ROMANCE: The Lion's Chosen Mate (Paranormal Lion Shapeshifter New Adult Contemporary Romance) (Shapeshifter Mystery Alpha Lion Romance) (9 page)

-Fred the loner-

Many thought that the main reason for Fred to not date was because he was a geek. But that didn’t seem to be the main reason since Fred himself knew a fair share of hackers and super nerds that were dating hot, out of this world women even without trying. Of course Fred wasn’t into women, but that still wasn’t an excuse because he also knew a fair share of nerds who were gay and dating underwear models.

In other words, Fred was the only one who was screwed and his occupation wasn’t going to bail him out no matter how much he wanted to believe so. And at that moment, he decided that maybe it would do him some good if he embarked on looking for a good partner to ensure that he wasn’t Fred the loner any longer. As a matter of fact, the only good thing as far as Fred was concerned would have been to try dating online.

Many people he knew had found love online and that had given him something to be very happy about. They had even urged him to try that out but as usual, Fred wasn’t going to do that. He thought that there were chances that he could end up dating a serial killer or something close to that and that was the last thing he needed in his life at the moment.

His IT business was starting to grow and he needed to maintain focus until he got to where he wanted to be.

And so in as much as people continued to put pressure on him to start dating, Fred decided to give them a cold shoulder and to pretty much maintain focus on getting his business on top by all means necessary since it was the only way that he could do it big.

As a matter of fact, he thought that maybe if he worked even harder and achieved his goals much earlier, then it would have been a much different case at the end of the day since they would stop barging him over and over and maybe just get that chance of doing things the right way in its own time. But as far as he was concerned, he didn’t have the time to date at that moment and that was final.

And all that dating aside, Fred had a routine to follow. He knew that if at all he was going to get ahead of the game as he was expected to, then the best thing that he could have done would have been to find a way in which he could get to have a constant timetable of work.

The only reason he was the best IT guy around was simply because he outworked all of his peers. And it was that hard work that he was going to use to ensure that everything was working for him at the end of the day.

He woke up very early in the morning and started working from home. Then when it was time to prepare for work, Fred would stop working and prepare just like everyone else and then get a cab to work. He didn’t have a car at the moment since he believed that he would get a much better car when he was a billionaire than the rickety jalopies he saw his friends drive in the name of pretending to be all wealthy and stuff.

In the end, it started to pay off and the name Frederick Moore was starting to gain traction all over the country and without a doubt, he was in a position to be mentioned among the most valuable tech guys that ought to be respected. And all of that came because of his hard work and hopefully, he thought that maybe his friends would understand why he wasn’t interested in living that kind of life any longer.

But deep down, Fred also wanted someone to be with him. And even though he had dreams to achieve and milestones to crush, he realized that the more he kept on praying for his dreams to come true, he also prayed for a guy who would love him for who he was.

-The guy of his dreams-

Fred had been working for the better part of the day and the only thing that reminded him that he hadn’t eaten was the loud, persistent rumbling of his empty belly. At first, Fred thought that the office was under a terrorist attack and the first instinct was for him to jump under the table. But after the second rumble came, he realized that it was his stomach and not a sub machinegun. And with that, he took a deep breath and closed his laptop.

For sure, Fred was working to darn hard and if he wasn’t going to be careful, then it was all going to explode right in front of his face without any problems at all. And that said, he decided that he was going to be much more careful at the end of the day. He then glanced at his watch and he was somewhat surprised that it was almost five in the evening and on a Friday.

Sometimes, due to working long hours, Fred usually forgot what day it was. And now that he realized it was Friday, he decided that maybe a little bit of unwinding wasn’t going to be such a bad idea after all. And that said, he took the initiative of leaving his office. And as Fred was walking down the street, he tried as much as possible not to look very much concerned with the rumbling stomach in as much as it was bothering him.

And finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, Fred got to the local bistro and when his favorite waiter laid an eye on him, he immediately prepared him his favorite sandwich and got it to him. As usual, Fred was thankful for his consideration and dug in, conveniently forgetting to say the grace at all.

“I see you are still working too darn hard irrespective to the advice that I have been dying to give you. Why do you always do this to yourself? You are always working too hard.”

“Denis, I do have dreams as well as goals to achieve.”

“So do we all. But do you see us working round the clock? No. we have certain hours that we have put aside to work hard and go a couple of steps towards achieving. And then the rest of the day we spend doing all the necessary and normal things that we are supposed to be doing. I never understand why you choose to kill yourself while you are young.”

Fred chewed into his sandwich. He had finally decided that he was not going to start on that topic with Denis. Of course, Fred was grateful for the sandwich and the unwavering friendship. But now, it just seemed as though Denis was starting to pry into parts of his life that he wasn’t invited and that was something that he didn’t like at all.

In the end, he thought that ignoring him was going to make Denis leave him alone. And for a moment, it seemed to have worked since Denis was avoiding him for about five minutes and it was no secret that he was enchanted with that. But that said, it seemed as though everything was all of a sudden feeling strange.

That was the kind of feeling that Fred always had especially when he had the inkling that someone was watching him. And with that, he put his sandwich down and checked over his shoulder, trying to understand whatever the heck that was going on. And it was at that moment that someone came over and touched his shoulder.

At first, it was the fragrance that caught Fred’s attention way before the incredible voice followed suit.

“Hello. How have you been?”

“I am fine.”

And then Fred finally turned over only to have a glimpse at what seemed to be the most beautiful man he had ever laid his eyes on. The man was tall, handsome and had this amazing physique that suggested he was that one guy who had a tendency of hitting the gym on a regular basis which was more or less an amazing thing indeed.

Fred opened his mouth to say something but from the look of things the words failed him miserably and so he just sat there, starting with his mouth wide open without anything to say. It was just too much for him to bear but thankfully, the smart guy understood his shock and decided to be the guy to carry the conversation.

“Is this seat here taken?”

“No, not really.” Fred finally opened his mouth and actual words came out, he was just too darn enticed himself.

And that was how John McKinley came to meet with him and needless to say, it was one of the most amazing moments of his life. As a matter of fact, it seemed as though john was the kind of man who had a thing going and was very confident. Another thing that Fred loved about Fred was the fact that he seemed very much like a cool guy who was lovable as much as a go getter who pretty much wasn’t afraid to go out there and get whatever it is that he wanted.

The conversation went on for about five more minutes and john had to leave for an argent meeting. But he dropped a business card just in case Fred intended on getting in touch. And before he went, he made a point of inviting Fred over so that they could have a conversation.

“What is the place?”

“Don’t worry, give me a call and I will fill you in with the details.”

And just like that, Fred was in love. He had never seen such a handsome man before, only maybe in the movies and on huge commercial posters.

-First date-

John McKinley was clearly into Fred from the first time he laid his eyes on his at the wall-in-the-wall. And it was at that moment that he secretly decided that he was going to get him no matter what. And without wasting any more time, he decided to move towards the bar counter where Fred was seated and pulled a chair right next to him.

To that point, Fred was busy enjoying his delicious sandwich to the point that he didn’t realize that he was being stalked by one of the most sort after billionaires in the IT world. But it wasn’t because of his work, but because he had this incredible crush on him that he just couldn’t get to control at all. But it was Denis’ departure that made Fred suspect and made a point of looking the other direction.

And there he was, the man of his dreams just staring at him with this incredibly handsome smile splashed all over his face. At that point, he just didn’t seem to understand what to do next. It was like a dream come true and for that matter, all that Fred could do was stare at him with his eyes transfixed on that face. And for a moment, they had what appeared to be a stand off.

After about five seconds of staring at each other, it seemed as though things were starting to get out of hand and it was at that moment that john decided to speak first, making sure that he had taken care of all the awkwardness that was beginning to build up.

“Hi, my name is John McKinley, I just couldn’t sit there on the other side and not come over here. You look gorgeous.”

Fred froze for a moment. Of course he had a fair share of men trying to hit on him because he looked great. But none of these men was that direct. As a matter of fact, he was turned on by that mere occurrence to the point that he smiled back at him. But still, Fred was still taken aback to the point that he couldn’t get a word out of his mouth no matter how hard he tried.

And it was at that moment that he decided it would be nice if he walked towards him and pretty much get to smile. At that point, all that Fred could do was tremble like a leaf. But thankfully, it seemed as though john was gentle and very understanding. And without freaking out, john sparked a conversation.

“Hey, I thought I had seen you in some IT ad somewhere. If that is your company, then I assure you that you are on the right track to becoming an enchilada as far as this industry is concerned. I personally can’t wait.”

And just like that, the conversation switched from a tension filled one to one filled with laugher and giggling. After about ten minutes, they exchanged numbers and with that, john left. But he didn’t make the mistake of leaving without telling him when they were supposed to meet. Thankfully, Fred agreed to the terms.

***

The mansion was off the hook. And despite that being the case, it seemed as though Fred had shifted his entire focus on more important matters which included just kicking back and checking out the incredibly sexy man who was leading the way.

At first, it was the chandelier that looked as though it was off the hook. But then Fred’s eyes shifted to the seats, the carpet and the entire living room and for sure, john was a billionaire who knew how to spend his money without a doubt. And that said, the only thing that was remaining was for them to kickback and ensure that they were in a position to focus on their date.

Of course, Fred was a little bit shy, but john wasn’t since from the look of things, it seemed as though he had been around that block for a while and he wasn’t afraid of taking the lead. Fred on the other hand, liked a man who liked taking charge in all matters. And that said, all he needed to do at the time was to kickback and pretty much enjoy every good thing that came with having an alpha gay man taking care of things.

Finally, they got to the huge room which had a bar and the light was a little dim and it was at that point that john paused. That was Fred’s cue that they were at their destination. And that said, the next thing that they did was to ensure that everything was working out rather perfectly by getting each a drink.

“Some good vodka and a good conversation would go a very long way in making us get to know each other better, don’t you think?” john asked while looking Fred in the eyes, making him shake for a moment.”

“I couldn’t have agreed more. I think its an amazing thing that we both have a hell lot in common, including believes in vodka. That matters a hell lot you know.”

And as john was pouring them a drink, Fred couldn’t help but stare at that bouncy ass. For a guy, his buttocks were sure juicy for life itself. And that made him to harden a little bit. And in a bid to not look very horny, he decided that it would be a good idea if he just kept his legs cross so that he could hide the erection from his host. Or was it his date? At that point, Fred was too darn aroused to care for life itself.

John didn’t take that long. And so in less than an hour, it seemed as though they were already very drunk and were having lots of fun. The kind of attraction that both of them had at that moment was undeniable and needless to say, it made both of them feel as though they were going to kiss the other.

And that was just what happened when they were dancing way too close to each other.