Rose Red: Furry Tale Shifters Read online

  Rose Red

  Furry Tale Shifters 2

  Nicky Fox

  Copyright © 2019 by Nicky Fox All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Cover Designer: Lorelei Przybranowski with Hell Yes Design Studio

  Image designed by: Lorelei Przybranowski

  Editor: Virginia Tesi Carey

  Proofreader: Megan J. Parker-Squiers

  Created with Vellum

  For Collin

  Contents

  1. Rose

  2. Ben

  3. Rose

  4. Ben

  5. Rose

  6. Ben

  7. Rose

  8. Ben

  9. Rose

  10. Ben

  11. Rose

  12. Ben

  13. Rose

  14. Ben

  Epilogue

  Coming Soon

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Subscribe

  ~Also by Nicky Fox~

  1

  Rose

  Glancing in the mirror, I take a deep breath and psych myself up for the discussion to come with my younger sister Firn. “I need a change of scenery. I need to spread my wings and experience new things. This won’t be a permanent move but it’s just something I have to do. I feel like my life is slipping away and I’m not living it.” Nodding my head at myself in the mirror, I feel my confidence rising.

  I’ve lived in Bremen my whole life, twenty-five years. There’s nothing wrong with this place. It’s quite a picturesque town to live in. The community is small enough that everyone knows everyone and large enough where you’re not bothered by gossip and are able to go unnoticed, mostly. I won’t say there are no problems here, there are. The city is shrouded in mystery. I’ve felt it since I was a little girl. People leaving town without notice and strange characters passing through. With that, Bremen has a certain buzz surrounding it.

  I feel it's time to leave the comfort of my hometown and have an adventure. I’m ready to meet the man of my dreams and bring him back here and settle down. I already own my own business with Firn. Rose in Bloom is my pride and joy. It’s our little floral shop we run in the heart of the town. Our new friend Scarlett works there too.

  Scarlett is somewhat new to the area. She used to spend her summers here when she was a kid but has moved back permanently into her late grandmother’s house. She’s only been here a short while and has already landed herself Paul Hemlock, the town’s most eligible bachelor. I’m happy for my friend, ecstatic really. They’re perfect for each other. The thing is, I haven’t found my someone. I’m a romantic at heart and my life just won’t feel complete without a special man in my life.

  Sure, there have been some men I’ve dated in the past but no one worth mentioning. I’m looking for a great romance. One for the books as my book nerd sister would say. Bremen is pretty slim pickings for available men so I’ve exhausted all resources here. There isn’t a man within twenty miles that I have that special feeling for. They’re all duds. I’ve had some good times with the wrong guys but I’m looking for the right one. I’m looking for my soul mate.

  I’ve waited around long enough. I’m the type of girl that goes for what she wants. That’s how I became owner of the most successful florist shop in town. Sitting around waiting for my knight in shining armor isn’t my style. No. I’m going to bust out of this town and go find my future husband. I know he’s out there somewhere. I’m certain he’s not here.

  “Are you done talking to yourself?” Firn raps on the other side of the bathroom door. I wonder how much she heard. “I know you’ve been avoiding telling me. That’s why you sprung it on me the other day in the shop in front of Scarlett, so she could be a buffer. Come out and talk to me.”

  I love my sister. She’s straight and to the point. No B.S. And she’s completely content to stay here in Bremen with no hope for a man. I don’t know how she does it. I guess the men in the romance novels she reads are enough for her. Unlike Firn, I don’t want to read about love, I want to experience it. I want to live it. Sometimes, I do envy her. Firn seems perfectly happy where she is. Our lives are pretty great here in Bremen. We’re a well-respected family and we contribute to the community when we can. Our business thrives and we’re generally liked by all. There are no complaints.

  Which is why, when I find my man, I plan on bringing him back here. I’m restless and ready. Although, I’m not sure I’m ready to face my sister. We’ve been thick as thieves since she was born. I’ve always taken care of her and we’re also best friends and roommates. I don’t want to desert her or cause her any pain. From her comments muffled through the door, she seems more willing to tackle this than I do.

  Swinging the door open, I come face to face with my beautiful sister. She looks similar to me. Her long dark hair and bright blue eyes, tinted red lips and light complexion. But our personalities couldn’t be more different. I’m more outgoing and a go-getter. Firn is introverted, quiet, thoughtful. She sees everything that’s going on and is very observant. I’m more a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl.

  That’s how we got into the flower business. A prominent shop had closed off the main street in downtown. I’d dreamed of opening my own store in the city center since I can remember. It wasn’t until I was much older and tired of getting plain roses from boys sold at the local grocery that the thought of a florist shop came to mind. Plus, I’ve always been fond of flowers since my namesake. There was another shop in town, on the outskirts. It wasn’t convenient for the townsfolk to venture that far for flowers and so the idea was born. Firn was on board from the moment of conception. She loved the idea of being surrounded by flowers all day and hanging out in the back to do arrangements.

  That first year was the most exciting of my life. I had a new business, profits were rolling in and I had a sure future. Now, three years later, I feel I’m at an impasse. Nothing is going to change in my life unless I go out and do something about it. It’s been on my mind for a while to open up another shop somewhere out of Bremen. It would be exciting to have a chain store. I’ve scouted out a few locations and I feel I’ve found the perfect location in the next big town over, Shepfield.

  There’s enough money in the bank for this investment and when all is said and done, I’ll have two shops bringing in money instead of one. Money has been a big motivator since both of my parents died five years ago. Firn was only sixteen at the time and I felt a big responsibility to make sure she would always be okay. We received a little inheritance that helped us get the store off the ground and the rest was hard work and determination.

  I’ll never forget the night there was a knock at the door. Police Chief Hanson was there to greet me, his face somber. There had been a tragic accident, a car crash. My parents were killed on impact. At lease they didn’t suffer. In an instant, I was an orphan and my sister needed me more than ever. As the tears ran down my cheeks that night, all I could think of was having to relay the news to Firn. In true Firn fashion, she said we would take care of each other. That night as we cried together we formed an even stronger bond than what we already had. One that I know can’t be broken by time or space.

  That’s another reason why this move is so difficult. I feel like I’m abandoning my sister, even if it’s only to the next town over. It’s just something that I feel I must do. When I gaze into her face now, she’s completely calm and reassuring. When did she become an adult? I guess I’ve always thought of her as my kid sister. We joke with
each other a lot and bicker like sisters do, but I’ve always felt a responsibility to her, like she’s mine to take care of. Now, I feel as if she’s comforting me like she did that one night our parents were killed.

  “You heard?” I mumble. Firn quirks her lips up.

  “You forget that these walls are paper thin. You also forget how well I know you. I’ve seen you searching on your computer for new locations for a shop. I know you’re unable to sit still. That’s the reason you hired Scarlett. You wanted to make sure I had help before you went out on your venture. I’ll admit, I was caught a little off guard the other day when you mentioned opening a second store. I didn’t think it would happen so quickly. But it’s okay, big sister. I’ll be fine. I know you need to do this and I support you all the way.” Her hands rest on my shoulders as she stares into my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I lean in for a hug. This is what I really needed right now, a hug from my sister who always seems to know the right thing to say to me.

  When Scarlett announced her engagement the other day, I decided that since it was a good time for announcements, maybe it would soften the blow a little if I blurted out about leaving. It didn’t. I’ve been avoiding this talk with Firn for a couple of days now. Being the intuitive sister that she is, she let me have time to work it out. I’m really a coward, hiding behind Scarlett’s engagement, avoiding the issue and now hiding in this bathroom.

  Another deep breath and I pull myself together and act like the big sister I am. “I’m moving to Shepfield.”

  2

  Ben

  She’s here. I know she is. I’d been searching for her for almost a month when I picked up her scent on the border of town. My mate is close. I’m conflicted about this though. I’m cursed; I can’t shift, haven’t been able to for six years now. So, what happens when I find her? She’s human and I’m not. Her scent told me right away that she wasn’t a shifter. Her aroma was intoxicating, like honey to a bear. This curse needs to be lifted. Once I find her I don’t know if I’ll even make myself known. But before I concentrate on that, I need to see my mate.

  Who knows, maybe she’ll be the key to breaking the spell? It’s why I gravitated to Bremen in the first place. It’s known as a shifter town. A safe haven of sorts. I thought I’d find some answers here but it just leads to more questions. In all my twenty-nine years, I knew I would be very lucky to find my mate and now it’s almost like torture. Being this close and not being able to go up to her and speak with her, get to know her like a man.

  If I was a polar bear, I could blend in more with the snow and get closer to town and wouldn’t be seen. Instead, I have to wait on the outskirts and hope she ventures out. Although, I don’t know exactly what I’ll do when I see her. Maybe the curse will break on sight and I’ll be able to go to her. I don’t know. I’m probably reaching. Regardless, I just want to see her.

  She was at the lumberjack competition when my friend Paul competed; I just couldn’t get close enough to pick her out. I return there often to see if I can still scent her. Sometimes it feels like it was all a dream and my mind was playing tricks on me. But there’s no way I could make up that scent. She smelled like heaven. I could almost taste her sweetness on my tongue.

  She’s the driving force in me right now. I was about to go out of my mind being stuck in the body of my bear for so long but my mate has given me purpose. I camp out on the road toward Scarlett’s house. I like to watch over her home too to make sure everything is safe. Scarlett’s become a good friend, her mate Paul has been my friend for many years. He’s one of the reasons I’m still sane.

  Since I’ve been locked in my bear form this long, interaction with others is few and far between. If I didn’t have Paul to talk to, I would’ve gone off the deep end. Now, I can speak with Scarlett too since she knows about us shifters, having mated to my friend.

  A cardinal chirps above me and calls to his female. She chirps back and he comes running back to their nest. I’m envious of a bird; even he’s found his someone.

  It’s a warm winter afternoon and some of the snow has melted which creates slush. I hunker down under a tree and watch the world go by as I stay stagnate in this form.

  My ears perk up. I must’ve dozed off. It’s a problem being held in your bear form in winter. All you want to do is hibernate. Footsteps approach and I make sure my bulky body is covered as much as it can be by the tree. I watch with anticipation as the figure approaches down the road. The wind picks up for a moment and then, it hits me. I’ve found my mate.

  Long dark hair frames her small face as she walks toward me on the road to Scarlett’s house. Ruby red lips beg to be kissed. Big bright blue eyes are unaware of a large bear lurking in the forest watching her. This beauty must be Aphrodite herself. Vivid dreams of my mate pale in comparison to her striking features. Her body sways as she treads up the lane. My mate’s hips are wide, perfect for breeding. This is the woman that will have my cubs.

  Licking my lips, I breathe her in. My claws dig into the Earth as that heavenly aroma hits my nose. My eyes roll into the back of my head. When I open them again, I focus on her retreating form. Being hidden behind this large oak tree gives me more time to appreciate her form. My mate’s ass is encased in a tight pair of jeans. I just want to sink my teeth into it. Those glorious globes need my mouth and my hands. I glance down at myself. I’m rock hard. My cock has never been this painfully hard, not even when I would dream of her.

  She’s just a silhouette now. I can’t lose her. I’m a large burly bear though and quietness is not my forte. I take a tentative step in the direction she’s heading. I stay with the trees to stay hidden. The first crunch of ice echoes across the forest. My mate abruptly turns and looks in my direction. I lie low and try not to breathe. From this distance away, I’m sure human eyes will only see a log. I take the moment to look into her face as her eyes search for me. Beautiful. Breathtaking. I can’t believe I’ve found her. What is her name? I know of no name that would be fitting of her.

  What do I do now? I’ve been so preoccupied in finding her that I didn’t think about what would happen once I did. I have no idea how to approach her. If only I could read minds. I wonder if she likes bears? She suddenly turns back around and heads back toward Scarlett’s house. She must know her.

  I creep as quietly as I can beside her. She hums on her way and I’m entranced. A cardinal swoops down in front of her and she laughs. It warms my belly. A moment ago, I was envious of that bird and now my mate is here in front of me. My bear is anxious to claim her. He doesn’t realize that we must be civil and earn her trust. If it were up to him, he would barrel out of these trees and embrace her. He’s a bit wild. I’m surprised I’ve been able to control him this long. Although, we make a good team. He knows when to back off and give me control.

  So many times, I wanted to give him all the control and fade into the abyss but I held on for her. I knew my mate was out there and she would need me like I need her. I’ve always had a feeling she was close, I knew I just had to have faith that I’d find her before the curse engulfed me whole.

  The curse. I never believed in them until I met her. The woman who put the curse on me. She wanted to be my mate, but I knew she wasn’t. She was a witch. A cruel, manipulative, conniving, selfish woman with an agenda that didn’t take into consideration other’s feelings and how lives would be ruined with her actions. It almost cost me my life. To this day, I still don’t know how I got away from that woman. I’ve never hated that witch more than I do right now. My mate is right in front of me and I can’t even go to her because of this curse. I have to stay in hiding.

  Just like I thought, my mate approaches Scarlett’s house. Getting as close as I can, I listen in on the conversation between Scarlett and . . .

  “Hey, Rose!” Scarlett greets her.

  Rose.

  “Hi, I was just coming by to see if you were available to take Firn’s shift tomorrow. She’s coming with me to scout out a few locations in Shepfield.”

 
“Sure. Come on in and have a drink.” Rose follows Scarlett inside the large house and the door closes behind them. I move quickly to the back where I know the kitchen is. I almost knock down a small tree to get to the kitchen window. I don’t want to take my eyes off my mate. My ears prick up to listen to their conversation.

  “So, you’re going tomorrow. We sure are going to miss you around here.” Scarlett moves over to a teapot and pours them both a cup. Rose sits at the table close to the window. I duck a little so she can’t see me. This is the closest I’ve been to her and there’s a wall between us. I paw at the wall between us. If only I could touch her.

  “Ben.” I jump about four feet off the ground and land into a bush to the side of the house. Fuck, it’s a thorn bush.

  “Ow!” I moan. Paul stands there laughing at me. Jerk.

  “Sorry, man. That was priceless. You always hear me coming. Plus, what were you doing snooping on my mate? Do I need to beat your ass?” Paul crosses his arms in front of him, all humor gone.

  “My mate!” His head tilts and Paul becomes very serious.

  “Ben, that’s my mate.” He points to the window and looks at me with pity. “Scarlett is my mate. Maybe you need to head out for a couple of days to clear your head.” I amble out of the thorn bush, staying on all fours so the women can’t see me through the window.

  “No. ROSE!” I roar. It’s loud enough that Scarlett peaks outside. I fall back into the bush.

  “Paul?” Scarlett opens the window and asks, “Are you okay?”