Alyssa's Wolves (Wolf Masters, Book 4) (25 page)
Read Alyssa's Wolves (Wolf Masters, Book 4) Online
Authors: Becca Jameson
“Thank God you’re here. I can’t get anything done. Nelson thinks it’s great fun to make LeeAnn cry, the kitchen is a mess, and we’re having the family over in less than an hour.” Alyssa looked around and then leaned against the counter.
“You work too hard. Slow down. Nothing’s that important. You’re exhausted.” Michael lifted Nelson in his arms and walked over to her. He laid a hand on her shoulder and leaned down to kiss her. “No one in the family cares how clean your kitchen is. They just want to see us.”
“I care.” Alyssa tilted her head back. “I don’t want the whole family to think I’m some kind of slug.”
Nelson wiggled in his father’s arms until Michael put him down. He ran off, probably because his sister was no longer crying, and he couldn’t stand the silence.
“No one thinks that. There is nothing ‘sluggish’ about you. When is Tyler getting here?”
“Any minute. He was delayed at the airport.”
Michael tugged her from the counter and wrapped his arms around her. “Damn. I was hoping the three of us could spend some time together before the family gets here.”
Alyssa tilted her head back and narrowed her gaze at him. She shook her head. “If you’re thinking of fooling around with me without using protection, you’ve lost your mind. I’m smart enough to know when I’m fertile, Michael. The last thing I need right now is another baby.” She shot him a coy grin to let him know she was open to sex but not to pregnancy.
“What’s wrong with being pregnant again? We three make cute kids,” he teased.
Alyssa wiggled free of Michael’s clutches. Even after three years, she still couldn’t think straight when either of her mates touched her. “We sure do. And we’re going to stick with two for now. There are plenty of kids in this family.”
Tessa had two kids; Kara had four; Lindsey had three; Jessica had three and one on the way…
This huge family that had taken her in when she was desperate five years ago was truly her own. She adored each and every member. She still felt sorrow when she thought about her own parents and the fact that she’d never had contact with them in all these years, but she was overwhelmingly blessed to have found the Masters family.
Alyssa narrowed her gaze at Michael. What was he up to? She knew when she was being goaded. Just the smell of him alone was distracting. She couldn’t keep her hands off her mates. Her desire hadn’t faded in three years. She still got tingly, hot, and wet every time one of them was around. She was nearly dizzy when they were both present.
If it weren’t for the toddler and the baby in the house, she’d suggest they head for the bedroom right now.
Alyssa whipped her head up. “We have company coming in half an hour. You’re distracting me.”
“Yes, and they’re bringing potluck, so stop fretting. None of your sisters-in-law have homes any tidier than yours, and no one judges you by the state of cleanliness you keep around here. Especially me.” Michael took her face in his hands and kissed her deeply. “I love you more now than the day we met.”
“I love you too.”
“
Hey
.” Tyler’s voice bellowed through the house. “Where is everyone? Hi, buddy.” The next sound was an
oomph
as Nelson undoubtedly leaped into Tyler’s arms. “Where’s your momma?”
“In here,” Michael yelled toward the front of the house. He didn’t release Alyssa even though she squirmed to get out of his clutches.
“Well hello.” Tyler set his briefcase on the table and an excited Nelson on the floor. He smiled as he approached.
Something was up. Tyler looked far too happy for a man who’d been traveling most of the day.
Tyler kissed her lips and then wrapped an arm around her back, squeezing himself into the embrace she already had with Michael.
“What are you two up to?” Alyssa glanced from one to the other.
Tyler nuzzled her neck and then looked into her eyes. “I just quit my job.”
“What?” Alyssa’s heart beat rapidly. Could it be true? “Did you know about this?” She glanced at Michael, who nodded.
Tyler smiled. “I’ve been way overextended. Between you, the kids, and the farm, there wasn’t enough time for me to be traipsing all over the Northwest anymore.”
“What about the Oklahoma pack? You aren’t afraid of a threat from them anymore?” Alyssa bit her lip.
“Nope. It’s all over.” He grinned.
“What happened?” Alyssa gasped and squirmed to free herself from her mates’ clutches.
“Both of the Western Councils have been working hard to put an end to things. They finally had enough evidence to arrest Fredrick and several of his cronies this morning. I don’t know all the details. The information is still classified. But, whatever Wells was doing, it was illegal, and the councils are handling it personally.” Tyler’s smile broadened.
“Oh my God. That’s huge. What does this mean for us? Do you think we can reunite with our families?” She’d love to see her parents again. If they were willing. Would they be?
“I hope so. One day soon. It all depends on how all the dust settles as things calm down. It’s hard to tell right now who might step up to lead the pack and how receptive the members will be to some major changes—starting with the end of the practice of mating men to multiple women who aren’t even their true mates. Since neither your parents nor mine were in polygamist relationships, I’m hoping they will be open to reconciliation.”
She’d give anything to have this dream come true. Reuniting with her parents would make her day, her week, her year. The only thing better than that would be to have Tyler right here in their house where he belonged every day … unless doing so stomped on his dreams.
“Wait. Did you quit your job just for us? You loved that job.” Her pulse rate jumped. She didn’t want Tyler to stop doing what he loved if it made him miserable.
Tyler shook his head. “I love
you
more.” He smiled. “Besides, the farm is growing. With so many Masters working here, there is more and more to do, and Richard needs me far more than he used to.”
Michael squeezed her shoulder. “Dad needs a full-time financial guy here. He doesn’t know that end of the business very well, and the farm has grown too big to wing it any longer.”
“Think you can stand having me underfoot?” Tyler raised an eyebrow.
Alyssa beamed. “God yes.” She wiggled out of Michael’s arms and hugged Tyler as tight as she could. “My left side gets cold in the bed when you aren’t in it.”
“I can’t stand not being next to you when I sleep.” Tyler kissed her forehead and held her back a few inches. “You okay then?”
“Better than okay.” She couldn’t stop smiling. “Is this why we’re having the family over? A big announcement?”
“Yep. It doesn’t get much bigger than that.” Michael snuggled her from behind. He tugged her long hair and pulled her head back. He kissed her forehead while Tyler nibbled her neck.
She was truly blessed.
The End
Publisher’s Note
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About Becca Jameson
Becca Jameson lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and two kids. When she isn't writing, she can be found reading, editing, scrapbooking, running, swimming, biking, or taxiing kids all over creation. She doesn't sleep much … or sit down often … but she loves to be busy! To learn more about Becca Jameson, visit her blog at www.beccajameson.com, email her at [email protected], or follow her on Twitter @beccajameson.
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