ROMANCE: BIKER ROMANCE: Werewolf Rider (MC Shifter Pregnancy Romance) (New Adult Paranormal Romance Short Stories) (345 page)

              "The word of the alpha female is law," Stella declared, clutching Tristen's hand that much harder, "and I've made a decision. Tristen and I share a bond, and I will be his mate."

              Derek's body tensed, and he rose up from the couch in one smooth motion. Angry, he looked much bigger than he already was, but Stella would not back down.

              "But as the alpha female," she continued, "as Will's chosen mate, I know what's best for the pack.
You
will continue to lead us.
You
will rule. But my happiness is with Tristen, and you — and all of the pack — are going to have to accept that."

              Derek's lips tightened, but he did not continue his approach. Instead, he dug his hands into his pockets.

              "And if I take a mate?" he asked.

              "Then she will serve as alpha female in my place," Stella declared. "As the present alpha female of the pack, that's what I want. The position means nothing to me. I don't want power, or fame, or influence... All I want is to be happy at last. And I've found that now."

              Tristen's hand tightened around hers, and he leaned against her to press a kiss to her neck. The affection made her shiver, and a smile spread her lips. Happiness. At last. Tristen had begun to change her for the better, and from here on out, things were only going to get better.

              Derek approached, but it was not with anger. He stood uncomfortably close to her, eyes narrowed and near dangerous. When he moved again, Stella anticipated he would strike her, but the older of the two brothers simply bent down to scent the opposite side of her neck from Tristen. When he drew away, he caught her eyes and did not betray his emotion.

              "And what about the child I planted inside of you?" he asked. "I can smell the pregnancy on you. You were fertile when I had you last night."

              The news was jarring, and Stella knew her mouth had fallen agape. Pregnancy? Already? There was a small chance that the child could be Tristen's, but...

              "It doesn't matter," Tristen said from her side. He'd yet to let go of her hand. "Yours or mine, blood is blood, and Stella is mine. I will care for the child even if it is not my own."

              A child. Pregnancy. A family. The news was so sudden. After a year of living in isolation, it didn't seem possible. Over the course of a single day, everything about her had changed. Both brothers had made sure her life would never be the same.

              "As long as this is my pack," Derek said, "then you can do whatever the fuck you want, as long as it's respectful. I'm going to allow this to happen. I was never big on commitment, anyway. You start your happy little family, and I'll lead my pack. Sounds like a fair tradeoff to me."

              Hasty decisions and a bleeding heart had almost led her to ruin, but perseverance had served her well. There was no doubt Will had been a great love of her life, but he would not be the last. Tristen was there for her now, and by his side Stella knew she would be treated well.

              And now with a baby on the way, and a pack to serve as family, there would be no reason she would ever find herself on her own again.

              After a cold, bleak winter came the first beautiful buds of spring. The buds of her life were sprouting now, and Stella knew it wouldn't be long before her it would be in full bloom. *****

THE END

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