Jennifer Ashley: Hard Mated

Shifters are incredible beings, Myka. They have more humanity in them than humans, I think. I learned that when I hung out at Shifter bars, talking to them, getting to know them. Everyone called me a Shifter groupie, but I didn’t care. Shifters worry about the same things we do—how to raise their kids, how to put food on the table, how to keep the family together.

Stay with Spike. Please. I knew him only such a brief time, but I could see something in him that was remarkable.

Besides, what better people to raise my son than my best friend and the Shifter who helped convince me that Shifters were the most amazing creatures I’ve ever met?

If you’re wondering why I didn’t tell him about Jordan right away, it was because I was scared. I didn’t want to lose Jordan, and I didn’t want to become a Shifter mate. Or anyone’s mate, or wife. That wasn’t me.

A free spirit, Mom always called me. Selfish, maybe, but you knew me. Somehow I always sensed I didn’t have much time to live, and I wanted to grab as much of life as I could. Jordan was part of that life, the best part.

Now Jordan will be with his dad, which is where he belongs. And you should be with him and Spike too.

I love you, Myka. Kiss Jordan good night for me, and tell Spike thank you.

God bless.

Spike’s callused fingers took the letter from Myka’s hands. He read it, while Myka watched him, tears blurring her eyes.

Spike’s throat moved in a swallow as he finished. He set the letter aside and enfolded Myka into his arms. “I wish I’d known her better,” he said in his low voice. “The mother of my son.”

Myka rested her head on his chest, loving the thump of his heart. “I can tell you all about her.”

“I’d like that.”

Myka tried to smile. “She was a crafty woman. Matchmaking to the last.”

“I’m glad she was.” Spike put his thumbs under Myka’s chin. “I’m glad she brought you to me. Mate of my heart.”

Myka kissed his chest, right over the place where his heart lay. “Mate of my heart,” she echoed.

“I love you, Myka.” Spike kissed her mouth, his lips warm with afterglow.

“I love you, Eron.”

Spike’s arms tightened around her at the sound of his real name, his naked body hot against hers. The jaguar tattoos moved with his embrace, as he scooped her up to him to kiss her again, this kiss tinged with wildness.

The moonlight touched them with kind light, and under that light, Spike carried Myka to the bed one more time, coming into her and surrounding her with bliss.

End