Alpha's Rescue (Shifter Ops 5)

“He said twins run in your family.” I gulp. As much as I want a cute little brown bear running around our cabin or our place in LA, I was hoping for a child-free honeymoon. Or three.

“When you get pregnant, whether it’s twins or triplets or a combination of both, we’ll handle it. Together.” Still maneuvering the ATV, he takes my hand and kisses my knuckles, just above my morganite engagement ring.

I let warmth spread through my belly and wait until we’ve parked to say, “So you want kids with me?’”

“Oh yes. One day.” He pulls into the parking lot and leans in. “Until then, I’m going to do my best to fill you with my super shifter sperm at every opportunity. You know, as practice.” His teeth nip my ear.

“Mmm.” I hum my agreement.

“But first, we gotta get inside for this meeting, or Daisy’s going to chew my ear off.”

Teddy helps me out of the ATV. I’m in an LA-worthy outfit, a sparkly rose gold jumpsuit with matching high heeled boots. Teddy and I just flew back from my home office for the town meeting. His helicopter business has come in handy. Until I open a GoddessWear office close to Bad Bear mountain, I’m the one and only client. It’s not easy flying back and forth for work, but I have a new CEO taking over GoddessWear in a few months, and I’ll be able to step back and start planning our wedding. He was reluctant to plan a wedding at all, but I’ve assured him it’ll be intimate–no fuss and no cameras.

I haven’t yet told him about the mauve kilts.

“Lana!” Maisy waves as Teddy and I walk into the meeting room. I trot to her and give her a light hug with a double cheek kiss.

“Look at you.” I step back to take in her outfit.

“A Lana Langmeyer original.” Maisy poses to show off my new creation, the fitted peekaboo dress that’s been flying off the shelves. I designed it after Teddy gave me his mark on my breast. When I wear mine, the cutout over my ample cleavage drives him wild.

“The pink suits you,” I say.

“It does.” Matthias has walked over to our little group. He looks Maisy up and down and nods his approval.

A flush blooms on Maisy’s bare chest and spreads up to her face. “T-thank you.” She slaps a hand to her now pink neck. “I…uh, gotta go...help my grandma.” She rushes off, and I make a mental note to tease Matthias about flirting with the townswomen later.

“Welcome back.” Matthias leans in to give me a cheek kiss. “We’re up front. We saved you a seat.”

At the front of the room, Everest stands like an usher, looming over the row of Bad Bears. The triplets are all slouching. Axel looks like he’s asleep. And on the far end, a familiar figure with a blond head and gray suit sits ramrod straight with a briefcase at his feet.

“Is that Darius?” I ask as I settle between Teddy and Matthias.

“Yes,” Matthias says. “Here to pitch another real estate project, I believe.”

While we’re waiting for the meeting to begin, my cell phone beeps, and I pull it out to check the notifications.

“Better put that away,” Teddy warns. “Or Daisy–”

“I know, I know.” I read the message from my CFO and suppress a squeal.

“Good news?” Teddy asks. He can read me perfectly.

“Great news.” I power down my cell and tuck it into my purse. “I’ll tell you after.”

On stage, Daisy brings the meeting to order. “Everyone, settle down.” Maisy hands her a gavel, and she bangs it on the podium. “Today we meet under much different circumstances.” She pauses to make sure all eyes are on her. “I'm happy to announce the establishment of the Bad Bear Mountain trust, a non-profit that’s dedicated to preserving the beauty and wild spaces on this mountain. As of this morning, the trust has received a ten million dollar donation that we can use to pay off the town’s debt.” Another pause, but a hush greets Daisy. We’re all sitting with our mouths hanging open.

The fake flowers on the mayor’s headband bob as she nods. “I’d like to thank the donor, who wishes to remain anonymous. We’re still accepting proposals for a new housing development, but in light of the new trust and our debt being eliminated, we can take our time to choose what’s best for the mountain. Thank you.” She bangs the gavel and, with Maisy’s help, wobbles down from the podium, leaving the room a buzz with shock and relief.

“What just happened?” Hutch asks.

“We got very lucky,” Matthias murmurs. “Someone with deep pockets must love this mountain very much.”

“It’s wonderful,” I trill, avoiding Matthias’ pointed look. He’s figured it out. He’s always thinking two, three moves ahead. Either that, or his glasses give him X-ray vision. “Shall we go back to the cabin and celebrate?”