Badgering the Bear: A Paranormal Shifter Romance (Mate in a Minute Speed Mating Agency Book 1) by Flora Dare Read Free Book Online Page A

house. This is why no one trusts lawyers, Des. She’s going to think I tricked her again.
    I’m going to lose her, this time forever.
    He panicked and his bear was done being tamed, when faced with the loss of his mate, it screamed for satisfaction. Before he’d realized it, he was half shifted and running down the stairs. Heading for Jolie.
    He wrestled for control to keep from shifting, but his mind was wild and untamed.
    “Mine!” He roared the single word as he burst through the doors to the back terrace and the three women froze, staring at him.
    His sister approached, raising her hands. “Hang on cowboy, you need to settle down.”
    He growled at Des, forcing human words past partially shifted teeth. “You tell her right now. You did this. I didn’t trick her.”
    Des flinched and nodded slowly, turning to face his mate. “I’m really sorry, Jolie. I already knew who you were after your first date with Gabe. I thought it would be a funny coincidence, and then when the Ball went so badly,” his sister winced. “I thought it could be a cute meet and make up.”
    Jolie stared at him, feet rooted to the ground in shock. It was the third woman who broke the silence. “What a clusterfuck. You must be Gabe. I’m Zane. Her bestie that is going to whoop you for hurting her.” The woman was small. He could take her. Zane rested a hand on his mate’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Let’s get out of here, hon.” Zane looked to Des. “Mona, I’ll send you a bill for the consult. We won’t be taking this job.”
    The words bellowed out of him before he could call them back. “My mate. Mine.” He took a step closer. “You’re mine.” And another. Zane stood between them, and he shook his head. “Move.”
    Jolie’s voice was soft, but carried to him, the gentle tones nearly snatching away what remained of his control. “Go, Zane. We need to settle this.”
    At that, the other woman reluctantly stepped to the side. “I think I lost that bet.”
    Then he was close enough to touch Jolie. Their heat mingled and he could smell her again, her delicious scent filling his lungs. He breathed deep, drawing it in and savoring the mixture of sweet heat.
    Their gazes locked and she spoke first. “You lied. I don’t know who you are.”
    This time her eyes weren’t broken and sad. They were angry and strong. He reveled in her perfection. “I made a mistake. But you are mine. I’ll spend forever making it right.” He lowered his face to hers, again holding himself millimeters away. “Tell me you aren’t mine.”
    Her breath fanned his skin, warm and wet, her tempting lips so close. He wanted them wrapped around him, swallowing all of him. His bear screamed at him to take her, but he was in control, she was going to come to him.
    Or she would never be his, and that wasn’t acceptable.
    So he waited the thousand years she needed, until she finally gave a guttural moan and lifted her head the little bit she needed to meet his lips.
    Triumph and lust raced through his blood as their arms wrapped around each other. Mine. She’s mine. He lifted her easily and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Her hot pussy was snug against his hard dick and he couldn’t wait to pound into her. Her natural scent filled his nose. She smelled of the forest and the earth and it called to him. He wanted to coat her in his scent so everyone would know she was his .
    Distantly he heard his sister muttered, “Get a damn room already.”
    Excellent idea. He stalked back through the house, never separating their mouths while he took the stairs two at a time until they were in his room. He tossed her onto the bed and smiled down at her.
    Mine.

12
    J olie landed on the bed with a bounce. Gabe loomed over her, larger than life. Now that they weren’t touching, she could think clearly again. Barely. The intensity of her desire for him shook her.
    He stalked around the bed, pacing, but keeping his distance.
    She became very aware of how