ALIEN SHIFTER ROMANCE: Alien Tigers - The Complete Series (Alien Invasion Abduction Shapeshifter Romance) (Paranormal Science Fiction Fantasy Anthologies & Short reads)

by Tanya Jolie

  Everyone in the group agreed to this, held up their shots, then drank them down quickly. Before too long, they were all broken off into groups. Some were carrying on serious conversations. Some were showing off at the pool table, some playing darts. There were even a few who had wandered over to the bar to flirt with the cute bartender.

  As the bar started to fill up, Hunter could not help but notice the absolutely beautiful women who had arrived with a female friend just a few minutes ago. Her skin was the color of a dark chocolate bar and looked as smooth as silk. Her lovely dark eyes were cat shaped and seemed to be hiding a wonderful secret. And those lips……Hunter had to look away before she caught him staring at those kissable lips.

  He didn’t look away quickly enough. Charlotte saw him and couldn’t help but smile as she noticed him checking her out. Once she was settled at the bar with her friend Amy, she carefully looked over at Hunter again making sure he wasn’t looking her way. She was impressed by his quiet manner, when most of the other guys in the bar were loud and rambunctious. Of course, his almost painfully handsome face and perfectly sculpted body didn’t hurt anything. As Charlotte and Amy ordered their drinks, she couldn’t help but secretly hope he would come up and talk to her.

  The two girls had been best friends for as long as they both could remember, so when Amy suggested a night out, Charlotte knew something was up. They weren’t ones to regularly hang out at the local watering holes. After some questioning by Charlotte, Amy finally confessed that she and her on again, off again boyfriend, Charles, were off again. Amy knew Charlotte wanted her to break ties with him permanently because of the ongoing drama so she had been reluctant to tell her. However, Charlotte being such a good friend agreed to go out with Amy at the very least to try and cheer her up. She was secretly hoping Amy would meet someone and that would be the end of Charles.

  Things were looking good after a few drinks and Amy had wandered off, “accidentally” running into one of the most handsome men in the bar. Even though Charlotte was a tad annoyed that Amy had left her alone, she was hoping that Amy and her new friend would hit it off. She was still thinking about it when she heard a voice to her right.

  “Is this seat taken, ma’am?” he spoke in a clear, deep voice.

  She was so caught off guard by how much more handsome he was up close that it took her a few seconds to answer. “Um, well no. Apparently my friend has abandoned me for the night. I guess the seat is free for the taking.” She smiled as he sat down and ordered drinks for both of them before introducing himself.

  “I’m Hunter. Hunter Smith. It is a pleasure to meet you………um….?”

  “Charlotte, my name is Charlotte Sandusky. It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Hunter. What brings you to this fine establishment tonight? I, myself, was dragged here, against my will, by my best friend Amy, who as you can see, no longer has any use for me.”

  Seeing the smile in her beautiful eyes, Hunter laughed and faked a sympathetic grin. “Sounds like you need to find a new best friend. Where do I apply?”

  Charlotte laughed along easily with him and before long, they were in deep conversation. Charlotte barely noticed when Amy showed up beside them and started introductions.

  “Charlotte, this is Nick. Nick, Charlotte. And who is this? Your new best friend?” Amy giggled as Nick put his arm around her waist.

  “Amy, this is Hunter, Hunter, Amy. And yes, he is my new best friend since my old one left me all alone at the bar to fend for myself.”

  When the ladies introduced the guys, they pretended not to know each other and played along just for fun. Hunter was a little bit disappointed when Nick suggested a game of pool, but only because he wanted more time alone with Charlotte. The girls seemed delighted about the idea, but deep inside, Charlotte felt the same way as Hunter. She was really enjoying their encounter and didn’t want it to end. She hoped after the game, they could continue where they left off without another interruption.

  Hunter and Nick were both great at pool. The ladies, not so much. But it was a fun game with lots of laughs and some good natured showing off. The guys finally admitting to know each other and had a good laugh about it. Nick and Amy won, but not easily. They did a little victory dance while Charlotte and Hunter laughed at them. Nick whispered in Amy’s ear and she announced to Charlotte, “We are both pretty tired. I think we are heading out. Do you want to share a cab with us or are you going to stay?”

  Charlotte looked at Hunter, and just as she was about to speak, he gently placed his arm around her shoulder and said, “I can make sure she gets home safely.” Then he looked at Charlotte and said with a smile, “Of course, if that is ok with you.”

  Although Charlotte knew she should probably call it a night, she couldn’t say no to Hunter. She knew she had just met him but she felt a connection to him and wanted to know more about his life. She was really enjoying the night, mostly thanks to him. She didn’t want it to end yet.

  So she stayed. Amy gave her a hug and off she went with Nick. Charlotte started to feel a little bit guilty for just letting her friend go off with a guy she barely knew until Hunter spoke up, “Don’t worry. I’ve known Nick for quite some time now. Your friend is safe with him. I promise.” And he grabbed her hand and gently walked to her to a small table in the corner, as far away from the bar chaos as possible. He couldn’t help but think about how wonderful her hand felt in his. Almost like it was meant to be there.

  Charlotte couldn’t help but feel the chemistry when Hunter took her hand. It felt good. She felt completely comfortable with him and it didn’t hurt that he was so easy on the eyes. He was a great listener and she found herself telling him things she would never tell a stranger. She confessed how scared she had been when she left her job in New York to accept a more prestigious position in California. She told him a little bit about her job, but didn’t want to bore him with fashion details. He seemed interested and even asked her questions about the pieces she was currently working on.

  Hunter was a great story teller, so Charlotte also enjoyed listening to him talk. She especially loved hearing the hilarious stories that had to do with him growing up with three older sisters. He left out the parts where he was miserable after they all three were out of the house and he had to deal with everything himself. He wasn’t quite ready to share that part of his life with anyone just yet. Though he did open up a little bit about his mother and her alcoholic lifestyle.

  Charlotte listened with interest and felt so bad for him when he talked about his mother. It was brief, but she could hear the hurt and anger in his voice when he described a typical day in the life of his mother. He quickly changed the subject by making her laugh and the anger was forgotten.

  It felt like they had only been sitting there for moments when they both heard the bartender yell, “Last call! You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here! Last call!”

  Charlotte laughed at the creative saying and looked to Hunter. He laughed with her and then turned serious and took her hands in his. “I don’t want this to end, Charlotte. Honestly, I’ve had an amazing night.”

  Charlotte felt exactly the same way. And when she thought of never seeing him again, a feeling almost like panic ran through her. How often did she meet someone like Hunter? Someone who made her feel completely at ease, made her laugh, and gave her butterflies? Never. Right then and there Charlotte decided that there was no way she was letting the night end at the bar.

  She gave Hunter a shy smile and finally said in a low voice, “It doesn’t have to end. You could come with me to my place. We could make a frozen pizza and watch a movie.”

  “You had me at pizza!” Hunter said with a huge smile.

  They both laughed and walked out the door together hand in hand. Both were smiling as they comfortably made their way to her apartment. They could have taken a cab, but it was only five blocks away and the night was beautiful. All the way there, all Charlotte could think about was kissing him.

  Hunter was waiti
ng for the perfect moment. He could almost feel her soft lips on his. He had never wanted to kiss someone so badly in his entire life. He tried to concentrate on what she was saying but his eyes kept moving to those sexy lips. Somehow he managed to keep it together and participate in the conversation while she unlocked her apartment door and they took off their shoes.

  But as soon as she put down her purse and hung up her keys, they both came together as if a magnetic force was pulling them toward each other. At the same exact time, they were both moving in for the kiss of a lifetime. It was everything they had both expected and more. It started out slow and sweet, but by the time it was finished they were both out of breath.

  Charlotte giggled nervously and finally spoke the only word that came to mind, “Wow.” Her brain felt like mush and she just knew she had a goofy grin on her face. The same goofy grin Hunter now wore.

  Laughing, Hunter pulled him towards her, gave her another quick kiss and said, “Yes. Wow.” Now they were both laughing.

  When the marathon of laughter finally ended, Charlotte asked him if he still wanted that pizza. Even though pizza was the last thing on both of their minds. Hunter, not wanting to be rude, told her that if she was hungry and wanted to make the pizza he would eat with her.

  “I’m actually not that hungry anymore,” Charlotte said with a sexy grin. She waited for his reaction and when he grabbed her hand, she led him to her bedroom.

  Hunter took her beautiful face in his hands and kissed her so passionately, her knees felt week. She returned the kiss with the same passion she felt. As the kiss deepened, his hands moved to her waist and he slowly lifted off her shirt. His mouth moved down her neck and finally settled near the tops of her breasts. He very softly kissed just above her hard nipples, still covered with her bra. Charlotte tilted her head back with anticipation and quietly moaned.

  Hunter moved his hands from where they were roaming near her ass, and unhooked her bra. As he slowly removed it completely, his mouth got closer and closer to her nipple. He undid her pants and slid them down her luscious hips. As she stepped out of them, he gently laid her on the bed.

  “Naughty girl, huh? No panties?” Hunter spoke as he smiled at her.

  “Oops!” Charlotte answered with a sweet giggle. The truth was that she rarely ever wore underwear. It made her feel sexy, and who didn’t want to feel sexy? But she didn’t tell him that. She just smiled sweetly and he laughed at her.

  “I love it!” Hunter declared, and still laughing leaned over to switch on the lamp. “I want to be able to see you. Is that alright?” he asked.

  Staring up at him with wide eyes, she simply answered, “Yes.” Even when he looked her slowly up and down without saying a word, she was alright with it. She waited for him to say something.

  When he finally spoke, he did so with absolute adoration, “Charlotte, you are so beautiful.”

  All Charlotte could think of the say was, “Thank you.” And she laid her head back down on the pillow, still smiling as he gently kissed her feet. He slowly made his way up her legs and kissed her thighs. As his mouth got closer to its intended spot, Charlotte had to remind herself to breathe. And she couldn’t help but let out a sigh when his tongue started giving her pleasure. He started by licking the insides of her lips, slowly up and down. By the time he started sucking on her clit, she was wet enough for him to move his fingers inside of her. He slid them in and out as he nibbled and sucked on her.

  Just when she felt like she was going to explode, she grabbed his hair and begged, “Please, Hunter. I want to feel you inside of me. Now.”

  He looked up at her with bedroom eyes and slowly made his way over top of her. Charlotte moaned with satisfaction as he gently slid inside of her. She moved her hips in rhythm with him as he pumped in and out getting deeper and deeper. Once they found the perfect spot, they slowed down and thoroughly enjoyed the sheer pleasure they had created.

  Neither one ready yet for the grand finale ending, they switched positions. Charlotte lowered herself down onto his manhood and he let out a low moan. She leaned over and kissed him as she moved herself up and down, starting slowly then getting faster and faster. Then something happened that had never happened to either of them before. They climaxed at the exact same time. The intense orgasms seemed to last for an eternity, as Charlotte continued to ride him. Moans of pleasure escaped both of their lips as the feeling of ecstasy ran through their bodies.

  Charlotte finally collapsed on top of Hunter and they both took a minute to catch their breath. And then they started laughing. Uncontrollably laughing. When they eventually calmed down, Hunter drew her close to him and kissed the side of her head. They passed out in each other’s arms, exhausted not only from the intense sex, but also the powerful emotional connection they shared.

  ***

  When Charlotte finally opened her eyes, she was surprised to see that Hunter was gone. And disappointed. Her worries started to subside when she spotted a hand written note laying on her dresser. When she read what he had written, her heart fell into her stomach. He explained that he was a SEAL, and that he hadn’t told her because he didn’t want her to think that she was just going to be a one night stand. He was adamant in the letter that she was more to him than that. He left his phone number and asked her to call him if she wasn’t too upset with him. He wanted to see her again, and as soon as possible.

  Charlotte wasn’t sure how to feel. She felt a bit betrayed that he hadn’t been honest with her about being a SEAL. But, she also understood. She believed that he was being sincere and that he truly wanted to see her again. And she wanted to see him again. In fact, she had to stop herself from calling him right then. And then she started to questions if she should even get more involved with him.

  She happened to know that one of the platoons was looking at deployment in the near future. That would surely complicate things. By the time she had gotten dressed for the day, she had talked herself out of calling him. In fact, she had decided that it would be for the best if she never saw him again. That thought left a bad feeling in her stomach and a nagging at her heart, but she kept telling herself it was the right thing to do.

  Charlotte was out all day running errands so by time she pulled her car into her space at the apartment, she was starving. She was thinking about that pizza she had in the freezer as she walked up the stairs searching for her keys in her purse. When she found them and finally looked up towards her apartment door, she saw him standing there. Right in front of her door stood Hunter, holding a box of pizza.

  She couldn’t help but smile as she said, “I am starving! And you brought just what I was craving!”

  Hunter laughed and replied, “I hope it’s ok that I just showed up. I didn’t have your phone number, so I took a chance that you would be home and hungry. I just got here about 15 minutes ago, so the pizza is still hot. You can have the pizza under one condition, though. You have to share! I’m starving, too!”

  Charlotte laughed as she opened the door and they both went in. As they shared the pizza and a bottle of wine, they talked. He apologized again for not telling her about being a SEAL. She accepted his apology and asked him about deployment. He was as honest with her as he could be without breaking any confidentiality rules.

  He explained to her that yes, his Platoon was going to be deployed soon. He told her that he didn’t know when or how long he would be gone. He also told her how much he had enjoyed their time spent together and how he hoped they would be able to continue to get to know each other even though he would be leaving soon. He didn’t know what kind of future they had, but he wasn’t ready to just say goodbye.

  And as hard as she tried, she couldn’t tell him to leave her alone. She didn’t explain to him that things were more complicated than his deployment. She kept it all inside because she didn’t want to say goodbye. She felt a special connection with Hunter and she wasn’t ready for that to end. So, selfishly, she sat with him and ate her pizza, not mentioning anything about her current
situation.

  When they finished eating, Hunter told her that he had to get back to base. This time he asked for her phone number, and she gave it to him. And then she gave him a strange request. “Please don’t talk about me to your buddies on base.” She explained that she was a private person and just didn’t want everyone to know their business.

  Hunter agreed, even though he didn’t completely understand. He was over the moon and wanted to tell everyone about this beautiful, amazing, sexy woman he had met. But he also wanted to honor her request.

  Charlotte thanked him again for the pizza and leaned in for a kiss. He grabbed her, pushed her up against the door and gave her a kiss that left her completely breathless. They were both smiling as he reluctantly left and she closed the door and locked it.

  As Charlotte lay in bed that night, all she could think about was Hunter. She could still feel his lips on hers. She had never met a sweeter man in all her life. And he could make her laugh like no one else could. As much as she was afraid to admit it she was falling in love with him. However, she had a decision to make, and it wasn’t going to be easy.

  A few miles away, Hunter lay in bed thinking about Charlotte. He knew he was falling in love with her and it was scary. She was everything he could ever dream of in a woman. She was beautiful, intelligent, sexy, and had a great sense of humor. He truly enjoyed the time they had spent together and he couldn’t wait to see her again. He thought she felt the same way, but had no idea of the complications that were about to come their way.

  He called her the next evening and just assumed that she was busy when she didn’t answer and didn’t return his call. He didn’t start to worry until he called again the next night with the same results. The next day, he put his full concentration into his training to take his mind off of Charlotte. He was hurt, but didn’t want to show it. And there wasn’t really anyone he could talk to about it.