Free ROMANCE: Mated to the Bear (Stepbrother Paranormal Shifter) (Threesome Taboo Romance) by Madelin Brook

loved the way she’d throw her head back and laugh that tinkering laugh of hers.
    “You? Gain weight? No. I don’t think so. You always seem to be fit.” She said. “Now me on the other hand…” She said, sighing.
    “Oh, I don’t want to hear anything of the sort. You look just fine.” He stated, taking another sip.
    “You’re my brother. You’re supposed to say that.” She said, rolling her eyes a little. He touched her shoulder, and Carla gave him a look, but he just gave her his most charming smile.
    “No, Carla.” He said, shaking his head with that smile tugging at his lips. “I mean it.” He said, and she nodded a little.
    “Well…” She said, smiling a bit now. “Dinner is almost done. Set the table?” She asked, and he nodded, starting to do so.
    “Being roommates was a great idea.” She said, and he nodded his head in agreement as they both sat down to eat.
    “So do you want to see a movie tomorrow night?” She asked. “Jessie canceled on me, and you know boyfriend-less me doesn’t have a life.” She said teasingly, but he could tell how much it hurt her.
    “I’m busy tomorrow night. You know that.” He said carefully, cutting a piece of his steak.
    “What do you do, anyways?” She asked, clearly frustrated as she took a bite.
    “I just go out. If you want to know, then you’ll just have to come with me one day.” He said laying the bait, and he flicked his gaze for just a moment up to meet hers. Carla seemed startled, and it was hard enough not to let that smile tug at his lips. He kept a straight face, looking down at his food before taking a sip of the freshly brewed sweet tea.
    “Actually come with you?” She asked, almost suspiciously.
    “Yup.” He said, and he just let it hang in the air between them. The long, silent pause seemed like an eternity. He just waited patiently, reminding himself that it was likely the only way that he’d get her to say yes.
    “Fine. It looks like we’re doing whatever it is that you do. I swear, if it’s playing Dungeon and Dragons, I’m killing you.” She said teasingly, but her curiosity was evident. He let himself chuckle at her little joke.
    “I assure you, that’s not the case. However, if you’re coming with me, there are rules. It’s critical that you follow them.” He said, making sure his voice was deadly serious.
    “You can’t be serious.” She said, nearly spitting out her drink. He just quirked an eyebrow at her coolly.
    “Deadly.” He said, and he continued to finish his meal.
    “Fine. Lay them on me.” She said, and he chuckled again.
    “Don’t say it like it’s so bad. You’re the one that wanted to come.” He said.
    “Oh just c'mon and tell me.” Carla said, both irritated and intrigued.
    “You must dress appropriately, and I’ll help you.” He said, and she nodded, grunting her disapproval.
    “You must not tell anyone.” He said next, and she grunted her approval again, and he waited a moment before continuing to see if she’d say anything.
    “You must listen to every single thing I say. It’s for your safety.” He said, waiting for her response.
    “Good one.” She said, giving a nervous laugh, and he just looked at her.
    “I’m serious. Yes or no. It’s your choice if you want to come.” Alex said, shrugging as if it didn’t mean anything to him. I know you’ll say yes. Just take the bait, my little stepsister. He thought amused.
    “Okay.” She said. “It’ll be worth it to see where you go all these times.” She said, and he nodded a little bit.
    “I’m sure you think so.” He said, laughing as he cleaned up the dishes.
    He started to put away the leftovers, and as she brushed past him she turned to look in his eyes. He knew she was beginning to become interested. He tucked a stray hair behind her ear, and her breathing hitched a little. Her eyes never wavered from hers, and he could tell that Carla was biting the inside of her lip. Just as the moment came, it was then