Gift of Winter
An Ashwood Falls free
read
Danica Welsh lit the last candle around the living room and scanned
the small cabin as she bit her bottom lip. She never thought she’d be
celebrating the first year anniversary of her mating. Hell she never dreamed
she’d find a mate. A year ago she lived in this very cabin, which was located on
the edge of the den, far enough away that she could be alone.
Now she was mated to a wonderful, caring, and loyal human
male that she’d surrendered her heart and soul to.
Nevan was her world. He’d also brought her out of her
self-pity and made her see that her scars weren’t what everyone saw when they
looked at her. Accepting that fact, she gave up on hiding out from her Pack and
work toward healing. Shay’s magickal potions helped bring back some of the
feeling in her hand, making it possible for Dani to work as she was born to. As
the leopard Pack Healer.
There was only one thing missing in her life.
After this weekend, she hoped to quiet that little nagging
voice of her leopard…and her mother-in-law.
Her cell rang, making her jump. She picked it up from the
kitchen counter and smiled at the name on the screen.
Shay. Her best friend.
“Hello, dear.”
“Hi! I’m so excited for you.”
Dani walked over to the couch and sat. “Well, I’m scared to
death.”
“Don’t be. By the end of the weekend, every part of your
body will ache in all the right ways.” Shay broke out into a fit of giggles.
Dani laughed. “What if he doesn’t want…?”
“Oh hush. He will. Don’t you ever doubt that. Now I called
to give you a heads up. Nev is heading home early, which means you better be
ready.”
Dani’s heart rate kicked up and the butterflies in her belly
swarmed. “Okay. Thanks.”
“You will have a wonderful weekend with your mate. Stop
worrying. I’ll see you on the flip side.”
Dani laughed again and said her good-byes to her bestie. She
couldn’t imagine a life without her friends and extended family. Yet, she
longed for a family of her own. Until now, she didn’t think it would ever be
possible.
Nevan changed all that. Now it was her turn to gift him with
something.
A family.
***
Nevan entered his home expecting his mate to greet him like
she did every day, but the house was silent.
“Dani,” he called out, then walked farther into the living
room.
He was about to drop his keys on the coffee table when he
noticed a note. Dread cut through him. He knew this was coming. She’d said she
would be going through her heat cycle soon. A wave of sadness washed over him.
Dani had said before that she wasn’t ready for children and
Nevan respected she wishes. It didn’t mean that he had to like it.
Picking up the note, he unfolded it and read.
Forget everything you
think you know upon finding this note. First, I love you with my heart, soul,
and body. You are my world and my hero. Second, I’m entering my heat cycle and
will be at the cabin for the weekend.
If you dare to be
ravished by a hormonal leopard for the next three days, come join me.
Love always,
Dani
Nevan’s heart stopped for a long moment. He reread the note
several times before it really sank in. He stood and rushed to the door, flung
it open, and jumped at the sight of Blaine standing on his front porch.
Nevan shook his head. “I have to go. Whatever it is can wait
until Monday.” He paused and thought for a moment. “No make that Wednesday.”
Pushing his way past the Alpha, Nevan damn near ran down the
porch steps and to his car. Only Blaine’s words stopped him half way there.
“I know a faster way to get to your female.”
This was the only time Nevan welcomed the chance to be
teleported by Blaine. “How did you know?”
Blaine shrugged. “Shay told me.”
Nevan chuckled. “Figures. I love that sister of yours.”
Blaine smiled. “Yeah, me too. Even though she’s still a
brat.”
Nevan shook his head and moved to stand next to the Alpha.
Blaine gripped his bicep, then with a flash of white light they dematerialized.
Bracing one hand against a large oak, Nevan took deep, slow
breaths. He’d never get use to teleportation. It was so disorienting that he
felt ill for a few moments after.
He glanced at Blaine, then straightened to his full height.
“I’m fine. You can leave now.”
Blaine gave a low chuckle as he flashed away.
Nevan stared at the small cabin where his new life started
almost a year ago. He was about to start a new one. He took the steps two at a
time and when he reached the door, it opened. His beautiful and amazing mate
stood in a sheer black, floor-length night gown. Her strawberry blond hair hung
loose around her shoulders.
She looked to the sky and sniffed the air. A wide smile
spread across her face, enhancing her beauty even more. “Looks like we may be
snowed in.”
He stepped into her, snaked an arm around her waist and
tugged her to him so their bodies pressed together. Too bad he had his clothes
on. “I like being snowed in with you.”
She didn’t speak, she just peered into his eyes. He could
feel her nervousness and a hint of fear. “What is it?”
“Are you sure you want to start a family with me?”
He pulled his head back to study her features. “Of course.
Why would you ever doubt that?”
She averted her gaze. “I don’t know. It’s not like you
fought over my decision to wait.”
He wrapped both arms around her, walked her a few steps
back, and closed the door behind them. “I didn’t want to push you. I figured we
have another few hundred years. But I was going to start leaving hints around
the house after the first century.”
She laughed and squeezed him tight. “I love you, Nevan
Matthews.”
He kissed her quick and hard before replying. “I love you
too, Danica Welsh-Mathews.”
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