ARINA'S MATE (Shifters of the Bulgarian Bloodline Book 2)

by Dalia Wright

  As he looked down upon her in the light of the kitchen, heavy rain pounding the walls around them, he thought of how lucky he was. He’d told Serena earlier that day that things just weren’t working out between them anymore.

  “How did she take the news?” Lida asked, curious about Malcolm’s well-being.

  “She took it fine. I think she knew it was coming, especially because of how we were acting at brunch the other day. She packed her bags earlier today and flew back home.”

  “Wow,” Lida said. “I can’t believe you left her for me. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.”

  Malcolm’s soft lips curled into a grin. “You were already the luckiest girl the second you walked onto the Stone premises.”

  He walked over to the fridge and fished around for a bottle of champagne. Finding only white wine, Malcolm shrugged and uncorked the bottle regardless. He also grabbed a canister of whipped cream and a case of strawberries. He sat down on the floor and motioned for Lida to do the same. Lida grabbed two mugs from the sink and placed them between her and Malcolm’s legs.

  That night, they consumed almost two bottles of wine and the entire crate of strawberries. Malcolm also found a case of chocolate-covered blackberries in the back. Giggling, Lida placed a raspberry in Malcolm’s mouth. They kissed and everything tasted like chocolate and fruit. Malcolm undid his tie and shed his jacket, the muscles in his chest protruding through the satin of his dress shirt.

  He pushed her onto her back, kissing down her collarbone and exposing her breasts on the cool tile floor. It was still late enough that the other guests were sound asleep and would not be waking for several hours. Lida was wearing a pair of purple satin pajamas that slid out from under her with ease. Malcolm loomed over her body like Tarzan observing Jane, wondering where he would strike next to claim his woman.

  “I love you,” Lida whispered into his ear as he entered her. He gasped and gripped her shoulders.

  “I love you, too,” he said, licking the inside of her ear with such ferocity that she started to squirm beneath him.

  “You’re so cute when you moan like that,” he said, dragging her lower lip out between his teeth. She was beautiful and surrounded by a halo of fruits. Malcolm remembered the whipped cream and sprayed it mercilessly on her breasts. He licked it off as if he hadn’t eaten in days, sticking a finger in her mouth so that she could taste the sweetness.

  “My turn,” she said, pushing Malcolm off of her and onto his back.

  Now that she was in charge, she sprayed the whipped cream all over his groin, licking and sucking until he begged her for mercy.

  “You’re a goddess,” he breathed, stroking the top of her head.

  “And this goddess is about to become your wife,” she responded, smiling up at him.

  Malcolm leaned back his head and relaxed, letting the feeling wash through him like an enormous Caribbean wave. Lida was sweet yet ferocious, like a starving lion cub encountering its first meal. She raked her nails into his hips and bit down hard on his waist, leaving bright pink kisses all up and down his torso.

  As his thighs began to quiver with pleasure, he knew he was going to finish. Lida tugged him closer by the hips, coaxing him to finish inside her. They’d already consummated once and it was time to do it again.

  She would bear his first child, a brunette named Vanessa. Three years later and Lida would become pregnant again, this time with a boy they would name Claudio. The joint wedding that was to take place with both brothers would be the most romantic night of their lives so far, with doves being released at the end of the ceremony.

  But in that moment, Malcolm and Lida had become one on the chilled tile floor, their bodies intertwined like wild green vines. Though Lida wanted to fall asleep on the floor, wrapped up in Malcolm’s arms, he told her they needed to head upstairs.

  “But I’m too tired to get up,” she said.

  “Then I’ll carry you,” he responded, lifting her into his veiny arms. He carried her all the way up the stairs, this time into his bedroom. It smelled like vanilla and clove, a scent Lida had come to recognize belonged only to Malcolm. Sifting through his closet, he pulled out a pair of soft pajamas and a t-shirt for her to sleep in.

  “Wouldn’t want my wife-to-be to catch a cold,” Malcolm said.

  “I love it when you all me your wife,” she responded.

  He grinned, hopping into bed next to her and shutting off the light. Lida turned her back to Malcolm and he tugged her closer, kissing the nape of her neck until she fell asleep to his touch. They didn’t wake up till late the next day, when dirty sunshine spilled through the thick curtains. Downstairs, the other guests were bustling about, sharing gossip and trying to figure out what exactly was happening.

  Luckily for Lida, Wyatt took care of all the complications. He explained the situation to everyone and made sure that they understood to welcome both Lida and Eva into their ever-expanding family.

  “Do we have to go downstairs yet?” Lida asked, lingering in the bed.

  “No, we don’t have to,” Malcolm said. He rolled onto his stomach and propped his head on his elbows. “Did you have something else in mind that you wanted to do?”

  Lida leaned her head back and chuckled. “I might have something else in mind.”

  But they were interrupted by a pounding on the door. It was Wyatt, begging them to come down to breakfast.

  “Oy I haven’t even gotten out of bed yet,” Malcolm whined.

  “You’re so lazy,” Wyatt called back.

  Lida laughed. “I love how close you guys are with each other. I’ve never really been that close with my siblings.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. But they’re all going to show up to the wedding so you get to meet each and every single one of them, including my parents.”

  “Oh boy,” Malcolm said. “Well at least then I’ll get to tell them about how in love with their daughter I am. Maybe they’ll cut me some slack.”

  Lida laughed. “Let’s hope so.”

  They spent the rest of the day eating and planning for the wedding. Lida laughed more than she had since arriving to the states all those weeks ago. So much had changed for her in such a short period of time. She’d taken the pregnancy test after having had sex with Malcolm for the third time, and it was positive. That morning had been spent making phone calls to the doctor and scheduling appointments for ultra sounds. Eva told Lida that her cheeks were glowing and that she would make a beautiful blushing bride.

  Lida had finally found a place to call home, regardless of all the stress and confusion that had occurred early on. Wyatt had completely forgiven her for falling in love with Malcolm and Lida grew more excited by the day for the wedding. And when it finally arrived, Lida and Eva walked down the isle side by side, two girls that had originally hated each other but now found solace in the men they loved.

  “Ready?” Eva asked, smiling at Lida.

  “Yeah,” Lida asked.

  They walked towards Malcolm and Wyatt, petunias in each of their hands. It was time for Lida to start the second half of her life and she couldn’t have been happier to be marrying the handsome Malcolm Stone.

  The End

  Fate Takes a Turn

  By: Elaine Young

  Chapter One

  Sarah’s heart sank into the pit of her stomach.

  She had never felt this much pain before. Why would he do this to me? She wondered, despite the fact it was a selfish thought. Her maemm reached out and touched her shoulder.

  “Keep faith.”

  Faith, in what? Sarah had faith all her life, that this is how it would be. That her and John would be married as soon as they could. But now, that all may change and she wasn’t sure if she could handle it. She wasn’t sure what she would do. Trust in Gott. She reminded herself. She tried to keep faith, to trust in Gotts plan, but it was hard. For years John and her had known they would be married. Sarah had thought they had both decided that this was the life for them, th
at they did not need to wait. When John told her that they would need to wait a little longer, just long enough for him to explore the English world, she had been crushed.

  Now, here she sat with her family. They tried to comfort her, but it was no use. She could swear she felt her heart breaking. What if he decides not to come home? Would she be able to keep going? Would she be able to find someone else to spend the rest of her life with?

  “Sarah,” Her father’s voice snapped her back to reality. “you decided a long time ago that this life was for you, but that does not meant you can’t join John in the English world.”

  Sarah stared at her father. It was true she had decided a long time ago that the Amish life was for her, but her father was right.

  “You have a chance to show your husband-to-be your love for him before you are even married.”

  They were both right.

  Sarah nodded. Fear knotted in the pit of her stomach, though she wouldn’t admit it as she took a deep breath. Gott, please give me the strength to do this. She prayed silently as she stood up and padded into her bedroom. It wasn’t common for an Amish family to only have one daughter, but here she was- an only child in a community with families as big as 18.

  Sarah was dropped off at a bus stop by her father. Although cars were not used by the community, there was one famer who had a truck for work and he had been kind enough to allow Sarah’s deatt to use it for the day.

  “You’ll be safe, jah?”

  “Jah.” Sarah promised.

  Her single bag packed with everything she could need, Sarah had no clue what would happen once she got on that bus, and now that the ticket had been bought she wanted nothing more than to turn back and go home. Nee, I’ve got to go. She would surprise John and show him just how much he meant to her. Show him that he was not alone.

  “Gut.” Her father nodded, pleased with her answer. He pulled her into a hug. “I will see you when you get home.”

  “Goodbye, da.”

  His arms tightened around his daughter. Finally he pulled away, clearing his throat.

  She saw the tear touch the corner of his eye as he turned on his heel and walked away.

  Sarah’s heart ached as she watched her father leave her. She took a deep breath and stepped towards the bus that looked like it was already packed. They still had a couple minutes before leaving, but she wanted to find a seat, ideally alone.

  The bus was packed, and finally Sarah had to settle with a seat at the very back, with someone beside her.

  The girl looked up from her book, her brown eyes giving Sarah a once over. Sarah looked down, so as not to stare at the girl’s bright pink hair, as she sat down, tucking her bag under the seat.

  “Hi,” The girl smiled widely. “How are you doing?”

  “I’m… fine, d-thank you.” Sarah caught herself before she said danka. She had seen the looks her family got when they used their own words instead of English ones, she didn’t want to start the trip off with that.

  The girls eyes sparkled. “Where are you headed? If you don’t mind me asking.”

  “I… I’m going to see my-” Sarah paused. What was he to her? Not quite a boyfriend, they had never been on a formal date before he left her, but they had known since they were little that they would be together. They’d been best friends growing up. Just because they’d never been through formal courtship didn’t mean he wasn’t her boyfriend- of sorts.

  It would be too hard to explain anyways.

  “My boyfriend.”

  It was a simple answer, and that would work best for a stranger. Really Sarah had no interest in chatting with the girl, but she did not want to be rude about it. She forced a smile over her lips and reached into her bag where pulled her book out and delved into it.

  As it turns out, Sarah was not a fan of reading and traveling on a bus. Well, she would have loved to read while on the bus, but she felt like she was going to puke if she did. The girl glanced over.

  “Try looking out the window, it helps.” She smiled softly. Since Sarah had first sat down the girl hadn’t said another word to her. She seemed to have picked up on the fact that Sarah wasn’t interested in talking. Guilt twisted at her stomach. She’s just trying to be kind.

  “Are you traveling to see someone?” Sarah asked the girl.

  “Nope, I’m on my way home from seeing my grandma,” The girl smiled widely. “I’m Jen, by the way.”

  “Sarah.”

  The two girls shook hands.

  “So, have you been with your boyfriend long?” The girl paused. “Is he…”

  Jen’s cheeks flushed. Sarah knew what she had been about to ask.

  “He’s Amish,” Sarah said. “We… well, we’re not officially together.”

  Sarah’s cheeks flushed as she admitted it. Here she was, 17-years-old and she couldn’t say that John was actually her boyfriend.

  The girl raised an eyebrow. Sarah could tell she was waiting for more. Without realizing it, Sarah opened her mouth, for once eager to explain to someone her situation.

  “It’s not that we don’t like each other. It’s just… things keep coming up, we haven’t had time for courting. Last year, his father fell ill and John had to pick up the slack while his father recovered. That took more of a toll on him then he’s willing to admit. We grew up knowing though, that we were meant to be together.” It was Gott’s plan. The families had realized that while John and Sarah were still at a young age.

  “That’s very romantic.” The girl said, without a hint of sarcasm. “He must be excited to know you’re coming.”

  “Actually, it’s a surprise.”

  Chapter Two

  Stepping off the bus Sarah was feeling good about her choice to come see John. Jen and her had ended out talking most of the time, and it was nice to have a chance to open up to someone who would not judge her the same way her family would. She knew her family loved her deeply, but what she was going through they could not understand- and this stranger seemed to.

  Sarah looked around her. She’d never been in a city this big before, while her parents had brought her with them if they had to run into the local town Sarah had never seen so much hustle and bustle before. She looked around, trying to take everything in.

  Something touched her arm gently. Sarah’s heart skipped a beat as she spun to see what had done it. Jen gave her a soft smile.

  “Are you sure you’ll be okay getting to your boyfriend?”

  “Jah.” Sarah had given up on trying to make sure she used only English words with Jen, and Jen hadn’t seemed to mind at all.

  Jen held her hand out. Sarah glanced down at a small piece of paper torn on it. “Here is my number. While you’re here, if you need anything just give me a call. Even if it is just someone to hang out with.”

  Sarah took the paper from her with shaking hands. She’d never had this happen before. Growing up, she had known everyone, there had never been a chance.

  “Da-thank you.”

  The girl Sarah had just spent two hours opening up to gave her a smile and walked away. I will call her. Sarah promised herself. She wasn’t sure how long John would want to stay but Sarah would make time to see Jen again. At least once.

  Maybe he won’t want to stay at all when he sees me. It wasn’t likely and Sarah knew it, but she still hoped as she headed towards the parking lot where a line of yellow cabs waited for her. She slid into the back seat.

  “Hi,” A man with a thick Irish accent said from behind the steering wheel. “where’r’ya headed?”

  “2371 Bank St. East.” Sarah had memorized the address since she’d gotten it two days ago. This was where John was. She didn’t know where she would be staying, maybe with him or maybe he would know somewhere. If not, her parents had given her a bank card that they said would be more than enough for her to live off of.

  Although Sarah had decided at a young age that her life was with the Amish community she’d grown up with her parents had wanted to make sure that she had the
chance to explore the English word if she decided to. They saved every year, putting money into a bank account Sarah hadn’t even known about until she was 14. She’d always thought if she didn’t use the money they could. Maybe to make an addition on the small house, or maybe for a vacation- but they insisted that she would keep it. And now, here she was using the money to see the man she loved.

  Sarah stared out the window as the car made its way towards the address she had given off. She tried to take everything in, because if she focused on the things surrounding her then she wouldn’t have to worry about if John would be angry to see her or not. Nee, he will be happy to see me. This was a sign of how much she loved him. A sign that, even though they were not married, they were in this life together and that she would support him.

  Sarah snapped back to reality as the car slowed down outside of a small brick house.

  “$12. 76.” The man said in his thick accent.

  Sarah pulled out the change and handed it to him. For a second, his brow furrowed then he gave her a smile.

  “Have a good day, ma’am.”

  “Thank you, you too.” It took an effort on her behalf to use English, but when she said the words thank you she felt a tug of pride at her; and a longing for home.

  She stepped out of the car, her bag in her hands, and headed for the door.

  With each step her heartbeat grew faster. She slowly made her way up the steps, wondering what would be on the other side of the door. Some Amish youth liked to get out and explore the English world, some liked to take advantage of it. Would John be one of those people? Nee. Sarah knew he was a kind man, but fear still made her pulse race.

  Thump. Thump. Thump.

  She came to a stop at the door, and with shaking hands she reached out, forcing her body to work as she pressed the doorbell.