Fated For The Wolf: A Fertile Shapeshifter Romance (Werewolf's Harem Series Book 6) Read Online Free

specifically.
    “It’s exotic, I guess,” she said, leading him over to the couch. She sat on one end, trying not to feel nervous when he settled down right beside her. She sucked in a deep breath, trying not to be conspicuous, but he just smelled so damned good. Very masculine. Like a wolf’s fur and pine and soap. Her wolf loved it, reveled in the smell of him.
    “Can I suggest something?” he said. “Can we just talk about the awkward parts first, so that we can both both relax a little?”
    “Sure,” she said, taking a huge gulp of her wine.
    “You want a mate, and children, right away. That’s the gist of it, right?” he asked, his eyes on her face.
    Ivy went a deep shade of red, every inch of skin aflame, but she nodded.
    “Yes,” she agreed.
    “Is there more to know?” he asked.
    She swallowed, trying to ignore the frantic beat of her heart and the fact that he was so close that she could almost feel the heat of his body.
    “No,” she said, shaking her head.
    “You’ve wealth and time,” he said, waving his hand to indicate the house. “Why not get a sperm donor, a nanny, all that?”
    “I don’t want that. I want a family, even if it’s not a traditional one. I want at least two children, and I want them to grow up with more than just me. Like I said, a family.”
    “But you’re not looking for a mate,” he said, cocking his head.
    Tears pricked her eyes. She couldn’t explain why she wasn’t asking for more, why she didn’t have that right to tie someone down. She might be selfish enough to start a family, but she wouldn’t tie a man down with a dying mate. It was too cruel.
    “I wouldn’t ask that. I can offer— I have money, I have this house. I can offer whatever’s needed. I’m not asking for much,” she finished, her voice growing a bit ragged.
    “It’s okay,” Elijah said, reaching out and covering her hand with his. She squirmed, almost pulling away, but she stopped herself. The whole point of this exercise was to get closer to someone. Elijah was handsome, and kind, and her wolf already adored him. So she let him console her, though he didn’t know the half of it all.
    “I’m not interested in taking anything,” Elijah told her after a moment. “I think we have similar desires, though. I have a family back in Scotland, a big family. My father is the Alpha of our clan, and I’m the only descendant. For our line to continue, I need an heir.”
    Ivy took a deep breath, working up the courage to ask the question that was burning in her mind.
    “I don’t want to offend you, but I have to ask. Why are you single?”
    Elijah chuckled, squeezing her hand before withdrawing.
    “Garrett and I have both worked nonstop the last three years, getting our private security firm off the ground. The last six months in particular, we worked to solve a human trafficking case. We were both putting in eighty hour weeks, barely sleeping. Garrett burned out first. He and Kiley found each other again a few months ago, just before that case ended. So I guess what I’m saying is, I haven’t had time for anything other than work.”
    “But you do now?” she asked, curious.
    Elijah gave her a quick grin, dimples flashing.
    “You’re very clever,” he said, giving her a considering look. “We’ve hired enough trustworthy people now that Garrett and I can take a step back from daily operations. We’ll be doing more of the business meetings and sales aspects. I wouldn’t be willing to consider starting a family, otherwise. The missions are too dangerous for family men.”
    “I see,” she said, nodding. “I guess I’ll ask you the same thing, then. Is there more to know?”
    His eyes darkened for an instant, but just as quickly he laughed, reaching out to touch her hand once more.
    “Nothing of importance,” he said. “I can see that you’ve got this whole thing laid out and planned. Do I pass the first test, then?”
    Ivy’s lips curled in a smile, and she nodded.
    “I