Lion's Love (5 page)

“Shit!” Adrian hollered.

“What is it?” I sat straight up in bed. I thought we were going to have a relaxed morning, but Adrian seemed upset.

Adrian dropped the newspaper on the blanket in front of me. “Just look at the headline.”

I picked up the copy of the Shifter Times from the blanket and read the headline out loud. “Max Harris arrested for starting fire at Kane’s Bar and Grill. Max Harris? Isn’t that the man that carried my bag into the Big Bull Inn…Vic’s brother?” I didn’t really need to ask as I could see from the photo that the scarred man on the front page was most definitely Max. With the deep slashes that jagged across his skin, his face was a hard one to forget.

Adrian nodded. “One and the same.”

“Well, I’m not surprised. It looks like he’s been in a fight or two before. He has so many scars on his face. He’s obviously been in a lot of trouble in the past.”

A deep crease crossed Adrian’s forehead. “Max is a good friend of mine. He would never do something like this.”

“But the scars…”

“Sherry, I am surprised you of all people would judge someone by what they look like after what you told me about your own experiences. Max is a great guy. They don’t come any better. He got scarred up a few months ago defending his mother. A pack of wolf shifters were robbing her when Max stopped by to visit. He never had time to transition into his bull…but he tried to take them on in his man.”

“I didn’t know, Adrian.” I hung my head dejectedly. “I’m so sorry I jumped to conclusions.”

Adrian reached over and rubbed my shoulder. “It’s ok.”

“So, what happened?” I asked.

“Well, like I said, Max tried to take the hooligans on in his man. Now, what man that you know of can fight a pack of vicious wolf shifters single handedly?”

“I…I…don’t know of any.”

“That’s cause none can. But Max, well, he put up one hell of a fight, but he didn’t have much of a chance. His mother was killed and he was scarred up for life,” Adrian shook his head.

“Did they ever catch who did it?”

“No…they never did. We figure it was someone who knew the old lady and her habits. It was just pure chance Max stopped by her home that day. But whoever did it was never caught. Max has never been the same.”

“I’m sorry…”

“It’s not your fault, honey,” Adrian said softly. He sat on the side of the bed and put his arm around me.

“I’m sorry for thinking that Max was guilty because of his scars.” I really was truly, deeply sorry. All my life people had judged me because of my port wine stain and I was just as bad, judging Max as guilty just because of the way he looked.

“Hey, we all make mistakes. I’m sure when they find the person who really started the fire, it won’t be Max.” Adrian said. “It just sucks he has to go through more shit.”

“Yeah…he’s been through so much, what happened to him and his mother is just awful.” 

“It was a terrible tragedy. But there was one good thing that came out of it.”

“What was that?” I asked curiously.

“I met you.”

I widened my eyes.

“Well, as you know Vic and Max are brothers. And losing their mom hit them hard. They both realized how short life could be. But they handled it differently. Max withdrew into a shell but Vic focused on growing his personal blog into the ‘Luscious Lads and Ladies Marriage Mates’ site. It helped him forget his troubles. And if he hadn’t done that I wouldn’t have met you.” Adrian kissed the tip of my nose.

A little flutter went through my tummy as Adrian’s lips grazed my skin but at the same time I felt terrible for Max. I glanced down at the newspaper again. There was a photo of Deputy Bob escorting Max to his patrol car. Max had a stunned expression on his face.

I read the caption under the photo out loud. “The suspect Max Harris was arrested by Deputy Bob Griffith on suspicion when he was questioned the day after the fire. He is being held by the Shifter Villages Police Department.”

“Damn that sucks,” Adrian muttered. “Look, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go down to the jail and see if I can help Max. Why don’t you make some wedding plans while I’m gone?”

“Wed…ding…plans?” I tripped over the words.

Adrian grinned. “You know I can’t wait to marry you. Would two weeks from today be enough time for you to plan everything? We could hold it right here in the barbershop.”

Two weeks from today! That would be almost impossible, but a thrill shot through my stomach. I knew that Adrian and I were already mated and the ceremony was just that—a ceremony, but somehow it seemed to make it more official. I couldn’t wait to marry my lion man.

“I would love that. Should I just plan on a small, simple wedding?”

“Heck no,” Adrian winked at me. “I want to show my bride off to the whole town, so count on at least two hundred people.”

Two hundred people! And most of them would be big, shifter men, most likely with huge appetites to feed their massive bodies. I had a lot of planning to do!

After Adrian left I spent some time online looking at wedding plans. I’d always loved the beach, so I decided on a beach theme. I called Kane’s Bar and Grill. Happily the fire had not prevented them from staying open and they were more than happy to cater the event. I ordered a BBQ picnic of fried chicken, country ham, baked beans, coleslaw, red potato salad, buttery rolls, pickles, deviled eggs, chips, veggies, dip and plenty of iced tea, beer, and wine for two hundred hungry people.

Then I called the Crazy Cakes Bakery and ordered a wedding cake in the shape of a seashell. I talked to one of the owners, Grant Myles. He remembered meeting me when I’d stopped in for a pastry with Adrian earlier and he offered to bake the cake for free. He told me that he and his twin brother, Evan, had been inspired when they saw how happy we were together and they had signed up for the ‘Luscious Lads and Ladies’ site that morning hoping to find a match for themselves. It shocked me to realize the two bears were looking for just one mate to share. I had never heard of that before, but I could guess whomever they were matched with would be one very lucky and satisfied woman.

With the cake and food out of the way, I turned my attention online to look at wedding supplies. I was excited to see all of the goodies I could have delivered—from favors, to flowers, to a wedding gown! I spent a good bit of time looking at wedding dresses, but none of them seemed right. I wanted something like the yellow sundress I had before, with narrow straps and a flounce. And then it hit me. Why not wear the sundress? I loved it so much, despite Roxanne’s rude comments the one time I wore it. I would never let her or anyone else’s comments dictate what I wore again. With that settled, I turned my attention to decorations.

Within a few hours I’d ordered seashells and glass bowls along with cream-colored candles to decorate the barbershop with. I even found and ordered flip-flop key chains to give as wedding favors.

I had just clicked the order button on the key chains when Adrian pushed open the door.

“I’m so excited I ordered the flip-flop key…”

But the somber look on Adrian’s face stopped my gushing.

“How did it go with Max? Is he out of jail now?”

I really didn’t have to ask. I could tell from Adrian’s grim expression that things had not gone as he would have liked.

“It’s tough. Deputy Bob says he found evidence on Max…he was carrying a lighter. But Max claims it was to light the candles in the dining room at the Big Bull Inn. He said he wasn’t even near Kane’s when the fire broke out.”

“That is tough,” I said, “but if Deputy Bob found the lighter on him…is it possible he’s guilty?”

Adrian shook his head. “I guess anything is possible. I just find it hard to believe. Anyway, there is nothing I can do about it now. They are going to run a complete investigation and all we can do is wait.”

“I’m sorry about that, Adrian.” I said sadly.

Adrian shook his head. “Thanks, doll. Now, what were you saying?’

I told Adrian about all the preparations I had made for the wedding. I had everything done except for the music. Adrian said he had some friends in a rock band, Shifter Sound, and they would take care of it.

We spent the rest of the evening chatting about our future together. I couldn’t wait to live with Adrian permanently, but there was one thing I had to do first.

Glancing at my cubicle, it was hard to believe that I had spent so many years working here, dreaming about meeting and loving a special man and living out our future together. Now I was ready to truly live that dream. It was amazing how life could change so quickly!

As I gathered all my things into a cardboard box, I glanced at the clock. In just minutes, Adrian would be picking me up. He’d decided to travel to town with me to pick up some supplies from the beauty supply store for his barbershop and had dropped me off on his way.

I’d already said goodbye to my boss, Judith, my friend and co-worker Jill, and some of my other co-workers. And it wasn’t goodbye forever. Jill and Judith were both invited to the wedding and it was only a week away. I couldn’t help but smile as I thought of the wonderful time they and the residents of Shifter Villages would have enjoying the BBQ picnic I’d planned for them. My yellow dress would make me feel wonderful and I’d bought some silk flowers for my hair. The favors and other wedding supplies were being delivered later in the week. All was well and taken care of.

I glanced down at the ring on my finger. I couldn’t help but hold my hand out and admire it again. It was beautiful, sparkly and huge. I really didn’t need a large diamond, or any diamond at all, for that matter. But it had been Adrian’s choice and I loved it.

I picked up the box from the desk and took one last glance around. It looked like I had everything. Just as I was about to turn to leave, Roxanne popped her head in my cubicle.

“So, were you leaving without saying goodbye?” she asked.

“Goodbye, Roxanne,” I said simply. Ugh, I was hoping I wouldn’t see her. I wanted to leave on a good note. I did not want to get anything started.

“I heard that you got mated. Are you are marrying that shifter from the ‘Luscious Lads and Ladies’ site?”

“Yes, I am.”

Roxanne narrowed her eyes and glanced down at my hand. She had a nasty habit of flashing the large engagement ring that had been given to her by her ex-husband whenever anyone in the office got engaged. “Well, it’s a little small,” she’d say, looking at their engagement ring. Then she’d flash her sparkler. “But not everyone can have a diamond like this.” She never mentioned that though she still wore the diamond, she was no longer married to the man that gave it to her.

I tried to hide the ring, but it was too late.

“That diamond is so sma...” she started to say. Her eyes widened as she grabbed my hand and stared at the large rock on my finger. “It’s probably a fake. Huge rings are garish anyway.”

“Whatever, Roxanne,” I said, trying to stay calm.

“So, tell me Sherry. What’s he like? I mean, he’s a shifter, so he probably has that sweaty animal smell to him, right?”

I couldn’t stand it any longer. “Yeah, Roxanne, as a matter of fact he does have a strong scent to him, especially when we’re having sex.”

Roxanne gave me a smug look.

“And boy, do I love it.”

Roxanne’s mouth dropped open in shock and then snapped shut again.

Just then, I heard Adrian’s deep voice booming from around the corner. “Sherry, are you ready baby?”

“Yes, Adrian, I’m all finished here…totally finished.” I eyed Roxanne. Thank God, I wouldn’t have to see her again.

As Adrian came into view, Roxanne’s eyes almost popped out of her head.

Adrian looked amazing. His eyes were sparkling with joy, his long brown hair whipped back against his strong jaw, framing his Roman nose. It was easy to see what a fantastic body he had, despite the clothes covering it.

Suddenly, Roxanne recovered and sprang into action, acting flirtatious and sweet.

“So, you’re Adrian. It’s such a pleasure to meet you. You’re so handsome,” she purred. “I’m Roxanne.”

Despite her nasty personality, Roxanne was a pretty girl. I knew how Adrian felt about me, but I hoped he would not respond to her in a flirty manner.

“I understand you are on the ‘Luscious Lads and Ladies’ site and you are looking for a wife? I hope you don’t think I am forward, but I would love to get to know you…perhaps we could be a match?”

Wow…this was a shocker. I knew Roxanne was an evil bitch, but she knew Adrian and I were engaged and going to be married. It was like she thought he would dump me and take up with her because she was prettier.

Adrian glanced from me to Roxanne. Though I’d never mentioned Roxanne to him, it was as if he knew what a bully she’d been to me.

“I already have my match, Roxanne.” Adrian said firmly. “Sherry is my mate now and for all eternity. I love her.” As Adrian looked at me I could see the deep love reflected in his eyes.

“Are you sure?” Roxanne asked coyly.

Adrian waved his hand dismissively at Roxanne. “There’s no doubt.” Adrian took my hand. “Let’s go sweetheart.”

Roxanne narrowed her eyes. “Don’t you think you two owe me something then before you go?”

“What are you talking about?” I replied.

“Well, you’re getting married and I was the one who put your profile online.”

Adrian raised his brows shaking his head with disgust at Roxanne. Though I’d told Adrian that some co-workers had set up my profile without my permission, I’d never mentioned Roxanne’s name or gone into a detailed discussion with him about it.

“You should be thanking me.” Roxanne continued. “I would think you would give me some money, or…”

“Oh…so you want money now for putting my profile on the ‘Luscious Lads and Ladies site’ without my knowledge or consent,” I said.

“Well I did you a favor.” Roxanne whined.

“This is all very interesting,” a stern, feminine voice said.

“Oh shit!” Roxanne exclaimed, twirling around as she recognized the voice behind her.

Judith walked into the room her eyes narrowed in slits.

“Umm, we ah…were just talking and…” Roxanne stumbled over her words.

“I heard everything.” Judith said sternly tapping her foot. “So, Roxanne, you’re the one responsible for putting Sherry’s profile on that marriage match site! What was it called…?” Judith asked.

“It’s the ‘Luscious Lads and Ladies Marriage Mates’ website,” I piped up.

“Well, Roxanne, you put Sherry’s profile on the ‘Luscious Lads and Ladies’ site. I had no proof before, but now you’ve admitted it. It looks like it worked out well for Sherry, but I’m afraid it’s not going to go so well for you, my dear.” Judith was shaking her head as she looked at Roxanne.

I glanced over at Roxanne. She’d gone pale with a deer in headlights look on her face. Roxanne sure had trouble in her future, but those were her problems, not mine.

Judith turned to Adrian and me. “Congrats to the two of you. You look gorgeous together and I wish you every happiness in the world.” Then she turned to Roxanne. “Report immediately to my office, Roxanne.”

“See you at the wedding, Judith,” I smiled as I took Adrian’s hand in mind. Roxanne may have a sorry looking future, but mine was staring lovingly at me and I couldn’t wait. I finally had my lion’s love, and I knew it was meant to be for now and forever!

The End

Enjoy another sexy mail order bride story in the novella

Bears’ Babe