Bearfoot and Pregnant: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Paranormal Dating Agency Book 10)

by Taiden, Milly

  Talen’s eyes widened. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t have another. You are my true mate.”

  “Then why send someone to tell me you’re mated. That you wouldn’t want a weak human anyway. You didn’t even have the balls to tell me to my face.” She rolled over and buried her face in the pillow. Not only did she feel stupid for crying, but her body hurt.

  “Come, love. Sit with me.” He lifted her and carried her into the living room featuring a cozy living room fireplace. He sat in an oversized recliner and positioned her across his lap so she leaned her shoulder against his chest. “Now, let’s start from the beginning.”

  Cassie opened her mouth and he put a finger over it. “I’ve wanted you from the moment I saw you. My animal told me we were mates. So there is no doubt to that. We’ve been destined to be together. Everything I have is yours, including my soul, heart, and life. I’m not afraid, because it’s right. I can never hurt you.”

  She relaxed into his body, but kept quiet. “Now, beautiful. Tell me about this person who told you I was mated. Was he in the forest on the path?”

  “Yes, was that Paxten? You only have the one brother?“

  “It was. And yes, just him. I thought when he escaped the guards at the castle that he would flee into hiding, but obviously, he didn’t. Did he tell you I had a mate?”

  “And that I was for sex only. Which is all I wanted at first, but I fell for you. And when I woke up in your bed the other day, your wife was in the kitchen--”

  “You’re confused. You met the clan healer.”

  “Why was she cooking in your kitchen?”

  “Because she knew you would need to eat after resting. I wouldn’t have been back for a while. She was doing what doctors do, taking care of their patients.”

  Good fucking lord, now she felt like a complete idiot. How would she live this down?

  “Now that is taken care of, you understand you are the only one for me, right?” She nodded. “And I love and will protect your and our cubs with my life, always.” She rubbed her stomach and nodded again. “That’s all you need to remember.” She melted into his warm body.

  She thought back on everything that had happen this past month. So many things had changed, but yet so much stayed the same—like her lack of love from her dad. That didn’t matter…too much. She had her own family now. Concerning family, she wondered what happened to Paxten. She was sure Talen had him killed. These people were primitive compared to Earth’s judicial systems.

  “Talen, what happened with Paxten?”

  He let out a long breath. “I put him in holding until the council convened to make a decision. Most of his followers were killed when we fought to get to you.”

  “What was the council’s decision?”

  His hold on her tightened. “They didn’t make one. The next day, Dylan found him hanging, strangled to death with a blanket.”

  Cassie sat up and brushed her fingers over his cheek. “Talen, I’m so sorry.”

  He shrugged. “It is what it is. He didn’t seem very stable at the end.”

  “But you didn’t kill him or put him to death?”

  “No, Cassie. We may be a simple people, but we are not murderers. I would never let someone hurt another in such a manner. He’d die a quick death had he hurt you in my presence, but once I saw the madness in his eyes, I knew the brother I once knew was gone. Long gone.”

  Maybe she was wrong about this society. Talen loved every one of his people. Why couldn’t he love her too? Did she love him?

  “You’re very quiet. What are you thinking in that busy head of yours? Tell me what you want and I’ll make it happen.”

  What did she want? “Bella was the happiest woman in the entire galaxy. And she glowed. She found her happily ever after. And that’s what I want.”

  He kissed the top of her head lying against his chest. “That’s what I want for you too. But if you don’t take the chance to read the story, how will you know if you get what you want? Pickup that book and let me create your fairytale ending.”

  “Talen, that’s beautiful.” Tears trailed down her cheeks. She made her decision. She would put herself, heart and soul, into loving Talen and the child within her. If it didn’t work, then so be it. At least she tried.

  He stood, lifting Cassie with him, then set her on the recliner as he got down on one knee in front of her.

  “Cassie, I know we haven’t had the usual dating ritual you want, but I know I will always love you. And I hope you’ll give yourself the chance to fall in love with me. Cassandra Grimaldi, will you be my mate, my wife?”

  She threw her arms around him, tears free flowing. “Yes, Talen. I will give myself the chance to love you more than I already do.”

  Talen kissed his mate quickly. “Let’s go see Gerri and tell her.”

  “Okay, but can we eat first. I’m starving.”

  THIRTY

  “Well, shit, you’re right.” Cassie paced the floor in Gerri’s apartment. “My dad is going to flip out. Like really shit an Easter egg.”

  “Cassie, your father can’t be that bad,” Gerri started. “I’m so glad you loved Aurora. I knew you would and you will be happy there.” She cleared her throat. “As far as your dad, you’re a grown adult, capable of making your own decisions.”

  “I know, but still.”

  Talen walked into the room, tugging the dress shirt under his new suit. “How can humans wear this stuff?”

  Both Gerri and Cassie laughed then squealed. “Talen, you look dashing in a suit and tie.”

  Cassie winked at him. “Yeah, hot as hell if you ask me.”

  He pulled on his shirt collar. “Hot is right.”

  Cassie grabbed his arm. “Stop whining. Dad will respect you more if you talk the talk. If you’re on his level, then everything will be better.”

  A few hours later, Cassie pushed the doorbell of her father’s house. She remembered the concern in her father’s voice when she called him earlier asking if she and another could have dinner with them tonight.

  Now as she thought about it, that was the first time she’d ever asked to visit. All other times she had to be invited before thinking about coming. No wonder her dad was worried.

  Estrella answered the door and ushered them into the den. Cassie’s father turned from the built-in bar, drink in hand. “Cassie, my girl.” He gave her a hug then stepped back to wait for introductions.

  “Dad, this is Talen Arctos. He and I are engaged.” Her dad reached out an arm to shake Talen’s hand. Talen stared at the hand as Cassie realized Talen wasn’t aware of Earth’s handshake custom.

  Fortunately, Talen mimicked the action, lifting his hand next to her dad’s. Her father grabbed his hand and shook. This was going to be a long night.

  A second later, Ivy waltzed in with a huge grin and winked at Cassie.

  She had discussed Talen with Ivy and Ivan and both met her new mate already. It was weird calling him her mate, but it was true.

  Ivy had mentioned asking Gerri about her services and hopefully visiting Aurora to see about getting her own man and checking up on Cassie. The thoughtful look on Gerri’s face told Cassie the matchmaker was already on the job.

  They took seats on leather sofas that cost more than her apartment. And as Cassie expected, Victoria waited for the right time for her dramatic entrance. Everyone stood. “Oh, who do we have here, Cassie. A co-worker, perhaps?”

  Cassie read between the lines. Victoria was saying Talen was too good-looking to be a boyfriend for her overweight, grungy self. He had to be someone else. Ivy lifted a perfect brow, waiting for Cassie to tear Victoria a new one, but she would behave even if it killed her. She didn’t really want to hurt her father’s feelings.

  “Actually, Victoria, this is my fiancé, Talen. He is the CEO of his organization, not exactly a co-worker.” She flashed a smug smile at her father’s wife.

  “I see.” Victoria stretched out a hand and Talen did the same. They all sat again
, in an awkward silence. Cassie felt like throwing-up. She wasn’t sure if it was nerves or the baby. Shit. She hated being this way. This wasn’t like her to cower in a tough situation. Her father raised her better than that.

  She cleared her throat. “How much longer until dinner is ready?”

  “We decided on steaks tonight, so it will be a bit before everything is ready. Can I get you a snack? Of course, with me being pregnant,” she made “kissy lips” at Cassie’s father, which made her want to puke more, “I feel like I’m eating all the time.” She giggled and practically wrapped herself around her dad’s side.

  And fate hated Cassie even more because she’d gained at least thirty pounds while Victoria looked exactly the same except for a slight bump on her abdomen.

  “Really, Victoria?” Ivy sighed and stood on four-inch heels. How in the world she could wear them was beyond Cassie. Ivy was just as big as Cassie but her sense of style kicked Cassie’s in the ass, big time. “You’ve barely gained any weight. I think I put on more pounds thinking of food than you have during your pregnancy so far.”

  Cassie coughed to hide a giggle and saw Victoria throw a hateful glare at Ivy.

  “Oh. Uh, Talen and I eat our steak a special way now. Victoria, could you and he visit the chef then Talen can help prepare our meals.” She got three strange looks. She smiled at Talen. “You know how I like mine more rare than before.”

  His head bobbed. “Ah, yes.” He stood and gestured for Victoria to lead. Cassie whispered to his back, “Careful, she’ll eat you alive,” a bit louder than she intended and her father frowned at her.

  After the two departing were out of hearing range, Ivy following them, her father stood and headed for the bar. “Cassie, I understand your feelings for my wife, but I appreciate you keeping them to yourself.” He poured a dark liquid from a crystal decanter. “Would you like a drink. You always like my scotch.”

  “Thank you, but a glass of water would be great.”

  He turned and raised a brow at her, but said nothing as he opened the cooler for a bottled water. He handed the plastic container to her and sat in his dark leather chair.

  “So, I see you’re here to show us your new husband-to-be. I hope this one lasts more than six months.”

  Fire burned in Cassie’s stomach. God, she was so stupid to come here. Why did she think her father would approve and be happy for her? Ever since her mom died, he’d become a different person. Look who he finally married, for fuck’s sake. She twisted off the lid and drank to cool down her temper.

  “So do I, Dad. We have a lot in common, so I think this will last a long time.”

  “Is he really the CEO of a corporation?”

  “He goes by a different title, but the job is the same. He really loves what he does and his people. That’s one thing I love about him.” Her father snorted. And that just pissed her off more. Even that isn’t good enough. What did it take—

  “At least he doesn’t need to empty your bank account and run like the other one.”

  Cassie’s mouth dropped open. “You know about that?”

  “Of course, I know. And that’s why I thought you were coming over here: to ask for money.”

  “I would never ask anyone for money, even you.”

  “I know, and it makes me damn proud of you.”

  Cassie opened her mouth, ready with a snide remark, then his words sank in. “You’re proud of me?”

  A sigh escaped her father as he stood and slowly paced. “Cassandra, I… When you were born, your mother and I were the happiest people on Earth. The doctors told us it would be a miracle if your mother ever conceived. We proved them wrong and made our own miracle. You.

  “Around that time, I had risen quickly in the company and was rubbing elbows with the high-end and elite. It seemed like all the men had a trophy-wife, half their age, who didn’t have a clue about anything but spending money.

  “One of those bastards suddenly died in a car wreck, leaving his eye candy nothing of his estate. She took the family to court for a piece of the pie. The media painted her as a gold digger who purposely ruined a family to marry the husband and father of six children.

  “She got a small amount of money in the end. But nothing close to the millions she was asking for. She disappeared from society for a while then popped back into the media when she married some millionaire in California.

  “But she made me realize that without a rich man to cling to, she had nothing. Not even a roof to put over her head. I swore to myself that my daughter would never be like her. My daughter would be strong and independent. She wouldn’t need to depend on anyone for anything. Even when she was down.” He pointed his glass at her.

  “And that’s exactly what you’ve become. Someone who doesn’t need anyone, including her father.

  “When your mother died, I was devastated. I loved her still after all the years. I tried to bury the hurt with other women, but that didn’t work. I was in constant pain because everything reminded me of her. Even at the office, her memory followed me. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could go on.”

  Cassie gasped. Her father looked at her, tears in his eyes as well as hers. “Dad, I didn’t—”

  “Let me finish. I have things to say that I should have said many years ago. When I met Victoria, her smile eased my pain. Being around her brought me joy I hadn’t felt since your mother passed. Don’t get me wrong. I still love your mother, but Victoria has made me happy again. She’s different than your mother. Your mother was a woman who owned my heart completely. Victoria has given my life purpose again. Gives me a reason to want to stick around, if you know what I mean.

  “She may seem like a gold digging type, but her family has their own money and she has a huge trust fund. She grew up with money, so she’s used to the biggest and brightest. It’s also why she’s spoiled in her own way. But she can get what she wants with or without me.

  “She doesn’t need me to have the best life can offer. She chooses to be with me because she loves me.” He laughed. “I don’t know what she sees in an old bastard like me, but I’m glad she does.”

  THIRTY-ONE

  He refilled his drink and sat on the sofa across from Cassie. “I know I’ve never said this to you, but I’ve always wanted you to be happy. I’m sorry I was so hard on you about your weight. I understood how society would look down on you if you were different. And it wouldn’t be good. I knew you’d suffer and I wanted so much to keep that hurt away from you.

  “But I couldn’t. I had failed you as a loving father. So I backed away from you, made sure I didn’t fail in raising you tough as nails to survive that suffering, all the meanness others would dole out to you. That, I have succeeded with. Apparently, too well. You’ve hardened your heart against me for well-deserved reasons.

  “And if Talen is the one who makes you happy, then I suggest you take that feeling and run with it. Take as much happiness as you can, because the world won’t give it often.

  “I want you to know you can depend on me and ask for anything without me thinking less of you because…Because I love you, Cassandra. I always have and I always will.”

  Cassie couldn’t take anymore. She hurried around the coffee table and dove onto the sofa to hug her dad and cry on his shoulder. For so many years, she had felt isolated, unloved because of her weight and other things. So much of her childhood made sense now. Her dad didn’t want her to grow up depending on others to create her happiness. He wanted her to make it for herself. And she had.

  With a big sniffle, she sat back from his shoulder. “Dad, Talen makes me happy. Very happy. I know he loves me because he shows me. I’m not afraid to love him, anymore. Even though I am strong on my own, I need him to lean on when I’m sad, and to share my moments of happiness.” She squeezed her eyes closed. “Like when our baby is born in a few months.” Cassie peeked open an eye to see if her dad had a heart attack.

  He sat with wide eyes and a smile. “I didn’t see that coming. But all right. I�
�m going to be a dad again and a grandfather. How many people can say that!”

  “Several older movie stars, Dad.”

  “Okay, so I’m not the only one. Big deal.” He hugged her again. The clacking of Victoria’s high heels against the wood floor echoed down the hallway. Father and daughter quickly drew away from each other, wiping tears from eyes.

  “Oh, Dad, I almost forgot. Talen and I are building a house in a very remote location. It’ll be somewhat difficult to reach me, but I have a special phone to give you that is a step above facetiming. It actually projects an image of me. It’s cool.”

  “Can we not visit? I will fly anywhere to see my grandchild, and you. It’s not like you’re moving to another planet.”

  “We’ll talk about all that later.” When she could figure out how to tell her dad she really was going to another planet without him wanting to have her committed. “I bet dinner is just about ready.” Victoria and Talen stepped into the room.

  “Dinner is ready, if everyone is,” Victoria said, looking from her dad to her and back. “Is everything okay?”

  Cassie smiled. “Yeah, everything is more than okay.” Before she and her father stepped into the hall, Cassie hugged her father. “Dad, I love you, too.”

  She stopped and let others go ahead before walking into Talen’s open arms for a hug. “Thank you for being here with me.”

  He cupped her cheek and stared deep into her eyes. “I will always be by your side. Always, love.”

  Emotions overflowed inside her. She hugged him tighter and let the worry and stress of most of her life slide off her shoulders. She was free to be herself and know that she’d found the man who would cherish her exactly as she was. It was finally her turn to be happy and she was going to embrace it.

  “I love you,” she said to Talen softly. “I didn’t think it possible, but our one night together has made me the happiest woman in every known galaxy.” She met his gaze and smiled. “I’ll miss my dad, but I’m glad I have you now.”