She loves me. I think a part of me has always known, but my heart swells hearing her say it.
“You weren’t stupid, baby.”
“Yes, I was. I don’t know why I thought one night with me would change anything.”
It’s my turn to take a deep breath and prepare myself to finally let her in.
“I’ve always known you were the one, Callie.”
Her head snaps in my direction, eyes wide in shock. “What?”
With a wistful smile, I remember the day I rode into Fall Valley.
“First time I saw you, you were walking down the street with your friend. I came over to talk to you, but then I saw your backpack, all the school shit you were holding, and figured I’d better stay away from you for a while.”
“You mean…?”
“Yeah, baby. My first day in town. Imagine how crazy that was for me. I didn’t even believe in that kind of shit.”
“But… all the other women… Why?”
“Like I said, I didn’t believe in that stuff. The women… they were nothing, Callie. Just a way to scratch an itch. That’s why I had all those rules… so they’d know their place, know I wasn’t looking for a mate. But I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Then you showed up in my garage and offered yourself to me. Shit, I thought I was dreaming.”
“Not one of my proudest moments.” She blushes.
“I’m happy as fuck you did. I figured I’d fuck you and finally get you out of my system, but it didn’t work like that. That night, I remember saying something to you about other men, and it sickened me. I couldn’t bear the thought of you with anyone else. The moment my lips touched yours, I saw our future laid out in my mind. I was going to claim you, Callie, but you disappeared.”
“I’m sorry. I thought you didn’t want me.”
“Needless to say, I went back to thinking that true mates didn’t exist. After you left, I became even more fucked up. I was hurtin’. It’s no excuse but… men… we process pain differently. There were more women than before, but after being with you, I couldn’t feel a thing with any of them. There’s a big difference between sex and making love. You showed me that. All those women and I couldn’t even look into their faces. You’re all I saw. You’re the only one who’s even been in my bedroom… my bed.”
“Zax….”
“When you came back, I knew I’d been given a second chance. You’re all I ever wanted. Now, I have you. These past couple of weeks… Fuck it. You’re more than my mate, Callie. I… I love you.”
“Zax!”
She throws her arms around my neck, pressing her lips to mine. I slide my hand around her waist, pulling her close as I taste her sweet lips.
“Where’s your mom?”
“She left a few minutes ago. Went to the church.”
As the grin begins to form on my lips, her eyes widen and her breathing gets ragged. The scent of her arousal grows, making my dick painfully hard.
“Get on top, baby.”
“You mean…” she begins timidly. “You want me to…?”
“Yeah.”
Nervously biting into her bottom lip, she straddles me and begins removing her top.
“Maybe I should turn around. I’m—”
“Don’t move, Callie.”
Her head drops, but she reluctantly obeys. I wish she wouldn’t be so shy with me.
“Look at me.” Her eyes slowly meet mine. “You really don’t know how beautiful you are. It’s part of the reason I love you, but don’t you ever turn your back to me when we’re making love. Understand?”
“Zax—”
“No. I mean it. As long as we’re in this form, you never turn your back to me. I spent too long imagining your face. Ain’t doing it anymore.”
“Oh, Zax…” She leans forward, resting her forehead to mine. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, Callie. Now, let me show you how much.”
***Zax***
“Zax?”
“Yeah, baby?”
“I need to tell you something.”
I glance up from my meal, but keep eating. Damn, my woman is a beast in the kitchen. “What is it?”
“I’m pregnant.”
“What?” My bear perks up, instantly on alert. The fork falls from my fingers, food forgotten as my eyes snap to hers.
“I’m pregnant,” she repeats.
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
I stare at her in disbelief, the look she returns filled with uncertainty. Snapping out of my haze, I jump to my feet, pulling her out of her chair and into my arms.
“I can’t believe it.” Holding her at arm’s length, I shift my gaze to her stomach. “Cubs.”
My eyes slide up her body to her face. I’m still shocked that this woman is mine. Now she’s carrying my cubs. Holy shit. I’m going to be a father. Releasing her, I drop down in my chair.
“Scared?” she asks, nervously biting her bottom lip.
“Terrified.”
She regards me with a terrified expression of her own, and I mentally kick myself for being such a dickhead.
“Don’t get me wrong, baby. I’m ecstatic, but I don’t know anything about being a father.”
Relaxing, she takes her seat. “I don’t know anything about being a mother, either. But we’ll learn… together.”
“You’re right. I can’t wait. I hope they look like you.”
“Me? You’re the one with all the good looks.” She smiles, giving me a wink.
“Yeah, that’s true.”
She laughs, tossing her napkin at me. I can’t believe how happy Callie has made me. There’s nothing in the world that could give me the kind of joy she has. Nothing else could even come close. The best decision I ever made was holding on to her. These last few weeks have been amazing—personally and professionally. Callie encouraged me to go ahead with my expansion plans for the garage. I’ve already hired another guy and spoke to someone about adding on to the building. Everything is falling into place, and I have her to thank.
“You’re moving in.”
“That didn’t sound like a question,” she shoots back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“It wasn’t. You’re my mate, you’re carrying my cubs. You’re moving in to my house.”
“It’s all about you, isn’t it?”
“No, but my job is to protect you and our children… take care of you. I’ll do a better job if you’re here with me.”
“Is that so?”
“It is. As soon as you’re done eating, we’ll go pick up your stuff at your mother’s.”
“I haven’t agreed to anything,” she says, her eyes fixed on her plate as she cuts her meat.
“Callie,” I growl, watching her lips twitch. “Are you pulling my leg?”
She raises her head, flashing me that gorgeous smile of hers. I sigh in relief, leaning back in my chair.
“Of course. I’d love nothing more.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. I love you, Zax.”
“Love you, too, Callie.”
“Now,” she smiles. “Let’s talk about closet space.”
Closet space. Hell, space in general. I need to fix up the spare room for the baby… or babies. Shit. The spare room? I can’t put my babies in that place. Not with everything that’s gone on in there. I leave the table, heading to the room to see what can be done.
“What are you doing?”
I turn to find Callie watching me from the doorway.
“I’ll get rid of all the furniture, change the wallpaper… rip out the carpet… give the room a whole makeover for the baby. Or we can just get a new house altogether.” I approach her, taking her hands in mine. “A house that will be ours.”
She takes a deep breath. “Don’t worry. This room will be fine for now. We’ll just do some re-decorating.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. We might have to get a bigg
er house later on, depending on how many cubs we have, but we’ll be good for a while.”
“Okay. I’ll get started on the renovations tomorrow.”
“We’ve got time.” She giggles, pulling me out of the room. “Let’s finish dinner.”
“Have you told your mother? About being pregnant?”
“Not yet. I figured you should know first.”
“Good call. I am the father after all,” I answer, not knowing if I could feel more proud.
“You sure about that?”
I lose my smile, not at all amused. “Don’t play with me like that, Callie.”
“Loosen up a bit. Who else would it be?” She rolls her eyes.
My pride returns, my eyes scanning her body as she takes the chair opposite me.
“That’s right. That pussy is mine… then, now, forever.”
“Aren’t you romantic?”
“Says the woman who showed up in my garage five years ago and offered me a one night stand.” I chuckle.
“You didn’t exactly leave me any other choice. Why didn’t you even try to talk to me?”
“I don’t know. Guess I was afraid of what I’d learn… what I found out after being with you that night.”
“What’s that?”
“That you’re it for me.”
“I always knew.” She smiles wistfully. “Ever since I saw you ride into town on your motorcycle.”
“Trust me, if you weren’t so young, you would have been in my bed that very night.”
“That’s a little cocky.”
“Like you would have said no.”
“I most certainly would have. What kind of girl do you think I am?” She smiles, batting her lashes.
“Again… the kind who showed up—”
“Yeah, yeah. Stop reminding me.”
Laughing, I push my empty plate away. “I’m gonna love having you here, Callie. The laughs won’t stop.”
“Cause you’re just such a jovial bear.”
“And you’re just a sarcasm machine tonight.”
She sticks out her tongue, rising to clear the table. “What happened to your bike?”
“Sold it a few years ago and got the truck. Figured it was more practical since I could use it for the garage.”
“Oh. I wanted to ride on that thing so bad.” She places the dishes in the sink, turning to face me with a giddy smile. “Sit behind you in my short shorts, wrap my arms around you.”
“We can still do that. After the cubs are born of course.”
“Really?”
Excitement dances in her eyes. I love seeing her like this, especially when I’m the reason. Leaving the table, I join her at the sink.
“Sure. I can get another bike. We’ll go riding whenever you want. But no shorts. Don’t want anyone but me looking at that sexy ass.”
“Okay.”
She practically hops in place as I lean in to kiss her.
“I’ll be in the living room, baby.”
Moving the couch and coffee table out of the way, I shift and lie on the rug, waiting for Callie. The news of the pregnancy has my bear bouncing off the walls. It’s best to just let him have some time with her. She walks in, heading right for me with a loving smile. I rub my muzzle across her stomach, growling my pleasure when she runs her fingers through my fur. She steps back, and I watch as she gets on all fours, shifting in front of me for the first time. Openly admiring her, I growl my approval. My mate is gorgeous in all forms. I move around her in a circle, our sides rubbing against each other. She moans at the contact. I lie down and she joins me, curling up next to me. I settle in, knowing no greater feeling than having my mate snuggled up against me, my cubs growing inside her. I’m at peace. I’m happy. I’m home.
***Callie***
“Zax, stop.”
I try to worm my way out of his embrace, but his hold only gets tighter.
“Why, baby?”
“Why?” I ask in disbelief, turning to face him. When he tries to kiss me, I dodge his lips.
“I need some lovin’.”
“Lovin’,” I bump him with my huge belly. “Is how we got into this situation in the first place.”
“‘Situation’? You mean you carrying our cubs?”
I waddle away from him, heading for the fridge. It’s been six months since the day Zax killed Miles; six months since I moved in with him, and about six months since I’ve been pregnant. Thank God I only have another month to go, and not nine months like humans. I have never been this uncomfortable in my life. All my discomfort does nothing to deter my mate. He still wants to have sex every day; sometimes multiple times per day. The man is insatiable. He blames it on his bear, saying the pregnancy makes me more appealing to the animal. Yeah, right.
I grab my pie from the fridge, and a tub of ice cream from the freezer. Coconut cream pie and mint chocolate chip ice cream have been my constant cravings since the beginning. Zax stocks the freezer each week, and brings me a fresh pie every day. Those actions have been his saving grace or I probably would have killed him a long time ago. Pregnancy hormones are a bitch. Bitches? What-the-fuck-ever. Grammar is the least of my worries right now.
“Baby.”
“Don’t ‘baby’ me.” I flip him off as I leave the kitchen.
“Love you,” he shouts in a sing-song voice.
“Eat me,” I reply in kind as I climb onto the couch.
He comes sauntering into the room and, before I know what’s happening, he’s removed my snacks from my fingers and is dropping to his knees in front of me.
“What are you doing?”
“What you told me to,” he answers as he spreads my legs.
A few months ago, I stopped wearing bras and panties in the house. He didn’t want me to, plus it just made no sense. They were on the bedroom floor more than they were on my body.
“Zax, don’t.”
He smirks, wrapping his arms around my thighs and pulling me toward him. His head descends, and I cry out when his tongue flicks on my clit. I reach down to run my fingers through his hair but I can’t; not over my belly.
“Ugh!”
He pushes my dress up, his lips following its path. They skate across my stomach as he lets his hair loose for me.
“There you go, sweetness.”
I grab his head, sliding both hands in and clutching tightly. The ends brush lightly on my stomach, mimicking his lips. Together, they send shivers of epic proportions up my spine. He’s probably kissed every inch of my body already, but this is different. This isn’t him kissing me, it’s him kissing us—me and our cubs.
“I know it doesn’t seem like it,” he whispers. “But your mom is an angel. Probably just been hanging out with me for too long.”
I giggle despite myself. I have been a bit of a terror these last couple of months. Through it all, he hasn’t complained once. In fact, he does his best to make me laugh. He’s been patient, compassionate, loving… everything I could ever want in a mate; everything I could want in the father of my children. I don’t know how, but I think I lucked out and won the mate lottery.
“I’m sorry.”
“What are you apologizing for?” he asks.
“For being… how I’ve been. Thank you for sticking with me.”
“That’s what mates do, baby. I love you. A couple months of pregnancy hormones won’t change that.”
“I love you, too.” He drops a kiss on my stomach. “Now get back to what you were doing.”
Chuckling, he lowers his head once more. “Yes, ma’am!” He moans as his tongue slides between my lips. “I swear you get sweeter every time I taste you.”
“Zax…” I groan.
He sucks my clit into his mouth, flicking his tongue over it. I’m already so close to coming. I don’t know if it’s him getting better with time, or if it’s being pregnant, but I swear the man can look at me and make me come. When I’m in the mood, that is. He slips a finger inside me, but pulls it out when I clench around it.
> “Not like this, Callie.”
He stands, releasing his dick from his sweatpants. Staring down at me, he grabs it in a fist, stroking from root to tip. I try to close my legs, but he steps forward, standing between them and hindering me.
“Don’t you dare.”
Breathing heavily, I spread them wider. I’ll always be shy; it’s just the way I am, but there’s one thing I know for sure—Zax loves me. The proof is in the fact that he still wants me even though I look like Shamu and act like Godzilla.
“Come here,” he says as he drops down next to me.
I carefully climb onto his lap, placing my hands on his shoulders. He lifts me, then gently lowers me, sliding inside me. A moan turns into a growl when I’m seated on his lap once again.
“Fuck, Callie….”
His fingers dive into my hair, and he pulls my lips to his as I begin to move. I slide my tongue between his lips, tasting him the way I’ve done so many times before. Pulling the bodice of my dress down, he frees my breasts, and tugs on my nipples. A sharp tooth pierces my lip, so I break our kiss, licking away the blood. I watch in amazement as he tries to fight back his bear. I love seeing him like this, knowing both man and bear want me; knowing they’re both mine… ours. My bear joins the party as my orgasm draws close. It’s only right—we belong to them, too. I don’t suppress her anymore. There’s no need to. I have no troubles to escape from. Growling, I sink my claws into his shoulders.
“Marry me.”
“What?” My hips still, but he grabs them, keeping our rhythm going.
“Marry me, Callie. Be my wife.”
He leans down, grazing my nipple with his teeth. It’s just what I needed.
“Zax!” I cry out as I come, throwing my head back. “Yes!”
He roars, joining me. Spent, I drop my head on his shoulder. His fingers glide up and down my back, sending shivers down my spine. I moan, snuggling closer.
“You okay, baby?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“See? That’s all you needed.” He chuckles.
“I’d smack you, but I can’t even move.”
His chuckle turns into a laugh. “Definitely going to be my go-to move when you start acting up.”
“As long as you feed me pie after, I won’t complain.”
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