Authors: Milly Taiden
THREE
“It’s quite simple. Shifters of all kinds ask me to find them mates, and I do my best. Human females ask me to help get the right man for them, and I find them shifters.”
“Is it always a shifter?” Becca asked, her curiosity spiking. Charlotte came to this planet with Gerri and found herself not one, but two men she fell in love with. If that wasn’t a testament of Gerri’s ability at matchmaking, she didn’t know what was.
“Yes. I run a paranormal dating agency, darling. Guys with fur looking for girls with curves.”
She raised her brows. “Curves?”
“That’s right. The men who use my services prefer big, beautiful, bold, confident women,” Gerri replied. “I understand not all women will be confident with their bodies, especially with the fiasco that is society on Earth. But having some love for their curves is a must.”
Becca nodded. “I understand that. So many women, and even men, have to deal with someone constantly putting them down and making them feel like shit because of their weight. It’s nice to have a service to get someone who won’t make you feel bad over the extra cushion in the trunk.” She sighed. “Someone who actually wants the curves and the padding.”
“What about you?” Gerri asked. “Are you leaving a man behind?”
She shook her head and drank more wine. The fruity flavors warmed her belly and made her feel even more relaxed. “Nope. Unlike Charlotte, who just had shitty luck with men, I can’t find one who holds my attention. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve dated interesting guys, but they thought my being with them meant I would spend all day at the gym, because they wanted me to lose weight.”
“Seriously?” Gerri asked.
She made a face of disgust. “Why do men do that? And not just men. Society as a whole. I’ve had people stare at me while eating, like I’m breaking a rule, but they don’t know I’ve hiked four miles. And honestly? I don’t think they’d care. I’ve even gotten jerks asking me ‘do you really want to eat that?’”
Gerri’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding, right?”
She growled. “Do I want to eat that? Damn straight I do, asshole. But I have to admit, I held my composure and managed to only call the guy a jackass, because I actually wasn’t feeling very good.” She took a breath to calm down. “The point is that, yes, I’ve had assholes I’ve been in relationships with. They wanted me to fit their body standards, and I didn’t. That meant I got dumped and told how I didn’t fit in with society’s views of beauty.”
“Tell me you didn’t believe them.” Gerri stared at her, waiting for a response.
“Sometimes, when I’m down, I wonder. But the truth is I have a lot of self-love for my curves. I think I look good. So what if I have rolls, or chub, or flabby thighs? Damn it, I have batwings.”
“Really?” Gerri asked.
“Yes. You know, that soft skin on your arms that sort of wiggles and isn’t top-of-the-line bicep perfect? Yeah, that. I got that. But on the plus side, I have a big ass.” She giggled. “Guys seem to be fond of that.” She nodded at Gerri’s smirk.
“I bet,” Gerri laughed. “I know quite a few shifters who love some big curves. Are men’s opinions important to you?”
She shook her head. “Not really. Despite what men think, I know I look good. I may not be everyone’s ideal of beauty, but I’m my own woman, and one day, I’ll be someone else’s. A man who deserves me. Who loves me as I am, without wanting a single thing changed in me.”
“Have all men been that way?”
She shook her head. “I have had a few nice guys, but it feels wrong to be with them after a while. Like they don’t get me.”
“Wrong how?” Gerri frowned. “You’d think a good guy would make you feel good.”
“Right?” She scooted up the bed, bringing her back to the wall and curling her feet under a pillow. “No, these guys haven’t been bad. We just didn’t emotionally connect. I want a man who will make me feel things… Passion. Desire. Need. Not just expect to have sex because he’s there, you know?”
“Oh,” Gerri nodded slowly, “I know. So why not give my services a try?” She winked. “You never know what kind of smoking, fiery man you may end up with.”
She laughed at the way Gerri waggled her brows. “I don’t know if I want anyone I need to carry a fire extinguisher for.”
“What are some of the characteristics you want in a man?”
Becca pursed her lips and thought about it. “I guess a man who will appreciate me. Who likes to laugh. Someone who loves to spontaneously take off and do things. I have a deep love for going to new places, so that would be fun. I love to explore; that could be cool. Maybe he can like being home, too. Someone who is comfortable and easy.” She laughed. “I think I want a dog, not a man.”
Gerri giggled. “I was about to ask if sex means a lot to you?”
She nodded. “Hell, yes! Puh-lease, like I’d want a man who’s not good at that. I want that fire and smokin’ hot passion we spoke of earlier.”
Gerri nodded. “Sheet-burning sex, huh?”
“Oh, yes.” Becca nodded vigorously. “I’ll take that times five, please.”
“You might need that fire extinguisher for that, though. Does it matter?”
She grinned. “If he’s that good in bed, I’ll happily strap on a full fireman’s outfit and wait for him to light my fires.”
“You seem to be pretty laid back over finding a man, not as frustrated as other clients I’ve had. Why is that?” Gerri refilled her cup and offered Becca more wine, but she shook her head.
“I guess it’s because I have faith that I will meet the right man, someday. I know it may not be today, tomorrow, or soon, but I will. There’s no way I’ll go through my entire life alone. I’m fun. I’m nice. I’m cute, and I have a smoking-hot body. What’s not to love?” She laughed.
Gerri laid an elbow on the table and shook her head. “I really like you. I’ll find your man, Becca. You’ll see.”
Becca yawned again. “No pressure. Not like he’ll die if he doesn’t meet me in the next few days. I’ve got all the time in the world.”
“Oh, honey. You have no idea what’s in store for you.”
FOUR
Vikter growled and slammed a door on one of his underlings. The anger inside him had grown like mold, eating through every moment of happiness from the past. Fury over his impending doom was all he had left.
A knock sounded at his door. His dragon pushed at the skin. Lately the animal showed himself more when Vikter found himself unable to control the rage.
“What?” he roared.
The door jerked open, and Razzy marched in, her gaze filled with disbelief. “Did you really just yell at Rimond?”
He shrugged, turning away from her and pushing off the slice of guilt in his heart. Rimond had been his assistant for years. He’d never disrespected Vikter. Vikter’s anger over his numbered days was getting out of hand. “What do you want?”
Razzy narrowed her eyes. “I want you to get out of this room. You’ve been stuck here for days. How in the world are you supposed to run this kingdom from your office? The change of seasons is approaching. I want to host a ball.”
Vikter glanced out his window, his gaze on the rocky drop from the side of the castle to the raging river below. “Do whatever you want.”
“You’ll need to host with me, Vik. You can’t just hide away from our friends,” she insisted, her voice filled with concern.
“No!” He whirled around to face her. “I’m not interested in seeing any of their happy faces.”
She flinched, taking a step back. “Vikter,” she said softly. “What’s happening to you?”
He glanced away again. “Death. That’s what’s happening to me. Soon, I’ll be nothing but a memory.”
“Don’t speak like that, brother!” She gasped. “You know this is your kingdom. These are your people. They would be lost without you.”
He shook his head, watching her sad expression reflected in the window glass. “Go, plan your ball, Razzy. Don’t worry about me.”
He’d stopped worrying about himself. When he’d been a kid, his father taught him that being a great leader didn’t mean having to be there. Leaving a legacy was just as important. For Vikter, that would be Razzy. She’d take his place when the time came. He hated that she’d have to start making decisions for others and worrying about having to find a mate soon.
Razzy turned on her heels, stomping away and slamming the door behind her. He didn’t think about following her. She’d learn to control her outbursts with time.
A loud thumping sounded at his door, followed by: “Vikter, open this door or I’ll push it down.”
“It’s open.” He knew nothing he said would push Brecc away. There was none of that with his friend.
Brecc entered, his brows dipping in a fierce scowl. “Why have you ignored all our invitations? Charlotte feels like you’re angry with her.”
Charlotte, Brecc and Eros’s mate, was a beautiful human with a soft and loving heart. No matter what he was going through, Vikter couldn’t take his frustrations out on her. She was innocent in all this.
“I’m sorry, Brecc. I’m just not in the right mindset to be around others.” Especially mated, happy others. He didn’t want to say how much harder it was to control his dragon’s fury lately.
Brecc marched farther into the room and threw the door behind him, shutting it with a harsh click. “I understand all that. But we’re your friends. We’re here for you. Don’t hide. We can help.”
“No. You can’t,” Vikter snapped. He took a deep breath and curled his hands into fists, trying hard to keep the change from taking over. “I have to handle this on my own now.”
“Give us a chance. Come over. Charlotte’s sister is coming in the next day or two. I’m sure it would be nice to meet someone who’s not from around here,” Brecc said, shoving his hands into his pockets. “We want to get you out of the mood you’re in.”
“You mean the I’m-going-to-die-in-a-few-days mindset? That’s kind of hard since it’s true,” he said, voice filled with sarcasm.
“Razzy is hurting seeing you this way,” Brecc threw back. “Is that what you want? For her to be thinking of your imminent demise forever?”
Fuck. No. That wasn’t what he wanted. What he wanted was his dragon to stop trying to control him—for him to not feel all that anger. He wanted a lot of things he wasn’t getting at the moment. “I’ll talk to her.”
“Do that.” Brecc came closer, his gaze sweeping Vikter from head to toe. “Have you already given up on life, my friend?”
Vikter growled, turning away. “My appearance no longer matters. There are more important things to worry about now. None of them revolve around me.”
Brecc sighed and turned to go. “I understand. Just know I’m here for you. I’ve gotten one of my best friends back now. I don’t want to lose you before it’s time.”
Vikter listened to Brecc’s strong footsteps as he left his office. Once he’d gone, Vikter sat with a groan. Life was getting harder to handle. Even with so little time left, things didn’t get any easier.
FIVE
Becca wiggled in the soft material Charlotte gave her to wear under her clothes. She had no idea how her sister could live in icy mountains. It was damn cold up here. Becca’s ideal place would be by the sea, or in a spa. You could never go wrong with a spa. Jacuzzis were her favorite. She could spend hours in one, just letting the jets massage her all over.
“What are you doing?” Charlotte giggled, watching her from the bedroom door.
“Dancing in my pajamas,” she replied, wiggling her ass some more.
“They’re not pajamas. They keep you warm, so you don’t have to wear every piece of clothing you brought with you.”
“Thank god for that. It’s cold as fuck up here. How the hell do you manage to stay warm?” She flipped around with a huge grin. “Never mind. I know how you stay warm. Those two big, hunky men who keep eating you up like you’re ice cream.”
Charlotte laughed. “At least they’re not looking at me like they’re lactose intolerant.”
She shook her head, chuckling. “So what are we doing today?”
“We’re not doing anything,” Charlotte said with a pout. “I’m sorry, sis. I have to go with the guys to visit Brecc’s sister. Her little girl is teething, and apparently I’m the only one who can calm her down. Just call me the Baby Whisperer.”
“You?” Becca gasped. “You were
so
not a kid person before.”
“She’s really cute,” Charlotte said.
“That’s fine. I can go for a walk and check out the area. It all looks nice from up here, but I bet down by the river things are much prettier up close.”
“That’s right,” Charlotte agreed. “We won’t be gone long. If you want, you can come with us or you can wait ‘til I return.”
“Nah. I’m good. I can walk and see the alien life.”
Charlotte slipped on a jacket. “They’re not really aliens. They’re shifters.”
“I know. It’s just fun to say aliens. I keep thinking something is gonna pop out of my chest and try to make me its momma.”
“You have issues.” Charlotte laughed, walking out of the room.
* * *
Becca had walked a lot—a heck more than she was used to. She pulled out a bottle from her backpack and gulped on the water. She’d been tempted to fill the bottle with wine, but Charlotte warned against it. Still, she’d had a few cups of the fruity punch before she left. Now she felt she could take on the world. She wondered if it was a side effect from the wine or the height.
Ah, shit. She’d forgotten that heights made a person feel liquor a lot faster. Fucking hell. She blinked, bringing the forest into focus. This was probably not a good time for her to realize she was a little bit tipsy.
It wasn’t as cold in this area as it had been on the other side of the river, closer to the icy mountains where Charlotte lived. The hills here were a soft yellow, covered with bright, burgundy trees. She could see fruits high up on the branches, but had no idea what they were. Instead of walking, she sat under the shade of one particularly giant tree and leaned back on the trunk.
The grass was thick and soft, a nice cushion to help her feel comfortable. She glanced at the sky and smiled. Two suns. The bigger one was a bright yellow, while the other was more blood orange. Both appeared to be really close to the planet. At first glance, her heart skipped a beat from the thought that they were falling into Aurora.
A shadow appeared over the sun. She frowned, wondering what it was, until the distinct image of wings made her jerk to a sitting position.
What. The. Hell?
In awe, she watched the animal glide through the sky. No. Not happening. This was a shifter planet, but there was just no way in hell she was seeing what she thought she was seeing. This was the product of too much wine. Dragons were mythical creatures. She’d never heard of one as a shifter on earth. Never.
Her attention returned to her surroundings. The sound of shuffling between the branches made her glance around, looking for what the made noise. Suddenly, a young girl appeared out of nowhere. She met Becca’s gaze and squealed.
“You’re here!”
Okaaay. “Hi. I’m—”
“Oh, I know who you are. You’re Charlotte’s sister, Rebecca.” The girl grinned. “I’m Razzy.”
“Hello, Razzy. Yes, I am Becca. How are you?”
“Great! I’ve been dying to meet you. Charlotte told me all about you and how you can’t be dared to do things, because you actually do them.”
Out of all the things Charlotte could have told people about Becca, she’d chosen that. That was her sister. “Yeah. I do have a bit of a problem turning down a dare it seems.”
Razzy laughed, her beautiful, purple eyes glowing. “I think that’s awesome. Shows you’re confident in yourself.”
“And stupid. Confident and stupid.”
“No!” She laughed harder. “Don’t say that. I can tell you like to have fun. I do too. I love Charlotte. She’s so nice. I don’t have many friends who give me good advice. I love having her so close.” Razzy glanced around. “Are you sitting here for a reason, or would you like to walk with me?”
More walking? She guessed it was easier going toward the warmer side than returning up the cold mountain. Not to mention, she really didn’t want to climb.
“Sure, we can walk,” she groaned, her muscles aching as she stood.
“Come, you have to see the garden we have at the palace,” Razzy gushed. “We have the prettiest rainbow flowers ever.”
She didn’t bother asking about another palace. Apparently each shifter nation had their own leader, most of which lived in a bigger holding. If Razzy’s castle was anything like Alyx’s, she’d fall in love all over again. Charlotte and her wolves lived in a massive cabin at the top of the mountains. That didn’t mean it wasn’t the size of what most estates were on earth. It just had an earthier feel than a castle.