All Kitten Aside: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Paranormal Dating Agency Book 11) (13 page)

TWENTY-NINE

Andi stood in awe of the man in control of the crowd. He owned the stage. Every eye was on him, afraid to leave him, probably. He was gorgeous in motion, eloquent, charismatic out the ass. If he were on TV asking viewers to send in money, he’d be a billionaire.

He spoke of sacrifice and happiness. Yes, she would sacrifice her happiness to do what’s best for the pride. She wanted this man more than life itself. But she had to stay the course. Put the pride first. As long as she had the love of her people, she didn’t need to have love with a mate, right?

Kasen winked at her and she felt like a teenager where the hottest guy at prom noticed her. It was giddy happiness, which she quickly needed to squash if she was going to do what was best.

He grinned as he walked passed her. She didn’t even know what he said, she was so enamored. She snapped out of her daze and went back to the podium. Before she even said anything, one of the men vying for her hand stood.

“Who was that, Andi?” The words were hissed at her as if she’d done something wrong.

Another of the men stood. “Yeah, he’s a dog.”

Several other men, interested in her or not, got to their feet, yelling. Someone hollered above them, “Is he your mate? A dog?”

Flustered, she spat out, “No! I mean—I haven’t chosen a mate.” She glanced at him, but the spot where he stood was now empty and the side door was closing. Her heart died as the one who held it walked away. A loud shifting crack echoed through the room, silencing everyone. Her cat was pissed and ready to show each person how much.

From a place inside, one she didn’t know existed until it awakened now, her inner resolve strengthened and deepened. Her animal grew in strength and power. Her anger also grew and she wanted to tear some hides.

In a voice unlike any that had ever come from her, she said, “Sit down, now. The first person to make a sound before I’m done talking, I will shred to pieces. Do you understand?”

Heads bobbed. Eyes were wide with fear. Their alpha was truly coming into her own. The men finally realized she didn’t answer to them about her mate business. Now, not only her courage made her an alpha, but the power inside her proved she belonged at the top of the chain.

Andi cleared her throat and continued, voice low but strong and her stance rigid, daring anyone with her gaze to move a muscle and die. “Listen up. Josh Wilx is still missing. We are assuming he’s alive until we find evidence to the contrary. We need everyone who can join in the search for him. Derrek has the list and groups and will be in charge of this search and rescue.” She stepped away from the podium as her enforcer came up. She hurried to the side door and peeked outside.

Making a turn headed toward the main highway, Kasen’s truck disappeared from her sight. Forever.

The audience behind her got up from their chairs as Derrek called names and did his thing. One of the highly respected lady elders tottered up to her. “Miranda, that young man of yours is spellbinding. He’s perfect for you. Good job, kiddo.” Before Andi could correct her, the woman had turned and was hollering for someone to tell her where she needed to stand.

Several of the other women whispered comments to her on how handsome, smart, strong her mate was. Good choice.

No, no, no. They had it wrong. She needed someone who was the exact opposite of him, right?

Andi manned one of the searcher support stations during the hunt for Josh. Seemed like everyone had something to say about Kasen. But there were several who glared at her and kept their distance. She didn’t have time to worry about them. At 6:30, Derrek called off the search for the night before someone got lost in the dark.

While she packed water cups and other supplies, Derrek came up behind her. “Hey, Andi. How’d everything go up here tonight?”

She straightened and stretched her back. “I’m fine, question is how were things out there?”

He sighed and shook his head. “No sign of anything. That’s good and bad.” She saw the exhaustion on his face. Most of the time, she felt how he looked.

“Well, we’ll get an early start tomorrow morning and have all day. Something’s bound to show up.” Derrek nodded and shifted from one foot to another. She could tell something was on his mind. “Spit it out, Derrek. You know you need to tell me everything.”

“Yeah.” He looked around as if checking out who was in hearing distance. “I just wanted to tell you that Kasen is pretty cool in my book. He has his shit together and knows how to get things done. But he’s not domineering or power hungry like so many of the men trying to get your attention here. He’s perfect for us.” Someone called his name and he took off to leave her confused.

How could he be perfect? She didn’t understand.

THIRTY

Andi dragged into the house a little after seven. The sun had set and the cool night breeze filtered through the trees. She was tired, hungry, confused, heartbroken, and worried. She didn’t have room for anything else.

In the kitchen, Shantelle sat with Naya at the table. “Any luck with the search?” Andi pulled a soft drink from the fridge and plopped on a chair.

“Define ‘luck.’ We didn’t find anything, if that answers your question.” A knock came from the front door and then a familiar voice. “Hello? Andi, Naya, it’s Gerri.”

“We’re in the kitchen. Come and join us.” The clack of Gerri’s heels marked her passage through the house. When she stepped in, everyone got their usual hug greeting.

Gerri glanced around at the faces in the kitchen, her brow knitted. “I’m sorry to interrupt your meeting.”

Andi shook her head. “No, no. This is no meeting, so don’t worry.”

“I was driving past on my way back from a meeting and I thought I’d drop some packets of the strawberry cheesecake tea you liked.” From her pocket, she pulled out a baggie with several tea bags.

Andi brightened. “Thank you, Gerri. I did love that flavor. And it’s probably better than drinking soft drinks full of sugar.”

Gerri handed the bags to her. “And it has just as much caffeine as coffee. I said I’d make a tea drinker out of you yet.” The three women remained quiet. Gerri pulled out the fourth chair and sat. She propped her elbow on the table. “Okay, tell me what’s going on. It’s bad, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Shantelle and Naya said at the same time. Andi just huffed.

Gerri nodded. “Ah, so it’s still the preconceived notion that you need a doormat for a mate so you can take care of the pride. Right?”

“I don’t want a doormat.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Maybe just a rug.”

Gerri rolled her eyes. “Miranda, dear. Tell me what your mother did when she was female alpha.”

Andi’s brows snapped together. “Well, she helped Dad with stuff.”

“Be more specific for me, darling.” Gerri’s eyes twinkled with humor.

“I remember Mom taking over meetings if Dad got called away on an urgent matter. She’d take notes and then she and Dad went over them later and they’d make decisions. Together”

Gerri nodded. “Good. What else?”

She smiled, remembering her mother’s words. “Mom always wrote Dad’s speeches when he had to talk in front of everyone. She said after the fiasco of his first public appearance, where he barely got out three words the entire time, someone had to take care of him, because he sure as hell couldn’t.”

Shantelle laughed. “Your mother was so right. I was there. He was terrible. But he made up for it in style.” The elder winked at Andi.

“Anything else?” Gerri’s gaze bore into hers.

Andi thought for a moment. “She did a lot of things. It’s hard to say what. She was just always there when Dad needed someone to fill in because he couldn’t be in two places at once.”

“Now, Andi,” Gerri started, “does your mother sound like a doormat or rug?”

She gasped, her mouth making a perfect O. She thought back to when Kasen took control of the enforcer meeting that morning and took notes for her to make the decision. He didn’t take control for himself or tell her men what to do. He stepped aside. When they were at Shantelle’s to break the news about her grandson and she couldn’t speak for the tears choking her words, Kasen spoke for her. He was gentle, kind, and understanding. And how could she forget his incredible speech in front of the assembly? He said his piece and stepped down for her come forward.

Oh my god. What had she done? She pushed away the perfect man. The only man she’d ever loved. Yes, dammit. She had to admit it. There was no more hiding it. She loved the wolf. Her lioness hissed at her ineptitude over letting their man leave.

Naya clasped her hands. “Now, she gets it. Thank heavens. Gerri, you’re a miracle worker in more ways than one.”

Andi leapt from her seat. “I have to get to Kasen’s parents’ house now.” She scrambled for her purse and keys.

“What’s the rush, sweetie?” Naya asked.

Andi dug in her purse for her car keys. “Tonight, Kasen is choosing a mate from the women his mother had picked out. He heard me say I wasn’t his mate at the meeting, then he left.”

“Oh, dear,” Shantelle said. “You’d better hurry before he makes that announcement. With wolves, once the choice is made known, there’s no going back.”

“Damn!” Andi whipped her hand out of her purse. “My car is still at Kasen’s house. How am I going to get there in time?”

Shantelle grabbed her hand and dragged her toward the front door. “Goodnight, ladies,” she hollered over her shoulder. “Good seeing you again, Gerri. Naya, tomorrow.” The elder pulled her out the door, headed for the driveway where a gorgeous 1964 Mustang Cobra sat.

“Holy cow, Shantelle. Where did you get this beast? It’s a classic owner’s dream.”

The woman opened the driver’s side door and slipped into the leather bucket seat. She turned the ignition and the engine roared to life. Just like a lion’s roar.

“It’s my grandson’s. He spent years slowly getting this car to run. He finished not too long ago. He didn’t drive it much because he didn’t want his baby getting hurt on potholes.” Shantelle lovingly rubbed the dashboard. “He took care of you, didn’t he, baby. I figured one more time around the block in his memory would be good tonight.”

She revved the engine and threw it into gear. Rocks spit from the back tires before traction kicked in. “But this is much better than around the block! Yee-haw, baby! Hold onto your seatbelt, ‘cause we’re gonna fly!"

THIRTY-ONE

Kasen pulled on his tie around a white collar button-down and black jacket. He hated dressing up for stuff. If they didn’t want him as he was in casual clothes, they didn’t need him at all. But his mother gave him no choice. At least this was almost over. It was time for him to choose his mate. Then he could fuck her, bite her, and go out and get drunk for the next thirty years of his life.

He spotted his mother making her way through the overly lavish “parlor,” as she liked to call it. Stuffed upholstered chairs with matching pillows, glass tables with ornate wrought iron curlicues, trinkets everywhere, all high-end shit. The entire house was over the top in every way imaginable. No way he would ever live here.

His mother came up beside him and slapped his hand down. “Kasen, how many times do I have to tell you not to mess with your tie after I’ve made it perfect? The women are going to think you’re a slob.”

He sighed, wanting to roll his eyes, but didn’t. His mother hated when he did that. “Mother, they will not think I’m a slob because my tie isn’t choking me. I don’t like wearing this stuff.”

“I know, Kasen,” she groaned. “You tell me that every time you have to dress up.” She pulled up on the knot, choking him. “Now, call everyone together and pick a fucking mate. It’s about time we get this over with.” His mom walked away, fake smile in high gear.

At dinner, he barely ate anything. He hoped and waited for Andi to come through the door and fall into his arms, telling him she was so wrong about everything and she loved him, and they could have incredible sex now on the floor. Just thinking of her tight pussy made junior down there sit up and listen. Down boy—get used to that position. That’s how you’re going to be for most of our life.

Not having Andi meant he didn’t give a shit which female followed him home. She didn’t love him and refused to mate him. Fuck, he had to move on.

He found himself still stalling, still praying. Once he said the woman’s name, that’s it. Mated for life.

His mom must’ve been tired of waiting. She stood in the middle of the room and raised her arms. “Everybody, please, make your way into the parlor. The time has come for what we’ve all been waiting for. The selection of the next alpha female to take my place next to the current alpha, our son, Kasen.”

Applause sounded around the room. Kasen stood, knocked back his fourth Jack on the rocks, and slammed the glass on the table. “Yes, let’s get this road on the show.”

He clasped his hands in front of him. “Welcome, everyone, to my last day of freedom.” Stilted laughter peppered the room. “Before I make my decision, I’d like for my extra-loving mother to list the rules my so desired mate should follow.

“Just so you know, you’ve all passed the first, and most important, test. You’ve been approved for me to fuck and breed because of your family tree.” He gestured to his parent. “Mother?” He almost laughed. Her eyes were narrowed and lips pressed together in a scowl. When all turned to her, her fake smile lit up the room.

“Why thank you, Kasen, dear. Well, since you put it so elegantly, I’ll just tick off the things.”
Ah, good one, Mom
, he thought. His mother was
ticked off
and would probably make him pay for this later. “First, she has to be beautiful, and all of you ladies score highly there.” She smiled and some laughed.
So fake
, he thought.

“Then there’s the grandchildren, of course. We want those right away while we’re still young. And—”

“Okay, Mom, how about those you quoted to me.” He did the stupid bunny ears in the air to mimic dialog quotes. “’She must know you are the alpha. She’ll have to make sure she doesn’t anger anyone. She needs to be seen, not heard. A good, docile woman.’” He lifted his shot glass. “Let’s drink to doc-docility-ness or whatever the fuck it is.”

His mother stomped toward him. Shit. She was piiiiissed. He needed to appease her. Get this shit over with. “Sorry, Mom. I may have drank a bit much. Sorry. I’m ready. Now.” He straightened, cleared his throat, adjusted his tie. “Okay, all the ladies pick a number between one and fifty.”

They all looked at him with quizzical expressions. “Why a number, Kasen?”

“C’mon, Mother. You know how this works. Whoever gets closest to my number is the winner.” The room broke into commotion. Mother pulled him to the side.

“Kasen, whatever the fuck you are doing, stop it. This is your chance to do right for the pack and those yet to come. And I don’t care if you love them or not. Do you think I ever loved your father?”

“No, Mother, I don’t think you ever loved Father or me.” He jerked away from her and turned to the those gathered. “Ladies, please, a number.” Numbers were guessed and none were right on the nose. But at least the one closest was pretty. Maybe he could get it up once in a while, for having kids’ sake. “No one guessed it. It’s—”

“Twenty-two.” The most beautiful voice he’d ever heard floated through the room. Fuck, he must be really drunk, imagining hearing Andi’s voice.

“Yes, twenty-two. Who said that?” The crowd parted to show the entrance to the parlor. Andi stood in the doorway, tears in her eyes. Kasen sucked in a sharp breath. “Andi.”

His mother pointed a red-tipped fingernail at her. “You are not invited. Leave this house.” Andi stepped into the room, eyes only on him.

“Actually, I was, Mrs. Steel. Kasen asked me to come. And here I am.”

He couldn’t believe his eyes. He slapped his face to make sure he wasn’t delusional on Jack. Nope, he was mostly sober. Shifters didn’t get drunk, but with enough liquor in a short amount of time, they could get tipsy. So, no roaring drunk yet. His love continued straight to him.

From the sideline crowd, a hand snaked out and wrapped around Andi’s upper arm. She tried to pull away, but the grip held. A deadly growl burst from his chest. “Do not touch her. I will kill anyone who lays a hand on my mate.”

His mother stepped beside Andi. “I want to talk with your mate, privately, son. She missed the rules and I’d like to ask her a couple questions. We’ll be right back.” Kasen took a step forward, ready to pounce if need be.

“No, Kasen,” Andi held a hand, stopping him, the rim of gold around her eyes bright with her lioness. “It’ll be fine. We’ll be back in a couple minutes.” Before she turned, she mouthed
I love you
to him. That had to be what she said. He wouldn’t believe anything else.

Now to shut down this joke of a celebration and get everyone home, including his mate. He hoped his mother hurried with whatever she wanted.