by Creator
“Well, go change and I’ll meet you at the car.”
An hour later, Michael and Chloe were on the road to Maple Falls, Georgia. Matt and Cassie had heard of the small town from a Wiccan friend of theirs and had rented a house for them. It was on the other side of Atlanta not too far from the Alabama state line.
Michael wasn’t too crazy about Chloe riding so far while she was pregnant, but she was adamant about going. He had his suspicions about her reasons for going, but he kept them to himself.
It was after dark when they arrived in the quaint town. The house they rented was outside of the city limits at the edge of a large plantation property. It had been built by the current owner for special guests.
As Michael pulled down the driveway, he admired the gingerbread trim on the cottage. He knew Chloe was going to fall in love with the place when she saw it. He glanced over at his sleeping passenger. She’d fallen asleep as soon as they’d left Ashton Grove and had slept through the whole trip.
A couple stood on the porch. Michael got out of the car to greet them.
“You must be Michael,” the man said, extending his hand in greeting.
“Yeah, I’m Michael Andrews. My wife, Chloe, is sleeping.”
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Jesse and this is my wife, Lissa. We own the plantation house up on the hill,” he said with a nod toward the large home dominating the hilltop.
“It was nice of you to rent the cottage to us on such short notice.”
Jesse grinned. “Well, it seems Matt and I share something in common, other than our bewitching wives.”
“Oh?” Michael asked with both eyebrows raised, sensing something paranormal afoot.
“Lissa here brought me back from the dead just like your friend Cassie brought Matt back.”
Michael rocked back on his heels. He’d never heard of anyone else coming back before. Two ghosts becoming human again? What were the odds?
“I can see I’ve shocked you. I’m afraid mine wasn’t as simple as a ring,” Jesse said with a grin. “But Lissa was one determined woman.”
Lissa smiled at up her husband. “Come on, honey. Give him the keys. I’m sure he’s anxious to get his wife settled in for the night. They’ve had a long drive.”
Michael nodded. “I’m afraid she’s slept the whole way here. Between the wedding and the baby she’s pretty worn out.”
“Baby?” Lissa and Jesse both asked in unison.
Michael blushed. Apparently Cassie and Matt hadn’t told their friends everything. “My wife is six months pregnant.”
Lissa grinned. “Wonderful. Congratulations!”
“Thanks,” Michael replied with a grin.
“The refrigerator and pantry should be fairly well stocked, but if you need anything the nearest store is about half an hour away. Just let us know and we can give you directions. Our number is by the phone,” Lissa said.
Michael nodded. “Thanks again. I think getting away from Ashton Grove for a day or two will do Chloe some good.”
“Well, we’ll leave you two alone,” Jesse said, steering his wife toward their house.
Michael watched the couple until they disappeared into the darkness. He opened the cottage and turned on the lights. Everything was neat and tidy. A soft glow spilled under the door in the back room. He pushed the door open and discovered the bedroom bathed in candle light.
Shaking his head, he grinned at the romantic gesture. If the kiss he and Chloe had shared was any indication, he might actually get a chance to share a romantic night or two with her. But he wasn’t going to hold his breath.
Walking back out to the car, he unloaded their overnight bags before waking her. He wanted everything to be situated before he disturbed her. Knowing how stubborn she was, she would probably insist on carrying her bag into the house.
Kneeling on her side of the car, he gently shook her awake. “Chloe, we’re here.”
She murmured in her sleep, but didn’t budge.
Michael tried again, but Chloe still didn’t wake.
Sighing, he unbuckled her seatbelt and lifted her into his arms. Pushing the door shut with his hip, he locked the car and carried her into the house. As he stepped onto the porch, she woke and looked up into his eyes.
“Where are we?” she murmured sleepily.
“We’re in Maple Falls,” he answered quietly. “I tried to wake you, but you were out cold.”
Chloe realized she was being carried and came completely awake. “I’m sorry. You can put me down.”
Michael wanted to argue, but knew better. He gently set her on her feet and let her walk into the cottage on her own. He watched as she looked at her surroundings, enjoying the expressions that flitted across her face. It was obvious she loved the cottage.
“It’s wonderful,” she murmured as she gingerly ran her hand across an afghan thrown across the back of the sofa. “I always wanted a house like this.”
“Think you can settle for a three bedroom one bath in Ashton Grove?” Michael asked.
“Oh, I didn’t mean…” Chloe trailed off. She hadn’t meant to insult Michael’s house.
He shook his head. “I know you didn’t.”
“I just always liked houses like this one. I always wondered what it would like to grow up in a house with gingerbread trim, handmade afghans… you know, homes that felt like homes.”
“I had a home that had all of that but the homey feel,” Michael said. “Mom did her best, but Dad kind of wrecked the homey part.”
“I’m sorry,” Chloe said. She walked over and wrapped her arms around him. “You don’t talk about your dad that much.”
“Not much to say. He felt the best way to express himself was with alcohol and his fists.”
“Oh, Michael….” Chloe laid her head on his chest. She wished she could take away the pain of his childhood. She couldn’t imagine what it must have been like to grow up like that.
He shrugged. “It’s over.”
She looked up at him, not quite sure what to say. She could only think of one way to take away his pain, and hers. “Make love to me.”
He stared down at her sure he hadn’t heard her correctly. “What?”
“Make love to me.”
“Chloe, you don’t have to…”
“I know I don’t. Michael, whether you like it or not, you’re my husband now.”
He stiffened. “I realize that.”
“I’m sorry if the idea of being intimate with me while I’m so large is repulsive, but…”
He covered her mouth with his, parting her lips with his tongue. As his tongue glided against hers, he wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her tight against his body. With a growl, he pulled back. “Do you honestly think I find you the least bit repulsive?”
“No,” she whispered.
“Then why would you say something so stupid?”
“You seemed reluctant to be with me.”
“I didn’t want you to jump into bed with me because you felt obligated to, Chloe.”
“I don’t feel obligated to, Michael,” she replied. She looked up into his eyes. How could she tell him that she wanted to forget Ramsey and that she wanted to remember him? “I want to start
my life with you. I want us to be husband and wife. I want… I want you,” she finished quietly.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
She nodded.
Lifting her into his arms, he carried her into the candle lit bedroom and laid her gently on the bed. Kicking the door shut behind him, he slowly removed his clothes. As she watched him, he could see the hungry look in her eyes and it turned him on even more.
When he stood before her completely naked, he let her look her fill. “Do you see what you do to me?” he asked.
Chloe nodded as her eyes devoured him.
Michael walked toward her. Kneeling at her feet, he removed her shoes. Sliding his hands up her legs, he parted her thighs and pulled her closer. He bunched her skirt up around her thighs climbed ont
o the bed with her. He pressed his throbbing cock against her panties.
“Do you feel how much I want you?” he whispered against her ear.
She nodded, desire making it impossible for her to speak.
“Do you want me just as much?” he asked.
“Yes,” she whispered, pulling him closer for a kiss.
Tunneling her fingers through his hair, she kissed him, savoring the taste of him. Lifting her hips, she thrust against him, wishing there were no barriers between them.
Michael reached between them and cupped her breasts. He didn’t remember them being quite so large, and he wanted to feel them against his skin. Pulling her top down, he nearly growled in frustration when her bra was still in the way. Slipping his hands under her top, he unclasped her bra in back, and pushed the offending object aside.
Cupping her breasts, he groaned in satisfaction. He thrust against Chloe, wishing he were buried inside of her. When she lifted her hips to meet him, he nearly lost control.
Reaching between their bodies, he pushed her panties aside, allowing his cock to slide against her wet folds. Using his thumb, he spread her lips so he could slide between them and rub against her clit.
Chloe whimpered into his mouth and arched against him. Michael could tell she was close to her release and he wanted to please her more than anything. He slid back and forth against her slick clit faster and faster until Chloe cried out. When she bucked against him, she tilted her hips and took him all the way inside of her. Feeling her convulse around his cock was enough to make him come inside of her on the spot.
***
“That wasn’t quite how I had planned on doing that,” Michael said.
Chloe grinned against his shoulder. “What exactly did you have planned?”
“Well, assuming you wanted to do anything at all, I had planned on both of us being completely naked for one thing.”
“Hmmm. Well, you were completely naked. Does that count?”
He grinned. “I guess I got it half right.”
“And I guess that means you’ll have to try again.”
He lifted up on an elbow and looked down at her. “Again? Aren’t you tired?”
“If you’ll remember, I had a nap. I’m perfectly well rested.”
He grinned. “Then I guess we’d better get you out of these clothes.”
Chloe grinned and pulled her top over her head and dropped it on the floor. “That’s one piece. What’s next?”
Michael pulled her bra off and tossed it on the floor with her shirt. “That definitely had to go.”
Chloe bit her lip and studied his face a moment.
“What?” he asked.
She shook her head.
“Something,” he said.
“It’s just… this is the first time you’ve seen me without clothes since I’ve been pregnant. Well, as a human anyway.”
He kissed her tenderly and caressed her pregnant stomach. “You’re beautiful, even more beautiful than the day I met you.”
Chloe smiled and kissed him back, her fears forgotten.
Chapter Twenty-One
In Ashton Grove, Ramsey arrived home feeling tired and haggard. He was glad he’d been able to help the Colorado pack, but he was happy to be home. The psychic warned him that things had changed. He was a little worried about her cryptic message, but first he wanted to shower and get things settled with Chloe. He knew she was mad at him. It hadn’t escaped his notice that she’d moved back into the apartment the last time he’d been home. He’d be lying if he said it hadn’t hurt, but he hadn’t wanted to deal with it at the time.
Dropping his bag on the kitchen floor, he headed straight for the bedroom. Stripping off his clothes, he climbed in the shower. The hot spray washed away the nightmare of the past few days. Sabrina had been all over him while he was in Colorado, regardless of how many times he’d told her “no.” He’d thought of walking away and just coming home, but he’d given his word that he would help so he’d stuck it out. The alpha had been appreciative and had paid him well for his trouble.
Getting out of the shower, Ramsey dried off and pulled on a pair of jeans. He dried his hair and went to the kitchen for a quick bite to eat. He only hoped Chloe had kept the refrigerator stocked.
When he flipped on the kitchen light, the first thing he noticed was the folded piece of paper with the key on top. He picked up the key and a feeling of dread settled in the pit of his stomach. He recognized it as the key he’d given Chloe to his house. Opening the letter, he read it – twice.
With shaking hands, he sat the letter down on the counter. She’d left. She’d not only left, but she’d asked to be mated to someone else. Ramsey stared blankly at the counter. He’d rushed home, anxious to see Chloe and mend his relationship with her. She’d thought he didn’t want her? That he didn’t love her?
He pushed away from the counter and paced the kitchen. The note said she was already married. It was too late, he’d already lost her. Or was it? Everyone thought he was coming home tomorrow.
Rushing to the bedroom, he quickly finished dressing and grabbed his wallet and keys. Hurrying out the door, he jumped in the Hummer and drove over to the Victorian. If there was still time to stop the wedding, Kiera and Gabriel would know.
Ramsey stormed up the walkway of the Victorian, ready for battle. Wedding decorations were still scattered around the yard. He was too late. He banged on the front door, making it rattle on its
hinges.
Kiera opened the door with wide eyes. “Ramsey, you’re home early.”
“Where is she?” he growled, slamming the front door behind him.
Kiera gulped and scurried backwards into the kitchen. She’d never seen Ramsey so upset before. “She?” she asked, deciding to buy some time by playing dumb.
“You know very well who I’m looking for, Kiera.”
“She’s married now, Ramsey. There’s no point starting any trouble.”
“Dammit, Kiera! You knew how I felt about her!”
Kiera winced. “I know. I tried to talk her out of it.”
Ramsey sighed and sank into a kitchen chair. “Why did she do it?”
“She thought you didn’t want her.”
“Why? Why would she think that?”
Kiera shrugged. “You went off to play at being someone’s mate.”
“I told her the Colorado pack asked for my help.”
“Yeah, but when she moved out to the apartment, you didn’t exactly go after her either. You just left again without one word.”
Ramsey hung his head. “I was going to go talk to her when I came back tonight. It’s why I came home early.”
“I’m sorry, Ramsey,” she said softly. “I truly am. I tried to get her to wait, but she said if you had cared for her at all, you wouldn’t have left the way you did. She said you would prefer to pretend to be someone else’s mate than to be her mate for real, or something along those lines.”
He nodded. “So she’s married to Michael?”
“They were married this afternoon.”
“Did she move out already?”
“No. They went on their honeymoon right after the wedding.”
Ramsey winced. The thought of Chloe and Michael together was too painful. “I can’t think about that right now.”
“You’re not going to have a choice, Ramsey. You’re going to see them together.”
“I know. I’m just not ready to deal with it right now. Maybe I’ll take some time off and … I don’t know, travel or something.”
Kiera placed a comforting hand on his arm. “I wish there was something I could do.”
“Undo the past twenty-four hours,” he said quietly.
“I wish I could,” she said. “If it’s any consolation, I think he’ll treat her well.”
Ramsey gave a harsh bark of laughter. “Have you already forgotten their fight? The nurse’s orders that Michael was to stay away from her? His iron grip on her arm?” He ground his teeth together. “I swear
Kiera, if he harms one hair on her head I’ll tear him to pieces.”
“You’ll have to get in line,” Gabriel said from the doorway. “But I don’t think it will ever come to that.”
Ramsey looked up at the alpha. “Why did you do it? When she asked you to choose a mate for her, why did you choose Michael?”
“Because he loves her.”
“So do I,” Ramsey said, anguish written across his face.
Gabriel nodded. “I see that now. I’m sorry, Ramsey. She asked me to make a decision.”
“I don’t know if I can stay and see her with Michael, not right now.”
Gabriel watched the other werewolf thoughtfully. “I may actually have an assignment for you.”
“What is it?”
“There’s a young woman in Mississippi who wants to move here. She was raised by werewolves and her family has recently passed away. She’s petitioned me to join our pack.”
“And you want me to go get her?” Ramsey asked.
Gabriel nodded. “She’s going to have her things moved here professionally at a later date, but she’ll need someone to pick her up. That should get you out of town for a little bit.”
Ramsey sighed. “I don’t think forty-eight hours will be long enough.”
“So leave now and help her pack. She won’t be ready to move here for another month or two. I can call and see if she has space to let you stay with her. Then you can bring her here when she’s ready to move.”
Ramsey eyed the alpha. “Why do I get the feeling there’s more?”
Gabriel shrugged. “She’s gotten some threatening messages from the local pack. One of their youngsters wants to marry her. He’s been pressuring her to be his mate.”
“So since I just finished pretending to be someone’s mate, you figured I could do it again?”
“Actually, I thought a mate might take your mind off Chloe.”
“What?” Ramsey asked in surprise.
“I’d like you to consider being mated to her.”