Her men had asked her to marry them, and she’d been so excited that she’d jumped on them and capsized the dinghy they were in at the time.
Serves then right for asking me on a dinghy in the middle of the lake. Seriously, who does that?
“I think I’ve got time for one more coffee,” Jason said, “and a kiss.” He walked to the sink and wrapped Bethany in his arms. “You’re supposed to put the water in the sink when you wash the dishes, sweetheart.” He kissed the tart reply from her lips before going to the coffee pot and pouring himself a coffee.
Bethany noted that Peata had moved to the other side of the kitchen, the large dining table now between her and Jason.
“How is Melanie?” Bethany said. “Is the baby born yet?”
Jason came over and kissed her. “She’s fine. Her men are being a great support to her. And no, the baby is not born yet. It will be a couple more hours yet.” He nuzzled his head into the crook of her neck and took a deep breath. He growled softly, the vibrations going straight to her pussy.
She didn’t want to be aroused in a house full of shifters, so she took a step away from him. “We made chocolate muffins. Did I get some on me?” she asked, wondering at his curious behavior.
When she looked up at his face, his eyes were a bright amber, the bones on his face stark and protruding. He stepped up to her again and pulled her tight against his rigid frame.
“Jason,” Finn bellowed from the upstairs bedroom. Jason shook his head and his eyes faded back to their bright cobalt blue.
“We’ll talk soon, Bethany.” He growled and stalked from the room.
Bethany took a few deep breaths and tried to ignore the throbbing of her now-swollen clitoris. “Apparently he likes chocolate muffins,” she said sheepishly.
Peata came back to the sink and hugged her again. “I don’t think that’s it, Bethany,” she said, and laughed as she hugged her tighter. “Have you decided where you want to go for your honeymoon yet? The wedding is only two weeks away.”
Peata released her, and Bethany washed the pans as Peata dried them. “I actually don’t want to go anywhere. I’m scared.”
“Scared of what, Bethany? Those three big men of yours will keep you safe.”
“There just seems to be so many bad people in the world outside of Eminence.” Bethany felt a tear roll down her cheek. She hated being afraid, but she was. Even though Cristian Renta had hung himself the night he’d been arrested, she was still scared.
“I understand. More than you know,” Peata said with a shudder. She took Bethany’s hand and led her to the table, motioning for her to sit, before sitting down next to her.
Peata then told her the reason she was so fearful of men, and Bethany cried for the abuse her friend had suffered.
“Were they ever caught?” Bethany asked.
“Hunter had a friend in the police force where I used to live look into it. He’s a wolf shifter, and has so far caught three of the men responsible.”
Bethany gripped Peata’s hand and wished that there weren’t so many awful people in the world. “So you understand why I don’t want to go on a honeymoon.”
“You need to take your life back, Bethany. I let my fear rule me for so long that I’m still not living the life I deserve. Don’t let fear stop you from living life to its fullest.”
The sound of a truck screeching to a stop outside made both of them jump. Then they laughed. They were in the Alpha’s house. There would be so many cats on patrol outside that nowhere in the world would be safer.
Samson and Michael caused a bottleneck at the kitchen door as they both tried to enter at the same time. Peata and Bethany laughed harder.
Samson pushed Michael aside and stalked over to Bethany, picking her up and swinging her around in a circle. He nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck and began to purr. He licked over her mark, making her clit throb again in renewed arousal.
“What are you doing, Samson? We’re in the Alpha’s house,” Bethany said, her voice high and breathy. How embarrassing.
Michael came and squeezed tight against her back. He licked and nuzzled at the other side of her neck, growling low and long. Bethany nearly came. She had to squeeze her legs together and breathe deep to stop the orgasm from peaking.
“How much chocolate muffin did I get on me?” she moaned.
Peata burst out laughing, but her comment was cut off by the sound of a baby crying, followed swiftly by the thunderous sound of four shifter males roaring.
* * * *
Bethany was sitting on Samson’s lap at the kitchen table, her legs draped over Michael’s legs, as they waited anxiously for news about Melanie and the baby. Samson had called Peata’s mates, and they were on their way to meet the little bundle of joy.
Samson had never been happier in his life. The phone call from Jason telling him that Bethany was pregnant had been the best news he’d ever received.
His mate was perfect. Now she was pregnant with their cub, and perfect. He knew he was probably sporting the same ridiculous grin that Michael was, but he didn’t care.
Jason finally came into the kitchen and they all leapt from their chairs, Samson keeping Bethany in his arms as he stood.
“How is Melanie?” Peata asked. Samson noticed she subconsciously rested her hand on her own swollen belly. She only had a couple more months until she had to go through labor herself.
“How is the baby?” Bethany said.
Jason held up his hand and gestured for them to stop. “Melanie is doing well. She has safely given birth to a healthy baby boy that weighs eight pounds and one ounce. His fathers are all doing well, too.”
They all took a collective breath in and all asked for the baby’s name at the same time.
“The latest addition to our pride is called Matthew. He’s feeding at the moment, but as soon as he’s finished, Finn has promised you can all meet him.”
Jason came and held his arms out to Bethany. “Does that news warrant a hug?”
Samson relinquished her reluctantly to Jason, who nuzzled her neck again before giving him and Michael a wide smile.
“The baby is born now, darlin’,” Michael said. “There’s no reason we can’t go on a honeymoon now.”
“Where have you decided you’d like to go, kitten?” Samson said. “You name it and we’ll go.”
“The world is your oyster,” Jason added.
Bethany looked at Peata and the two women held each other’s gazes for a long moment. “I know it’s where both Melanie and Peata went, but I’d really like to see Niagara Falls. It sounds so beautiful.”
“Niagara Falls it is, kitten. Michael, you can make all the arrangements?” Samson said, kissing Bethany until they were both breathless.
“At least my wedding will be completely different,” Bethany said, looking at Peata with a smile.
“What is different with your wedding?” Peata said, her head cocked to one side in confusion.
“I’m the only one of us who isn’t walking down the aisle pregnant.” Bethany giggled as she looked at Peata’s shocked expression.
Samson shook his head at Jason, who snapped his mouth shut.
They’d tell her the news later.
Or after the honeymoon.
THE END
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I live in Australia, in an area surrounded by the bush. I wake early and walk for an hour. It gives me time to think about the characters I’m writing about and their interactions. I have on occasion been interrupted in my walks by a kangaroo—sounds like a joke, but they are abundant in the bush around my home.
I’ve been an avid reader since I was twelve years old. My first series of books were Nancy Drew, and they have left me with an enduring love for mystery and suspense novels. I do love romance, though, so I write what I would love to read, which will always have strong heroes and a happily ever after. What girl doesn't want that? My love of fantasy has let me explore the paranormal genre, and I love the way it lets me escape
reality for a little while.
My hope is that people will enjoy reading my books as much as I have enjoyed writing them.
Email me at: [email protected].
For all titles by Ashley Malkin, please visit
www.bookstrand.com/ashley-malkin
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
Bethany [Eminence Shifters 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 17