Autumn hurried upstairs, pausing outside Gabriel’s room. She heard the shower running and slipped inside the room, discarding her clothes as she approached the bathroom door. It was ajar and she was treated to the site of her mate washing his too long hair. Not that she minded that his hair brushed his shoulders. She actually found it rather hot, but she’d noticed his brothers kept theirs a bit neater.
“So hot,” she mumbled under her breath. She felt her heart race in anticipation of what was to come. Or what she hoped was to come.
Pushing the door open, she stepped into the bathroom and opened the shower door. Gabriel swiped the water off his face and stared at her. His gaze caressed her body, heat burning in the blue depths. She got into the shower and closed the door behind her. Gabriel still didn’t move and she wondered if she would have to make the first move.
Autumn felt more brazen than she’d thought she would as she grabbed his shower gel and squeezed some in her palm. Rubbing her hands together, she spread the suds over his shoulders and down his broad chest. Gabriel watched her, but she felt his heart race beneath her fingertips. His nipples beaded as her hands skated over them and down his tight abs. When she finished washing the front of him, except for the most important part, she got more shower gel.
Her hand wrapped around his erect cock, sliding down the long, hard length. He sucked in a breath as she stroked and teased him. Her other hand cupped his balls, massaging and rolling them. Gabriel braced a hand on the wall and tipped his head back, his hips thrusting forward, shoving his cock further into her hand. She tightened her grip, twisting her hand on the upstroke.
Gabriel groaned and she felt his cock swell in her hand. A moment later, he erupted, spraying her hand and belly with his seed. She’d figured it wouldn’t take much to make him come, not after he’d been so long without a woman’s touch. Gabriel pulled her under the water and helped her rinse before rinsing himself.
“What made you do that?” he asked, smoothing her hair back from her face.
“As I sat in that cemetery today, I realized that I had been foolish to keep you at arm’s length. I decided that if I made it through in one piece, I would change things between us. You were right. We’re mates, whether there’s a ceremony or not.” She squeezed his biceps. “I’ve never enjoyed sex before, but I know it’s going to be different with you. I want to be your mate in all ways, Gabriel. As soon as you can arrange it, I want to go through with the ceremony.”
“I don’t want you agreeing because you had a near death experience.”
“It’s what I want. Truly.”
He bent his head and claimed her lips in a gentle kiss, his mouth coaxing and teasing. Autumn parted her lips and his tongue slipped between them. As their tongues danced and tangled, she found herself leaning into Gabriel, wanting more contact with him. He had an incredible body and she wondered what all of those hard muscles would feel like against her softer curves.
Gabriel pulled back, leaving Autumn panting and wanting more. His hands stroked down her arms, but that wasn’t where she wanted them. Gabriel’s gaze never left hers as he reached for the shower gel and washed her from head to toe, his hands caressing and driving her passion higher. Autumn had never wanted anyone the way she wanted Gabriel. She should have been a little afraid of her feelings, but she’d decided to throw caution to the wind and just embrace whatever happened between them. She was ready for this, wanted it. She had no doubt that her heart was ready to love him; she just needed to turn off her brain.
“Let’s move this to the bedroom,” Gabriel said before kissing her again.
She fumbled for the shower knob and shut the water off. Gabriel helped her out of the shower and dried her off before drying himself, and then he lifted her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom, laying her on the bed. Autumn sprawled across the unmade bed, waiting to see what he would do next.
He cupped her breasts, tweaking her nipples, before taking a rosy tip in his mouth and sucking long and hard. His teeth gently grazed her and Autumn buried her fingers in his hair, holding him close. As he trailed kisses down her body, she felt herself tense. Was he going to… She let out a gasp as his tongue traced her slit, his hands spreading her thighs wide.
No one had ever put their mouth on her there before. Perry had only been interested in his own needs, not caring if she enjoyed her time in his bed or not. As Gabriel’s tongue flicked over her clit, she couldn’t hold back her moans of pleasure. Her hands fisted the bedding and she lifted her hips, wanting more, needing more. He listened to her silent plea and sucked the bud into his mouth, drawing on it hard before lashing it with his tongue again. It was all Autumn needed to send her over the edge. She came, calling his name, as her body flushed hot and strained, not wanting the incredible feeling to go away.
When she lay replete, he kissed his way back up her body and pulled her to the edge of the bed, lifting her legs around his waist. She was amazed he was hard again already and flushed in pleasure as she realized he’d gotten that way while sending her to the moon and back. It had been the first orgasm she’d had and she hadn’t been disappointed.
The head of his cock parted her folds and slowly pressed inside of her. He was bigger than Perry had been and she felt stretched to the max as he filled her, but it wasn’t an unpleasant feeling. Gabriel’s hands gripped her hips, lifting her so that he could slide in deeper. Autumn tightened her legs around him, urging him to move. He felt incredible and she knew it was only going to get better.
“It feels so good,” she murmured.
“You feel amazing.” His grip tightened on her.
He started a slow, easy rhythm, his hard shaft plunging deep, and then withdrawing only to do it all over again. A fine sheen of sweat coated Autumn’s body as she felt that now familiar tightening, her body letting her know that she was close to coming. She clawed at the bedding as she panted for breath. Gabriel increased his speed, driving into her deeper and harder, the crown of his cock rubbing against her g-spot with every thrust.
Nearly mindless with pleasure, Autumn cried out as she came, her channel squeezing and releasing him as he found his release. It wasn’t until that moment, as she’d felt the warmth spread through her, that she’d realized they hadn’t used protection. She wasn’t taking anything and she wasn’t certain how soon Gabriel would be ready for children.
Gabriel withdrew from her body and leaned down to kiss her. “We should get cleaned up and head to dinner. I know you have to be starving by now.”
“Dinner sounds good.”
He lifted her into his arms and carried her back into the bathroom, starting the shower once more. It didn’t take them long to get cleaned up and dried off. Autumn wrapped the towel around her body and hurried downstairs to pull on her clothes. She was just slipping her feet into her boots when Gabriel appeared in the bedroom doorway.
“When we get back, we’ll move your things upstairs,” he said.
“All right.” She reached out and laced her fingers with his.
He handed her the leather jacket hanging in the hall closet and she wondered where it came from. She’d seen a picture of Kiera in his bedroom and knew her cousin had been quite a bit smaller than her, so it couldn’t be Kiera’s. She gave him a quizzical look.
“I picked it up earlier while you were having lunch with Marin. I hope you don’t mind, but I snooped through your things to get your size.”
Her hands caressed the soft leather. “You bought me a coat?”
“You’ll need if we’re going to take the bike. It’s chilly out there, especially at night. I don’t want you to get sick.”
She rose on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you.”
He smiled and led her out the door, stopping only long enough to lock up. Gabriel swung his leg over the bike and started the engine as she climbed on back. Autumn wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed as close to his body as she could. After having been intimate with him, and knowing the feel of h
is body against hers, the thought of riding on the back of his bike made her panties damp.
Chapter Eight
Autumn blew a wayward strand of hair out of her eyes as she pulled the candied yams out of the oven. She’d already made the glazed carrots, a pecan pie, and a chocolate cake. She’d been at it since five that morning and now it was nearly time to go. She had just enough time to shower and get dressed, giving the candied yams some time to cool a little. She’d used a Pyrex dish that had a lid so, once they’d cooled a little, they would be good to go.
She paused at the foot of the stairs and smiled as she saw Gabriel in the living room. A football game was on and he was leaning forward, his arms braced on his knees. She’d heard him shouting at the TV several times and now she knew why. He’d already showered and dressed his hair still damp against his collar. She hadn’t seen him dressed up before, but he’d put on a pair of khaki slacks and a blue pinstripe button down shirt.
Autumn hurried up the stairs and got the shower going. While she waited for the water to warm, she pulled out her short sleeve heather gray knit dress and a cranberry colored shrug. Snatching her black peep toe heels off the floor of the closet, she set them out too. She didn’t know why Gabriel didn’t drive the SUV parked in the driveway, but he wouldn’t have a choice today. Between her dress and the various food items she was taking, they would need something with doors.
Autumn took her time in the shower, letting her conditioner set for three minutes, making sure she shaved really well, and used her brown sugar scrub to exfoliate. When she got out, she dried off and used the matching brown sugar body cream to moisturize. She added a bit of anti-frizz stuff to her hair before blowing it dry. Then she rolled it using her steam curlers.
She knew it wouldn’t take long for her hair to curl so she scrambled into her clothes and shoes, then applied a light layer of make-up. Gabriel had mentioned that he preferred her fresh faced, but there was no way she was going to Thanksgiving with the family without any make-up on. A light dusting of powder, a sheer glittery eye shadow, and a tiny bit of blush and mascara. A neutral lip-gloss finished the look. Autumn took down the curlers, turned her head upside down, and shook the curls loose. When she turned right side up again, her hair was fluffy and curly. She had to admit she looked nice.
Gabriel must have heard her coming down the stairs because he was waiting at the bottom when she reached the second floor landing. He wolf whistled at her and grinned as she made her way down to him.
“Don’t you look sexy as hell,” he said, wrapping his arms around her.
She smoothed her palms up his chest and wound her arms around his neck. “You clean up pretty nice, too.”
The light in his eyes dimmed for a moment. “I guess we’re taking the SUV, what with everything you’ve been cooking all morning.”
“Is there something wrong with it?”
He shook his head. “It was Kiera’s.”
Autumn cupped his cheek with her palm before gently kissing his lips, thankful her lip-gloss was the kind that stayed put.
“She would have wanted you to have it,” he said. “And if you don’t like it, we’ll trade it in for something else.”
“I’m sure the SUV is fine, but would you be more comfortable if we have something else? I know there are a hundred things around here that remind you of her, but I don’t want you to feel bad every time we go somewhere and don’t take the motorcycle.”
He squeezed her waist. “I’ll take you car shopping tomorrow. I still have some money in savings so you can get whatever you want.”
“Let’s get to Marin’s house before they send out a search party for us. We’re going to be late.”
Gabriel released her and took the keys off the hook by the door. He helped her carry everything to the car and then slid behind the wheel. His hands flexed on the steering wheel a few times, but eventually he blew out a breath and started the engine. Autumn hated that this was so hard for him, knew he had to be missing Kiera with it being the holiday season.
After he backed down the driveway, he reached over and took her hand, resting their joined hands on his thigh.
“I don’t want you to think that I don’t appreciate you, that I don’t love you, because I do,” he said. “This is just my first holiday without her.”
“I understand, Gabriel. She was an important part of your life. I don’t expect you to just forget about her. I know that you still love her, and a part of you always will. Believe it or not, I’m okay with that.”
He glanced her way. “You’re an amazing woman, you know that?”
She smiled and squeezed his hand.
It didn’t take them long to reach Marin and Cole’s house. As Gabriel put the car in park, Cole and Michael came out to greet them. The men carried everything inside, leaving Autumn with nothing to carry. As she stepped inside the house, the smell of turkey teased her nose. It seemed everyone was already gathered, with the men in the living room watching the same game Gabriel had been watching at home, and the women in the kitchen getting things ready.
Autumn followed everyone to the kitchen and hugged the women. Was it just her or did Marin hold her a little tighter? Her friend was glowing, her smile brighter than ever before. It made Autumn wonder what was up. She knew everyone was excited that Gabriel had joined them, but she doubted that was it.
“Ramsey, Harper, and Hunter are joining us too,” Marin said.
“And Eric,” Aislinn added.
“Do you have room for everyone?” Autumn glanced down the hall, thinking about the dining room she’d passed.
“I have a table set up in the sunroom. Harper and Ramsey offered to sit out there with the kids. Hunter and Eric will join us in the dining room,” Marin said. “I think we’re ready. We just have to put everything out on the table.”
The women got to work, carrying everything to the dining room. When they were done, they called everyone in to eat. As they gathered around the table, Autumn realized Harper, Ramsey, Hunter, and Eric had arrived while they were busy. Everyone eating in the sunroom made their plates and headed that direction, while everyone else took a seat. Cole sat at one end of the table and Gabriel claimed the other, seating Autumn to his right.
Cole cleared his throat, getting everyone’s attention. “Marin and I have something we’d like to tell you.”
Marin was beaming from ear to ear as she took Cole’s hand.
“We’re going to have a new addition to the family in about seven months,” Cole said. “It seems Eric healed Marin well enough that she’s still able to have children.”
“That’s wonderful!” Autumn jumped up to go hug her friend. “No wonder you were glowing in the kitchen!”
Eric smirked and Autumn wasn’t sure she liked that look. “What?”
“Marin isn’t the only one expecting in this family,” Eric said. “I’m just not sure if I should say anything or let the couple discover it on their own.”
The women all looked at one another, but Marin winked at Autumn.
“What was that for?” Autumn asked.
Eric grinned. “Because you’re the other momma-to-be.”
Autumn felt her knees go weak. “But…”
Gabriel rose and helped her to her chair. “Are you certain?” he asked Eric.
“Once is all it takes,” the sorcerer said. “If you weren’t planning to be a papa again anytime soon, you should have used protection.”
Autumn’s face flamed in embarrassment. Gabriel waited until she was seated to reclaim his chair. He lifted her hand and kissed the backs of her fingers.
“I’m surprised, but not unhappy about it,” Gabriel said.
“You really don’t mind?” Autumn asked. “I was worried it would be too soon for you. I’d thought to bring the subject up later tonight. I know it wasn’t just Kiera you lost.”
“If you’re pregnant, then this is what was meant to happen,” Gabriel said. “Besides, I’d love nothing more than to start a family with you.”
Eric cleared his throat. “Perhaps the two of you would like to have a mating ceremony first?”
Autumn and Gabriel shared a look. They’d discussed it again that morning and had decided to wait until after the holidays, but definitely before Christmas. They had planned to call Connor in a day or two and ask if he would be willing to conduct the ceremony.
“I came prepared,” Eric said. “If you want to have the ceremony today, that is.”
Autumn’s gaze swung his way. “You’re going to officiate the ceremony? Can you do that? I mean, I thought it had to be the alpha.”
“Since Gabriel is an alpha, it’s perfectly acceptable for another magickal being to perform the ceremony.” Eric smiled and reached into his shirt pocket, withdrawing two gold rings with etchings on them. “Like I said, I came prepared.”
Autumn looked at Gabriel before returning her gaze to the sorcerer. “After dinner,” she said. “Assuming everyone isn’t too full and miserable to sit through the ceremony.”
“We’ll hold off on dessert until after the two of you are officially mated,” Michael said with a smile. “We can cut that chocolate cake I carried in as a mating celebration.”
Everyone dug into their food, the family seeming as anxious as Gabriel and Autumn to get on to the ceremony. She couldn’t wait to officially tie her life to Gabriel’s. In her heart, they were already mated and this was just a formality, but it would be nice to be seen as his mate by more than just their family, especially knowing they had a little one on the way. Things were happening so fast between Gabriel and her, but it felt right. She didn’t have any doubts that she was right where she was supposed to be, and she agreed with Gabriel. If she was pregnant, she was meant to be pregnant at this time. Who knew what the fates had planned for them?
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