Furever Mine: A BBW Werebear Romance (Furever Shifters Book 1)

by Iris Balfour

  We joined the board of Perkins McBride at an exclusive Italian restaurant near the headquarters building. Bypassing the front entrance, we entered the private dining room through a side door.

  Walt McBride was there already, along with Thom Perkins, younger brother of the founding Perkins, and Roland Anderson, the chief financial officer and my former boyfriend.

  I introduced Bancroft to them and the board members.

  When Bancroft shook hands with Roland, his nostrils flared slightly and his eyes went to Roland’s tie, a gift I’d bought for his last birthday.

  I edged to the door to slip out, as normal. The board lunch was my opportunity to regroup before a grueling afternoon.

  “Georgette,” Bancroft said. His deep voice cut through the chitchat. “I was hoping you’d sit next to me.” He noticed the looks shot at me. “You did such a wonderful job of explaining how the different parts of the plant work together. I’d like you at hand in case I have more questions.”

  Gracefully I acceded. There was no way the board would let me leave if their VIP prospective investor requested my presence.

  During lunch Bancroft was the perfect gentleman. He didn’t drink at all, I noticed. Nor did he try to touch me or pull any funny stuff under the table.

  I drained my glass of white wine perhaps a little too quickly. I was wound up from the magnetism of his body so close to mine. Seeming to sense my discomfort, he ignored me to make conversation with the board members.

  One time when Roland was making an extravagant claim about financial projections, Bancroft turned to me. “Georgette, can you explain that to me in layman’s terms?”

  I’d been with him all morning while he quizzed the plant managers. He didn’t need my help to understand. Sticking to the facts, I rephrased what Roland said.

  “Ah, much better. Now I get it.”

  With a sinking feeling, I knew everyone else had gotten it too. Bancroft had insulted the CFO, and I had unwittingly helped him. Good-bye year-end bonus.

  Bancroft lightly touched my arm.

  I looked up into his concerned eyes, and my heart was warmed.

  The rest of the meeting was a blur. I listened with one ear only. After all, it was the same pitch that they used for all the investors. When the luncheon was over I asked Bancroft to wait for me while I freshened up.

  It was a relief to step into the ladies room. Being around Bancroft made me tense, despite his apparent desire not to disturb me. The board members were tedious too, I realized for the first time. They seemed small and petty next to Bancroft.

  I could only dry my hands so long before the thick paper towel was nothing but shreds. Depositing it in the trash, I left the restroom.

  Roland was in the hallway outside. He must have been waiting for me, because he turned immediately.

  I stepped back involuntarily. His face was dark with displeasure. Had I ever seen him look like that in the months we had dated? I’d seen him annoyed at trivial things — that was one of the reasons our relationship faded to nothing — but never so angry his face was red.

  “How dare you make me look like a fool in front of the whole board,” he snarled.

  “I—”

  “Did you plan it with your VIP hulk?”

  “Wha—”

  “You listen up. I’m going to let it slide. This time. You get as close to him as you want. In fact, you better get fucking close to him, if you catch my drift.” He got right in my face. “I don’t know what he sees in your fat ugly ass, but you better milk it for everything you can get. You hear me?”

  “Oh, I hear you,” I said calmly despite the thundering of my pulse. What had I ever seen in him? Thank god for small favors. I clung to that thought, and I smiled coolly. “Is that all you have to say, Roland?”

  His eyes narrowed in frustration. “I—”

  “Ah, there you are.” Bancroft loomed over us. “Georgette, would you mind waiting for us in the limousine? I have a few questions for the CFO.” His warm smile turned cold when he turned it on Roland.

  I gladly left. Stepping outside the restaurant into the sunny parking lot, I paused to absorb the sunlight. I was going to have to leave Perkins McBride, I realized. I couldn’t continue working there after Roland’s outburst.

  Bear

  I paced outside in the parking lot, impatiently waiting for my mate. After half a day spent inside cars and buildings, the open air of the parking lot, even tainted as it was with the exhaust of machinery, was refreshing. But I didn’t want to be parted a moment longer than necessary. The thought came to me that she might be looking for me inside.

  I hurried back through the restaurant, scanning the rooms for her glossy hair.

  She was in the long hallway outside the restrooms. My hackles rose. That fool of a CFO was there with her, standing too close. She appeared composed, but I could smell her distress.

  And I heard the insult he hurled at her.

  My bear clamored for release. I fought for control, and managed to just keep my bear in check.

  I would never forget the look of grateful relief my mate gave me. I wished I could swoop in and carry her away. But she hadn’t accepted me as her mate yet, and I wouldn’t frighten her.

  That CFO was a different matter.

  When Georgette was out of sight and smell, I leaned in close to him. I tapped his chest with one finger.

  That perhaps was unwise. With a thought I could expose my four-inch claw. I would take great pleasure in raking through his slimy hide.

  Restraining myself, I merely growled a warning. “Never insult that woman again. Never.”

  He dithered between a show of bravado and a display of servility. His greed won out. “Of course not, Bancroft.” He gave me a knowing smile that nearly got his belly ripped open. Seeing my face, he quickly wiped it off and apologized. “My tongue got away from me—”

  “If you insult her again,” I said with deadly quiet, “or cause her any distress whatsoever, I will rip your tongue from your mouth.”

  The acrid smell of fear poured off him.

  Assured then that he understood the consequences, I turned my back on him. My mate waited for me.

  iii

  Georgette

  I settled into the leather of the company limousine. For just a moment I closed my eyes. It had been a demanding day. My mouth curved. And it wasn’t over yet.

  It was exhilarating how strongly I was drawn to Bancroft, like he was the half of me I hadn’t even known was missing. I felt his presence before I saw him. When he stood next to me I felt his heart beating.

  Crazy thoughts about a man I’d only seen twice, and the first time for less than five minutes. Of course, we’d practically been hand-in-pocket all day. And it had been one of the most enjoyable tours I’d ever given.

  I felt safe when he was around, protected, like nothing would ever harm me.

  But I barely knew him. What if he turned out to have a hidden face like Roland did? Roland hadn’t shown any disgust for my fat ugly ass when he was putting his dick in me.

  Knowing I had sex with someone who thought that way about me made me feel sick inside.

  Never again, I vowed. Never again would I get involved with someone who didn’t accept me the way I was.

  I took a deep breath and let the sour feelings wash out of me.

  At least Roland had the good sense to stay out of our way when we toured the office. Although I didn’t know for sure what Bancroft said to him, I suspected it had something to do with the Perkins McBride valuation. Roland had badly overshot when he tried to misstate the finances to Bancroft.

  Well, it wouldn’t be my problem much longer. Walking through the building with Bancroft, seeing the different departments through his eyes, had changed my assessment of the company. It had been my first job after graduating from college. I’d grown out of it now.

  Bancroft’s gentle voice roused me from my thoughts. “Are you too tired for dinner?”

  “Not at all,” I assured him.
With a sly grin I added, “But I may be weak from hunger.”

  His laughter filled the back of the limousine. “I’m hungry enough to eat a whole deer.”

  Bear

  I’d already decided Perkins McBride would be a poor investment. But I had no compunction about letting Georgette wine and dine me on company expense. It gave me an opportunity to woo my mate without her feeling overwhelmed.

  Left to my own wishes, I would have carried her off to my cabin. But I could already see that she wouldn’t stand to be taken against her will. And I wouldn’t want my mate to be any different.

  I ushered my mate through the doors into the restaurant, my hand lightly touching her back. I pulled my hand away as soon as we’d entered. Otherwise I might forget myself and stroke the sweet curves of her ass. All day I’d been wanting to touch her — her ass, her breasts, the dimple in her cheek when she smiled…

  The maître d’ bowed at our entrance. “Mr. Bruin—”

  “I’m merely a guest tonight.” I gave my mate’s shoulder a butterfly touch. “Ms. Stephens is hosting.”

  Imperceptibly the maître d’ shifted a higher level of his attention toward my mate. He led us to a table against the plate glass wall. “Will this suit you?”

  Georgette was staring at the fairytale forest outside the window. The dining room was built around a central courtyard planted with mature redwoods and ferns.

  She quickly glanced at me to gauge my thoughts before turning to the maître d’. “Yes, this is wonderful.”

  After we were seated her gaze returned to the view outside. “It feels like we’re actually in the forest.”

  “All that’s missing is the forest smell.”

  She understood the lack immediately. “True.” She smiled ruefully. “We wouldn’t want to get too close to the wildlife now, would we?”

  I leaned toward her. Should I tell her now?

  Her gaze dropped to her napkin, arranged like a fan at the center of her place setting. Unfolding it, she smoothed the creases before placing it on her lap.

  She wasn’t ready yet.

  I sat back. “I’d like you to call me Bear.”

  Her eyes flew to mine. “Are you so certain I’m a friend after just a few hours?”

  “Yes.” My voice was strong with conviction. I’d known as soon as I’d seen her.

  “Bear.” She studied me openly, not shy.

  I liked that. My mate should be curious and without fear.

  Even more I liked the rush of warmth in my body at hearing my name in her mouth. Her voice was music for my soul, and it began to fill the emptiness I’d felt for so long.

  “Bear, I—” She broke off at the waiter’s approach.

  We ordered. After a few questions to the waiter, she ordered the day’s special. When the waiter brought rolls, she let me serve her one. She buttered hers, waiting until the butter had melted before taking a bite. She chewed with gusto.

  It pleased me that she enjoyed her food. I wanted to learn what other physical pleasures she enjoyed. I’d seen that she enjoyed hiking. She had looked comfortable as well as lovely in her shorts and boots. My mate would surely enjoy the pleasure of—

  “You’re staring at me,” she said quietly.

  “I’m sorry.” Only that we were in public and I couldn’t rip off her clothes and see all of her.

  “You still haven’t said” — she colored slightly — “whether you’ve forgiven me for the way my friend and I invaded your privacy. It was terribly rude.”

  “You did nothing wrong. Your friend…” I shrugged. “I owe her a debt.”

  “Huh?” She looked adorable when she was startled, her lips slightly parted.

  “I would not have met you otherwise.”

  “But…” Her eyes widened with understanding. “Then you never intended to invest in Perkins McBride.” Her voice held an undertone of irritation.

  “That wasn’t my primary goal, but I’m always looking for good investments.”

  She appeared slightly mollified.

  “You feel loyal to your company?” I asked.

  She gave a half laugh. “Yes. I’ve been there five years.”

  My mate was young to be in such a responsible position. That she was talented and intelligent besides being physically alluring eased my worry about the clan’s acceptance of her. But the more I saw just how right she was, the more difficult it became to control my desire to claim my mate.

  Georgette

  The setting was fabulous, the food was wonderful, and the company was —

  A dream come true.

  I should be too old for a schoolgirl crush and the kind of fantasies where I practiced writing “Mrs. Dreamboat.” But I’d thought of him for days after that hike with Becky. I’d regretted not even knowing the name of the mysterious stranger in the woods.

  And now here he was, and he appeared to be as interested in me as I was in him.

  If appearances could be trusted. Learning what Roland thought of me this afternoon made me doubt my judgment. I wouldn’t make that mistake again.

  The waiter whisked our empty plates from the table and efficiently brushed the crumbs from the tablecloth before presenting a tray of desserts.

  They all looked delicious, especially the raspberry cheesecake. But chocolate was my downfall. I selected the hot fudge sundae cake. My first spoonful melted in my mouth. I sighed with pleasure.

  Bear laughed softly.

  I immediately colored and glanced at him.

  His smile widened. “Good food should be appreciated.” He took a bite of his cheesecake. “This is delicious. Here, try some.”

  Before I could pass him my plate he loaded his fork and held it in front of my mouth. I let him feed me. A warm glow built deep in the pit of my belly.

  He was watching me with expectancy.

  “Would you like to try my cake?” My voice wavered a little.

  I’d just learned his name that day. It felt shockingly intimate — and erotic — to share our food like this, especially when he was a potential investor. A business associate. Someone I’d normally consider off limits.

  He did want a taste. When I lifted my spoon to his mouth, he stared straight into my eyes. It felt like his look went to the very core of my being. A surge of want went through me, leaving my nipples hard and my panties damp.

  His lips closed around my spoon. I imagined my finger, my tongue, my nipple—

  I pulled my spoon back a little abruptly.

  I barely knew him. It didn’t matter that my body wanted him and he apparently was interested in me. Although I’d enjoyed my day with him, all I really knew about him was that he had a cabin in the woods and had enough money to be wooed as an investor. And the bit about the money might not even be true. I didn’t know whether the finance people had vetted him.

  The waiter came with our bill. Bear moved slightly, as though he intended to pay, but he caught himself before actually reaching out.

  With a smile I took the bill. “It’s on the company account.”

  “Thank you,” he said easily, apparently perfectly comfortable with my paying.

  It was full dark outside. I glanced at my watch. We’d been inside the restaurant well over two hours. While waiting for the limousine to be brought up, we chitchatted about our dinner and the day’s events. Standing next to him, I was very conscious of just how tall and broad he was. He’d earned his nickname.

  When the driver and limousine arrived, Bear seated me before climbing in himself.

  “Where should I have the driver take you?” I asked Bear. “Did you park in the company garage?”

  “Yes. And you also?”

  I nodded. I signaled the driver to let us both off at the garage and turned back to Bear.

  This was the time when normally I’d run over the high points of the company, answer any lingering questions, and gently nudge them toward a positive view of us. I couldn’t bring myself to do that tonight. He’d seen everything. He’d probably made up his
mind already.

  His eyes watching me glittered brightly. The air was electric with unresolved tension.

  I could push the button to give us complete privacy. The driver wouldn’t hear or see a thing. But I’d never done that before. This was a company car and a company driver, and I was still on company time. Moreover, I didn’t want the driver reporting back on how well I entertained our potential investor.

  So I kept the conversation light and asked whether Bear had any family in town.

  “I have one sister, no brothers. My sister lives in the northern end of the state. My parents retired to a chalet in the Alps. And you?”

  Well, that was succinct and complete.

  “I’m an only child,” I answered. “My parents got divorced when I was nine, and I haven’t seen my father since then. My mom lives here in town.”

  Also brief and to the point, and more than I usually shared.

  “You have never been married?”

  I countered, “Have you?”

  “I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I didn’t mean to be rude. No, I haven’t married — yet.”

  I was glad that our limousine pulled into the garage then. Bear’s interest flattered me, but he was too good to be true. That last line there was a dead giveaway. He was involved with someone, no matter how I’d read his signals earlier. There was no way he was thinking of marrying me, not when we’d just met.

  I had the driver drop us both off at Bear’s luxury sedan. With an impersonal smile I went into my breezy good-night speech, finally getting to the company talking points.

  “Georgette,” he interrupted me gently.

  I’d been avoiding his gaze since we left the limousine. I made the mistake of looking his way, and my gaze was trapped. I shrugged, uncertain what to say.

  “I’ve already made my decision about the investment. I’ll call Walt tomorrow.”

  “Great,” I said brightly. I stuck out my hand. “It was a pleasure to meet—”

  He took my hand and pulled me into his arms.