20 Shades of Shifters: A Paranormal Romance Collection

by Demelza Carlton

  “It’s different.”

  “I guess. I’m just not sure how,” Faye admitted.

  “What’s your favorite kind of animal?”

  Faye’s eyes got a little brighter. “I like cats and dogs. There’s a bulldog I’d love to adopt. His name is Cornelius. I’m not allowed to have pets in my apartment and I know spending too long in the shelter isn’t good for them. He’s really sweet. A little drooly and gassy, but still sweet.”

  “Charming,” Gideon said.

  “Sorry, I know that isn’t proper,” she said with a blush.

  “Proper?”

  “Yeah, I’m sure you don’t talk like that.”

  Gideon thought about it for a moment. He didn’t think he’d ever discussed a dog’s digestive tract before.

  “I don’t really worry about proper. My mother raised me to be polite and act for the occasion that I’m in. I don’t know much about dogs so I’ll take your word that he is the way you say he is.”

  Faye smiled, “See, proper.”

  “Maybe you can help me to loosen up?”

  “Do you want to be looser?” she asked, her eyebrow shooting up.

  “I’m thinking it could be useful. My sister says that’s why she doesn’t invite me to our hotel parties. I believe she sang a song about party poopers last time I brought it up.”

  Faye giggled and Gideon found it charming.

  “Well, I’m not fancy in any way, so just watch and learn.”

  “I will, thank you. So what is this about vet school?”

  “Vet Assistant. I couldn’t afford veterinary school. But I don’t really think I would want that job anyway. It’s like going to medical school for hundreds of species. No thank you. I want to be the one to help animals and be the good guy that is sneaking them treats and making them not feel scared.”

  “You go to school for that?”

  “Two days a week right now. It’s all the credits I can afford. I’ll finish eventually.”

  “How long have you been going?”

  “Two years. You can be finished in two years, but I haven’t been able to do the full course schedule so it’s taken me almost three years. I have another six months before I can graduate. But I’ll get there.”

  “That is some serious dedication. I’m sure it’s not an easy job. So being a mail clerk wasn’t your life goal?”

  “No, but I was lucky to get that job. It’s inside. I make a steady wage; I have benefits, although since I’m sitting on your sofa, you might want to look into that.”

  “Are they not good?”

  “Oh, they’re great, once you pay the deductible. I don’t get sick often, which means I rarely use my coverage. When I do, it comes out of my pocket to cover the deductible. It’s too big of a hit to my budget. That’s why I was trying to ride this out at home.”

  “You could have died,” Gideon said fiercely.

  “Well, real people have to make that decision all the time. It’s a gamble.”

  Gideon let out a growl. “You shouldn’t gamble with your life.”

  “I agree. Doesn’t change the fact that it’s a decision most people struggle with.”

  “I’ll take it under advisement.”

  “Do that. A simple trip to the doctor for me, with blood work, would be hundreds of dollars.”

  “I never really thought about that. I’m sorry you had to make that choice.”

  Faye glanced away from him. “We all live the life we were given.”

  Gideon understood that. He’d never complain about his work or his responsibilities. That didn’t mean he had it hard. He never had to worry about medical bills. No colds, flu, or other illnesses humans dealt with so often.

  They sat in silence for a moment as Lee came into the room with the pizza, plates and a stack of napkins. “I’m going to get billed for this time, aren’t I?” Gideon asked.

  “Totally. I may even tack on a few extra charges,” Lee said happily.

  Gideon looked over to Faye and saw she was frowning. “He’s kidding, Faye.”

  “I don’t want to cost you money,” she said.

  “You aren’t. Lee will probably refuse to bill because he has enjoyed your company,” Gideon said.

  “Probably true. Or I’ll just save it for a favor to be named later.”

  “I bet you will,” Gideon returned.

  Faye was looking between them both, her expression concerned.

  Lee piped in this time. “Faye, don’t stress about this. There’s nothing to worry about.”

  “I can’t help it.”

  Lee reached for her hand, “I know it’s strange to be around someone as filthy rich as Gideon, but you get used to it.”

  Gideon eyed his friend holding Faye’s hand and let out a low growl.

  Lee laughed and pulled his hand away. “Here, Faye, one slice, let’s see how it goes. I brought you a glass of water. We need to keep you hydrated.”

  “Water is fine.”

  There were three pizza boxes on the table. “Did you at least get me something I’d like?” Gideon asked.

  “All meat plus anchovies.”

  “Anchovies?” Faye asked.

  “It’s fish, I like fish,” Gideon explained.

  “What about you, Lee?” Faye asked.

  “Gideon bought me a marinated chicken, artichoke and sun-dried tomato pie. My favorite.”

  “I’m so glad I could do something for you,” Gideon drawled.

  Gideon kept one eye on Faye as she tucked into the slice on her plate. She’d covered her lap neatly with her napkin and nibbled the piece.

  “Mmm, it’s still hot,” she said between gritted teeth that were pulling a string of cheese away from the slice. “Is it bad that I want to eat the whole pizza?”

  “Yes, in my medical opinion you’ll be in pain and regret that decision. Besides, you can have more later if you want.”

  Gideon grumbled.

  “Oh, please, if you eat it the same day it’s not leftovers,” Lee said.

  “Semantics,” Gideon returned, biting into his own slice. He worked his way through half the pizza and saw Lee was keeping pace. Faye had stopped eating when she reached the crust.

  “Do you want more?” he asked.

  “Yes, but no. I’m stuffed,” she said.

  “Wise move,” Lee agreed.

  Gideon felt comfortable, so comfortable that he had to acknowledge the change. He’d never sat in front of his TV and watched a movie. His life was too busy and any downtime was spent at the gym. Busy was all he knew, and that was the way he liked it.

  “I better go check in with my other clients. I have to make a living somehow,” Lee said as he stood.

  “Thank you again, Dr. Lee,” Faye said.

  “Just call me Lee. I think you are officially on the mend. I want you on your medication until you can go twenty-four hours without a temperature. Finish your antibiotics and take the cough syrup as needed,” he instructed. “Gideon, call me if you need me.”

  Gideon stood and walked him to the door. Shaking his hand, he said, “I’ll be in touch.”

  Lee looked over Gideon’s shoulder at Faye, and then back to him. “You do that.”

  Chapter 15

  Faye was full and content. Lee had left and Gideon had returned to the couch. They finished The Princess Bride just as a knock sounded at the door.

  Faye looked over her shoulder. “Is that Lee again?”

  “No, it smells like Sabrina.”

  “I’m sorry, smells?” she asked. Faye watched Gideon tap the side of his nose, his eyes flashing silver at her.

  “Oh, yeah.”

  Pulling the door open, Gideon let Sabrina and the doorman in through the opening.

  “I’ve brought the items you requested. Gideon, you may want to tip John here for helping me carry all of this up from the car.”

  Gideon retrieved something from a small box on the table by the door. He handed it to the neatly uniformed man.

  Faye was starin
g at the wide range of boxes and bags that Sabrina and John had carried in. Someone went on a shopping spree. Faye couldn’t understand why Sabrina would bring her purchases over. They must be Gideon’s. She just assumed that he was magically dressed in the latest fashions every night by fairies. Or maybe he kept a closet full of elves that could custom tailor his suits and cobble him leather shoes.

  “This is what I requested?” Gideon asked.

  “Yes,” Sabrina said firmly. “You just didn’t realize it.”

  Gideon tucked his hands in his pockets and looked down. As he turned to Faye, he had a smile on his face. A real smile. A big toothy grin that changed his entire look. He immediately looked approachable and happy. Faye was shocked, to say the least.

  “Faye, are you up for a trip upstairs with Sabrina?”

  “Sure, what for?”

  “To make sure the sizes are right. I had Royce get your keys from Tucker and he checked on your apartment to make sure it was secure. He also let me know your clothing and shoe sizes.”

  Faye was trying to catch up. “I’m sorry, you sent someone to my apartment? He went through my stuff?”

  “You didn’t want to be wearing Gideon’s socks forever, do you?” Sabrina pointed to Faye’s feet. “He gets those from the Clan preschool. They give everyone socks each year. It’s a weird tradition.”

  “These are clothes for me?”

  “Well, they aren’t for me, and Gideon would look ridiculous in them. Up you go. I’ll wear you out enough you’ll need a nap.”

  “I don’t need clothes. I have clothes. At my apartment.”

  “Gideon wanted you outfitted while you are here. So you needed clothes.”

  “Someone could have gotten my stuff. If you had my keys, you could have packed me a bag,” she said exasperated.

  “This was easier,” Gideon spoke up.

  “Gideon, I don’t need you to buy me clothes.”

  “Of course you don’t. I wanted to. I pulled you out of your life, so the least I could do is make sure you had something to wear while you are here.”

  Faye looked over to the mountain of boxes. “I needed a pair of sweats that I could borrow to get home, Gideon.”

  Sabrina and Gideon exchanged a look then turned back to her. “I don’t wear sweats,” Gideon said.

  “Of course you don’t. Gideon, how am I supposed to pay you back for this?”

  Sabrina let out a snort. “This is a gift, Faye. He’s giving you these things without any expectation of payment. Think of it as a consolation gift for the time you were forced to spend in the realm of Gideon.”

  “I… I really don’t know what to say. Is there any way I can refuse this and put my foot down?”

  Gideon started shaking his head.

  “You could try to stomp your size six, but it won’t make much of a dent. Let me help you up while Gideon totes your goodies.”

  “Totes your goodies?” he asked.

  Faye waited for Sabrina to respond. She didn’t. She just came over and held out her hand. Faye didn’t feel like she could refuse the offer of help. Standing up, she waited to feel woozy and it didn’t come. She was on the mend after all.

  Figuring she could leave the clothes behind when she left, she played along. Maybe they could donate them to charity.

  They followed Gideon up the stairs and Faye decided to save that memory for later. Seeing Gideon laden down with shopping bags negotiating the stairs was endearing and almost domestic. It humanized him.

  Faye was starting to think her fever wasn’t what was making her view of Gideon change so drastically.

  He wasn’t a bad guy, not that she ever really thought he was bad. Just intimidating, powerful even. He always seemed so out of reach to the little people. Faye considered herself one of the little people. Not that she wasn’t worthy; she just didn’t swing in the same circles as people like Gideon.

  “I’ll leave you two to it.”

  “Sure you don’t want to stay for the fashion show?” Sabrina asked, clearly teasing him.

  Another weird thing Faye had never seen. A totally natural Sabrina and Gideon interacting. Another tidbit to file away for later.

  “I’ll leave you to it. Don’t wear her out, Sabrina. She needs a nap.”

  “Yes, sir. One nap.”

  “I think I know when I need to rest,” Faye added.

  “Of course you do. Right after you look at what Sabrina brought. Then when you wake up, we’ll figure out dinner.” Gideon turned and left.

  “I can never tell if he’s joking or not,” Faye said.

  Sabrina looked at Faye, “He usually isn’t. But when he does, it’s funny as hell.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, his delivery is so dry that it takes a moment to figure out if it was really funny or not.”

  “Sabrina, can I ask you something?”

  “We are alone in a room, no better time than now.”

  “Why are you being nice to me?”

  “Why? Why wouldn’t I?”

  “Because you’ve never been overly friendly at work.”

  “It’s not my job to be friendly. My job is to keep Gideon’s life as on track as I can. That means managing his interferences during the day. I don’t think I treat you any different than I do anyone else.”

  “Oh, I guess that makes sense.”

  “I’m not a girly friend. I don’t have any girly friends.”

  “Girly friends?”

  Sabrina started pulling clothes out of bags and tossing them on the bed. “You know, coffee, gossip, nail salons. I prefer to do those things myself. It’s faster and I don’t have to pretend to be interested in other people.”

  “Ouch,” Faye gasped.

  “I know, it sounds bad. I tried when I was younger. I found myself being fake. I didn’t want to hear about someone else’s boyfriends, or drama with their families. I was lying to people that I was supposed to be friends with. I realized it wasn’t fair for them or me. So I moved those friendships to acquaintances and I’m happier.”

  Faye always thought her life seemed lonely but Sabrina might have her beat.

  “That’s sad, Sabrina.”

  “No, it’s practical. Besides we aren’t friends, we’re… partners in crime.”

  “Partners in crime?”

  “Yes. Very few people know what it’s like in Gideon’s private world. You’re in the club now. I don’t have many people that know what it’s like.”

  “Is he hard to work with?”

  “Not at all. He has so much on his plate. I doubt more than a handful of people know how hard he works.”

  “I’m worried that when I go back to work things will be different,” Faye admitted.

  “It will be. I don’t know how exactly, but it will be. This,” she said gestured around the room, including the purchases at their feet, “Is new territory. Congrats.”

  Faye frowned slightly. She didn’t want to be an explorer, she liked her life the way it was.

  “Let’s try on some clothes. Or if you don’t want to try them on, at least look through them to see if I should take anything back.”

  “You can take everything back if you want.”

  “Hah, like Gideon would allow that.”

  “I don’t get this. I’m a houseguest. An unplanned one at that.”

  “Do you think he’ll notice this hit on his bank account? I can assure you he won’t.”

  “It’s not about the money. It’s about the strings...”

  “Whatever you think it implies, or whatever strings you might think are attached, it’s probably not what he thinks. He knew you were going to need something to go home in. He doesn’t do things halfway. He doesn’t know how.”

  Faye was sitting on the edge of the bed and wanted to fall back on it and crash. Sabrina was organizing a pile of clothes so she figured she had to make a show of it.

  “I really don’t feel like trying all these on. I probably won’t end up wearing them anyway.”

&
nbsp; “Well, let’s go through what we have so you know what’s here. That will release me from my task,” Sabrina said.

  Faye watched as Sabrina pointed out casual matching loungewear that probably cost more than the contents of her closet back at her apartment. There were jeans, solid colored t-shirts with long and short sleeves. There was a pair of khaki-colored pencil leg pants and a matching sweater set in cherry red with beading on the shoulders that looked casually trendy, something Faye really didn’t know much about. Sabrina had included a puffy jacket with a faux fur collar. She pulled out a stack of thin sweaters that looked suspiciously like cashmere.

  There were also matching underthings. Silk scraps that couldn’t be comfortable with the lace edging and panties cut high on the hip. She guessed that wherever Sabrina had shopped they didn’t have serviceable white cotton briefs.

  There were cute flats in brown, black, and red. What she was going to do in three pairs of shoes in one day was a mystery. Then Sabrina pulled out a pair of wooly brown boots that were super cute even though Faye couldn’t imagine herself wearing them.

  “Sabrina, where am I going to wear all this?”

  “Doesn’t matter, you have it if you need it. I also got you a winter coat. I stuffed some gloves and a scarf in the pocket. The weather could turn at any time.”

  “Sabrina, I was planning on going home this weekend.”

  “You’ll need a suitcase. I’ll order one and have it sent over.”

  Faye wanted to argue, she really did. But then the thought of her hauling these treasures home in a trash bag gave her flashbacks to moving between foster homes and her chest felt heavy.

  “What’s in that bag?” Faye asked, pointing at the garment bag draped over a chair.

  “This is because I saw it, loved it, and I was spending Gideon’s money. If you don’t need it, just make sure to take it with you when you go.” Sabrina walked the bag into a closet that Faye hadn’t really noticed before then. The light flicked on and she saw into the cavernous space.

  Standing, she walked over and marveled at the fanciest room she’d ever seen. “This is a closet?”

  “Those are Gideon’s clothes, so I’m going to go with yes.”

  The room was huge. It was all dark wood with shelves and drawers sandwiched in between rods full of clothes. At least one side was. All masculine apparel covering one wall. The other side sat empty.