“Well, he sounds like a good man regardless of whether or not he fits the legend,” Abuelita decided. “You should give him another chance.”
Jade sighed. “I’ll think about it,” she told them. “For now, I’d really just like to take a break from everything and relax.”
"Of course,” Abuelita soothed. She stood up and then leaned down to wrap her arms around Jade. Jade sighed again as she sank into the comforting embrace and hoped her grandmother was right. She really, really wanted Dawson to be the good man Abuelita thought he was.
* * *
"Jade! Jade, wake up!”
Jade sat up in bed, the sound of her Abuelto’s voice piercing through the fog of sleep. For a moment she experienced a sense of deja vu, wondering if he needed her to help man the front desk again, but it was far too early, only four in the morning. And besides, he sounded happy, not stressed.
"Jade! Are you awake?”
She shuffled out of bed to open the door. “What is it?” she asked, curious and bewildered at the sheer joy lighting her grandfather’s face. He was practically bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet, his dark eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Santa came last night,” he said, giving her a million-watt grin. “Hurry and dress. You must see!”
Abuelito gave her enough time to slip on boots and shrug on a robe before dragging her downstairs to the lobby. Jade’s jaw dropped when they reached the bottom of the staircase. In the middle of the foyer was a huge tree, twice as tall as the one they usually got, draped in ribbons and ornaments and twinkling lights of all different colors. An enormous pile of presents sat beneath the tree, some of them with her name on them in a bold, masculine script she did not recognize.
"Oh Abuelito...” she whispered, staring up at the tree in awe. “Did you do this last night?”
Abuelito shook his head. “Not me. I received a very generous donation yesterday evening from a wonderful man, which included this tree and all these presents.” His eyes twinkled.
"We’ll be able to make the upgrades to the Lodge and fix all the plumbing and electrical issues for real now,” Abuelita added, her eyes shining as she joined them.
Jade was flabbergasted. “Who... who would make such a generous donation?” She wondered, her mind whirling as she tried to figure out what she was missing.
Her grandmother smiled. “If you want to know, he’s waiting outside. Why don’t you go and see?”
Jade’s heart began thumping hard in her chest as she began to realize who it might be. Hesitantly, she crossed the lobby, one small step at a time until she reached the double doors that would lead out into the snowy cold. Her hand hesitated on the brass handle, unsure as to what exactly she would find when she went outside.
"Go on,” her grandfather urged. “It’ll be fine.”
She opened the door and stepped out onto the porch and then gasped. Sitting at the foot of the porch was a huge, white wolf with silver eyes staring up at her, patiently. His tail wagged at the sight of her, and, as he opened his mouth, tongue lolling, she knew that it was Dawson.
But, he wasn’t the only wolf out there.
Spread out on the lawn behind him were at least fifty other wolves, all of different colors and sizes... and they were playing in the snow. Some were at least as huge as Dawson while others looked adolescent, as if they were just coming into puberty. They pounced on each other and rolled in the snow, spraying white fluffy flakes all over with their wagging tails and bodies.
"Oh, how cute,” she murmured as she caught sight of a trio of wolf cubs frolicking in the snow. Dawson flicked his ears and then turned and barked at the cubs. Instantly they broke apart, tails wagging, and trotted through the snow and up the steps toward her.
"Oh my goodness.” She crouched down so she could pet one of them, and it surprised her by jumping straight into her lap, knocking her down. The other two followed suit, and she giggled as their wet, rough tongues laved at her face and neck, their little paws pressing into her arms and chest.
"Alright, alright.” Dawson’s voice startled her, and she sat up to see him standing next to her, in human form now, dressed in his heavy winter gear. His lips curved into a smile. “That’s enough, boys. Let her up now.”
The cubs scrambled off her, and Dawson helped her to her feet. “Dawson...” Jade said slowly, searching his face. “What... what is all this?”
"I came here late last night with the pack while you were sleeping,” Dawson explained, rubbing his thumb across her cheek, “to talk to your grandparents and explain. I knew they were having trouble with the Lodge, so I offered them the money needed to fix things up, and explained to them just how much you mean to me.” His eyes twinkled. “Apparently they already knew I was a wolf shifter, so I was denied the pleasure of shocking them with that news.”
Jade smiled a little. “I told them last night while I was trying to explain everything to them.” She bit her lip as she looked up at him shyly. “My Abuelita thinks that I’m being foolish, and I think she’s right.” She glanced over his shoulder at the wolves, now sitting with their ears perked as if they were listening to every word and waiting expectantly... which they probably were. “I was wrong to assume that you were all monsters.”
Dawson’s eyes softened. “No, you were just reacting like anyone would.” He turned them both slightly so they could look at the pack. “That’s why I brought them all here... so that you could see that we're not just beasts but that we have heart, too.”
Three of the wolves broke away from the pack, then, and trotted up the steps. They changed right before Jade’s eyes, revealing themselves as Randy, Jeff and Ricardo—the same three who’d shown up at Emily’s apartment.
"We can see how much you mean to Dawson,” Randy said, “and we want to welcome you into the pack, if you’ll have us.”
"This sap can’t seem to function well without you, chica.” That was Ricardo, who scowled at her, but there was a playful smirk on his face. “Dunno what that’s all about, but we need him on top of his game to lead the pack, which means he needs you.”
"No pressure.” Jeff winked. “Just thought we should mention it.”
Jade laughed at them. “I’ll take that all under advisement,” she said and then leaned up and pressed her lips to Dawson’s. The three men on the porch wolf whistled and clapped, and the rest of the pack yipped and howled in appreciation, filling Jade with a warm glow of happiness and acceptance.
"Thank you,” Dawson whispered against her mouth, finally pulling away. “You have no idea how happy this makes me.”
"That makes two of us.” Grinning, she turned toward the pack. “Why don’t you all Change and come on in so we can have Christmas together? I’d hate to leave my new family out in the cold.”
Chapter Fourteen
New Year’s Eve
Jade sat on the front porch of the Lodge with her grandparents, holding hands with Dawson as they watched the fireworks. Every year they always had a fireworks display for the guests, and, since Dawson had given them such a generous donation, they’d been able to afford a truly spectacular display tonight.
"These are amazing,” her grandmother commented as a red, green and gold firework burst across the sky, spreading out into a diamond-shaped pattern.
"Some of the best fireworks we've ever had,” Abuelito agreed. He turned to Dawson with a smile. “And we couldn’t have done it without you. We are ever in your debt, nino.”
Dawson simply shook his head. “It’s nothing,” he insisted, and Jade had reason to know he meant it. It turned out that Dawson was independently wealthy. His grandfather had been in the mining business and had left him quite an inheritance. The money he’d given to her grandparents to renovate the resort had been a drop in the bucket. “I’d love to see the resort plans when the contractors are done laying them out, though.”
"Of course.” Dawson and her grandfather launched into a spirited discussion about the construction, and Jade simply smiled as the technica
l talk washed over her head. She tuned it out and squeezed Dawson’s hand, content to watch the way the glow of the fireworks played across his handsome face.
She still couldn’t believe he was hers. It had been six days since he’d shown up before dawn with the pack, and things had been so blissful. She still suffered morning sickness, sure, but somehow it was more bearable with Dawson by her side to hold her and comfort her, plus the knowledge that she was going to have a family in her future and that she wouldn’t have to struggle between managing her career and raising a child.
She’d thought about quitting her job as a director once the baby was born, but since Dawson was independently wealthy there was no need. He would be able to help care for the baby, and she would be able to continue on with her dream career. Really, how much better could life get?
They sat on the porch together for a long while, talking and laughing and sipping from mugs of hot chocolate. But, eventually the fireworks show ended, and her grandparents got to their feet.
"Well,” her Abuelito said. “It’s time for us old folks to turn in.” He smiled and pulled Jade in for a hug.
"You two have a good night,” her Abuelita said as she hugged Dawson. She gave Jade a wink, and then she and Abuelito disappeared into the lodge.
Dawson and Jade walked back down to the cabin he’d been staying in before, which her grandparents had immediately given him for permanent use whenever he liked. Her grandfather had said it was the least they could do after all he’d done for them. Jade thought it was nice that Dawson would have a permanent place amongst her family, regardless of how much time passed and where life took them.
"So are we turning in?” she asked, closing the front door behind them. The room was warm, the fire they’d lit earlier still burning low in the grate and casting long shadows about the room.
"Not yet.” Dawson turned to her with a smile, the firelight flickering in his eyes. “I need to do one more thing in order to start the new year off right.”
Jade’s heart leapt as Dawson pulled a small black box from his jacket pocket. She clapped a hand over her mouth as he got down on one knee, looking up at her with his heart in his shining silver eyes.
"Jade Maria Garcia,” he said, his deep, sexy voice sending shivers down her spine. “Would you do me the great honor of being my wife—and my mate—for as long as we both live?”
"Oh my God.” Tears sprang to Jade’s eyes as he popped open the box, revealing a platinum ring with a jade stone flanked by two sparkling diamonds. “This is the most beautiful engagement ring I've ever seen.”
He gave her a lopsided grin. “I had it custom made, just for you. I’m guessing that’s a yes!"
"God, yes!” She let him slip the ring on her finger and then flung her arms around his neck and kissed him. Love and joy swept through her along with her fierce desire for him, and she held him tight as he kissed her deeply, pouring all of her emotions into the kiss.
He picked her up in his arms, bridal style, and began walking back toward the bedroom. “Let’s celebrate, then.”
Jade giggled as he laid her down on the bed and then moaned as he dipped his head into the hollow of her neck and began kissing and licking her there. Her hands fumbled with the zipper on his jacket and then pushed the fabric down his wide shoulders to reveal the dark sweater he wore beneath. At the same time, he kneaded her breasts through the fabric of her sweater, teasing her nipples to tight peaks and causing her body to thrum with sexual energy.
"Off,” she demanded, tugging his sweater from his pants. Electricity raced through her as she slid her hands beneath his shirt and over his taut muscles. They flexed beneath her hands as she pushed his sweater up and over his head.
“God, you're so hot,” she growled, leaning back to admire the way the lamplight played over his rock-hard body. He grinned down at her, his silver eyes gleaming, and the hint of fang that peaked out from behind his lips sent a thrill of excitement through her.
"Not as hot as you are,” he returned, pulling her dress off and sliding her panties down her legs. She moaned when he pressed his palm between her legs and spread her legs wide when he nudged the inside of her thigh with his leg. Pulses of pleasure began to run through her body as he rubbed the heel of his palm against her pussy, putting just the right amount of pressure on her clit, and she rocked beneath him, her breath coming faster as she looked into his bright eyes.
"Come for me.” He slipped two fingers into her, pressing against her g-spot as he continued massaging her with the heel of his hand. His eyes scalded her, making her hot and aching all over, and a rush of pleasure swept through her, leaving her breathless and wanting more.
He pushed his pants off the rest of the way, leaving himself fully naked, and then sat up and pulled her onto his lap. She moaned as he entered her, wrapping her legs around his waist and leaning back so that he could lick and tease her nipples. His stubble rasped against her skin as he took one nipple into his mouth, and she ground her hips into his, a low moan escaping her as the pleasure built inside her.
They rocked each other slowly in the small hours of the night, sweat gleaming against their skin as sensation rushed through them, taking them closer to the edge. Dawson’s fingers dug into her ass as he pressed deeper into her, growling her name as he urged her onward, and she arched her back to take as much of him in as she could.
"I love you,” he groaned as his body began to quake with orgasm, and she held onto him tight, loving the feel of his big, hard body trembling beneath hers. Happiness filled her at his heart felt words, and she couldn’t stop the grin from spreading over her face.
"I love you, too,” she whispered, kissing him softly. And, as he rolled her over onto her back to prep for round two, she knew that she would cherish him—and their baby—for the rest of her life.
About The Author
Catherine Vale has been writing fiction for as long as she can remember, but it wasn’t until she wrote her very first paranormal romance story that she found herself hooked on the raw, edgy love affair of shifters, vampires and other dominant alpha males and the captivating women who love them.
Catherine Vale writes both contemporary and paranormal romance for readers who are willing to take a walk on the wild side of love. Her stories always include powerful alpha males, smart and sassy heroines and a happily-ever-after—even if she often puts her characters through hell to get there!
Do you want to know when there’s a new release? Special offers, giveaways, free books and more! Find out more at http://www.CatherineVale.com and subscribe to her newsletter to receive notifications whenever a new book is released!
Looking to connect? Like Catherine’s Facebook Page at http://www.Facebook.com/CatherineValeBooks
Other Books By Catherine Vale
Untamed Hearts
The Wolves Next Door
A Touch Of Vampire
Her Two Bears
Double Trouble
Taste Of Honey
Scent Of A Mate
Wolf Bite
Awakening The Bear
On The Prowl (Jaguar Series)
Kiss Of Fire
Shade Of Dragon
To Catch A Cheetah
Between Two Wolves
Broken Moon
See full list of available books at http://www.CatherineVale.com and join her newsletter for updates, new releases, appearances, giveaways, and more!
Catherine Vale also writes contemporary BBW romance as Adriana Hunter! Check out her books at http://www.AdrianaHunter.com
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