Read Online A Wolf's Fate (A BBW Shapeshifter Romance): The Holiday Ball by Marie Mason - Free Book Online Page B

face. How dare she flaunt the fact that she had somehow managed to snag one of the Barringer brothers? And she didn’t even think the fat pixie knew what a catch she had on her hands. If she did, she certainly wouldn’t be arguing with him.
    She swayed as she followed them through the crowd, wondering what the wolf was up to. She slammed the glass on the tray of a passing waitress almost making the woman loose her hold. She didn’t care.
     
    Gunner planned to do this later in just the presence of his family, but seeing the superior expression on the other pixie’s face he realized he needed to do this in front of everyone. Now, he was not a man or wolf who liked to be the center of attention but he didn’t hesitate to tow Autumn behind him as he made his way to the front of the room, stepping onto the small stage in front of the orchestra. The Holiday Ball was nowhere near ending even though the sun would soon be making its way above the horizon. A large breakfast would be served later for those who had stayed.
    He sought out his father and his brothers, happy to see them making their way forward. Hayden’s mate was tugging at his arm, demanding to know what was going on. He didn’t see a flash of gold on her finger and knew his big brother hadn’t gotten down to business. If he hadn’t guessed that already, the frustrated glare he threw Gunner’s way would have told him the same story. Too damn bad, Gunner thought with a grin.
    Autumn reached up and touched the corner of his mouth. “I like it when you do that.”
    He brought her fingers to his lips. “I promise I’ll do it a lot more with you around.” Using his grip on her hand, he turned her to him, dropping to one knee before her.
    He savored her startled gasp as she realized what was about to happen. Still holding her hand, he managed to dig the blue velvet box from the pocket of his tuxedo jacket and flip open the lid.
    Inside the ring case was a solitaire diamond engagement ring in a gold setting. It had belonged to his grandmother and had been given to him upon her death a few years ago. She had understood the need inside him and his wolf to bring justice to the world better than anyone. His grandfather had been an enforcer. She had told him it would take a special woman to love him. Looking up at Autumn’s tear-filled green eyes, he knew she would have thought Autumn very special.
    “Autumn. You have brought me back my wolf. Mended half of my soul and given me the other half that has been missing since I entered this world. I have claimed you as my mate and will protect you with all that I have. I ask that you allow me to join with you as your husband, to love you as only a man can love a woman.”
    Autumn hadn’t known what to say or do when Gunner had pulled her behind him across the dance floor and onto the small stage. Her heart started to pound so hard, she was afraid she would faint.
    She had no doubt that they were indeed mates. The throbbing bite mark on her neck told her she’d been claimed, but she’d never expected this. A proposal of marriage and certainly not one in front of a crowd of people.
    “Come on, Autumn, don’t leave me hanging here.” Muscles flexed in his brawny arms as he leaned forward, stretching the material of his tux jacket. He flashed her a startling white smile. Made more startling since she knew he didn’t smile often. The grin told her he was more than confident in her answer.
    “I should, just to see what you would do.”
    Gunner growled, but didn’t move from his kneeling position on the floor. “I’d pick you up and carry you back upstairs and convince you why you needed to say yes.” He stared her straight in the eye. “Or, I’d pick you up and bend you over my knee and smack your big, beautiful ass in front of all these curious people.”
    The shifters closest to the stage roared with laughter, some making crude catcalls and whistles.
    “You wouldn’t dare,” she challenged him, her eyes