by Rayne Reilly
She wished she had just had the courage to say no to dating him. There was a part of her that desired him more than she had ever desired anyone. But she felt it was wrong to act on it. It was hard to ignore the attraction she felt between them and even harder to ignore the fact that he appeared to be nothing like Mick.
As she sat on her sofa watching her favorite crime drama on TV, her mind kept going back to Austin. She couldn’t deny that she thought about what it would be like to kiss him, or to feel his large strong hands all over her body. Her dreams had been filled with him lately, leaving her blushing when she passed him in the hallway once. In her mind she’d laid with him, stroking his chest and kissing his face. In waking life, she forced herself to deny any feelings that she had for him.
The weekly meetings were the hardest. The way his deep voice sent warm waves of pleasure through her body when he spoke made her embarrassed to look up at him. Getting to know him was just something she couldn’t allow herself to do.
Her phone rang next to her. She turned to pick it up and looked at the caller ID. She didn’t recognize the number. She hesitated a moment, deciding whether to answer it or not. She felt a mix of curiosity and frustration building in her. It was probably Mick, with his continued assault on her life. He must have found her new number. She answered it ready for a fight.
“Hello,” she said firmly.
“Hi, Marcy? It’s Austin,” his voice was warm and friendly.
Marcy felt her body tense and she sat up straight.
“I hope you don’t mind me calling you at home. I haven’t seen you around much this last week at work. I’m calling about our date.”
She could tell he was smiling as he spoke. He sounded so sexy that she doubted she could tell him she’d changed her mind about their date.
“Oh,” she managed before pausing to think.
“How does tomorrow night sound?” he asked.
But I can’t. It’s not a good idea. No thanks… All good responses, Marcy.
“Okay. That sounds fine,” she said.
What are you doing? Her mind raced with all she wanted to say but could not.
“Great. I’ll pick you up at six. See you then,” he said before hanging up quickly. Did he realize that she had hesitated? Marcy tossed the phone onto the sofa beside her and squealed. It’s really going to happen. The mixture of feelings was so confusing. She reasoned, “What can it hurt? It’s just one date.”
Chapter Seven
The thoughts of spending another weekend alone in his large empty house weren’t very appealing. Austin had intentionally waited until the end of the week to ask Marcy out. He didn’t want to make her feel pressured to go out with him, and secretly hoped that by springing the date on her, she wouldn’t over-think it.
He was glad when she said yes. He had sensed her hesitation on the phone, but was pretty sure that she felt the same attraction for him, as much as he did for her. He’d sensed, or rather smelled, her arousal a couple of times when they were near each other. It pleased him and his inner bear to know that she wanted him.
Needing to burn off some of the excess energy in him before tonight's date, he decided to go for a run. He stripped off his clothes and stood on his back deck to shift into his bear form. His muscular body became even larger as he groaned slightly. His entire body, large arms and hands sprouted dark brown fur. His head widened. His hands were replaced with large paws that had long dark claws on them. The early morning autumn air was crisp and fresh. The large grizzly bear stood on its hind legs and raised its nose in the air. It had been several days since Austin allowed himself to shift and run through the huge forest across from his property.
The inner turmoil he faced had been deepened by the incessant rumblings of the bear side of him. It wanted their mate and was tired of waiting for her. Each time he thought about Marcy or saw her, the bear reminded him of this. His patience was wearing thin.
He ran through the forest, his body warmed by the thick brown fur in spite of the cool air. When the bear was released, Austin could still feel, hear and see everything that was going on. It was more as if he were in the corner of the room watching, rather than doing the actions of the bear. He imagined that was how things were when the bear was inside and not showing itself outwardly. The growing need to have sexual release was making him more impatient and short-tempered lately. These moments when the bear was in control helped distract him somewhat.
As he ran, Austin thought about his plans for their date. He had booked a reservation to take Marcy out for a romantic dinner and then planned to invite her over to his place. He wanted to spend some time getting to know her. He hoped that limiting their time in public would keep her safe from prying eyes and avoid her being hurt by shifter haters. He knew he had to take things slowly with Marcy and he hoped she would enjoy their date in spite of her reservations about him.
He wasn’t sure what had happened with her ex, but he hoped to find out. Her hesitancy to date him made some sense once Bern revealed what he’d learned. He wasn’t about to back down, but he didn’t want to scare her off either. He hoped that he could prove to her that he had no intention of hurting her. In fact, he had every intention of making her know just how much she meant to him. He would fight for her. She was his mate. She just didn’t know it yet.
Chapter Eight
The night of her date with Austin was finally here. She didn’t really know how she felt about going out with the boss…well technically he wasn’t her direct boss. Nonetheless, she was reluctant to date someone from work. What if things go badly?
She’d never dated a shifter before and wasn’t sure what to expect. She wasn’t all that experienced with men in general and Austin oozed sex appeal. She wondered if he would expect her to have sex with him on their first date. She’d already imagined what it would be like with him and worried that he’d be too big or would hurt her. He could have any woman he wanted, why ask her out in the first place? It wasn’t like she was slender or sexy. She’d been asking herself ever since he suggested taking her out, why me?
Now the night was here and there was no backing down. Marcy was standing at her closet, wrapped in only a large towel. Each hand held a hanger with a different dress on it. She held them up in front of her, trying to decide which one to wear on her date. Since she wasn’t sure where he planned to take her she wanted to dress up, just in case. She chose a black sequin and bead dress with a low draped panel revealing some of her back. After spending extra time trying to tame her hair, she decided to leave it flowing down her back and draping over her shoulders.
While she got ready and applied her makeup, she noticed that her hands weren’t shaking at the thought of seeing Austin. This surprised her. In spite of weeks of avoiding being alone with him and avoiding eye contact, she was feeling pretty good about the date. Perhaps things would change when she saw him and her anxiety would be back? She hoped she wouldn’t make a fool of herself tonight around Austin. She hadn’t been on a date since ‘Mick the dick’. She hoped that any future relationship would be one with respect and love. There was no way she was going to open herself up to being hurt again, unless she was sure the guy was worth her time. Mick’s incessant asking her out had worn her down.
From now on, she had to be attracted to the man asking her out or she was refusing. Fortunately, that was not an issue where Austin was concerned. She liked Austin, but she had no expectations from him. This date was just a way for her to get back into the swing of things. She was becoming lonely spending every weekend on her own. Austin seemed like a good man. Who knows, maybe she would regret not knowing what he was like outside of work if she didn’t go on at least one date with him. Besides, what woman wouldn’t want to date Austin Morgan. She smiled at her reflection. She was ready for her date.
Taking a deep breath, she went to the living room to wait for Austin. Moments later, the apartment intercom rang. Her heart raced. He’s early, Marcy thought as she padded over to answer it. She was beginnin
g to feel a little anxious, but also a little excited.
"Hey" she said. A male voice answered back. "Hi...it's Mick. Can I come up?"
Marcy stepped back from the intercom.
What’s he doing here?
She took a few more steps back as he continued to buzz her apartment. A feeling of panic slowly washed over her. Her hands began trembling. She looked at the clock on her DVR. Austin was due to pick her up within the next fifteen minutes.
Several more minutes passed. Mick stopped buzzing. Sitting back down in her armchair she let out a breath.
There was a sharp knock at her door. She jumped and put a hand to her mouth to hold back a gasp. Holding her breath she tiptoed, toward the door and peered out the peephole. Mick’s voice startled her, as a furious knock came again. She jumped back from the door and cupped her face.
Go away…please.
"Hey, open up," his voice sounded candy sweet. He shook the door handle, trying to get in. The pounding on the door continued, becoming more insistent. Marcy’s entire body began to shake uncontrollably. The anxiety she felt made her feel a little faint. She sat down on the armchair that faced the door.
"Leave me alone. Go away,” she yelled in a high pitched voice.
There was a pause after she spoke.
She thought for a moment about what she should do. There was no way that she was letting him into her apartment. She ran to the table beside the sofa and grabbed her cell phone. She thumbed through the phone quickly. Finding Austin's number, she called him. He answered after several rings.
"Hi. I’m nearly there," his voice was jovial.
“Austin. Help…I’m afraid… My ex is here. He’s banging on my door," she stammered.
There was a quick beat, then Austin spoke a little more firmly, “I’m around the corner. I’ll be right there… Stay on the line with me… Don’t hang up.”
“Okay,” Marcy said. She clutched the phone to her ear and listened as Austin's breathing changed.
His breath sounded close and intimate in her ear. She almost forgot about the panic that had begun to settle in just moments earlier. She stopped trembling quite so much now that Austin was on the phone with her. The knocking at her door was becoming more intense, bringing her back to the room.
"I just want to talk to you," Mick yelled through the door.
Marcy moved the phone away from her mouth for a moment to yell at the door, "I've called someone. You better leave."
"I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to talk," Mick’s voice pleaded.
Marcy heard Austin's voice in her ear.
“I’m just outside your building now. I’m going to ring your intercom,” Austin said into the phone. The apartment intercom rang. Marcy buzzed Austin in without saying anything.
She spoke into the phone, “I’ve buzzed you in.”
She could hear Austin running up the stairs rather than taking the elevator. He didn’t sound winded at all. She could still hear his steady breath in her ear. She held the phone tightly to her ear, feeling comforted by his breathing.
“Nearly there,” he said. His voice sounded concerned. Seconds later, Marcy heard Austin's voice in the hall calling out to Mick. She was surprised that he knew Mick's name. Hanging up her phone, she went to the door and opened it.
Austin was facing Mick.
“Mick, is it?” Austin said as he stalked toward Mick. Austin towered over him. Mick didn’t answer, he looked up at Austin, taking in the sheer size of him. His face changed.
Austin continued in a low, menacing voice, “The lady isn’t interested in seeing you. I believe she’s asked you to leave her alone… I suggest you do so.”
Mick took a couple of steps back from Austin.
“Who the hell are you?” he spat.
“The person who will personally remove you, if you don’t leave now,” Austin said calmly.
Marcy felt her heart flutter. He sounded so self-assured. She bit her lip as she watched him stare down Mick.
Mick turned to look at Marcy, “You’re gonna regret this…do you know what this guy is? He’s a fucking mutation. A shifter…It’s dangerous to date shifters in this town.”
Austin grabbed him by the jacket, “Are you threatening her? You coward…look at me and say that…”
Austin tossed him against the hallway wall and let him go. Mick stumbled and moved further down the hall, away from him. Austin stood nearly a foot over Mick. His fists were balled at his sides, his lips pressed into a thin line. Mick backed away, not taking his eyes off Austin.
When he was gone, Austin stepped inside the apartment, closing the door behind him. He looked cool and calm, but Marcy could see that his eyes had changed from their normal shade of amber to a deep golden color. She wondered if that was what Mick had seen that made him realize he was a shifter.
Austin was wearing an expensive suit and tie. He looked amazing. She licked her lips unconsciously as she took in this man that was the embodiment of masculinity. He was the complete opposite of Mick. She’d never met anyone like Austin before. Just as quickly, she admonished herself for letting her hormones take over. She couldn’t allow herself to get involved with her boss. Period.
She hugged herself.
“Are you okay?” Austin asked moving closer and gently running his hands up and down her arms.
She felt a bolt of energy go through her when he touched her. Parts of her jumped to attention. She looked up at him and realized that for the first time in a long time, she wasn’t shaking or feeling anxious. She was actually feeling quite turned on by Austin’s take charge alpha bear attitude. His brief touch made her feel warm and safe.
“Yes. I’m okay.”
Austin smiled, looked around the apartment and then back at her. Marcy noticed his jaw flexing a little. He was obviously still feeling angry and was trying to hide it. She felt some guilt at drawing him into her drama. She frowned as she watched Austin smooth one hand through his hair and sigh.
“I’m sorry to call you in such a panic… I didn’t know what else to do. I didn’t mean to bring you into my problems.”
Austin raised his brow and smiled, “I’m glad you did.”
His expression suddenly changed as he noticed how she was dressed, “You look stunning.”
Marcy blushed, “Thank you.”
Marcy began feeling a little awkward that they were standing in the middle of her living room.
Austin checked out his watch, “We should really go now, if we’re going to make our reservation. Are you sure you’re still up to going out?”
Marcy bit her lip. She had spent a couple of hours preparing for her date and really didn’t want to postpone it. Especially now that she’d seen a side to him that turned her on so much.
“I’ve been looking forward to it,” she grinned. Hell yes.
“So have I,” he said, as one corner of his lip curled in a sexy grin.
***
The restaurant was a lot fancier than any that Marcy had ever been to in the past. When they arrived, the host welcomed them and told Austin that they had booked the table he wanted. He sat them at a corner table away from the windows. Once she and Austin had a couple of glasses of wine and ordered their food, both of them began to open up a little more. As she nibbled at her first course of butternut squash ravioli, Austin asked her questions about her life.
“Have you always lived in Pleasantville?” he asked, digging into his own plate of food.
“I’m from out west… Washington State, actually. I moved here to take my first accounting job after university. That was about six years ago. I can’t imagine living anywhere else now. I enjoy it here. I’m a small town girl originally, so it’s the lifestyle I prefer. What about you?” she asked, taking a sip of her wine.
“Born and raised in Pleasantville. My family goes back several generations in this area. As you probably are aware, most bear shifters tend to stay close to their clans. Bern and I have known each other since we were cubs.”
&nbs
p; Marcy tilted her head slightly, “I don’t know much about shifters… I never knew any growing up…that I’m aware of. What’s it like?” she played with the stem of her wineglass, stroking it from top to bottom lightly with one finger. Austin glanced at her hand movement and swallowed hard. Marcy stopped what she was doing and put her hand in her lap quickly. Her cheeks tinged pink.
Taking a drink of wine Austin responded, “What’s what like…shifting or being a bear?”
“Both…does it hurt?” she winced at the thought.
“A little…the first time I shifted, it hurt like hell. After a while, you don’t notice it so much. My bear side is just another part of me. I was born like this, so I can't compare it to anything else. Does it scare you? The fact that I am a bear shifter?” his tone was a little more serious.
Marcy finished her first course and put her fork down. She dabbed her lips delicately with the napkin, “No. Not at all. I find you…I mean…it, intriguing.” She thought for a moment before asking, “Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?…I know I haven’t known you long but I’m just curious.”
“Go ahead,” he smiled and took another fork-full of pasta, clearing his plate for the next course.
“Do you date a lot of human women? Or do you mostly date other shifters…like you?”
She took a sip of wine and Austin topped up her glass again.
“There aren’t many female shifters left in our colony here. In the past, I’ve dated only human women.”
Marcy took another sip of wine. She was feeling a little more brave, now that she had downed several glasses of wine. “Have you dated anyone else at work?” she asked self-consciously.
Austin laughed and glanced down at the table for a moment. She thought she’d heard a cell phone buzzing. They both ignored it.
“You’re referring to Sheila…and the answer is no. I haven’t dated her. She just refuses to take no for an answer.”