Miss Matched: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Raging Falls Book 2)

by Milly Taiden

  “I don’t know really. Yes, he and another man showed up and claimed to be FBI. They were looking for Bastien, said it had something to do with the cartel.”

  “The cartel? As in the one Peter was involved in. The one who wanted this mountain?”

  Luna nodded and looked to Bastien. “Do you think that’s what it’s about? Could they be trying to get to you through Carly?”

  Bastien thought for a long moment before replying. “I guess it’s possible. I haven’t exactly hidden the fact that she is mine. Anyone that is watching me would know. Plus, if it’s them, then they would already know about her from Rakida Construction. It fits, when you put it together like that, I guess.”

  TWENTY-TWO

  “Do you have a card from those FBI agents that came before?” Carly looked to Luna hoping she did.

  “I think they gave one to Kira and Luke. They are supposed to call me tomorrow to check in. I will ask them and let you know what they say.” Luna paused, lost in thought. “Do you think we should call them and see if this is related to the cartel?”

  Carly sighed and concentrated on her mug, rolling it in between her hands as she thought about what the right answer was. “How would those guys know about the FBI visiting and about the cartel, if they weren’t involved with them? It wasn’t common knowledge.”

  “Bastien, I think someone should contact those FBI agents. They should know the cartel is sniffing around again and causing problems. Luna thinks she can get their card tomorrow from Luke and Kira.”

  “That might be a good idea, if they come on our mountain again, they won’t be so lucky next time. I’ll spread the word for everyone to keep an eye out for strangers and let them know what happened. Word will spread quickly and you will be safe with us.”

  Carly puzzled over his words for a minute trying to figure out what he was saying. “Safe with you here? Are you saying I am going to be staying up here with you? Do I even get a say in this arrangement? I can’t just leave work right now. With Kira gone, we are short-handed and swamped. I won’t do it.”

  He’d lost his mind if he thought he could just make decisions and expect her to abide by them. Who did he think he was? She didn’t even let her father get away with that, let alone a man she wasn’t married too.

  Luna stood and excused herself from the table. As she walked by, she stopped to whisper in Carly’s ear. “He means well. He just forgets how to use his words sometimes. Don’t be too hard on him. He is a man, and a bear, therefore very protective of those he cares about.”

  Why did she have to make sense? How could Carly stay mad when Luna said things like that? Bastien was a stubborn ass at times, but he did want what was best for her safety.

  “I’m sorry, can we compromise here?”

  Bastien nodded wearily at her words and Carly had to stifle a laugh.

  “I will stay here through the weekend since it's Friday and I don’t have to be at work ‘til Monday. But I have to go to work. Kira will be back Friday and if I am still to be under protective custody at that point we can reevaluate. Will that satisfy your protective side?”

  Bastien nodded slowly. “Fine, but I will be staying with you next week until this threat is eliminated. This was their second attempt, they won’t be getting a third.”

  It was a compromise she could live with. With any luck she could have this delicious bear in her bed and she could finally get her fill of him. “It’s a deal. I need to go home and get clothes and things.”

  Bastien shook his head. “No, tonight you can borrow a shirt of mine and in the morning we get some clothes for you for the weekend. Monday I will drop you off at work and go about my business. When you are done for the day I will pick you up and we can stay at your place for the week.”

  Carly sighed, she knew this was the best option she was going to get. She just hadn’t realized he would be so anal about her coming and going from work as well.

  “All right, fighting with you about this is a losing battle and not worth it. I’ll pick my battles, just don’t get used to things being your way all the time.”

  Luna walked back in the room and burst into laughter at Carly’s words. “You are going to be good for my little bear.”

  “Little bear?”

  Bastien groaned at Carly’s question as she shot him a triumphant smile.

  “Yes, that’s my nickname for him since I first met him. He objected of course, but it didn’t matter.” Luna winked at Carly as her grin grew bigger.

  “Bastien, were you a little bear? Some of my coworkers have shown pictures of Chow-Chow dogs as puppies. They look just like bears. Is that what you looked like? All fluffy and cuddly.”

  “You have got to be kidding. Luna if I didn’t love you so much I would kill you for this.” Luna and Carly couldn’t contain their laughter as Bastien grumbled at them.

  “I’m sorry, I’ll behave. Now, tell me what you worked out, and without bloodshed or tears. This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.”

  Carly laughed as Bastien rolled his eyes at Luna’s antics. “I’m going to stay with Bastien for the weekend, like he demanded…I mean like he suggested.”

  “I have one question for you. Have you seen his cabin yet?” Luna asked with excitement shining in her eyes.

  Carly glanced at Bastien in bewilderment before replying, “No, is that a problem?”

  “Honey, if you aren’t in love with my little bear yet, you will be soon. That cabin will tip you over the edge and make you fall head over heels.”

  “A cabin can do that?”

  Luna grabbed Carly’s hand and pulled her out of the room. “Damn shifter hearing. Come with me, I have to tell you something.”

  Carly looked back at Bastien with worry evident on her face. She didn’t feel much better when he just smiled and nodded. Like that helped a lot. Thanks for nothing, you overgrown rug.

  Luna stopped and leaned close to whisper, “Seriously, his cabin. He doesn’t let women near his cabin. It’s a big deal that you are staying there with him. Let me explain a few things about my boy out there. He built that cabin with the idea of having kids in it, making it a home.

  “Filling it with love, laughter and everything a family needs. When he lost his parents, he was devastated. They were close, and it nearly destroyed him. The only thing that brought him back to the land of the living was building with his hands. That cabin and everything inside is a labor of love.”

  Carly wasn’t sure what to say. Seeing someone’s home shouldn’t have this much pressure connected to it.

  “I didn’t mean to scare you, I just wanted you to understand. This isn’t a normal cabin you are going to.”

  “Luna, he told that phony FBI guy twice that I was his mate. We had sex, mind you it was out of this world, toe curling, die of ecstasy sex, but only sex. I hardly know him, what I do know I like, but it’s a bit soon for all this.”

  Luna smiled and gripped both of Carly’s hands in hers. “How many times during the day do you think of him? What's the first thing you think in the morning? The last thought in your head when you lie down? I saw the way you look at him; you love him. Your heart knows it even if your mind is fighting it. Listen to your heart.”

  She made it sound so easy. Carly wasn’t used to throwing reason to the side. Okay, so maybe Bastien was never far from her thoughts. She trusted him, was definitely in lust with him too.

  She had to assess her emotions. Here and now. He was sweet, protective, and from what she had seen, loyal to a fault. He was basically the perfect guy for her. Still, her mind screamed she had only known him a short time.

  “I can tell you feel it. You have a connection that defies logic. You’re his mate.”

  Carly nodded and smiled. Luna was right, when something good happened at work, she immediately wanted to pick up a phone and call to tell him. Even when she’d finished worked early one day and was headed to the spa because they’d been able to get her in last minute. That was not a big thing, but she want
ed to share her enthusiasm. With Bastien. The man who’d pretty much told her she was his.

  Instead of being wary or angry, he kept saying that, which would have been her instinctive reaction to tell any other man. She found she liked the idea of being his. His woman. His mate. She wanted to involve him in every aspect of her life. To make him a part of everything she did. Show him her new manicure. She kept picturing him beside her when she drove to work. Lord, she had more than a crush at this point.

  Her heart yelled for her to acknowledge how she really felt. Bastien was so much more than just some cute guy. He was the first person she wanted to say it to. He was the one she wanted by her side to grow old together. She had to stop herself daily from doodling his name on everything, even contracts. And she finally said it to herself. She loved him. God, she was in trouble.

  But maybe she could take a chance and see where things went without letting her father’s opinions or the fear of what could happen in the future destroy things before they started. He was her other half. And by God was she going to give this relationship her all.

  TWENTY-THREE

  “Thank you.” Carly leaned in and pulled Luna into a tight hug. “If I had a mother, I would want her to be like you.”

  “Honey, I would be proud to call you daughter. Now, go to your mate.”

  Carly dabbed at the corner of her eyes and sniffled. Luna openly wiped at her cheeks as they headed back to Bastien.

  “What in the hell is wrong with the two of you? Why are you crying?” Alarm sounded in his voice. “What happened?” Bastien asked in wary confusion.

  “Nothing’s wrong, little bear. Just hormones you could say. Come give me a hug and then take your mate home.”

  “Are you going to be okay alone tonight?” Carly asked with a frown as she realized what their leaving meant for Luna.

  “Don’t worry, child. I’ll be fine. Bastien lives close by, and after all, the men are after you. I was only frantic earlier because I was worried about the two of you being out there against armed men.”

  Bastien and Carly gave Luna hugs and said their goodbyes and headed for his cabin. The short walk was made in silence as Carly digested all that had transpired in the last few hours.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Oh, sorry. Yes, I am fine. I was lost in my head. So much has happened and I guess it all kinda hit me at once.”

  “I will keep you safe, beautiful. No one will harm you while there is a breath in my body.”

  Carly placed a hand on his arm to stop him as she leaned up and placed a chaste quick kiss to his lips. “I know. I always feel safe when I am with you.”

  She smiled at the confusion that crossed his face as she continued walking. “Tell me about your cabin. You build furniture. Did you design and build your place?”

  “Yes, I did. I needed something to help me through the grief of losing both parents. My mom used to tell me stories of a cabin she dreamed of living in. I took her vision and combined it with what I wanted and spent the next few years making it happen.”

  “The more I learn about you, the more awed I become. You are a hard man not to fall in love with.”

  “Don’t fight it, babe. You are mine already. You just have to convince your head of that. Your heart and body already know and crave me and my touch.”

  Carly blushed at his words. She couldn’t deny them; they were true. She hungered for this man, ached to have him inside her. To wake up next to him, and walk down the street, arm in arm, knowing all the women were jealous he was hers.

  Carly was pulled from her rambling thoughts as the cabin came into view. She drew in a sharp breath of awe and stumbled to a stop. She couldn’t believe her eyes. They said a cabin, but this was so much more than that.

  “You built all this?” Carly whispered in shock.

  “You don’t like it?”

  “Like isn’t strong enough a word. It’s gorgeous, and so grand. It’s so much more than I expected. You said cabin, but this is not what comes to mind when you say that.”

  This was a two story piece of art and clearly made with love and the hopes of a family living here one day. A light shined through the six downstairs windows, inviting and welcoming passersby to come in. Carly had always dreamed of having a home like this, with its wrap around porch and rockers waiting for someone to come and lull the night away. “Is that a porch swing?”

  Bastien’s laughter joined the chirps and other night sounds. “There is one on the upstairs balcony as well.”

  “I assume you made the rockers and swing as well?”

  “Of course, that is what I do for a living.” Bastien teased with a smile. “You ready to go inside now?”

  Carly couldn’t respond, she just nodded in approval and slowly started walking forward, never once taking her eyes away from the view in front of her.

  “This seems like a lot of house for a single guy.”

  Bastien didn’t respond right away. Carly grew curious at the prolonged silence and turned to him. He was staring at the house, but not really seeing it.

  “Are you okay? I didn’t mean anything by that.”

  He shook his head. “No, it’s not that. Like I said my mom died before she could have her dream home built. This is basically the house she described to me, with some minor adjustments. I think if I remember right, it’s just over six thousand square feet of living space. It’s a little big for a bachelor, but it was always meant to be for a family. For my mate and cubs.”

  “Two questions. First, how many bedrooms are there and second, how big of a family are you expecting to have?”

  “There are ten bedrooms in total, and as to the size of the family, well that’s up to my mate. I would like a big family, but I would be just as happy with only one or two.”

  “Ten! Did you say ten bedrooms?” Carly asked in astonishment.

  “Let me show you the house, so you can get a better feel for it and then it will make more sense. I built it large in the hopes that it would be a place for many generations to spend lots of time together here.”

  Carly wrapped her arms around his broad chest and squeezed as hard as she could. She felt Bastien fold her in his arms and she couldn’t help but smile. “I’m giving my bear a bear hug.” She squealed and tried to pull away as Bastien tickled her. “You and your names and puns. Have you been storing them up just for tonight?”

  “Maybe, but it’s definitely part of my charm,” she said with a wink as she climbed the steps to the front door.

  “From this view, baby, you have a lot of charms.”

  She turned to scowl at him, but stopped as her eyes caught sight of the door in front of her. “I have never seen anything like this before. It’s amazing. Please tell me you make and sell these.” The dark wooded door was a masterpiece of art in itself. Bastien had carved a beautiful wildlife scene of a family of bears playing in a stream.

  Carly traced her hand over the dips and curves and couldn’t help the tear that fell down her cheek. “Your mother would be so proud of you.”

  “I would like to think she is, but not for my house.”

  She gave him a questioning look. “For what then?”

  “Bringing my mate home, treating her like the queen she is. Never giving up and fighting for what I believe in. All the things they taught me and hoped for me to accomplish.”

  “Ah, damn. You just keep saying the most romantic things! Stop it or I will have to have my wild way with you and your plan for no sex will be ruined.”

  He laughed and flashed those beautiful teeth. “Come on, there is a lot more to see.”

  She smiled and nodded. Carly couldn’t wait to see the inside. If it was even remotely as beautiful as she thought, she had died and gone to heaven. Well, maybe not, lying in Bastien’s arms was heaven, but this was pretty high up there too.

  TWENTY-FOUR

  Bastien opened the front door and glanced around the entry. He hadn’t bothered to clean up before he left for his date. Please let it be dece
nt, he begged to whichever God was listening.

  “In front of us is the stairs as you can see. It leads to the second floor.” Bastien rambled and blushed as Carly laughed.

  “Yeah, big guy I kinda figured that’s where it went. I love how you split it so it goes both to the right and left like that. I’ve seen it in movies with grand houses, but never in a cabin like this.”

  “So, my office is to the right. It’s a mess and there is no need to see in there.” Bastien said as he rushed over and shut the door before Carly could see in. He blushed as she laughed.

  “Not organized, I take it?”

  “Just been busy planning tonight to worry about all that. Guess I should warn you I wasn’t expecting company so I can’t promise how clean the place is.”

  Carly walked closer and pressed against him. He breathed deeply of her unique smell. She was intoxicating and he wasn’t sure how much more of her teasing he could take tonight. “It’s okay, sexy bear. I’m already yours. Now show me the rest of the house and then take me to bed.”

  He groaned at her words, it had been a struggle all night not to take and claim her. Every time she teased him, his control slipped a little more. His bear wanted her, he wanted her. “Let's go upstairs first in that case.”

  Bastien waited as Carly climbed before him. He was going to die before the night was over. His eyes trained on her swaying hips as she went up the stairs. He wasn’t sure if it was on purpose, but he wouldn’t put it past her to use this to her advantage.

  “Take the left staircase.” He called out in a gravelly voice filled with lust.

  She smiled coyly over her shoulder as she did as instructed. The witch was tormenting him, he now knew it for sure. Two could play that game.

  He stepped up against Carly’s back and whispered in her ear. “In front of us are four guest bedrooms.” He smiled as he felt her shiver at the words spoken directly in her ear. “The loft area here leads to a walkway before going into another loft on the other side of the great room.”