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

arms. She was covered in a fine layer of grime and sweat from the forest. Once she found the lamp and made it home, she was going to take a very long shower.
    When she got out of the bathroom, Alek was wearing a plain white t-shirt. It had to be one of Abe’s. While he was covered, it didn’t do much. The shirt was so tight it only accentuated his muscles, and he still wasn’t wearing any underwear. It was an unwelcome distraction.
    “How did you meet my mother?” she asked Abe.
    “I thought your mother was dead,” Alek said. He took a seat at the table in the dining space.
    “I’m making grilled cheese sandwiches, by the way,” Abe said, taking butter and cheese from the fridge. “But I doubt you care about that. I met your mother when she came through Rose Valley fifteen years ago.”
    “Did you speak with her? Do you know what happened to her?”
    “Have a seat.” Abe motioned to the table. He brought them both glasses of ice water before answering her questions. “I spoke to her briefly. Long enough to find out where she was going. And yes, I do know what happened to her. We ran the wolf who did it out of town.”
    Alek looked from Jess to Abe. “Why did you come here? Did you come to meet him?”
    Jess shook her head. “I came to find a lamp. I ran into him.”
    She should have felt embarrassed, but she didn’t care anymore. She was already here. There was nothing Alek could do or say to stop her. Abe either. She could tell from the pity in his eyes that he thought her quest was useless.
    “I don’t know what you hope to find, young one, but it isn’t here,” Abe said gently. “Your mother tried to find it too. There is no such thing. I’m very sorry. I’m sure you miss her greatly, but there is no way to bring her back.”
    “You don’t know why I want the lamp.” She fought the urge to rub her shoulder. “I don’t care if you think it’s stupid. I’m going.”
    Alek held up his hand. “Hold on. Are you looking for that magic lamp? You can’t be serious. That’s just a story, Jess. It’s a nice thing we tell kids. There’s no such thing as magic.”
    “Where do shifters come from, then?” she demanded. “I’m going. You can help me or you can stay here. I don’t care. I have a map, and I’m going to find the cave. Even if it’s not real, I have to know.”
    “Can I see this map?” Abe asked.
    Jess went to her backpack and pulled it out. “Be careful.”
    Abe took the yellowed paper and studied it. “This is a safe place. You can go if you wish. The town is much safer now than when your mother came. I’ll still accompany you if you don’t mind. Better safe than sorry.”
    Jess nodded. “That would be fine.”
    “I’m coming too.” Alek crossed his arms. “Then I’ll take you back home when this is all over.”
    She only smiled at him. She wasn’t going home. Even if she left empty-handed, she was going to live with Daria. Her father was going to be furious when he realized she was gone, but he’d get over it. There was nothing for her in Penicalla anymore. Alek could follow her all he liked, but she was her own woman now. She wouldn’t be going anywhere with him anymore.

Six
    This was insane. He was in Rose Valley. The Wasteland was shifter friendly, but it wasn’t a place that he’d ever wanted to be. All because of Jessica Sheridan. Jessica, who was probably his mate. Who was he kidding? She was his mate. He couldn’t deny it. He would never have taken a single step into the Wasteland if he’d had a choice. His tiger wasn’t going to let him leave her side.
    Even worse, she was being emotional. She was clearly upset by hearing about her mother. Alek was torn between the urge to rip out Abe’s throat to silence the stupid man and the urge to take Jess in his arms to comfort her. Neither would have been acceptable, but his tiger didn’t give a damn about acceptable. The tiger wanted to keep its mate safe, and that meant getting her the hell out of Rose