Free Bear Seeking Bride: Trent (Bear Canyon Brides #3) by Ruby Shae Page A

she’d refused to apologize, her father issued an ultimatum. She had to marry Charles, or leave with nothing.
    She left.
    It had been one of the hardest things she’d ever done, but standing up for herself had given her a sense of power. For the first time in her life, she was happy, but she could admit she’d be happier if she could find a job.
    She didn’t need her father, his money, or a man to complete her life, but she did need a job so she could earn money of her own. Six months was a long time to live without any income and she’d stretched her meager savings as far as she could, even as she cursed herself for not planning better.
    She’d never collected a paycheck from her father, certain the money would always be available. When she left home, he cancelled her credit cards and she’d been forced to live off the modest sum her mother had left her. Now it was nearly gone.
    After combing through the want ads all day, she’d been ready to throw her laptop across the room until she saw the banner for the dating site. With nothing to lose, she typed in the address and began to read through the posts.
    Page after page started and ended the same, confirming her destiny to spend the rest of her life alone. Every ad wanted a tall, thin, active beauty who took excellent care of herself. Several of them went as far as to dictate she act like a lady on the street and a bad girl in the bedroom.
    Olive cringed as she read description after description. Did all men think this way? If so, she was doomed. The tiny thread of hope she had wrapped around her heart slowly started to unwind.
    She told herself she didn’t need a man, but deep down she’d held onto the possibility that she’d find someone eventually. She’d foolishly thought if she held out long enough, she’d find someone to love all of her. Every. Single. Curve. Now she wasn’t so sure.
    She was about to close the page, when a different ad caught her eye.
    Wanted: A Bride for a Bear!
    The author claimed to want a plus-sized woman to provide meals and companionship. He asked for a bride, but stated nothing about sex. Would he want sex, or would it be a business arrangement? Did he like curvy women, or was this an elaborate prank?
    If the author was sincere, he could be the answer.
    She wouldn’t get to work in a restaurant, but creating in her own kitchen for someone who appreciated good food was the next best thing.
    She had no problems living modestly, and maybe, over time, they could be more than friends. A life-long commitment with someone who actually liked her body would be wonderful.
    What if he’s just like your father? Or Charles?
    Something told her he wasn’t like either man, but how could she be sure? Charles had pretended to be nice in the beginning. In fact, it had taken him almost a year to change into the monster she’d dumped six months ago.
    She didn’t know a lot about shifters, but she’d heard they didn’t believe in divorce. How could she protect herself if he turned out to be controlling and abusive? Would she be bound to him forever, or was there a way?
    She shook her head and reread the ad. Something about the carefully chosen words drew her in, even if they seemed almost too scripted. She imagined the author had rewritten the missive several times to set the correct tone.
    The thought made her smile. She wondered how many responses he’d received, and if he’d be willing to meet for a trial run. If she was truthful about her financial issues, would he turn her away, or respect her honesty?
    As much as she wanted to put her best foot forward, she couldn’t deceive him, especially if she sought special provisions to their agreement.
    She decided to keep her response simple, but firm and honest.
    ***
    “You did what?” Trent Mallory roared.
    He grabbed his cane in one hand, and pushed off from the side of the armchair with the other. His rage propelled him forward and he stood swiftly, nearly falling in the other direction.