The Alpha and The Baker

by Roxie Ray

His joy was infectious. He reminded me of something Roald Dahl had said about lovely people on the inside having it shine through their exterior. I’d just met the guy, but he was definitely shinin’.

I was just one person, and I couldn’t change the whole world, but I could help other people make amazing memories. And that was a power I wouldn’t ever take for granted.

God, the way she grinned at me from ear to ear… If she batted her eyes at me, I might kneel at her feet like a knight out of an old legend and swear fealty. I couldn’t say what about Felicia had me so captivated, but I also couldn’t deny what was happening.

Life could be so cruel sometimes, and it made me feel a little less powerless to make a bright spot for someone else. Especially someone so lovely.

It was too soon, far too soon, to be so emotionally invested, and yet I knew without a doubt that I’d never clicked with someone as easily as I clicked with Felicia.

My mind immediately supplied a thought of his teeth sinking into my skin at very specific places, or his claws nicking me as he held me tightly, and I was entirely onboard. Which was kind of surprising.

I wanted to devour her. I wanted to bend her over and fill her so full of my seed that my cabin couldn’t fit all our pups. I wanted, I wanted, I wanted. But all of that want came secondary to Felicia.

No, it felt like Cas belonged. Not only in my bed, but also in my apartment. In my bakery. Beside me.

I loved the kindness that radiated from her, and I could rest easy knowing, as an alpha, that she would truly do whatever she had to in order to protect our people. Our pack. If she were a shifter, she’d definitely be an alpha.

The emotions I could pick up through his words was borderline overwhelming, and yet I wouldn’t change a thing about it. The fondness, the pride, the love, the certainty. It was all so much in a way I never, ever, wanted to be without for the rest of my life.

“That shouldn’t have been possible, and yet it happened. So, yes. I believe we’re fated mates.”

“You’d let me bite you? You’d swear yourself to me forever, and accept me swearing to you?” His voice. God, his voice. It was thick and sweet as honey, with just a hint of vulnerability to it, like he was wary of my answer.

“I love you,” I gasped as his teeth bit in deeper, the heat of his mouth its own soothing balm. And when he released, I felt the happiest rumble from him behind me. “I love you, too, Felicia. With all my soul.”

It wasn’t a big thing, and there were no diamonds on it—Felicia had strong feelings about that industry—but it looked perfect where it sat on her finger.

enough with all the social commentary