The Wolf Wants a Wife (A Second Chance Christmas in Bear Creek Book 2) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  Foreword

  Chapter One – Gemma

  Chapter Two – Simon

  Chapter Three – Gemma

  Chapter Four – Simon

  Chapter Five – Gemma

  Chapter Six – Simon

  Chapter Seven – Gemma

  Chapter Eight – Simon

  Chapter Nine – Gemma

  Chapter Ten – Simon

  Chapter Eleven – Gemma

  Chapter Twelve – Simon

  Chapter Thirteen – Gemma

  Chapter Fourteen – Simon

  Epilogue

  Also By Harmony Raines

  Get In Touch

  The Wolf Wants

  A Wife

  A Second Chance Christmas in Bear Creek

  Book Two

  ***

  All rights reserved. This book, or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner without the express written consent of the author or publisher.

  This is a work of fiction and is intended for mature audiences only. All characters within are eighteen years of age or older. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, actual events or places is purely coincidental.

  © 2019 Harmony Raines

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  The Wolf Wants

  A Wife

  A Second Chance Christmas in Bear Creek

  Book Two

  Simon always wanted a wife—and child.

  He just never expected them to arrive as one perfect package.

  Wolf shifter, Simon, thought his chances of finding his mate and raising a child were gone. But then he finds his pregnant mate and it seems as if fate has stepped in to fulfill his wish.

  All he needs to do is protect her from the father of her unborn baby, who is determined to rip the child away from its mother to raise as his own. Alone.

  Gemma’s life has fallen apart. No, that’s not quite accurate. Gemma’s life has been destroyed by the father of her child. She’s lost her job, had her bank accounts frozen, and been chased across the country by a man who wants her unborn child for himself.

  Not happening. Gemma will do whatever it takes to keep her child.

  When she winds up alone and broke in Bear Creek, she can’t believe her luck when a silver-haired wolf shifter tells her he is her mate. He promises to protect her and her child. But can she allow him to risk everything for her?

  Can they prevent Gemma’s baby being taken and get a Second Chance Christmas in Bear Creek?

  Chapter One – Gemma

  The lights of the museum were bright, like a beacon in the cold night. Gemma headed toward them, she just needed somewhere to go, somewhere she could warm herself. The biting cold wind sent a strong gust to buffet her along, as if telling her this was the way to go, the place she would be safe. But nowhere was safe for long.

  Gemma pulled her hat further down on her head and hitched her backpack higher on her shoulder. She was too old to be a runaway, too old to have her life wrecked. Looking both ways to check for traffic, she crossed the road, keeping her head down, not wanting anyone to see her face.

  She was being overcautious, they couldn’t have followed her here. Not yet. She’d only gotten off the bus half an hour ago. So unless they had tailed the vehicle all the way, she’d bought herself some time. However, she was certain they would track her here to Bear Creek before Christmas.

  Christmas. Scenes of sitting around a roaring fire with the lights of the Christmas tree twinkling like stars swam before her eyes. What she wouldn’t give to be with people she loved this Christmas. Her hand smoothed over her swollen belly. Maybe she might get her wish.

  Or maybe it would be ripped away from her.

  All she could do was keep moving and hope that coming to Bear Creek was the right thing to do. After being on the run for weeks, would she finally find safety in the place her father grew up?

  As Gemma drew closer to the museum, she saw a sign announcing that tonight was the night of a charity auction to help the local animal shelter. A smile crossed her lips, if only she could shift into an animal, the shelter would be a great place to hide. But she wasn’t a shifter, so her only option was to blend into a crowd of people.

  The museum loomed closer now, a magnificent building with gargoyles atop high stone walls. They looked down on her as if they knew all her secrets, all her fears. Well, as long as their stone mouths didn’t speak, she was okay with that. In fact, they gave her a sense of security, as if they were watching over her and would protect her if anyone tried to harm her.

  Gemma closed her eyes, asking them to watch over her unborn child. That was all that mattered right now. Which was why she needed to get inside, out of the cold, and warm her poor tired feet. She walked quickly up the steps leading to the large ornate door of the museum. Or as quickly as an eight months pregnant woman could walk up steps.

  Her feet, clad in comfortable flat sneakers, were silent on the hard stone, and she took one last look around as she pushed against the heavy wooden door and slid inside unseen.

  The auction was underway, she could hear the auctioneer’s voice controlling the room with expert precision. Gemma’s hand went to her pocket. The weight of the treasure hidden there gave her comfort. It was the only link she had to her past and her parents.

  It was also the only thing of value she had to sell.

  Perhaps she could find a moment after the auction to talk to the auctioneer and see if he could value the diamond and ruby necklace and matching earrings. She hated to part with them, they were the only things she had left from her mother, who had died when she was sixteen.

  However, she might have no choice, she needed money and she needed it now. Her hand squeezed the contents in her pocket, she was sure her mom would understand. But they’d been a gift from Gemma’s father before he disappeared, leaving her pregnant and alone.

  If only the father of Gemma’s child would disappear and leave her alone.

  That thought pushed her on, pushed her to act normal as she mingled with the people on the fringes of the crowd. The sudden warmth hit her, and a wave of dizziness swept over her. She needed to eat, she needed somewhere to rest.

  Pushing past a small group huddled together talking, she headed for the complimentary tea and coffee. Snippets of conversation reached Gemma as she waited in line. She listened to them ebb and flow as people moved around the room.

  At least if they were talking about other people, they were not talking about her.

  Paranoia was a terrible thing to carry with you day and night.

  Tired. She was so tired. Wiping her hand across her eyes, she reached the table. “Tea, please.” Gemma was trying to avoid caffeine. However, she’d spent the last of her cash on the bus fare to Bear Creek. This meant she’d spent a day without eating proper food and only drinking water while being jostled along with other passengers. She figured she deserved to indulge in one cup of tea.

  “There you go.” The woman serving the tea took a second look at Gemma. Instinctively, she pulled her collar up around her face. Great. If anything said, I’m trying not to get noticed, it was this.

  “Thank you.” Gemma smiled brightly and relaxed her body language. “It’s going well, don�
�t you think?”

  “It is,” the woman agreed. “I hope they raise the money they need. I adopted a cat from the shelter last year. Keeps me company on the cold winter nights.”

  “I’m sure they will.” Gemma blew in her tea and took a sip, nearly burning her tongue, but the much-needed warmth was worth it. “Thanks again.”

  Gemma drifted away, hoping she hadn’t been too memorable to the woman. She wanted to blend in. Then she remembered her baby bump, not that she ever really forgot it since it made everything so much harder. The little rascal was constantly pressing on her bladder or making her back ache. Not that she was complaining, the child she carried was a blessing, one she’d thought she’d missed out on. But when you’re trying not to be noticed, being heavily pregnant did not work in her favor. All anyone had to do was ask if they’d seen a pregnant woman and they’d remember her.

  She sipped her tea and tried not to think of the future, she needed to watch her stress levels. For the baby’s sake she had to remain calm, so her blood pressure didn’t spike.

  Gemma sighed. Now she needed the bathroom. Even just thinking of the baby pressing on her bladder triggered the need to relieve herself.

  Drinking her tea as she searched for the sign for the ladies’ restroom, she navigated her way through the people, who parted for her. Pregnant lady coming through. It would be funny, if her life was not so complicated.

  A whoosh of surprise swept through the crowd as a lot was sold for an outrageous amount. At least it took everyone’s attention off Gemma and she took the opportunity to take a look around. No familiar faces. Which was what she’d expected. But it was only a matter of time.

  It was as if the man chasing her had attached a homing beacon to her...

  What if he had? Blood drained from her face and she clutched the door frame as she finally found the ladies’ room.

  Damn it! Pushing the door open, she went inside and found her way to a cubicle.

  Locking the door carefully, she looked down at her scant belongings. Would it be on her clothes? Or in her backpack? Or on her backpack?

  It could be anywhere.

  Awkwardly, she began to feel every inch of her clothes and check everything she carried for the tracker. If it existed. This could be her paranoia going into overdrive.

  As she searched, she listened as people came and went. She was taking too long, but everything was difficult when you were trying to maneuver yourself plus a baby bump.

  Frustrated, she leaned against the wall, catching her breath while rubbing her back which ached as the strain of the day caught up with her. Gemma swallowed down the lump of emotion which formed in her throat. Crying would only drain her energy, which was already dangerously low. What she wouldn’t give for a warm bed and a full belly.

  A sob erupted from her throat, which she immediately stifled as footsteps came toward her. A man’s footsteps.

  She closed her eyes and tried to keep her breathing calm and quiet as the door of the ladies’ room opened. There was a pause, followed by heavy breathing, as if someone had been running for a long time. Surely, they couldn’t have found her already. But if there was a tracking device, they could have been right behind her. The only way she could outrun them was to never stop. But she was cornered. There was no way out of the cubicle except through the door.

  Exhaustion swept over her like a tsunami, hitting her so hard she could barely stand.

  “Are you all right?” a male voice, somehow familiar, deep and soothing, reached her.

  There was little point in staying quiet, whoever was out there knew she was here.

  “Yes, I’m fine, I’ll be out in a moment.” Gemma breathed in through her nose and out through her mouth as her stomach tightened. Braxton Hicks. Just what she needed.

  “I’ll wait.” The footsteps receded but he didn’t leave.

  “You don’t have to,” Gemma replied, cursing as her voice trembled.

  “I’m afraid I do.”

  Her blood chilled in her veins. “I told you I’m okay.”

  “You did, but that doesn’t change the fact that the auction is over, and the museum is now closed.” His smooth voice held no hint of hostility. Perhaps he was simply waiting to escort her off the premises.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.” Gemma straightened her clothing and took a deep breath. After quickly pinching her pale cheeks so she didn’t look like a ghost, she unlocked the door and stepped outside of the cubicle.

  Panic sought its way into her mind, but she pushed it back down. He didn’t know who she was, and he didn’t know who was chasing her. Yet she still found it difficult to leave the sanctuary of the cubicle.

  And as she locked eyes with the man standing before her, a tremor of fear passed through her. He looked at her with the same obsession of the man who had hounded her for the last two months.

  His nostrils flared as he breathed in her scent. “You’re pregnant.”

  “I am.” She nodded and decided to get herself out of the restroom while she had a chance. But to do so she had to squeeze past him. And squeezing past anything when you were this pregnant was never easy. Without a word, she approached him. He didn’t move. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll leave. I don’t want to hold anyone up.”

  There must be someone else out there. This guy was the auctioneer, she was certain. That’s why his voice had sounded so familiar. Which meant there was probably a security guard, or the museum curator waiting outside. All she had to do was call for help.

  “You look as if you need a good meal and a warm place to stay.”

  Gemma started, immediately on the alert. What was he, a mind reader? “I’m okay. Thank you.” She smiled sweetly. “If I could just get past.”

  “I won’t hurt you.” His sincerity made her catch her breath. It would be so easy to trust this man. So easy, and so stupid. And she was done being stupid.

  “I’m glad to hear it. But you’re blocking my way.” She held her arm out as if to show him that there was not enough room for her to squeeze past. As if he didn’t already know.

  “I can’t let you leave here.” His eyes dilated as if he were high on something.

  Then the realization hit her, and she took a step back. “I’m your mate.”

  It was his turn to look stunned. “You’re a shifter, too?”

  “No, but I think you know that.” She sighed. “Listen, the best thing for both of us is if you just let me go. I’ll walk out of your life and you’ll never see me again.”

  “I can’t let you do that.” It wasn’t a threat, more of a promise.

  There was nothing Gemma would like more right now than for a man to take care of her. She was tired, too tired. This was a strange experience for a woman who had spent the last forty-something years living a life of independence. She didn’t need a man, she didn’t want a man. That had been her mantra. After all, she’d learned the hard way that everyone left, eventually.

  But shifters didn’t leave. They stayed with their mate. It truly would be until death do us part.

  But if the father of her child caught up with her. Then death might be exactly what parted them.

  Chapter Two – Simon

  She was here, standing right in front of him. His mate, the woman he thought he’d never find.

  “I’ll be missed.” She took a step toward him, but he didn’t move. He couldn’t move. If she walked out of his life, he’d never be whole. Never be complete. He’d been living half a life. He saw that now. “The father of my child is waiting right outside.”

  She jabbed her finger at the door, but he could see the lie in her words.

  “I’ll take you to him.” Simon smiled gently and turned on his heel. Pulling open the door to the ladies’ room, a place he’d never have ventured into for any other reason than his mate. His mate who, he was certain, was in trouble.

  “I don’t need a babysitter,” his mate retorted, but her expression said otherwise.

  “I simply want to ensure you and
your unborn child are safe.” He glanced down at her swollen belly. Her baby must be due soon. Where was the father? Was that who she was running from?

  “I appreciate your concern. I really do.” Her eyes moved from side to side as if checking whether there was anyone else close by.

  “You are safe with me,” Simon reassured her.

  “Not if my baby’s father sees us together.” She gave a tight smile. That was not a lie. “He’s the jealous type.”

  “Is he.” He could not keep the disapproval from his words. “Then maybe I should escort you to him.”

  And rip his throat out? his wolf asked casually.

  Let’s not be too hasty, Simon replied.

  “Look.” She rounded on him. “What do I need to say to you to make you back off?” She placed her hand on his chest and sparks flew between them. Her eyes locked with his, but she quickly smoothed out her expression.

  She knew they were mates. She might not be a shifter herself, but she knew about them and understood the mating bond, he was certain.

  “There is nothing you can say that will stop me from protecting you.” He leveled his gaze at her as he reached out and touched her arm. “All you have to do is let me.”

  “I can’t.” Her voice was barely more than a whisper as she shook her head.

  “You can. I’m here for you. You know that.” He moved his hand from her arm and tucked it under her chin, tilting her head up so she had to look in his eyes. “You know what I am. And what we are to each other.”

  She nodded, her shoulders slumping forward in defeat.

  “Simon!” Thorn’s voice carried across the museum.

  His mate tensed and took a step closer to Simon. “It’s okay, he’s a good friend.”

  “I don’t want anyone to know I’m here.” Her eyes implored Simon to hide her, but he knew if there was trouble ahead, he would need help.