Fat Mate (The Alpha Shifter Collection Book 8) Read online

  “They’re still going to be your family. I’m not stealing you away forever, even though I very much would love to do that.” He pressed a kiss to her lips. “I promise you will have nothing to be afraid of.”

  “I believe you.” She continued to eat her food, and they both looked out around them. Families had gathered at the park. Young ones were running around, some of them chasing the bubbles made with soap. Others were playing on the park. Their laughter was a dream to hear. “I want lots of kids. Not just one or two. I want aso many of them. It has been something I have wanted for a long time.”

  Dante leaned forward, and kissed her lips. “Don’t worry. I want lots of kids as well.”

  She didn’t have a clue that he had fallen for her. Every time he saw her beautiful smiling, face, he saw home. She was everything he ever wanted, and just by being around her, knowing her, he’d fallen in love with her.

  What wasn’t to love?

  She was a kind person. Beautiful on the inside, charming, caring, everything he had ever hoped for in a mate, and she belonged to him.

  Chapter Twelve

  Time had seemed to be going by really fast for Zadie, and it was only a matter of days before the full moon was at its peak. Dante was at another meeting with Sloane, and Zadie sat at the diner, waiting for Bethany to arrive.

  She checked the time to see that her friend was only a few minutes late. Picking up the menu, she glanced through the list of food, unable to tune out the pack.

  “Did you know Dante is mating with her?”

  “She’s going back with him.”

  “Fat mate got herself a mate.”

  “Hey,” Bianca said, causing her to jump.

  Looking up, she stared into Bianca’s smiling face. “Hey,” Zadie said, slowly, glancing around. She noticed several people were watching them.

  “Ignore them. They’re too busy being nosy. Can I join you?”

  “Erm, sure. Yeah, take a seat.”

  Bianca dropped down into a chair, and smiled at her. “I’ve been wanting to talk with you for a few days now. I didn’t have the first clue on what to say. My mom is a great believer in saying only nice things to people.”

  “I think a lot of people view that.”

  “I know. I get it, but there are some days you really need to tell some people that they are huge dicks. Like massive ones and not in a good way at all.” Bianca picked up the menu. “Oh, chocolate milkshake.”

  “This is new,” Zadie said. “You don’t usually talk to me.”

  “I know. I don’t really talk to anyone to be honest. Guys, they want something, and I’m happy to have some fun. Being an Alpha’s kid really fucking sucks,” she said.

  “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  “Believe me, it has its perks, but I have been trying to get my dad off my case for some time now.” Bianca closed the menu so fast that it made Zadie jump. She wasn’t afraid of the woman in front of her. Bianca had never been mean to her, or spiteful, she’d just existed.

  While Zadie had wished at one time to look exactly like Bianca, the perfect hair, the slim body, in recent weeks, her views had changed. She loved her big breasts, her rounded stomach and hips, even her fuller thighs, which Dante seemed to love gripping hard as he pumped inside her.

  “I’ve been dreading Dante Locker’s visit. I actually had nightmares about it. I was already aware that my dad wants me mated off to someone. He doesn’t seem to get that I don’t want to be an Alpha’s kid, nor do I want to be mated. I want to be left alone. To be free to be myself. I’m not an Alpha. Everyone here knows it. I think it’s funny to have two men fighting over me. I know deep down that it’s bad of me, but I can’t help it. I’m not a very good person. I know you’re a very good person, Zadie. I’ve admired you for a long time.”

  “Oh. I, er, had no idea.”

  “There’s a lot you don’t know.” Bianca reached out and placed a hand on hers. “I think it’s great that Dante saw you, and wants to be your mate. I felt a little bad that no one wanted you here. It just goes to show that it takes the right man, huh? I also wanted to thank you for not being like everyone else, and demanding that I have to be with him. I know that you weren’t doing me any huge favor, and was probably terrified that I would feel you were poaching on my territory. I’m a bitch, I get that, and I own that shit. I’m not even ashamed of that. I don’t give a fuck that my parents don’t like what I do. Men are there to be used, and you know what? They use us all the time. I’m just simply having fun right now. One day I may mate, but you know what? I’m not in any hurry. I’m happy for you, Zadie. You’re a beautiful woman. Don’t let those fuckers over there tell you any differently. You’re a beautiful woman, and you deserve respect. That’s what I do, and you know what? Don’t let those bastards get to you.”

  “I had no idea you felt that way,” Zadie said. “I know you were filled with confidence and stuff, but I know you love men.”

  “Not everyone knows everything about me. Not my dad, or any of the men. I like to play. I’m not the settling down kind of girl.”

  “You know you hurt my brother, Luke.”

  “Yeah, I know. He was looking for forever. I told him lots of times not to look for me. I’m not a forever kind of girl. I’m a good time girl. Too much loving to give to one man, if you know what I mean. I warned him, and still he kept on coming. I’m not going to be the monster there.”

  “I guess I understand, but I don’t agree with you. You hurt my brother, and I don’t know how you can keep doing that.” She remembered seeing Bianca with several of the club men.

  “That’s why we’re different. Anyway, before I lose track of what I wanted to say. I wanted to tell you not to be afraid. Taking on a new pack won’t hurt, and we’ll all still be here. Let’s face it though, you’re going to love Dante Locker’s pack. I wish you all the best.”

  Bianca patted her hand, stood, and left.

  Zadie watched as she grabbed a milkshake before leaving though.

  What was that all about?” Bethany asked.

  “I think in a weird way, it was Bianca showing she was a friend.”

  “I thought she was the pack bitch?”

  “She is. I don’t know. I think she was thanking me for your brother … digging me? Is that a cool term?” she asked.

  Bethany shook her head. “You’re younger than me, and I think that’s the right term. You should know these things.”

  “Nah. I can’t know everything now, can I?”

  “So. Your last few days here. Our month’s visit is nearly over. Is there anything that you’re going to miss?” Bethany asked.

  Zadie didn’t answer as they ordered their food when the waitress turned up at the table.

  “I’m going to miss everything. The small town, the forest, my river. I’ll miss it all.”

  “We live next to a forest, and it has a pretty big river,” Bethany said.

  “It’s not just the river. It was where I went through everything, you know. I guess in a really weird, stupid way, the river became like a journal. I’d go there, and sit. Sometimes I’d talk out loud, or often in my head about everything that was bothering me.”

  “Now you’re going to have Dante. He loves you, you know.”

  She didn’t know what to say, and stared at her friend in shock. “He does?”

  “Yes. He loves you, and he’s known for some time now.”

  “He’s not said anything.”

  “My brother doesn’t want to scare you. Me, on the other hand, I’m really happy to do that.”

  Love.

  It was such a small word. Four letters, and yet as she thought of it, she instantly thought of Dante. In her mind, she saw him sitting at the park, that smile she loved with his dimples. Then with him holding her in the river. She thought of his apartment, and his office, of every second she had spent with him. The laughter he’d made her feel. Words, moments, flashed before her eyes, and she stared at Bethany. “I’m in love with him.” It was like a rev
elation that she didn’t even realize.

  “Personally, I’m shocked that you didn’t realize that sooner.”

  “I’m in love with your brother. I’m going to be mating with him, and I’ve not even told him that I love him.” She stared at Bethany. “Are you sure that he loves me?” she asked.

  “Yes, of course.”

  The waitress brought their food to the table, but Zadie wasn’t interested in eating.

  “Where are you going?” Bethany asked.

  “I need to go and tell Dante.”

  “It can’t wait until after we eat?”

  She shook her head. “No. I’ll chicken out, and I really need to do this now. I’ll be back.”

  “And your food will be cold,” Bethany said.

  “It’s a salad. It’s supposed to be cold.” Zadie passed the table of the men who had given her the nickname “fat mate”. She passed them, leaving the shop, and was several steps away.

  She’d never confronted them. Instead, she had sat back and listened to their nasty, horrible words for well over seven years. They had never said it to her face, but that didn’t mean it hurt any less.

  Squaring her shoulders, she turned back around, and entered the diner. She stopped at their table and glared.

  “I just wanted to say to you that I hope you feel proud of yourself for the names you give people. ‘Little tits’ and ‘fuck face’ are just a few I’ve heard. You know what? Go ahead, call me fat mate. If that’s all you think of me, then you should be ashamed. All of you are pitiful excuses for decent men. No wonder women avoid you. You think you can mock those around you, when in fact, we get to laugh at you. I’m happy. I’m in love. At the end of this full moon, I’m going to be mated to a man that deserves me, and no one is going to want you.”

  With that, she turned on her heel and left.

  Bianca clapped her hands from where she was sitting at a nearby bench. “It’s about time.”

  She smiled at the other woman, and then rushed toward Dante’s cottage. Opening the main door, she called his name.

  He didn’t answer, and she rushed outside just as he was coming back from the forest. He wore a pair of jeans and nothing else. “I was just going for a run to let off some steam. What is it?”

  “I have something I want to say to you, and I need to say it now before I chicken out, and screw it all up.” She placed a hand on his bare chest, right over his heart. She felt the rapid beats beneath her palm and smiled. “Dante Locker,” she paused, and stared him in the eyes. “Wow, I love you. That’s what I wanted to say. I know it has been so quick, and you probably don’t understand what I’m talking about, but I love you. I love you more than I thought it was possible.” She took another deep breath. “I wanted you to know that before we mated for the rest of our lives. That I love you more than anything else in the world, and nothing and no one is ever going to take that away.”

  Before she could say anything more, Dante held her tightly as he slammed his lips down on hers. Gliding her hand up his body, she gripped the back of his neck, kissing him back with the same passion he had her.

  “I’ve been waiting so long to hear that,” Dante said. “I fucking love you, and this has been the best decision I’ve ever made.” He stroked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I’m going to give you the world, Zadie Cox.”

  She couldn’t wait. The full moon couldn’t come fast enough as far as she was concerned.

  ****

  After tonight, Dante would be taking Zadie back home with him. Before he left, he wanted to give Zadie one last memory. Tonight was the full moon, and not once had she been chased, claimed, and mated. He intended to give her that tonight, not holding back.

  He loved her more than anything, and he was going to spend the rest of his life with her. Just once he wanted her to have a memory that wasn’t plagued by sadness.

  “You’re going out there tonight?” Bethany asked.

  “Of course I’m going. You’re not?”

  “I have no interested in any of the men here. Sorry. Me and my chocolate ice cream are going to sit in front of the television and veg. It should be fun. Enjoy.”

  “I will.”

  He left his home, and made his way out toward the entrance of the forest. The wolf inside him was close to wanting to break out, but he was going to give him time. First, he needed a little she-wolf to give him something to chase.

  Zadie was walking toward him, and he took the time to admire the sway of her hips. Her curves drove him crazy. It had been a matter of hours since he had them wrapped around him, and he wanted her again. No matter how many times he took her, it never felt good enough.

  “Where’s Bethany?” she said. “I thought this would be a family thing.”

  “Are you all packed?”

  “Yes. Everything is ready.”

  “Are you excited?”

  “Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”

  He stepped away from her, and began to circle her, staring up and down her body, knowing that he was going to have her screaming his name by the end of the night.

  “What are you doing?”

  “What I want to know is why you’re not running?”

  She frowned at him. “Running?”

  “It’s a full moon. The claiming moon, and I have every intention of catching you, Zadie. Are you going to make it easy for me?”

  “You’re not serious?”

  “I’m totally serious. Don’t you want to know what it’s like to be caught, and then claimed?” Her nipples tightened, and he saw that the very idea aroused her. “Then run, my precious wolf. Run, and I’ll catch you.”

  The excitement was clear in her eyes. She wanted this.

  Finally, she turned on her heel, and ran. Dante turned his back to her, giving her the chance to run away. No one was ever going to get the best of him. He was after all an Alpha. He was meant to succeed. It was in his blood.

  After one minute had passed, he couldn’t wait any longer. The moment he entered the forest, he didn’t take the time to strip his clothes off. He turned into his wolf form, lifted his snout into the air, and caught the scent of lemon. She was running from him, but there was no chance in hell of her ever getting away from him.

  Following the path, he found the prize made him run that little bit faster. She was fast, he would give her that. But there was no way he’d ever mistake her scent. He’d been inhaling that lemon smell for a month. Highly addictive, it would be her downfall.

  He passed a cluster of bushes, and there she was, veering down the path that would take them past her special place.

  She glanced behind her, and within a flash, she’d turned into a human, and once again began running.

  The sudden transition made him pause. Never had he seen a wolf do so with such precision. She didn’t even stumble, and he marveled at her grace.

  In a blink of an eye he was back into his human form, and charging for her.

  Her pale skin glinted in the moonlight, and he wished she was running toward him just so he could see her tits bounce.

  “I’m nearly there,” he said. “You’re going to be all mine, baby. Every inch of you.”

  She didn’t say anything as she took off, going left, then right, and back again.

  Not once did he stumble or stop. She was his, and he was going to take her. The distance between them was lessening, and within seconds he caught her around the waist, and took her down to the floor. At the last minute, she turned in his arms. They stumbled, and she ended up across his chest rather than underneath him.

  They were both panting, and she pushed her hair out of the way. “That was amazing.”

  “It’s not over yet.” He spun her around so that she was on her back, and completely at his mercy. Reaching between them, he slid a finger between her thighs, finding her already soaking wet. “You can turn so quickly from wolf to human.”

  “I’ve not been sitting around on my butt for the past seven years. Even with no one chasing after yo
u, you do stuff to amuse yourself. This was what I did.”

  “You trained yourself to turn into a wolf whenever you wanted?”

  She arched up, moaning as he filled her pussy with two fingers. “It got you to slow down, didn’t it?”

  “I loved seeing your butt as it ran from me.”

  Zadie chuckled. “If you play your cards right, you’ll get to see it all the time.”

  “There’s no doubt in my mind. You’re going to be doing a lot of running away, and running toward me. I’m going to make it part of our marriage vows.”

  “Vows. I like that. I promise to love, cherish—”

  “And fuck you every single moment of my life.”

  “Sounds like a promise,” she said.

  “It’s more than a promise. It’s a vow.” He slammed his lips against hers, silencing any other words she might have said.

  This was about them. No one else.

  Pulling his fingers from her tight pussy, he began to stroke her clit, watching as Zadie thrust against him, needing him to go deeper, to take more of him.

  “Do you want my cock, baby?”

  “Yes. Please, Dante. I need you.”

  “I’ll give you my cock, just as soon as you come all over my fingers. Let me hear you scream my name. I want everyone who is out in the woods, to hear who you belong to.” Slamming his lips can down on hers, he ravished her mouth, consuming every scream of pleasure that she was giving.

  Kissing down her body, he took her nipple into his mouth, biting down, and then laving the pain with his tongue. He gave the same attention to the second nipple, and then finally began to kiss down her body. Spreading open her thighs, he replaced his fingers with his tongue, tasting her.

  “Dante, please.”

  “You need to come, baby.”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll take care of you.” Sliding his tongue over her clit, he teased, sucking that little nub into his mouth. She was all his, and every single part belonged to him.

  Using his fingers, he plunged them inside her, feeling her walls quiver around him. She was so wet, and with each second that he teased her clit, she was getting closer to coming.