Wicked Pleasures (24 page)

When Roark joined her in the driver’s side, she
said, “I grew up here, Roark. We are close to my childhood
home.”

“Did you like it here?” he asked as he started the
engine and shifted the car into drive.

“I loved it
here,” she said and he took her hand into his as they drove into
the night. “The lake is one of my favorite places. I have lots of
memories of my mother here.”

Chapter 17

BRONTE WAS MESMERIZED. Love had conquered the
spell.

The wolf tribe surrounded her, paying tribute to
Rayne. It’d been a month since she was born into the family. She’d
arrived with a head full of thick black hair, chubby cheeks and a
cry that showed off a large lung capacity. And Roark was in love
with his daughter.

Bronte looked down at the baby bundle she held in
her arms. She touched her child’s warm cheek and received a smile
in return. Being a mother was still overwhelming and every time she
looked at Rayne, Bronte’s amazement grew. The baby filled her heart
with so much love and it continued to develop, just as her love for
Roark.

She looked across the dimly lit woods where Roark
was standing by the fire. He was in his human form, bare chested
and wearing dark pants. Since the spell was lifted from the family,
a huge relief had come over the tribe and many of the members came
back to the area to live. Roark had taken his rightful place as
leader among the family. Bronte was proud of him.

The wolves erupted into howling and the musical tune
filled the night sky. Rayne shook her tight fists into the air, as
if she knew what was happening. It had taken a lot to carry the
child. Bronte had suffered with sickness throughout the entire nine
months, wound up on bed rest the last few months and because they
couldn’t have a human doctor, Miss Deveraux had been Bronte’s
midwife. Rayne was here, healthy and beautiful. Until her
eighteenth birthday, she would remain safe and sound.

Bronte blinked back her tears.

“How are you my love?” Bronte looked up to find
Roark standing next to her. He kissed her on the forehead.

“I couldn’t be happier, darling.” Although a dark
cloud loomed, for now she would sink into the bliss of her
family.

“I hope that’s not the truth,” he said.

She looked up at him and narrowed her eyes. “It is.
Why wouldn’t it be?” He descended onto one knee and produced a
black velvet box. Her heart skipped a beat. “Roark, what is
that?”

He flipped up the top. Nestled inside was a princess
cut diamond with a silver band. It reflected the moon’s light,
making it look like blue sapphire. “I was hoping you’d say you’d be
the happiest woman marrying me.”

Bronte stared at the ring. Their love had come full
circle. “I thought you said we were already married? You did marry
Jillian, right?”

“In my heart, you’ve always been my mate, but I
understand how important a wedding is to human women. I want
nothing more than to please you,” he said.

“In that case, yes, Roark. A hundred times yes.” He
wrapped his arms around her and Rayne whimpered. “I thought you’d
never ask.”

“I had to be sure Bronte. We will live together as
humans. It will be safer for all of us. And I have another
surprise. I bought a large piece of land at Lake Cannon. You said
you loved it there and I thought you’d like to see Rayne grow up
where you did.”

“Are you sure, Roark?” she asked.

“I’m more than sure. Are you certain you will be
happy always? Will you like living at Lake Cannon?”

She lifted her hand and palmed his cheek. “Wherever
you are, I will be. Wherever I am, you shall be. Rayne will be with
us. We are family.” Rayne let out a loud coo, as if to argue.

“The little girl is like her mommy,” Roark said then
rubbed his daughter’s small fingers.

“I have so much love for both of you,” she said.

Roark sat next to her on the rock and together they
watched the wolves pay tribute. Wolves and humans could live
together in peace.

They sat together, holding their daughter. In the
end, love was stronger than magic.

* * *

Suffering from years of
hopeless romantic notions with sexy, sassy heroines and bad-ass
heroes taking residence in her mind, Rhonda decided to write,
bringing the stories alive. She has published an array of spicy
love stories. Her specialty is men who love to get their hands
dirty.

When Rhonda isn’t crafting
edge-of-your-seat, sizzling novels, you will find her with her
children, watching soccer, watching a breathtaking movie, traveling
to exotic places, doing (or trying) yoga, and finding new ways to
keep life interesting.

Rhonda thrives on making
her readers happy. She believes life can be a challenge, but
reading is a place where fantasy comes to life. Everyone deserves
romance—one page at a time…

Facebook:

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Page:

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Website:

www.rhondaleecarver.com

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http://rhondaleecarver-author.blogspot.com

Other books by Rhonda Lee Carver:

Double Dare

Diamond in a Rose

Delaney’s Sunrise

Friends With Benefits

Castle’s Fortress

Second Chance Cowboy

Second Ride Cowboy

Sin With Cuffs

With Honor

Dreaming Ivy