A Twisted Rejection

by BBB Publishings

  I cover my junk with the elephant head and start moving over the sandy beach.

  “I like your trunk,” Flynn rumbles.

  He’s not even looking at me so it takes me a few more steps to realize what he said. I give in to my laughter, only mildly regretting it.

  “Protective motherfucker. Next year can we stay home for Halloween?”

  “And ban women. Women are fucking trouble,” Lochy adds.

  “I don’t know,” Flynn says, rolling his neck and cracking it loudly. “She tasted alright.”

  I groan. Even for a woman I wanted dead that’s a little…

  “Too soon,” Puss and I express the same thing at the same time.

  “If we’re leaving town, we have to give up the hunt for these wolves,” Steve says.

  A group of Asian tourists begin to point at us.

  “Okay, they’re getting up,” Steve says.

  “Yep,” Puss agrees.

  He tries to walk between us and the cameras being pulled out – but Puss is the smallest in this mob. He’s never going to cover us all.

  “Run?” I suggest.

  “I don’t run,” Flynn rumbles.

  A flash sparks, and without any further argument we all break into a run.

  Except Flynn in his sundress – damn, that man is flaunting it.

  Steve unlocks the car, and we all barrel in, except Flynn. He just walks, climbing calmly into the back seat.

  “Don’t lie, you like it,” I announce, resting back and sighing in relief of the last few layers of skin healing.

  “They weren’t infected,” Steve says.

  The infected hunt for power, for purity, for the lure of a true mate connection like fictional zombies hunt for brains.

  “No, they were just rabbit assholes,” I say.

  “If they weren’t infected, then why didn’t she mate them?” Puss asks.

  “I wouldn’t have mated them either,” Lochy says.

  “Not everyone wants a mate.” Like my family, living in a community can offer protection that even a mate bonding can’t.

  “So we’re running with our tails between our legs?” Lochy asks.

  “Not much choice,” Puss says.

  “Agreed,” Flynn says.

  So it’s decided. We’re giving up on the wolves. Moving on to another hunt – there is always another one.

  “We’ll come back,” Flynn adds. An unsaid, when we’re not on the most wanted lists.

  “Besides,” I begin, wanting to get the last word in. I reach between my legs and pick up the long trunk of my costume. “I’m not running with my tail between my legs – I now have a trunk. You got this just for me, didn’t you, Flynn? You wuv me, don’t you?”

  “Fuck up,” Flynn grunts, punching the back of my seat.

  I groan, the vibration stabbing at my tender skin. But it was worth it – just to see Flynn in a dress.

  Chapter Eight

  Sharon

  “Shaz, babe,” Benny whispers, running a finger over my cheek. “We’re here.”

  I need more information than just ‘here.’ Aside from the fact that I’m pretty sure I still have broken bones, and it’s sunrise with a heavy mist covering everything I can see. So, nope – I have no idea where ‘here’ is.

  I try to climb out of the car and take in other details. The fact that we’re not alone, there’s another three cars with more men than I want to count climbing out of them. The world is just shadows and fuzzy edges, too surreal to believe.

  “Where are we?” I manage.

  Benny leans down and scoops me up, which I don’t complain about because I fucking hurt.

  He turns and starts walking toward a massive shed – clearly converted into a house by the large deck protruding from the second story.

  “Home,” Benny says, his soft tones whispering into my ear – but none of it makes any sense. “As soon as your dad stepped in, I moved out here to get this ready. No one will find us. Not even your dad.”

  I damn near cry. Actually, a few stray tears do make it through, but they’re from the pain of being broken and carried.

  Definitely from pain.

  But fuck it – if they’re not, that’s okay too.

  I mutter, “thank yous,” that are laced with sobs.

  They fall into a well of pure hope that I’ve never felt before. Pure hope deeper than my soul, way down inside me to the place where mate bonds begin to unfurl and draw into existence. Right and pure and intense enough to make it hard to breathe.

  I hold the man I love in a vice grip and he chuckles softly at me.

  “Heal, baby. Heal and then we’ll secure these bonds. You and me.”

  I close my eyes and let those words swim around inside me. Everything I’ve ever wanted is in those syllables.

  A man who makes me feel beautiful and safe.

  A mate.

  Benny.

  For more on the Mating My Mob shifters, including a chapter from Flynn’s point of view on escaping and putting on his lovely costume, check out Amanda Cashure’s readers group. Amanda Cashure’s Keepers.

  And also check out the story that started it all. Shifters from Australia. Fast burn with triggers, dubcon and m/m content with Mating My Mob – book one

  And for more by Amanda Cashure checkout her website Here

  Glossary

  Balaclava – usually made of wool, this is like a beanie, that goes all the way down to cover the whole face aside from holes for the eyes and sometimes mouth.

  Busker – a person who does something entertaining (usually playing an instrument) for spare change, usually on the street.

  Booze – alcohol.

  Dead dingo’s donga – basically a dead dingo’s dick. Usually it’s used with the whole phrase ‘dryer than a dead dingo’s donga,’ by Sharon put it to slightly different use.

  Durry – cigarette

  Fuck-Up – sometimes it means someone who has ‘fucked up’ but it can also be a more serious version of ‘shut-up’. Kind of like ‘shut-up’ and ‘fuck-off’ combined.

  Grog – alcohol.

  Jerry can – Australian equivalent of a gas can. You put petrol or fuel in it.

  Piece of piss – easy. Do you think this is easy for me?

  Pissed as farts – don’t ask me why, but it just means ‘drunk’. They’re drunk.

  Up the shitter – gone to hell. Gone or going bad. Not good.

  No wucken furries – a play on ‘no fuckin’ worries’. No problems. All good. Sure can. That kind of thing.

  There could be more, join the facebook group @Amanda Cashure’s Keepers [https://www.facebook.com/groups/AmandaCashure/]

  to discuss any words that were new to you and their possibly ridiculous meanings.

  Read more from this harem in the fast burn, sexy, trigger warning and mm, mmmfmm filled first installment ~ Mating My Mob.

  [My Book]

  And find other works by Amanda at www.AmandaCashure.com

  Turn About

  By

  Miki Ward

  To My Readers…

  Thank you for purchasing this book and reading it! I ask also please don’t be afraid to leave a review if you like it.

  Sincerely Yours,

  Miki Ward

  I dedicate this book to my sisters-in-law who love to care for others and do it very well - for Peggy and Kathi.

  Chapter One

  Heather

  My kitchen smells lovely this morning. The scent of yeast is in the air. I got up early to get the bread rising for cinnamon rolls. My love is sleeping, and he loves my baking, especially the sweet bread. I cut up fruit and am busy making the table look especially nice. All this for my boyfriend who spent the entire night with me for the first time. We’ve been together now for nine whole months. Although this isn’t the first time that we’ve been together, it is the first time he’s stayed all night. I raise the white cotton towel I have over the rolls while they rise, and yep, they’re ready for the oven. It’s already ho
t and ready. I set the towel aside and put them in the range to cook. While they’re cooking, I think I’ll go into the woods behind my little cottage and gather some fresh flowers for the table.

  I put a small bag around my waist to carry them, adding a small sharp knife, then shift into my panther form. What a wonderful morning. I stretch my muscles and race to be sure that I don’t burn the breakfast.

  Oh, I see a bunch of bluebells in the muddy area before the river. I’ll be picking them. I wonder if they will ring the bells and call the fairies? I laugh at myself. The fairies will come anyway. They love me. I may not be the most beautiful of my clan, but I have always welcomed the company of the little folk. They’re sure to be around these pretty fairy thimbles.

  I shift and take the knife out of my bag and cut one of the blue stalks the soft scent reaches me, and I breathe deep. Yes, this will be so pretty on the table. A buzzing starts, and a little voice hits my ears. “Whatcha doing Heather. Can I help?”

  “Well hello there, Berry Blue.” She was named for these beautiful woodland flowers. Others are flying around the flowers but are too shy to talk and go about their own business. “I wondered when you would get here. Of course, you can help. I have to hurry though I’m cooking for my love this morning.”

  “Well, that’s the perfect flowers then they symbolize humility, gratitude, and everlasting love,” she giggles and blushes. Then the little fairy smiles and zooms to a bunch and points.

  I take her suggestion and cut the cluster of blooms. We do this a few more times, and my bag is full. I have to get back, “Berry, I have to go. I’ll be around later if you want to come to my home, you’re welcome. I’ll give you some of my rolls too.”

  “I think I will, I’m hungry. Let me finish my work here with the flowers. Is it okay if I bring my friends?”

  “Yes, little one is more than fine. I love to have company. See you later,” I smile and wave as I shift into my panther and run home.

  Chapter Two

  Opening My Eyes

  The smell of the rolls in the oven tells me they are done. I shift and put my flowers on my granite bar and grab some potholders. I take out the beautiful buns and set them on the top of the stove then get out the ingredients for the icing. This is a new bag of powdered sugar, so I am careful when I cut the corner off to pour it into the bowl. Not careful enough and I puff sugar into my face, and my shirt is covered. Excellent, now I need to fix up so when Dustin gets up, I look better. He is a spectacular specimen of man slash panther. Everyone in our town appreciates his good looks. As a panther, his animal is gorgeous with a perfect white maw. That makes me want to look my best, but I’ve never looked as good as him. I brush off the sugar over the sink, finish my icing, and cover the cinnamon rolls with the sweet confection. As it drips over the sides of the buns, Dustin walks into the kitchen and I can tell he’s agitated.

  “Why did you let me sleep in, Heather? Now someone might see me leave and will know I’ve been with you all night. How embarrassing!” he accuses.

  “Why would you care? We are a couple after all. I made you breakfast…”

  “I don’t want everyone to know that I was here with you. I have a reputation. We aren’t a couple, Heather. We’re just friends with benefits. Not even that, you’re a good roll in the hay. I’ll give you that, but we aren’t a couple,” He says as he grabs a gooey roll and stuffs it in his mouth like what he said was a matter of fact.

  A tear rolls out of my eye and pisses me off. I brush it off with a quick swipe. I don’t want him to know how much he’s hurting me. My voice trembles as I say, pointing to the door, “Get your stuff and get out. Get out now.” I keep my voice low, and it gets firm by the last word.

  “Well, I need a shower first, Heather. I’ll have to go out the back and hope no one sees me.”

  I pick up my rolling pin and flourish it his direction and say in a stronger voice now, “No, you’re leaving now. I don’t want to see you again. I’ll send your clothes home later, but you are leaving now!” Then when he doesn’t move, I move forward armed with my rolling pin and swing it at him.

  The asshat ducks and shifts at the same time. I move after him still swinging and shout, “That’s right, you jerk, fucking get out, and never come back. I never want to see you again.” He is gone, and I drop into a wooden chair at the table and burst into tears.

  Blue Bell and her friends show up and comfort me. They are doing all sorts of things to make me feel better. The falling down trick is funny, and I smile at them for trying so hard. I get up and feed them, then put away what is left. I have to work today. I work at the local bakery in the evenings. I sell and put away then prep for the bakers who have the early shift. I even help with the books when necessary. We do a thriving business. All the shifters in town are addicted to the sweets at the shop. I love my job. Today is no different. However, it’ll be a challenge to smile when I feel so bereft. I can’t believe I thought that asshole loved me. I gave him my heart. I’m so stupid.

  Chapter Three

  Kindness is Right

  When I enter the shop, the little bell on the door jingles like always, but it isn’t the happy sound I usually think of when I get here. My boss, Mr. Doss, greets me, “Good day, Miss Heather. You look especially pretty today, but I notice that your smile is gone. Are you feeling well?”

  I answer, “Yes, sir, I broke up with my boyfriend this morning. Well, I thought he was, but he didn’t think we were ever even a couple, so I’m not sure what to call what happened. No matter, I understand much better now.”

  “Oh no, little one. He didn’t deserve you at all. Make sure and eat a cupcake on me. You’re a beautiful girl, and someone just lost the best thing that could have ever happened to them.”

  The bell on the door jingles again. I reach for my apron that I keep hanging on a hook behind the counter and start my workday. It’s a busy day too. Finally, the morning rush is over, and I’m able to take a short break. I intend to get my promised cupcake and I have my eye on the lemon basil ones that the bakers have been so proud of here lately. I take a plate and put the pretty cake on it and fill my cup with a pecan blend of my favorite coffee. When I add creamer, I look through the big glass windows at the front of the store and notice a beggar sitting on the curb. He’s slumped over and pitiful to see in his torn dirty rags. I take a deep breath and move my dessert to a napkin and get a paper cup filling it with coffee. I go to the door and open it with my back and move through then sit on the curb by the downtrodden man.

  I say, “The cooks have made a new cupcake, and I’m on a diet and can’t eat it. Do you think you would be able to try it for me and give me your expert opinion?”

  The man turns his face to me, and I’m shocked. He is beautiful. I wonder if he’s a panther too. I think lots of shifters are nice looking, but my kind, I am especially drawn to. His eyes are sad but shine in the light of the day. They are like a light amber liquid in a crystal goblet. His angular face brightens, and his fine lips lift when he says with a deep, resonant voice, “I am hungry, thank you, miss.” He reaches for the sweet and my breath hitches. His arms are scared but muscular beyond what I would have imagined. Everything about him is impressive.

  I watch as he takes a bite; never once does he quit looking into my eyes. His tongue licks off the sugar left on his lips. When he finishes a hot spark shoots to my core. No way! I must be sick to think about sex at this minute. With a poor homeless man at that. He grins as if he knows what I’m thinking. I shake my head and hand him the coffee. His finger touches my hand, and I shiver. Then I glance around and see that Berry Blue is here and laughing. She and her friends are all around me and dancing and flying in the air with glee. I get up and laugh with them, spinning around to see them all. When I turn to ask the man if he wants more coffee, no one is there.

  “Berry Blue what happened to my friend, the homeless man? Did you see where he went?”

  She laughs hysterically and grabs her side, saying, “You are so silly, H
eather. That was no homeless man. You’ll see.”

  Then all the fairies along with little Berry Blue make a swirling design and fly away, leaving me gapping on the sidewalk. I blink, shake my head, and go back to work. Several times I think of the man and put him out of my mind. I have no idea who he was, and no way to find him anyway.

  After my shift, I hang my apron and say my goodbyes then shift and race to my cottage on the edge of the woods. It’s surprising to me that I’m not as sad about Dustin anymore. Maybe, I didn’t love him as much as I thought I did. It doesn’t really matter; he isn’t for me. I gather up his clothes and put them in a bag. I have no gifts from him, but I do have a couple of pictures I had taken and printed. I add them to the lot. I don’t want to remember him at all. It’s dark out, and I want to feel the night air. I like the outdoors, maybe I’ll stay out tonight. First, I’ll deliver the stuff to Dustin’s as quiet as I can and sneak away.

  I drop the bag on the back porch at the asshat’s home and pad away before anyone notices me. Now, to have some pleasure. With excitement, I run into the woods and run until I tire. I lie under a blue spruce tree and fall to sleep and dream. In the dream, I was talking to the king of all the kings, and he said to me that it’s time I received my dream and asked me what I wanted most in the world. This didn’t even take me a second to answer, “I want a love who will love me and pay attention to me forever. They don’t have to be perfect. I know I’m not, but kind and loving is what I would be happy with I tell him. I did meet someone, but he was homeless and probably not interested in a relationship. I can’t get him out of my thoughts and wonder if he would ever like me.”