She knew she was rambling, but for some reason, her lack of employment embarrassed her. Once upon a time, she would have judged herself for being that woman. When she peeked over at Austin, his expression wasn’t giving her any clue as to what he thought of her story. For some reason, she desperately wanted to prove herself capable to him. He seemed like the type of man who wanted a strong and confident woman, an equal, not just arm candy.
“You can work for me at the bar.”
“Doing what?”
“Anything and everything, really. I can always use another waitress or bartender. It’s not glamorous, but Greg and Annie make real money, and I offer insurance.”
Kate chewed her lip at the possibility of being around Austin every day. In one way she loved the idea, but in another, it petrified her. She did need a job, and waitressing had helped her tremendously through college. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a start.
“Okay. You got yourself a waitress.”
He shot her a giant smile that was contagious. A blush filled her face at having made him so happy by agreeing to work with him. Kate knew she was in a vulnerable situation just leaving Derek, but Austin seemed so genuine she tried to ward off the bad feelings nagging at her.
Chapter 6
Austin
Austin paced the floor at his house after having dropped Kate off at her friend’s house. His bear wanted his mate with him. Austin did, too, but he realized offering for her to stay with him after only knowing her for a day would make him seem crazy. He had been relieved when she agreed to the job. Her first shift was just a few hours away, and he wasn’t sure he could wait that long before seeing her.
More than anything, he wanted to go back to her ex-husband and beat him to a pulp. The man had put his hands on Kate, and had it not been for her calming him down, Derek would be dust. Austin stretched his neck and arms out to try and ward off the shift that was looming over him. His bear needed to be in control. To not have avenged his mate had him rattled like Austin had never felt before.
He had gotten her cell phone number off of her before leaving Emma’s. Her phone had been dead, though, so he gave up on the idea of texting her. He dragged his fingers through his hair in frustration. His bear needed to run, hunt, or do something to get rid of his frustration. He pulled his cell out of his pocket and dialed his friend, Rick. Rick ran a casino on the far side of town.
With it, he had an underground fighting arena for shifters. People placed bets on who would win or just watched for entertainment purposes. The battles were never to the death and were always between two consenting shifters. Shifters needed a way to help their animal side release the desire to fight and hunt. The fight club provided that release. Austin was in desperate need of a good fight. It had been a while since he had had to resort to the fight club.
“Rick, what’s up, buddy?”
“Not much, Austin. Heard you found your mate last night at The Kamp of all places.”
“Yeah. Speaking of which, do you have any fighters open this afternoon?”
“Going well, then, I see. Yeah, I’ve got a guy that would be perfect for you. Around 1?”
“Sounds good.”
Austin hung up without saying goodbye. He was too high-strung to make small talk. He had a couple of hours before his fight, but he decided to head over early. Maybe just being around the fights would help his bear. He grabbed his gym bag for extra clothes, and took off.
“My man, you showed up early. You must be really itching for a fight.” Rick slapped Austin hard on the back in welcoming.
“It’s been a while. I just need to stretch my legs, you know.”
“I know. I just fought two nights ago myself. It felt great. The city’s incredible, but sometimes I wonder how long shifters can survive in a place like this.”
“I’ve been here my whole life. It’s just the way it is for me.”
“Oh man, there’s so much freedom in living out in the country. You can just shift and run whenever, wherever. I admit I miss it.”
“Not so much that you’ll give up the casino, though?” Austin laughed. Rick had worked hard to get his casino up and running. Even though Rick had a full, capable staff and the casino had a good profit margin, Rick still slept in his office most nights. Rick said it was convenient, but Austin knew it was more. Rick was close to the same age as Austin and was still unmated as well. It took a toll on male shifters; he and his buddies were all just walking proof of that.
“No, she’s my lady, this casino. It would be dishonorable to walk away from her at this point.” Rick laughed.
“So who do you have me paired with?”
“A guy named Tavin, a lion shifter. He’s a real badass. Just right to go up against you.”
“Good.”
“What’s her name?”
“Kate. She’s going through a divorce.”
“She’s human!” Rick’s eyes looked like they were going to bug out of his head. Austin laughed. It had been much like his own reaction last night when she walked in the bar.
“Yeah, and I’m the first shifter she’s ever even met, so she has no idea of our customs.”
“So she has no idea she’s your mate?”
“No, and I haven’t a clue how to explain it. Or when I would explain it either. She’s going through a divorce, which for humans is a pretty disastrous thing. I can’t just blurt it out to her. We’ve only just met last night, too. For me, it feels like I’ve known her for eternity, but I know it’ll be different for her.”
“Brother, I wish I could offer some advice. To be honest, the only thing I have for a situation like this is a drink of good whiskey. You up for one?”
“Maybe after my fight.”
Austin and Rick circled around the arena, watching the fighters. The adrenaline from the fights was fueling Austin’s own. By the time his fight time rolled around, he was doing everything he could to not shift early. Once he stepped into the ring, he chucked his clothes and freed his bear. His skin prickled with how good it felt to be in his bear form.
He and Tavin nodded to each other, and then the ref blew his whistle. Tavin was a big lion, but Austin was primed for a fight. He felt like he could take on a whole legion of lions. Tavin roared and lunged forward. Austin side-stepped him and growled low in his throat. They circled each other twice before Austin finally went in. They clawed and bit to the cheers of the crowd. Tavin almost had him at one point, pinning Austin down and going for the throat bite to signal the win. Austin threw his weight against the lion, allowing himself to catch Tavin around his ribs in a vice-grip-tight squeeze.
The giant lion kicked and ravaged his body, trying to free himself, but it was useless. Austin’s bear was putting all of his anger towards Kate’s ex into the squeeze. The lion finally turned so that Austin could signal the win. The ref blew the whistle and they both lumbered back to their corners. Bloody, battered, and out of breath, they both shifted back to their human forms. With a respectful nod, Austin turned and started to get dressed again.
“Heck of a fight, Austin,” Rick said. His face beamed with pleasure. Austin wasn’t sure if it was from the actual fight or just for the money he probably made. People tended to bet pretty heavy when two shifters of his and Tavin’s size went up against each other.
“Feel any better? I’ve got a wolf that may be fast enough to give you a good fight.”
Austin checked his cell phone for the time. He only had an hour before he wanted to get to The Kamp. The prospect of another fight sounded good, but he’d have to pass.
“No can do, buddy. I’ve got a new waitress starting tonight, and I need to get over to the bar. You coming over for a round later?”
“Absolutely! See you then.”
Austin raced over to the bar, anxious to see Kate again. Even though he had no idea how to start a relationship with her, he knew he would need to say something soon. His eagerness would show, and he was afraid he would scare her away. Even though humans could mate with shifters
, he wasn’t sure just how strong their feelings were at first. Obviously, she wasn’t falling at his feet and begging to perform the mate bond ceremony.
She did react to him physically and emotionally, though, even if she didn’t realize it. He could sense her responses to him. Anytime he was close, her heart would race. He could also feel the bond pulsating off of her like it was a tangible rope he could have tugged on. Their bond would be strong once it was solidified. His body grew rigid just thinking about solidifying the bond. Her body and soul belonging to him. Just the thought was almost too overwhelming.
He pulled into the parking lot and saw her sitting outside on the bench. Her smile washed over him, and he felt like telling her everything right then. Instead, he returned her smile and hustled over to her.
“Ready for round two at The Kamp, Kate?”
“Yes, I promise not to end up drunk and abandoned tonight,” she giggled.
“You’re never alone as long as I’m alive, Kate.” He knew he probably came off as a bit serious, but the words slipped out. He couldn’t seem to control anything around her.
“Right this way. We’re a bit early. I wanted to be able to get your paperwork done, and give you the lay of the land before Greg and Annie show up.”
“Great.” She followed him inside and back to the office. He gathered up the forms and handed them to her. They sat at the bar while she filled in the information. Austin watched her like she would disappear if he took his eyes off of her.
“You’re making me feel self-conscious.” Kate smiled but didn’t look up from her paperwork.
“Sorry.” The only thing he was really sorry about was that he hadn’t told her yet. “Do you know anything about shifters? I know you said I was the first one you had ever met.”
“Not much, I guess. You seem to like to growl and stare.” She laughed again, and this time her blue eyes found his. His breath caught at her beauty. He decided her smile alone could cause world peace if enough people saw it.
“You’re beautiful.” The words slipped out before he could stop them. He used to have the ability to stop himself from saying whatever was on his mind. Around her, though, he couldn’t concentrate long enough. Her face was covered in a crimson blush that had desire shooting through his entire body. He couldn’t resist touching her much longer. Being so close and not being able to touch what was his was impossible.
She must have read his mind because she turned back to her paperwork fast. Her body language shut him off as well. A growl rumbled in his chest. His bear wasn’t happy about being denied. Kate let out a small giggle, and he realized that he had just proved her earlier statement right on point.
“There you go, boss. All done.”
“I hate that word,” he scowled. Having her call him ‘boss’ seemed demeaning to their real status. She was his equal, his partner. One day they would run the bar together. Maybe she wouldn’t want to run a bar. The house she had left yesterday screamed elegance and wealth. With the money he had, he wasn’t a billionaire, but he could shut the bar down tomorrow and be fine for a long time. As much as he loved the bar, if she didn’t want it, he’d shut it down immediately.
“What would you like me to call you?” She was teasing, but everything in him screamed mate. He desperately wanted to hear her refer to him as her mate.
“Austin is fine.” He got up and took her paperwork back to the office and filed it. He was old-school, so there was no computer system. The girls wrote down any orders for the kitchen and hung them up for Mike to cook. He didn’t have a big menu, just simple stuff for people to munch on while drinking. The majority of his business was booze.
When he came back out, Kate was wandering around the bar. Everything was in one big room, so there wasn’t much of a tour to give. She touched pictures and antiques he had. She had on a pair of shorts, and a Kamp shirt, but she looked like a runway model. Her curly hair was begging to be released from her ponytail. He desperately wanted to bury his hand in her hair.
She turned towards him and he couldn’t resist her any longer. With three strides he had her pinned up against the far wall. He expected her to protest, but instead, she licked her lips. He captured her lips with his, and threaded his hand into her mass of curls. The kiss was electric. She was hesitant at first, but quickly she was matching his fever stroke for stroke. His other hand found its way to her perfectly round ass and gripped her, pulling her against him. They both groaned at the intimate contact.
Kate was making noises in the back of her throat that set him on fire. He knew he should pull back before he took her there in the bar, but he had craved her for too long. Kissing a woman was one thing, but it was a far cry from kissing his mate. His head was dizzy with desire and passion. It was she who finally broke them apart. Her fingers rested on her lips. He pulled his hands from her body and placed them on either side of her head on the wall. He wasn’t sure he could stand up straight without faltering.
“Wow,” she whispered. Her blue eyes were dark with passion, and he found himself looking away before he went back for seconds.
“Kate, there’s something I need to tell you.” He cleared his throat and started to explain everything to her. The door jiggled, bringing them both back to the real world. Kate slipped away from him and adjusted her hair. Annie walked inside a second later and looked between Austin and Kate several times.
“Hello, my name’s Annie. You must be our new girl.” Annie quickly recovered and made her way to Kate. Kate shook her hand and nodded.
“My name’s Kate.”
“I remember you from last night. Feeling okay this morning?” Annie smiled.
“Yeah, sorry. I hope we weren’t too rowdy. I can’t remember the last time I had a drink or went to a bar.”
“You were fine. Having a group of women in here was nice. Most of our regulars are men, and some of the weekend women aren’t as fun as you guys were.”
Kate blushed and smiled. Austin shook himself out of his stupor and went about his duties to help get the bar opened up. Greg walked in not long after. The sound of clanging dishes told Austin that Mike had come in the back door and was getting set up. He was a jaguar shifter that had been down on his luck. He hardly said two words, but he did his job and never called in sick. Austin hoped Mike would eventually come around and talk about his past or what haunted him, but for now, Austin let him be.
By the time the first customers rolled in the door, Austin had taken up his seat in the front. Kate and Annie were going over drinks behind the bar, and Greg was washing glasses. Austin tried to keep from staring at Kate, but his eyes drifted over to her more often than not. His bear was on cloud nine having her so close. Knowing she was in the same room and safe put him at ease.
“Hey, man! You guys miss me last night? I heard you had a group of fine women in here. Figures the one night I don’t show up.”
“Probably better off that way. It would hurt your feelings for them to turn you down. Then I’d have to listen to you whine all night,” Austin said laughingly to Jasper.
“Now, now, old timer. You’d just be jealous because they’d all want to go home with me. There wouldn’t be any left for you.”
Kate and Annie made their way over to Jasper. Annie had Jasper’s seven and seven already on her tray. Jasper’s eyes roamed over Kate, which set Austin off. Before Austin could think, he growled low and grabbed Jasper by the scruff of his shirt. Jasper put his hands up in defeat and diverted his eyes. Austin was more dominant than any of his friends, and diverting their eyes was a sign of respect.
“Easy, Austin.” Kate’s hand touched his shoulder. He felt the touch all over his body and shuddered with pleasure. He released Jasper. At the same time, he grabbed Kate’s hand and led her back to his office. He wasn’t sure her working for him at the bar was going to work out. Every man with a pulse was going to lust after her. He’d end up killing most of his customers.
“What’s wrong, Austin? Did I do something wrong?”
“N
o. Kate, I started to tell you something earlier.” He paced back and forth through the office and tried to figure out how to explain the mate bond. She watched him pace for a minute and then she made her way over to him. She touched his chest with her fingertips.
“Austin, I know you have feelings for me. As crazy as it is, I feel it, too. I just can’t do this right now, though. Please don’t let it interfere with me keeping this job. I like being around you, and obviously, we have a pretty intense attraction. Can we just be friends for now, though?”
Austin was flabbergasted. His mate had just put him in the friend zone. He wasn’t sure if he should laugh or yell. Instead, he didn’t say anything and just watched her walk back out into the bar. He stood there in shock for a few more minutes. He dragged his hands through his hair and tried to wrap his mind around what she had said. She was attracted to him but wanted to be friends. A laugh finally rippled through him. The whole thing was absurd. He was a dominant bear shifter, and he couldn’t seem to find the courage to tell his mate what she was. He skirted around the topic like it was the plague. His bear was on the edge of surging forward. Between Jasper hitting on Kate, and Kate turning him down he was antsy. It was all piling up on top of him and his bear was ready to take control the only way he knew how.
Annie dipped her head into the office.
“Austin, the health department and the fire marshal are here.”
Chapter 7
Kate
Kate watched as Austin dealt with the fire marshal and health department. She wasn’t sure how he had figured out who Austin was, but she knew that Derek was the reason behind the sudden inspection. Things seemed to be going okay, but she prayed that Austin helping her wasn’t going to hurt his business. Derek going after him wasn’t about her as much as it was about Derek flexing his muscles to Austin. He wanted to show his power and wealth. The old Kate would have ignored this type of behavior by Derek, but to see it unfold in front of her, she was disgusted. She was also furious.
Seduction of the Bear (Bear Kamp Book 1) Page 4
