Tiger Bite: BBW Shapeshifter Paranormal Romance (Shifters Everafter Book 1) by Lola Kidd Read Free Book Online

sister cites many decades ago.”
    “I’ve never heard that before.”
    “It would make the humans very nervous to know how close they are to the Wasteland. Look, you can see the town now.” Abe pointed into the distance.
    Jess couldn’t believe it. She’d only been walking for a few hours. It couldn’t be more than fifteen miles between Penicalla and Rose Valley. From the way it had been described, she’d thought it would take her at least a whole day to get to the shifter city.
    “We’re very close to my home now,” Abe said. “I suggest you wait for the morning to continue your journey. I would be very pleased to host you and be your guard for the night.”
    “I don’t know. I was hoping to get to my destination by tonight.”
    “I don’t know if it’s wise for a human woman to be traveling at night. Even with your friend, I don’t know how safe you would be. I think I know where you’re going. It will be much easier to find during the daylight.”
    “Where do you think I’m going?” She hadn’t told him her exact destination yet. She didn’t know herself. It was between Rose Valley and Digger’s Grave on the map and it appeared to be a cave. She didn’t want to tell the shifter that she was searching for a genie. It would make her sound crazy.
    “You’re looking for the lamp in the cave, just like the woman from all those years ago.”
    Jess stopped. “What woman?”
    Abe stopped and sighed. “I would guess she was your mother, from the look of you.”
    “Tell me everything.”
    “Not here. We must get to my house. It’s a long story and I’m hungry. I’ll tell you everything I know over dinner.”
    Jess nodded. She moved woodenly toward the buildings as Abe went on talking, saying something about his home and what he would be making for dinner.
    He had known her mother. He knew about the lamp. It could be real. There was a chance that her silly little trip wouldn’t only be a cathartic journey. She could actually get her mother back.
    “JESS!” Alek was shaking her and staring at her. His mouth was set in a hard line. “What’s wrong with you? I’ve been calling your name for the last minute. Did you not hear me, or are you ignoring me now?”
    She looked around, confused. She was standing in front of a squat building. There was no one outside, but there was a lynx walking into an alley next to them. “I didn’t hear anything.”
    “You just passed the place.” Alek stepped aside so she could see Abe standing in front of a door three buildings back.
    “Oops. I must not have been paying attention.” She tried to pull her arm from Alek’s grasp, but he held on tight. She could see the muscles in his arms strain as he gripped her arm harder. Her eyes couldn’t help but travel lower to watch the muscles in his abs move as he shifted his weight.
    “Are you sure about this?” he asked her harshly. “This isn’t a game anymore. You’re really in Rose Valley now. You can still turn around and go home. I won’t say anything, and nobody will ever know you were here.”
    She stomped on his foot hard, making him step back and let go of her arm in surprise. “I’m sure. I just got a little confused because I’m hungry. You’re welcome to join us for dinner.”
    Alek looked at Abe, who nodded. “Better than standing outside.”
    They walked back together to where Abe was standing.
    “Welcome to my humble home.” He ushered them inside. The home was small but nice. There was one large room that acted as living space, dining room, and kitchen. Abe pointed to one of the two doors in the room. “That’s the bathroom.”
    “I’m going to go and wash my hands.”
    Jess shrugged off her backpack and went to the door. The bathroom was painted grey and the fixtures were simple. There was only a shower and no tub. It was all very clean, which surprised her. From the looks of it, Abe lived alone. She’d never known a bachelor who kept his home so clean.
    She washed her hands and