Free Rough It Up by Emma Hillman

body unlike anything she’d ever worn before. She was even wearing high heels, and while she loved not having to crane her neck to talk to Jay for once, it also meant he could reach parts of her body much more easily.
    “Stop it!” she hissed as his hand landed precariously low on her back.
    “I’m just being a gentleman, darlin’,” he replied, his eyes dancing.
    She rolled her eyes but let him escort her inside the village hall. It was crowded; everyone who was anyone in the Pride wanting to show their allegiance to the Alpha. A podium had been raised at the other end of the room, and they slowly made their way toward it, saying hello to everyone they encountered, Jay introducing her to the few people she had yet to meet.
    When they walked up the few steps separating them from Alistair and the rest of his lieutenants, Alexa started to feel faint. This was for real, she thought and not a little bit wildly. “Jay,” she whispered under her breath.
    He grabbed her hand in his and led her to his father. Their Alpha was standing at attention, his arms crossed over his chest, his gaze solemn. She gulped but followed Jay’s lead, suddenly feeling unsure of herself.
    Did she really warrant this? Sure, she’d mated with him, but nothing was set in stone. Right? Maybe he didn’t really want her. Maybe he’d try to get out of this relationship when the lust faded.
    Alistair’s eyes locked on hers, and she found herself rooted to the spot. He moved toward her and stopped only inches away. Even in her stilettos, she had to look up, then she remembered she wasn’t supposed to stare at him anyway. Too late, she looked back down.
    He laughed, the sound a deep rumble within his chest. “Daughter.”
    That made her look up again. Daughter? She opened her mouth but snapped it shut when she realized she had no idea what to say.
    “I think you managed to render her speechless, Dad.” Jay’s arm snaked around her waist, making her lean against him, giving her strength.
    “Alistair,” she finally said, her voice a little shaky.
    Her mate lowered his head and murmured, “I think he wanted you to call him Father. Or Dad.”
    He did? He had? She blinked. “Really?”
    This time, all the men present on the podium laughed. She felt her cheeks start to redden and wished she was anywhere but here. Before she could run away, Alistair—or whatever he wanted her to call him—drew her forward. His arms closed behind her back. She found herself relaxing almost instantly, knowing on a deeper level that she was safe with him. He was her Alpha, sure, but he was also part of her. His scent mingled with hers, reminding her of his son. Her mate. Her family.
    When he let her go, she drew back and looked up. This time, she held his gaze and smiled. “Thanks.” A pause, then, “Father.”
    Their fearless leader grinned. “Welcome to the Pride, Alexa. May you and Jay be happy for as long as your lion souls live within you.” His voice gaining volume with each word, he finally turned toward the crowd and pushed her to stand in front of him. “Behold Alexa, our new daughter…and your future Alpha’s mate!”
    Applause and shouts rang out. She stumbled a little, her eyes wide as she took in the people cheering for her. Blinking back tears, she turned to the man who’d come to a stand beside her.
    Jay’s smile lit up his face. He tugged her to him and softly brushed his lips over hers. When he drew back, his face serious, it was to run the pads of his fingers down her cheek. “I love you.”
    The words took Alexa by surprise. She hadn’t expected him to declare himself for the first time at such a time. In public, no less! “Jay—”
    He cut her off, “You don’t have to reply right now.”
    She was frowning by the time he finished his sentence. “Are you kidding? Of course I will!”
    “Dominant,” Nate mumbled behind them, reminding her where they were.
    She had no idea what her new brother had meant, but right now she had