“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to laugh; you must think I’m crazy.”
“I don’t think you’re crazy.” Tye was making his way down to her. His dark skin tone, and burly dark hair made him seem almost majestic against all the snow around them.
“You’re beautiful.” She whispered.
“I’ve missed you.” He responded to her when he stopped just in front of her. If she would take a half a step forward they would be touching.
“I’ve missed you too Tye. I’m so sorry for the way I acted.”
“Are you sure about this.”
Melanie knew he was giving her one last chance to run. One last chance to turn her back on him and flee. She was tired of running though. She wanted to wake up wrapped in his arms every day for the rest of her life. She wanted to learn how to be a mate, his mate.
“I love you Tye. I’ve never really been more sure of anything else in my life.”
With that Tye was everywhere. His lips were on hers, and his arms were wrapped around her pulling her as close to him as she could be. She opened her mouth to his, and let all of her passion flow into the kiss. She wanted to make him feel how much she loved him. How sorry she was. The kiss was frantic and passionate at the same time. The snow continued to pour, and somewhere behind them there was the faint sound of Christmas carolers singing Silent Night.
Chapter Fifteen
Tye lifted her up, and walked her into his house. He never set her down as he wove his way through the house to his room. Melanie sunk her head into the crook of his neck, and inhaled. He still smelled the same, like honey and the outdoors.
When Tye laid her down on the bed he stood back and raked his eyes over her body. He started at the top, and slowly went down her body. His gaze was hot, and her body felt burned by his desire. She sat up and removed her coat and sweater.
Tye didn’t need any more encouragement. He was on top of her covering her with his body. Their kisses turned into moans. Somehow Tye had managed to get Melanie unclothed the rest of the way, and was now standing up undressing himself. All the breath left her lungs at the site of him naked in front of her. He was beautiful. His skin seemed to be deep bronze everywhere, and he had little brown curly hair all over his body. She reached up and ran her fingers through his chest hair, and down his stomach. Every part of him was hard.
Tye sucked in a breath, and grabbed her hand before she could go farther. He took his place on top of her again, and brought his mouth down on hers. He started planting hot kisses down her neck, and across her collarbone. Melanie was desperate to have his mouth on her breasts, and she arched her back hoping to hurry him along. He wouldn’t be hurried though he kissed, licked and sucked his way all over her neck, shoulders and stomach before he finally took her nipple into his mouth.
Melanie almost came off the bed. Her moan filled the room, and aroused Tye’s senses. Tye growled in response, and set his hand to the task of arousing the other nipple. He spent equal time teasing and tasting to the point where Melanie was sure she was on the brink of climaxing.
The clumsy Tye from the coffee shop was gone. Here Tye was in control. This was his domain, and she was his most prized possession.
“Tye! Please!” She begged him. For what she wasn’t really sure.
“What do you want Melanie? Tell me.” Melanie opened her eyes, and found Tye’s desire filled eyes.
“You Tye. Just you. Please, we’ve waited so long.”
“That we have Melanie.”
Tye came back up, and kissed her again. His hands ran the length of her body; stopping to grip her hips, and squeeze her thigh. He finally brushed his fingers where she needed them most. Her gasp filed the air, and urged Tye on. Her response was fuel to the fire. He took her mouth again, while his fingers eased inside of her slick folds. She dug her fingers into his shoulders as he continued to torment her. He knew just wear to touch, and how much pressure to exert.
Tye couldn’t hold himself back any more. He was desperate to claim her for his mate in every way. She was writhing in her arms, wet, and ready for him. All for him. His bear wasn’t allowing him to hold back any longer.
He spread her legs, and moved his hips in position. He lifted her hips, and finally slid himself in.
“Dear Goddess. You feel better than I ever could have imagined.”
Melanie’s only response was a long moan.
“Look at me Melanie.”
She urged her heavy lids open to find his beautiful golden eyes glowing down at her.
“You’re mine forever. This not only seals us physically, but emotionally. I will never let you go.”
She nodded, and grabbed his face to pull him to her for another soul penetrating kiss. Tye mimicked the rhythm with his hips. He tried to keep the pace slow so that they could savor their union. Melanie was having none of it though. She met each of his thrusts with her own. She made the most sensual noses deep in her throat that sent Tye over the edge.
He growled deep, and held on to her hips tight as he climbed high for his climax. Melanie finally clinched him tight and yelled his name. With one final thrust they both rode out the waves of their climaxes together.
Chapter Sixteen
Tye
Tye was content to lay in his bed with Melanie curled up against him all night. The carolers outside reminded him that it was Christmas Day, and his mother was expecting him. He also wanted to give Melanie the gift he had bought her.
“I got you something.” He kissed her on the cheek as he rolled himself out of bed.
“Really? I got you something too.”
“Show you mine if you show me yours.” She giggled as she fumbled with her shirt. Once they were dressed he led her back into his living room. He wondered what she thought of his place. He had bought the house before he met her. He loved it, but he wasn’t so attached that he’d be upset about moving if she wanted too.
“I need to go out to my car to get yours. It’s not really wrapped either. I warned you I’m not very domesticated.”
“That’s okay. It’s not a requirement for my love.” He kissed her before she headed out to get her gift.
Tye had been so sure of what he got her until now. With her here, and their relationship finally made whole he was a bit nervous. She stomped her feet off, in his kitchen, and shook the cold off of herself. The smile on her face told him no matter what she had hidden behind her he was going to love.
“Ready, mate of mine.”
“Yes. On the count of three?”
“Okay. One. Two. Three.”
She slid out a giant basket that was filled to the brim with all kinds of Thistle Dew Farm products. There were honey sticks, honey on the comb, of course his honey in a bottle, and anything else anybody could possibly imagine done with honey. His mouth watered just thinking about it. It was the perfect gift for him. He had never known that they even offered all these different products. He had a feeling his monthly order was about to increase significantly.
“Do you like it? I know you have an affinity for their honey. I’d never seen you try any of these other products though. I figured you could have some options.” She was looking the basket over when she spoke, but he could tell she was a little nervous.
“This is the best gift I think anybody has ever given me. I love it. Thank you. Perfect timing as well since I just found a new thing I’d like to try my honey on.” He gave her a wink, that caused her to blush.
He handed Melanie her gift. It was a book that had been in his family for years. It told their story, and each generation had a section so that they could continue the tradition. His mother had written the story of his father, and her. He and Jake would soon fill out their sections. Tye had already titled his section; Tye and Melanie. He also bought her a necklace that had a bear charm hanging off of it as well as a stethoscope. He didn’t realize he had been holding his breath until he saw her eyes fill with tears.
“I love this so much Tye. I’m so sorry it took me so long to come to te
rms with this. Thank you for waiting for me, and be patient with me. I can’t wait to read this. I also can’t wait to write our story with you.”
“I was hoping you would say that.”
Melanie through herself into Tye’s arms. Tye wrapped her up in one of his bear hugs. His bear was so peaceful it was as if he was asleep. Tye now knew why he had felt pulled towards medical school, and living in the human city. It was all so that he could find Melanie. Everything he had endured, all the awkward falls, and people who showered him in hatred over the years was leading up to this moment. Melanie wrapped in his embrace promising to love him forever.
“Merry Christmas Melanie.”
“Merry Christmas Tye.”
Chapter Sixteen
Melanie
The wedding was set for Christmas the following year. It wasn’t so much that Melanie and Tye had wanted to wait almost a full year. It was just that Christmas meant so much to both of them that it just seemed right to wait and say their vowels then. Tye pouted a little bit since he was ready for her to be his in all ways, but they had already performed the mate bond with his family. The wedding was just a formal process for her family, and the government.
Melanie was already using Tye’s last name since they went into practice together just outside of his Haven. Melanie treated humans, while Tye was learning a lot from the local healer so that they could accept Shifters also. Melanie’s dad had finally come around, and had been ecstatic to help them get the office up and running.
He was no longer demeaning or harsh with Melanie either. Their whole relationship had changed, and Melanie had forgiven him for everything in the past. She wasn’t sure what had finally changed to make her father come around, but she was thankful. She was pretty sure it was Tye and his family. They were so warm and welcoming it was hard not to adapt to their ways. Tye and her father had become fast friends, and regular fishing buddies. Her dad was still trying to talk Tye into fishing in his bear form, but Tye refused.
Melanie had fallen in love with Tye’s mom. She was so joyful all the time. She was always stopping by their place to chat, and worked over time to help get the office open. She also took great pains to make sure Melanie felt accepted into the Haven. Melanie had been nervous about the move at first, but everyone had welcomed her as Tye’s mate. She could see why Tye was a different person when he was home. This place was such a community.
There were always kids outside playing, and neighbors always having get gatherings. Everybody came together to help over the least little thing. Ethan was adjusting to his new home as well. He had moved out not long after Melanie moved in to give them space. He had moved in with Tye’s little brother Jake, which made everyone a little nervous since the two were notorious when together.
“Melanie, are you home?” Tye yelled for her as he threw the front door shut.
“Yeah I’m in the bedroom.”
“Right where you should be I see. Waiting for your mate to come home, and satisfy him.” His grinned told her he was joking, but she bristled none the less.
“Oh is that right? I thought I was just in here putting away my mate’s laundry. I see that I am in need of a lesson.”
“I would be happy to provide that lesson to you mate.”
“I can see that.” She whispered as she leaned into his body. He gathered up a handful of her hair, and tugged her head up so that he could capture her lips. Melanie would never tire of desire and affection for her.
“What really brought you home early today?”
“I stopped off and got your blood work results from the lab today.”
Melanie had completely forgot she had her blood drawn last week. She hadn’t been feeling well, and had just chalked it up to all the changes in her life. Tye had insisted she get her blood work sent out though.
“Thanks. I completely forgot about that. Anything?”
“Yeah actually. You’re pregnant!”
“I’m what?” Melanie’s heart felt like it was going to beat out of her chest. Never in a million years had she dreamed she’d be pregnant. She definitely wouldn’t have had Tye pick up her blood work. She didn’t even remember asking for a pregnancy test.
“You’re pregnant. When I told mom you were having blood work done because of you not feeling well she suggested it. It’s positive! We’re having a baby!”
Tye’s excitement was contagious. Melanie never dreamed that walking into a coffee shop one day would have changed her life forever. Tye picked her up and swung her around.
“I love you so much Tye!”
“I love you too Melanie. We’re going to make fantastic parents.”
“Will our baby be a Shifter I wonder?”
“According to the research I did, and your father; yes.”
Melanie’s excitement tripled. She loved Tye’s Shifter clan so much she knew that they would welcome their baby in either way, but to be a Shifter he would always have love and support in abundance. Their baby would never strive to please anybody either. She would make sure of that.
“Maybe we ought to bump up our Christmas wedding a bit?” Melanie didn’t want to be enormous for her wedding.
“Well I was thinking a Christmas wedding would probably allow for our little one to be a part of our big day. What do you think about that?”
“It sounds like the perfect Christmas!”
FIN
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Edward
Rodeo Bears I
by
Becca Fanning
Chapter One
The heat hit her first, embracing her like a lover in the dark. Being from the Midwest, Dakota Blair had little experience with the heat, but she wasn’t in the Midwest any longer. She was far from it, a stranger in the arid desert of West Texas, a stranger on the run.
* * *
Keeping her head low under the dim lights, Dakota stepped off the bus into a station that was abandoned in the late hour. Attacked by the heat, clumps of her chestnut hair stuck to the back of her neck as she waited for the driver to unload her duffle bag. She was surrounded by a mass of people, fellow travelers weary from the journey. The bus had been full. She was glad. It was easy to hide in a crowd, much more so than standing exposed on her own.
When she had her bag, Dakota followed the others into the lobby. It was narrow and unwelcoming, designed to keep people moving, deterring the homeless and the broken from sleeping on its benches. Dakota wasn’t broken, but she didn’t see herself going anywhere for the remainder of the night. She had money, and she had ID, but she didn’t want to use it. She didn’t want anyone knowing who she was or why she was here.
Unless I can find a cheap motel, she thought, moving to a board that listed accommodation in the area. I’m sure West Texas has its share of scandal. There’s got to be a place I can bribe my way into without showing them ID.
Setting her bag down, she skimmed the board. There were plenty of bad motels, but a notice caught her attention. Printed on bright yellow copy paper, a woman advertised a room for rent in her apartment.
No drinks. No dealers. No conmen.
It didn’t say anything about fugitives. Taking out her phone, a burner she had picked up in a remote town in Oklahoma, she dialed the number, but no one answered.
“No desk is going to pick up this late at night,” an elderly woman in a Hoover Dam T-shirt said. “Better to make your way to the hotel and see if they have a room.”
Kenny (Shifter Football League Book 2) Page 98