She knew who Melanie was. The bitch.
Ella stood from her rocking chair and marched down the steps to meet Melanie.
“Hey, Melanie. What’s going on?”
Melanie threw her an evil glare. “Her. Dax won’t take me back because of this pathetic human bitch.”
“Whoa!” Ella exclaimed and raised her hands. “Don’t even start that. This is my brother’s mate. She deserves your respect.”
“Fuck that,” Melanie spat. “She’s in my way of getting Dax back and I came to get rid of her.”
“What?” Ella asked, disbelief in her voice. “Are you out of your fucking mind?”
Willow stood, unsure what to do. Should she confront the other woman or let Ella handle it. She had a lot she wanted to say, but she wasn’t stupid. She wasn’t a shifter and Melanie could hurt or kill Willow without even trying.
Melanie made a move to rush past Ella but Ella reached out and shoved her back.
“Melanie, no! Get out of here before I have to hurt you.”
Melanie’s face twisted into an angry scowl. “You? You’re nothing but a little girl.”
Ella moved in front of Melanie as the other woman tried to get past her to Willow. “Little girl or not,” Ella growled. “I can still kick your ass.”
Ella shifted into a gray-white wolf faster than Willow had seen any of the wolves shift before. Melanie didn’t hesitate, tearing her clothes also in the change. Dax’s sister launched herself, not the least intimidated by the slightly larger animal. She was her brother’s alpha counterpart.
Melanie tried to scurry out of the way, but Ella got her teeth around a leg and crunched down. Melanie yelped and jerked away, growling. Circling the younger wolf, the elder leaped, both muzzles meeting, tearing fur and skin.
The viciousness scared Willow, being so close to killer animals, undefended. She scooted behind the seat that provided woeful protection. She needed to get to the door and slide inside, even though she felt like a chicken shit for abandoning Ella. Where were the enforcers out patrolling?
Another yelp drew her attention back to the fight. Ella’s side had a bright red stain while Melanie had a matching gouge along her hind quarters.
Willow watched as Melanie manipulated and maneuvered Ella to the side, opening up a path straight to her. And sure enough, the bitch took off toward her, Ella following, but not able to catch Melanie.
All Willow could do was stand with her back against the floor-to-ceiling window, nowhere to hide.
In her side vision, Willow saw the male wolves dashing from the woods toward the house, but they were much too far away to be of any help. Ella nipped at Melanie’s tail but came back with a mouth of fur.
Melanie’s snarled maw dripped blood between teeth as she drove forward. With bloodlust in her eyes, she rocketed off her hind legs, jaws aimed at Willow’s face. All Willow could do was duck as a way too big, pissed-off pooch flew over her head and crashed into and through the window, snapping its furry neck on impact.
Epilogue
The large auditorium was packed with people. A long line of graduates dressed in blue robes lined the stage. As each name was called out, a new teacher received their diploma. Dax was just about ready to jump out of his seat as the names came closer to the Ms. He couldn’t wait to cheer for his woman.
“Willow Myers,” the master of ceremonies called out.
Dax couldn’t help himself. He leaped to his feet and whistled loudly, clapping and hollering. Willow’s blush was clear to him, even at a distance. She gave him a small wave, her smile shy.
She accepted her rolled-up diploma and shook the dean’s hand. Amy scurried down and took a picture of the moment. Dax knew he would have that photograph enlarged and framed to put it up in their cabin. He kept on clapping and whistling. He felt so full of joy and pride that he could barely contain his wolf.
He was proud of Willow. But more than that, she looked to be proud of herself. He knew it was a bittersweet moment for her. This was a long-time dream she was achieving. It wasn’t just her crowning moment, it was her mother’s as well.
Not willing to wait until the host got all the way to the end of the alphabet, Dax made his way to Willow. He took her in his arms and squeezed tightly.
“I’m so proud of you, baby. You did it.”
“Dax, put me down,” she giggled. “People are staring.”
“On a scale of one to I-want-to-celebrate-now, how badly do you want to stay until the end of this?” he asked. He knew he was impatient, but he had a whole party planned back at the big house. He couldn’t wait to get her there. Multiple surprises awaited her.
“I’d say if we can celebrate naked in our bed, take me away, wolf man.”
“Your wish is my command,” Dax whispered in her ear. He sensed her shiver against him.
He would get her naked later. He’d make her come as many times as she could handle. But first, there was a party they needed to attend. Dax’s nerves of steel were shaken. This wasn’t just a surprise graduation party. He hoped Willow would be happy.
When they pulled into the driveway, Dax was pleased to see his pack had paid extra attention and made sure no cars were to be seen. It would have ruined the surprise for the guest of honor.
“Let me just grab something from the study really quick,” Dax said, opening Willow’s door for her.
“Then we celebrate horizontally?”
Dax couldn’t help but to laugh. He loved his woman. But she deserved more than a quickie while their guests waited. She’d have to forgive him for postponing their lovemaking.
“Yes, baby,” he whispered against her hair, before dropping a knee-melting kiss onto her waiting mouth.
Taking her hand in his, Dax walked them up to the front door. As soon as he opened it, the entire pack as well as Noelle and Amy jumped out, yelling surprise in unison.
Willow gasped and covered her mouth with her shaking hands. She looked around, taking in all of the faces there to commemorate her achievement.
“Holy shifters, there are a lot of you here,” she laughed, waving to the people she had come to know in the last month.
“Your family wanted to celebrate with you,” he said to her, cupping her face in his hands.
“This is the most…” Tears rolled down her cheeks, and Dax wiped them away. “This is so nice. I’ve never felt so much love in my life before.”
That was the opening Dax needed.
“Well, then I guess I should do this.” Dax got down on one knee, holding both of her hands in his. “Willow Myers, I know that we’ve only known each other for a short while. But you’re my mate. I’ve been yours since I laid eyes on you in that maze. Make me the happiest man. Marry me?”
Willow’s eyes filled with fresh happy tears. She fell to the ground and covered his face with kisses. With a laugh, Dax closed his arms around her waist.
“You haven’t given me an answer, baby. Will you marry me?”
“Of course, yes. You know I will.”
There was a loud boom of cheers surrounding them. Dax kissed Willow sweetly.
“Mate,” he said, running his nose along her jaw. His heart was full. He’d never been quite this happy. And it was all because Willow had stumbled onto a shifter party on the night of the Hunt. “I love you,” he whispered in her ear, hands at her waist.
“I love you, too,” she murmured back. “So what does forever look like for us?” she asked.
“Well, there’s an opening at the local school. They’re ready to give you a job in the fall. If you want it.”
“Dax, are you serious?” Willow gasped. He nodded, a smile on his face. “That’s amazing.”
“Not as much as you are. They heard about your tutoring work, and they know you’ll be the right fit for them.”
“This is the best day ever,” she laughed, squeezing him tightly. “Thank you for making this so special. I’m so lucky.”
“You deserve all of this, Willow. Because you’re a one of a kind so
Dax sealed his words with a kiss. He knew he would do everything to cherish her. To love her. To win her heart over and over again.
The End
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Hi! I’m Milly Taiden. I love to write sexy stories featuring fun, sassy heroines with curves and growly alpha males with fur. My books are a great way to satisfy your craving for paranormal romance with action, humor, suspense and happily ever afters.
I live in Florida with my hubby, our kids, and our fur babies: Speedy, Stormy and Teddy. I have a serious addiction to chocolate and cake.
I love to meet new readers, so come sign up for my newsletter and check out my Facebook page. We always have lots of fun stuff going on there.
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Also by Milly Taiden
Find out more about Milly Taiden here:
Email: millytaiden@gmail.com
Website: http://www.millytaiden.com
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Also by Milly Taiden
If you liked this story, you might also enjoy the following by Milly Taiden:
Sassy Mates / Sassy Ever After Series
Scent of a Mate Book 1
A Mate’s Bite Book 2
Unexpectedly Mated Book 3
A Sassy Wedding Short 3.7
The Mate Challenge Book 4
Sassy in Diapers Short 4.3
Fighting for Her Mate Book 5
A Fang in the Sass Book 6
Also, check out the Sassy Ever After World on Amazon or visit http://mtworldspress.com
The Crystal Kingdom
Fae King Book One
Elf King Book Two
Dark King Book Three
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Dragons’ Jewel Book One
Dragons’ Savior Book Two
Dragons’ Bounty Book Three
Dragon’s Prize Book Four
A.L.F.A Series
Elemental Mating Book One
Mating Needs Book Two
Dangerous Mating Book Three
Fearless Mating Book Four
Savage Shifters
Savage Bite Book One
Savage Kiss Book Two
Savage Hunger Book Three
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The Alien Warrior’s Woman Book One
The Alien’s Rebel Book Two
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Drachen Mates
Bound in Flames Book One
Bound in Darkness Book Two
Bound in Eternity Book Three
Bound in Ashes Book Four
Federal Paranormal Unit
Wolf Protector Federal Paranormal Unit Book One
Dangerous Protector Federal Paranormal Unit Book Two
Unwanted Protector Federal Paranormal Unit Book Three
Deadly Protector Federal Paranormal Unit Book Four
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Alpha Geek: Knox
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Paranormal Dating Agency
Twice the Growl Book One
Geek Bearing Gifts Book Two
The Purrfect Match Book Three
Curves ‘Em Right Book Four
Tall, Dark and Panther Book Five
The Alion King Book Six
There’s Snow Escape Book Seven
Scaling Her Dragon Book Eight
In the Roar Book Nine
Scrooge Me Hard Short One
Bearfoot and Pregnant Book Ten
All Kitten Aside Book Eleven
Oh My Roared Book Twelve
Piece of Tail Book Thirteen
Kiss My Asteroid Book Fourteen
Scrooge Me Again Short Two
Born with a Silver Moon Book Fifteen
Sun in the Oven Book Sixteen
Between Ice and Frost Book Seventeen
Scrooge Me Again Book Eighteen
Winter Takes All Book Nineteen
You’re Lion to Me Book Twenty
Lion on the Job Book Twenty-One
Beasts of Both Worlds Book Twenty-Two
Also, check out the Paranormal Dating Agency World on Amazon
Or visit http://mtworldspress.com
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Raging Falls
Miss Taken Book One
Miss Matched Book Two
Miss Behaved Book Three
Miss Behaved Book Three
Miss Mated Book Four
Miss Conceived Book Five (Coming Soon)
Alphas in Fur
Bears
Fur-Bidden Book One
Fur-Gotten Book Two
Fur-Given Book Three
Tigers
Stripe-Search Book Five
Stripe-Club Book Six
Alien Warriors
The Alien Warrior’s Woman Book One
The Alien’s Rebel Book Two
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Night and Day Ink
Bitten by Night Book One
Seduced by Days Book Two
Mated by Night Book Three
Taken by Night Book Four
Dragon Baby Book Five
Shifters Undercover
Bearly in Control Book One
Fur Fox’s Sake Book Two
Black Meadow Pack
Sharp Change Black Meadows Pack Book One
Caged Heat Black Meadows Pack Book Two
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Other Works
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Wynters Captive
Every Witch Way
Hex and Sex Set
Alpha Owned
Match Made in Hell
Wolf Fever
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HOWLS Romances
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The Wolf’s Bandit
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