time.”

  They had a quick breakfast of bread and butter and got dressed before making their way through the maze. Arya squealed excitedly at the sight of sunlight in the distance, and Kellan couldn’t hide his smile of delight.

  “My mate is happy,” he said. “This brings me such joy.”

  Arya wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest, sighing contentedly. “You make me happy,” she said softly.

  “Then let us go see your aunt, my love.”

  If Kellan thought it unusual to be walking down the winding country lane in broad daylight, he said nothing of it. The peace treaty between the wolves and humans has assured their safety as long as there were no attacks on either party by the other, but Arya still felt a twinge of uncertainty. The treaty had only just been signed, after all.

  Relief swept over her as soon as they stepped onto her aunt’s porch. They had made it, and no one had bothered them. She felt free.

  Arya’s knuckles rapped on the door, and moments later, Eve pulled it open, her face pink and warm, a smile stretching across it.

  “Arya, darling!” Eve said warmly, hugging her niece. “Kellan! Please, come in!”

  They stepped inside the warmth of Eve’s home where a fire flickered merrily in the hearth. A basket sat on the table, filled with what smelled like an assortment of baked goods and covered by a layer of white muslin cloth.

  “Are you going somewhere?” Arya asked her aunt, eyeing the basket.

  “Oh, yes, I was just going to take a basket over to the Rivers to show my support of the peace treaty,” she said. “I want them to know that they have the full support of the community in this.”

  “How lovely!” Arya gushed. “I think that’s a wonderful idea! Perhaps we should come along! What do you say, Kellan?”

  His face was stern, and he was silent. For a moment, Arya thought she had made him angry. Clearly, he had some internal conflict going on, so she gave him a moment to think. Finally, he sighed and let his head drop in defeat. He nodded.

  “You are right,” Kellan said, though his voice sounded a bit strained. “It would be the right thing to do.”

  “Wonderful!” Eve said, grabbing the handle of her basket. “Let us go at once.”

  The walk to the Rivers farm was mostly silent. Arya was startled to realize that she could suddenly feel the emotion wafting from Kellan. He was wary of this trip, and… there was some other emotion she couldn’t quire discern. She hooked her elbow through his and leaned her head against his shoulder as they walked, trying to isolate that emotion so she could understand it.

  When they arrived at the Rivers farm, Amelia and Jamie were playing ball in the yard. Amelia froze, her eyes wide, her mouth drawn into a thin line. She opened her mouth as if she was going to yell out something, but she stopped, and her expression softened. She approached Arya, arms outstretched.

  “Arya,” she said softly. “How lovely to see you again.” Then she turned to Eve and said, “Miss Woodward, how are you feeling?”

  “Oh, much better, thank you,” Eve replied. She pushed the basket into Amelia’s hands and said, “Here, these are for your family. I know things have been tough for you lately with all that’s been going on.”

  “That wasn’t necessary,” Amelia said as she accepted the basket. “But we do appreciate the courtesy. Thank you.”

  Jamie tugged at Arya’s skirt and beamed a broad grin up at her. “Play with me, Arya!”

  “Another time, perhaps,” Amelia scolded him. Then she looked up at Kellan and extended her hand. “You must be Kellan, the man who stole Arya away from my brother.”

  Kellan cleared his throat and took the proffered hand, shaking it warmly as color rose to his cheeks.

  “I suppose I am,” he admitted. “But it was not without some difficulty.”

  “No, I imagine not,” Amelia said, a slight smile playing at her lips. “Arya definitely has a mind of her own. Well, everyone come inside. Everyone’s gone into town right now, but you’re welcome to wait.”

  They all followed Amelia inside and gathered around the fire. As the day stretched on, Amelia made them a lunch of stew, and they had some of the delicious gingerbread Eve had brought, but still the family did not return.

  As evening approached, Kellan suggested, “Maybe we should come back another day. I’d like to get back to the village before darkness falls.”

  “I’ll stay a little longer,” Eve said. “You go ahead and get my niece home safely.”

  Eve and Arya exchanged hugs, and then Amelia gave her a farewell embrace. They stood to leave.

  “Please do come visit sometimes,” Amelia said as they approached the door. “Both of you.”

  “Thank you, Amelia,” Arya said. “We might do that.”

  Arya pulled open the door and stepped through it, smacking right into something solid. Strong arms wrapped around her, steadying her, and she looked up into two glittering blue eyes.

  “Lucas!” she gasped.

  “Arya,” Lucas acknowledged.

  Kellan cleared his throat, and Lucas immediately released Arya, stepping backward to put some distance between the two of them. Kellan slid closer to her and hooked his arm protectively around her waist.

  It was in that moment that Arya realized which emotion she’d felt from Kellan on their walk to the Rivers farm—jealousy. Kellan was feeling possessive, and hadn’t wanted her around Lucas. Her heart fluttered at the thought.

  “We just came by to express our grati
tude to you regarding the treaty,” Arya told Lucas. “Didn’t we, Kellan?”

  Kellan was silent, so she nudged him in the ribs with her elbow and he blurted out, “Oh, right. Yes. Yes, we did.”

  “Well, I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you,” Lucas said. “I went into town with my family to see some friends. The decided to stay a while longer, and I came home to make sure Amelia and Jamie were alright.”

  “Oh, they’re fine,” Arya said. “They’re inside with my aunt. She decided to stay a while longer, but we need to be getting back to the village before it gets too late.”

  “I see,” Lucas said. “Well, thank you both for coming.”

  He stepped past them both and into the house, closing the door behind him without another word.

  “He’s still bitter over losing you,” Kellan said as they stepped off the porch.

  “No, he’s not,” Arya said. “Why do you say that?”

  “I could sense the desire for you as he embraced you,” he answered, pulling her close to him again as they turned onto the path toward the village.

  Arya couldn’t help but snicker, and she teased him, “You’re not jealous, are you?”

  “Why would I be jealous?” he asked, deflecting her teasing. “I’m not jealous. Especially of some human.”

  “Watch it,” Arya grumbled. “I’m a human. Remember?”

  “I meant no disrespect,” Kellan said quickly. “But you are my mate, and I am not jealous.”

  “Liar.”

  “I am not lying,” he argued.

  “You are.”

  Kellan stopped walking, folded his arms in front of him, and asked, “Why do you say I’m lying?”

  The corner of her lips quirked in a crooked smile, and she said, “Because I felt your jealousy on the way to the Rivers farm.”

  “You… you felt it?” he asked.

  “Why act so surprised?” she teased him. “You told me I’d eventually feel your emotions the way you feel mine.”

  “I just… when did this start?” he asked.

  She chuckled and said, “Just today. On the way over, I could tell you were apprehensive about going, and I could feel some other emotion, but I couldn’t quiet tell what it was.”