Beary Merry Winter: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Shifter Seasons Book 1) (7 page)
Read Beary Merry Winter: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Shifter Seasons Book 1) Online
Authors: Kate Kent
Zane let out a deep groan as he retreated into himself. His arm hair bristled and became thicker and fuller while his body elongated, growing taller and wider. In seconds his clothes were in a heap on the ground and a huge beast of a bear was in front of us. Zane growled loudly, pawed the shop door open, and ran out into the street.
“I’m going after him!” As I started for the door, Susie and Serena pulled me back.
“Give him time,” Susie said, rubbing my shoulder. “Let him go for a run and sort out his feelings.”
“He’s so angry. He’ll never forgive me,” I whispered.
“What did you expect?” Serena asked. “You used him to get a baby.”
“It’s not like that!” It wasn’t but it was. I knew how it looked. Things had just gotten way out of line and I hadn’t handled it well. I should have told Zane right off the bat. And of course, I should never have used him in the first place. I felt like I was going to vomit.
“And was what you did any better?” Susie asked Serena. “Yeah, what Anne did was wrong. But you were selling water tinted with food coloring…feeding on people’s dreams. They’d buy your potions expecting to get rich or be happy and then what…you sold false promises.”
“My potions work,” Serena said firmly.
“How can your potions possibly work?” Susie snorted. “They’re nothing but blue colored water.”
“They give people confidence; the confidence to get what they want,” Serena said. “Magic works in many ways.”
“I guess in a way she’s right, Susie,” I admitted. “I think wearing the potion that night subconsciously gave me more confidence.”
“See there,” Serena said smugly. “I told you so.”
I shook my head, lowering my eyes. “I am thrilled about the baby, but I was wrong to do it the way I did.”
Serena grunted. “Well, at least you admit it.”
I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry I tricked your son, Serena. My intent was to have a baby and I went about it the wrong way. I was so caught up in what I wanted, I didn’t give any thought or regard to Zane or to others in his family like you that would be affected.”
Serena nodded her head thoughtfully. “Yes, it was wrong.”
“I know. I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me.”
“Well, I guess we all do things without thinking. Zane has told me a lot about you and when I saw you…I remembered you from the shop and I was just so afraid you would break his heart. I know he comes across as a playboy sometimes, but he’s really not.”
“I know that now,” I said softly.
“So, you don’t think I’m a playboy, huh?” a rumbling voice called out from behind the door.
“Zane!”
“Toss me my jeans, Anne.”
I tossed Zane his jeans and his hand reached out from behind the door to grab them mid-air. He pulled them on quickly and in seconds was by my side.
“I started to go for a run, but I changed my mind. Anne, I know when I met you I acted like I was a player, and there’s no excuse for it. I’m not going to lie. I’m used to getting my way with women. But there’s something about you that’s different. When I asked you if you wanted to fu…” Zane caught sight of his mother, “…sleep with me that night at Janet’s party, it was my animal talking. As soon as I said it, I was mentally kicking myself. Yes I wanted you but I knew you were different and I shouldn’t have come on to you like that. And when you said yes I was thrown off guard.”
“I normally would have said no,” I murmured.
“I think that you trying to use me like a sperm bank was wrong, but I was acting like a jerk when I met you. I hope I’ve become more to you than just a sperm donor over the past weeks…and I think I have.”
“Oh my God! Oh yes you have,” I said. “Please. I was an idiot and using you to make a baby was wrong. But I care for you…deeply. You mean so much to me. If you were just a sperm donor, I wouldn’t have gone out with you after I discovered I was pregnant. I hope you realize I think you’re the most wonderful man in the world.”
“Mom—Anne’s words in your shop…calling men nasty—they’re just words. Maybe she was having a rough day…but I know she doesn’t feel that way. And you were the one selling magic potions, so you can’t blame her for trying one when it was accidentally given to her. After all, you were selling them in your shop.”
“Well, I suppose,” Serena said. “I have to admit I used a love potion on your dad to get him interested.”
My eyes widened in surprise and Susie let out a gasp. We all looked at each other and started laughing.
“I should have guessed that.” Zane said shaking his head and grinning. “Anne, I’m thrilled about the baby,” Zane smiled at me. “I can’t wait. Maybe you went about it a little differently thanks to the help of my mother’s blue water, but who cares. I was wrong in how I came on to you. It takes two to tango and I was more than a willing partner.”
As Zane spoke I felt as if a cloud had been lifted. He moved next to me wrapping his arm around my shoulder.
“I love you, Anne.”
“And I love you, Zane.”
“You know I’ve thought of you as my mate since the night we met. I just had a feeling you were the one for me. And as time went on we’ve become closer and closer. I want to be with you, now and forever,” Zane squeezed me tighter.
I nodded. This was like a dream come true.
“Will you accept this?” Zane got down on one knee and reached into his pocket.
I gasped as he pulled out a jewelry bag from Courtland’s. He reached in and pulled out a small, red velvet box. He didn’t even have to open it. I already knew what was inside.
“Will you be mine for all time?” Zane asked, opening the lid on the box.
“Oh my God! Yes, yes!”
Zane slipped the ring on my finger. It was the beautiful asscher cut diamond that I loved so much. I held out my hand and enjoyed the ring’s glorious sparkle in the full light of the jewelry store.
“It’s so beautiful!”
“I remember you saying this was your favorite ring when I came into the store for the first time, and I bought it last night. I got the good friends discount!” Zane grinned.
“Susie! You said you ran into Zane last night on the way to a gig!” I squealed.
Susie grinned. “It accidentally slipped out that I had seen him. I couldn’t tell you he was in here buying your engagement ring!”
“Speaking of gigs,” Zane said, “the Hogwashers are officially playing Ventuno’s every weekend night next year. They loved our demo and we are booked baby!”
“Oh my gosh. That’s wonderful, Zane!”
“Congratulations!” Serena smiled at me. “I have a feeling you and I may be very much alike.”
I smiled at her and gave her a light hug.
“I can’t wait to be a grandmother!” Serena’s eyes twinkled. “I want at least four grandchildren. I’ll have to give you another ‘baby maker potion’ after you’ve had this child.”
I laughed. “I don’t think we’ll have any trouble making more babies.”
Zane picked me up and twirled me around the room. “You bet your ass we won’t. I love you!”
Zane leaned in, giving me a deep kiss.
“I love you, Zane,” I said softly, staring into Zane’s dark eyes. They were rich with love and promise. I glanced outside. It had just started to snow—a soft, wintry mix. I looked back at Zane. I knew deep down it was going to be a wonderful winter this year, as well as all the future seasons to come. We were going to enjoy them together—for the rest of our lives!
The End
Enjoy the next sexy Shifter Season’s book
The steamy romance continues in the next Shifter Seasons book.
Spring For Tiger
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About Kate
Kate Kent loves to read and write steamy paranormal romances. She is happily married to her alpha and she enjoys taking long walks outside and spending time with her family and friends.
