Witch's Mate Read online

  “What was that?” Graham asked.

  “Nothing, Daddy.” She sighed. “Liam, can I talk to you?”

  Liam flashed her a smile. “Can’t it wait? We’re a little busy,” he said, waving his hands at the steps. Graham was bent down, lining up the fresh boards.

  “It’s OK, son,” Graham said. “I’ll be fine. I need to take a break anyway and see what my wife is up to.” He stood up and stretched his back. Walking up to the porch, he gave Lara a kiss on the cheek and went into the kitchen.

  Liam wiped his brow with his arm. “All right, let’s talk.” He stood up straight to his full height and looked up at her.

  Lara stared at the wide expanse of his chest like a drooling idiot. When he gave a polite cough, her eyes quickly looked up at his grinning face. “Not like that!”

  He crossed his arms over his chest, making the muscles ripple deliciously. “Like what?”

  “Argh!” she let out an exasperated shout, grabbed the T-shirt hanging on the railing and tossed it at his stupid face. “Here. Put this on.”

  With another cheeky grin, he put the shirt on. Slowly.

  Lara gave an inward groan.

  “There,” he said as his head popped up through the shirt’s neck hole. “Better?”

  It was the white shirt from the last time when he was back here chopping wood. When they first had sex.

  “Ugh, it’s fine.” She waved her hand, trying the remove the image of them in her head.

  “Now, what did you want to talk about?”

  “Liam, I—” A giggle from the kitchen made her stop short, followed by a throaty, masculine laugh. “Uh! Mother!” She shook her head, carefully hopped down from the porch, and grabbed his arm. “Let’s go.” She stalked into the woods behind her house, with Liam in tow.

  As soon as they were far away enough from the house, she turned to him. “Liam, this isn’t going to work. You’re going to have to go sooner or later.”

  “Says who?”

  “Oh, for God’s sake, you’re an Alpha. You have your clan to think about.”

  “My clan will be fine,” Liam said. “And I don’t have to be Alpha.”

  “What?” she asked. “You can’t not be Alpha!”

  “Sweetheart, I told you.” He moved closer to her, taking her hand in his. “I don’t care about being Alpha. Not if it means I can’t be with you and our child.”

  “Liam…” She shook her head and turned away from him. “I can’t do this. I can’t be selfish.”

  “Lara, listen to me.” He spun her back around to face him. “Have you had any more dreams about me?”

  She shook her head. “No, I haven’t.”

  “See? There’s no more curse!”

  “How can you know that?”

  “I can’t, but there’s one way to know for sure.” Before she could say anything, he pulled her to him, locking her arms down with his. “I love you, Lara.”

  She opened her mouth to protest, but he quickly silenced it with his lips. Lara struggled, wiggling against him, but Liam’s arms were like a vise. She sighed against his lips, her body melted against him, and she relaxed. He smiled against her, and his tongue parted her mouth, deepening their kiss.

  A warm, comforting feeling spread to her. It wasn’t just desire, but also a strangely soothing sensation, coming from deep within her and her belly. With a gasp, she pulled away from him, her hands going to her stomach.

  Liam grinned down at her, his blue eyes filled with wonder and love.

  “Did you feel that too?” she asked.

  He nodded. “Was it…” He looked at her stomach.

  “I think so.”

  His hand hovered over her flat belly. “May I?”

  She nodded. He leaned down and got on one knee in front of her. She then took his hand and put it on her flat tummy. “There’s not much there, I’m afraid,” she said with a little laugh.

  Liam’s eyes widened and he shook his head. “Oh no, Lara. There’s everything in here.”

  Tears formed in her eyes at his words. “Liam,” she gasped. “I love you, too.”

  His arms wound around her waist, then he put his cheek against her stomach. She ruffled her fingers through his hair and closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.

  She felt his lips moving against her, which made her giggle. “What are you doing?” she asked.

  Liam looked up at him, his cheek pressed to her abdomen. “Talking to our baby.”

  Our baby. The words made her feel warm all over. “And what are you saying?”

  “I’m asking her if now is the right time to propose to her mother. I’m already down on one knee, after all.”

  Lara gasped, the tears spilling over her cheeks. With a deep breath, she spoke again. “A-a-and what did she say?”

  “I think she said it’s a good time.” Liam looked up at her and held his open palm out. A sparkling diamond ring lay flat on his palm. “Lara Chatraine, will you marry me?”

  “Liam, yes. I will marry you.” She pulled him up to his feet, then he slipped the ring on her finger. “I love you, Liam.”

  “I love you, too, Lara.” He leaned down and kissed her. Suddenly, he pulled back. “Wait. I don’t have to change my name, do I?”

  She smacked him on the chest before pulling him down for a kiss.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Graham and Vivianne greeted the news of their engagement with much happiness and relief.

  “I’m very happy for you, son,” Graham said as he shook Liam’s hand. “For both of you.” He looked at his daughter, and for the first time ever Lara saw a glimmering of tears in his eyes, which he quickly brushed away with a swipe of his hand.

  Vivianne, on the other hand, was unabashed about the tears flowing down her cheeks. “Darling…this is the most wonderful news!” She hugged them both tightly.

  Liam and Lara stayed the rest of the week at the compound. They spent the days working around the compound with Graham, playing and running with Hugo, or helping her mother with the herb garden. Liam cooked for them twice, showing off his skills in the kitchen. Nights were spent wrapped around each other, making love and lying in each other’s arms, talking about the future.

  Finally, they said their goodbyes to Graham and Vivianne for now, packed up Hugo, and drove back to New York City. Lara wanted to delay having to face the rest of the Lycans, but Liam wanted to tell everyone right away.

  “Another True Mate pairing?” Grant said, an astonished look on his face. They had invited everyone to dinner at Muccino’s downtown. The restaurant, which was an off-shoot of Frankie’s family’s original restaurant in New Jersey, was in its opening week. They all sat at the chef’s table behind the kitchen, where they could see Dante Muccino and his kitchen crew in action and still have some privacy.

  “I’m not surprised,” Frankie said, smiling warmly at her husband.

  “Pay up, losers!” Alynna said, stretching out her hand. Alex, Nick, Cady, and Jade all fished out bills from their wallets and slapped them on her palm.

  Lara looked at the group. “You bet against us?”

  “No, silly,” Alynna rolled her eyes. “We all knew you guys were sneaking around. But I got the closest date to when you’d both pull your heads out of your asses and actually figure out you were in love.”

  “I’d have won if I actually had money to bet,” Meredith pouted, then stuffed her face with an artichoke parmesan crostini. She closed her eyes and let out a moan. “Oh my God,” she turned to Frankie. “Lupa, your brother’s single, right? Does he like blondes who love to eat and sport really rockin’ ankle jewelry?”

  Lara shook her head mentally, still puzzled at how the Lycan somehow got an invitation and permission to leave Fenrir. She looked at Jade and took a guess how.

  “So, what’s next?” Cady asked. “Are you planning a big wedding? You know who could help you plan—”

  Alex, Nick, and Grant collectively groaned.

  Lara laughed. “I think we’re good, but you�
��ll have to tell Callista thank you if she offers.” She had heard all the stories about Grant’s very…helpful mother, who apparently was the queen of all Lycan weddings. “Besides, we’ve talked about it.” She looked at Liam, who smiled back at her. “We’re not going to have a big wedding. A private ceremony at the justice of the peace, maybe.”

  “But you’ll have a party, right?” Alynna asked.

  “Of course,” Liam said. “We’ll probably have one here in New York City after the ceremony and another one in San Francisco.”

  “Awesome!” Meredith raised her glass. “And you know what that means, right?”

  Lara cocked her head. “What?”

  “Bachelorette party!” Meredith whooped. “How about Vegas?”

  Epilogue

  Two weeks later, Liam and Lara got the wedding they had hoped for, and much more. They were married by a judge, in the woods behind the Chatraine house with only Graham, Vivianne, and Akiko attending as guests, plus two witches from the coven to act as witnesses.

  Akiko greeted the news of Lara and Liam being True Mates with some apprehension, of course. Lara was very anxious at Akiko’s chilly behavior towards her at the start, but Liam explained that his mother was raised in a different culture and different time and did not show her emotions to new people so easily. He assured her that Akiko approved of her.

  She didn’t understand it at first, but Lara got the surprise of her life a few days after they arrived in San Francisco. The clan had gathered at Gracie Manor and Lara was formally introduced to the clan. A few of them, particularly the ones who knew Alfred and Maeve Williams, expressed their anger over the fact that their future Lupa was not Lycan and a witch, to boot. Akiko suddenly silenced their protests. The older Lycan declared that Lara was one of the most qualified people she knew to replace her as Lupa. She praised Lara’s kindness, her nurturing heart, and her loyalty to Liam, proven by how she jumped after him off a cliff to save his life. Akiko said she was proud to call Lara her daughter and Lupa.

  Lara was shocked. She didn’t even know Akiko knew about what happened during their attack on the mages. She looked over to Akiko, who was looking defiant as she addressed the clan, telling them that whoever didn’t approve of Lara was free to leave. When she stared back at a stunned Lara, her face remained stoic, but her eyes were shining with pride. Liam’s face, on the other hand, said, “I told you so.”

  After the quick ceremony, they all drove back to New York City for the party. The rest of the coven, the New York Lycans, the San Francisco Lycans, and all their other guests were already waiting for them at The Conservatory at the New York Botanical Gardens. The Victorian-style glass conservatory was decorated with fairy lights, white and pink paper, lanterns, cherry blossoms, dahlias, and hydrangeas. The couple walked in hand-in-hand, Lara dressed in a long, off-the-shoulder white gown with her hair swept to one side and flowers in her hair, while Liam wore khaki pants, a gray vest, a white shirt, and a skinny black tie. All the guests were waiting for them at the entrance to the conservatory, cheering them on as they arrived. Even Hugo, wearing a bow tie around his neck, was there, barking and woofing happily.

  “I love weddings!” Alynna said as she grabbed a champagne flute from a passing waiter. “Especially the free booze!” Liam had gone to dance with his mother and left his bride in the care of Alynna and Alex.

  “Slow down, baby doll,” Alex said, taking the champagne flute from her hand. “Do you remember the last time you were drinking at a wedding?”

  “Didn’t you start a conga line and make it wind around the Waldorf Astoria lobby?” Lara reminded her.

  “Yeah!” Alynna grabbed the glass back from her husband. Then she poked a finger at his chest. “And then what happened afterwards?”

  “I got lucky in the janitor’s closet,” he said with a goofy smile. He grabbed two more champagne flutes from another waiter and handed one to his wife. They clinked glasses, cheered to Lara and Liam, then downed the bubbly in one gulp. “Excuse us, Lupa,” Alex said with a wink. “We need to get this party started.” The couple walked away hand in hand, laughing and giggling.

  “Is everything OK?” Liam asked as he approached his bride from behind, cupping a warm hand over her belly. “How are my girls?”

  Lara laughed. “You really think it’s a girl?”

  “Or boy.” He kissed her cheek. “It doesn’t matter really. But seeing as the baby obviously has some magical powers, it’s probably a girl, right?”

  “Probably,” she teased. “Or it might be a Lycan boy.”

  “Or both?”

  “Possibly,” Lara thought. “You know, Lycans once had the ability to use magic. Or so we’re told.”

  “Maybe our child will be the first one to find that power again.”

  Lara shivered, and he pulled her closer to his body. “I know what you’re thinking. Our child will definitely change things. But I promise, I’ll protect you. Both of you.” He spun her around to face him. “No one will take you away from me.”

  “I believe you,” she said, getting on her tiptoes and pressing her mouth to his. Liam wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up off her feet.

  “Woohoo!” A shrill holler straight into their ears made them pull apart and turn towards the source of the sound.

  Meredith grinned at the newlyweds, her face mere inches from theirs. “Save it for the honeymoon, newlyweds! We’re here to par-tay! Hey, have you guys seen Jade? It’s like she disappeared or something!”

  “C’mon, Mer, Alynna’s starting a conga line.” Enzo Morretti, Frankie Anderson’s human half-brother, popped up from behind Meredith. With a wave to Liam and Lara, he took the blonde Lycan’s hand and pulled her away to join the growing dance line.

  Liam groaned. “I didn’t know those two knew each other. Or that we even invited Meredith. How did she manage to get out of Fenrir?”

  “Well, Alynna’s been giving her points for good behavior. She says she’s been saving them up to go to the wedding. She’s not allowed to drink anymore, though,” Lara’s face broke into a cryptic smile.

  “And Enzo?”

  “Well, that’s the reason why she’s not allowed near alcohol. They met at my bachelorette party and have been getting along like a house on fire since then. Hey!” Liam gave a scowl, and she soothed him, rubbing her palm on his arm. “I promise, there were no male strippers, OK?”

  “Fine,” Liam said. “You’re my wife, after all, for now and always.” He kissed her again, then pulled away. “But are you ever going to tell me what happened at the bachelorette party?”

  “Some other time,” Lara laughed. “But for now, we have a conga line to join!” She pulled Liam to the dance floor, laughing as he caught her by the waist, spun her around for one last kiss, and joined their guests.

  The End

  (Pssst…turn the page to find out what happened at the bachelorette party! It’s actually a preview of Book 5: Taming the Beast)

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  Book 5 of the True Mates Series

  The Bachelorette Party, one week ago…

  “I can’t believe you talked me into this,” Jade said with a frown. She was not happy. The dress she was wearing was too tight, the thong panties were riding up h
er behind, and the heels were too high. Oh, why did she let Meredith do this to her?

  Meredith rolled her eyes. “You’re here. Get over it.” She gave Lycan a once over. “And you look hot.”

  “Meredith! Jade?” Lara said as she came up behind them. “Uhm, wow!”

  “I know, right?” Meredith gushed. “You’re welcome.” The blonde gave an exaggerated bow.

  “It’s just that…I’ve been asking you for months to let me give you a makeover!” Lara pouted. “And now I miss it!”

  “Well, you were a little busy,” Jade retorted. “How is Liam?”

  The witch blushed. “You know I had to…spend some time convincing him to let me have this bachelorette party.”

  “Don’t be jealous, Lara,” Meredith said. “I had to twist her arm to let me put her in that dress and put some makeup on her. Et voila! My masterpiece.”

  The Lycan scientist was wearing peach lace bustier dress that pushed up her breasts without being vulgar. While the lace went below her knees, the underskirt stopped about halfway, giving a teasing view of her thighs, while the sky-high heels not only added height to her petite frame but also elongated her legs. She wore minimal makeup, just enough to emphasize her thick brows and pouty lips, while her hair was styled in sexy waves down her back.

  Lara looked like she still couldn’t believe her eyes. “Jade, you look gorgeous. You’ve been hiding this all this time?”

  The scientist gave her outfit another pained look. “Yeah, well, don’t expect me to wear this every day now. I only did it because it was a special occasion.”

  “How did you convince her, exactly?” Lara asked Meredith.

  “I promised her I would stop singing that song that doesn’t end if she’d let me give her a makeover,” Meredith explained.