Burden to Bear

  A BURDEN TO

  BEAR

  A BBW Paranormal Shifter Romance

  AMIRA RAIN

  Copyright ©2014 by Amira Rain

  All rights reserved.

  About This Book

  When Sarah meets the man of her dreams she feels that everything is finally going right. Wilson is perfect for her in every way and, most importantly, he loves her curvy frame. His stunning good looks make it easy to understand why any woman would fall head over heels for a man like him.

  However, Sarah's best friend Douglas feels like something is not quite right about Wilson and his suspicions lead him into discovering the dark secret that Wilson is hiding. A secret so dark it could mean Sarah's life is in danger.

  Only problem is, in order to save her Douglas must also reveal SHOCKING secrets of his own.....

  **

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  Table Of Contents

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER ONE

  “French vanilla toasted almond!” yelled the barista, slamming the cup down on the counter.

  Sarah snatched the drink and made a beeline for the rear of the coffee house. The best seat was still free, and it was all hers!

  Sarah’s favorite seat at Lucky’s Coffee Shop was a bench in the farthest corner where she could relax away from the hustle and chatter of the baristas, while indulging in a latte and enjoying some classic jazz music on her Ipod.

  She had until Friday night to get the lyrics down pat to the Elsa Fitzpatrick song she was covering during her set at the Holiday Lounge. She popped in her ear buds. Then she took a huge sip of the steaming hot latte, licked the froth from her top lip, pressed “play” and closed her eyes.

  She mouthed the lyrics and sang silently to herself. She imagined she was standing beneath a spotlight, crooning into a silver microphone, hair curled and piled atop her head and adorned with one red rose. She topped off the fantasy with a long royal blue gown, complete with a sultry slit up the side. It hugged her curves perfectly.

  The song had looped around for the third time when she felt a soft touch on her arm.

  Sarah’s eyes popped open. A handsome guy was standing beside her, grinning. She pulled out one earbud and looked up at him expectantly.

  “I’m so sorry to bother you,” the guy apologized. “I couldn’t help hearing your music. You had it up so loud.” “Oh, was it disturbing you?” Sarah asked.

  The guy smiled deeply and shook his head. “No, not at all,” he said. “I just wanted to tell you that I love Elsa Fitzpatrick. That is one of my favorite songs. In fact…” He pulled his cell phone from his jeans pocket. “It’s my ringtone!”

  He pressed a button, and the exact same song poured from his cell phone speaker.

  “Wow!” exclaimed Sarah. “I’m really impressed. Most people our age don’t like Elsa. They think it’s their grandparents’ music or something.”

  “They don’t know what they’re missing,” the guy said. “Elsa is ageless.” He extended his hand towards her. “I’m Wilson.”

  “Sarah,” she responded, blushing. Wilson was staring at her intently. And he was so hot!

  “I’m so glad to meet the one other person under the age of sixty in the city, no maybe in the world, that likes Elsa,” Wilson said. “Um, can I sit down?” He tapped the chair on the other side of the table.

  “Oh sure,” said Sarah, a little breathlessly. This guy was too good to be true. Golden hair, tanned, muscular, and deep blue eyes. He looked like some sort of golden god from a Greek mythology book. She couldn’t stare into his eyes too long. Was she imagining it, or did they glitter?

  Wilson was carrying a mug of tea. He set the mug on the table and slid into the chair. “I’m new to this city,” he said.

  “I didn’t think you were from here.” Sarah smiled. “I detect the slightest bit of an accent.”

  “Yes,” said Wilson. “I am a long way from home. I’m visiting the university campus to decide where to go to grad school. I’m lucky. One of my childhood friends lives in this city. I’m staying a few weeks at his place. Thought it would be a nice holiday.”

  “Where are you from?” Sarah asked curiously. She was unable to pin down his accent.

  “Here and there. Lots of places.” Wilson looked a bit uncomfortable.

  Sarah didn’t want to dampen the conversation by insisting he answer. She changed the subject. “How do you like the university?” she asked. “I’m a student there.”

  “I really like it,” Wilson said. “I’m definitely going to apply.”

  Sarah took a gulp of her latte. “What’s your focus?”

  “Education,” said Wilson, peering at her over the rim of his mug. “I love children. I want to work with special needs children.”

  Sarah felt warm through and through. “Teaching is a passion of mine, too. I’m majoring in early childhood education. I want to be an elementary school teacher.”

  “You will make a wonderful teacher,” said Wilson. “You have such a gentle kind way about you.”

  Sarah smiled and looked down at her cup. “Thank you.”

  “We have so much in common,” Wilson said.

  “Well, teaching, the university, Elsa, this coffee shop…” Sarah’s voice trailed off. “Let’s see, what else? Do you like cats?”

  Wilson flinched.

  “Do you hate cats?” Sarah asked, smiling a little.

  “I’m just not crazy about them,” Wilson said. “But I don’t hate them. So I guess you like cats?”

  “Yeah,” said Sarah. “I rent an apartment instead of living in the dorm just so I can keep my kitties with me. I’ve had them for six years.”

  “Hmm… a good mother then?” Wilson smiled.

  “Always,” Sarah said.

  “So what’s the world’s greatest future elementary school teacher doing sitting in a coffee shop, blasting Elsa Fitzpatrick,” joked Wilson. “Shouldn’t you be student teaching? Or studying? I don’t see any books.”

  Sarah laughed. “Well, I have that apartment to pay for –

  “Yeah, for the cats,” Wilson interrupted, his eyes twinkling.

  “Stop making fun of me,” Sarah giggled. “But yes, I have to pay for a place for me and Chum-Chum and Noodle to live. Plus, there’s a little tuition I’m responsible for each semester after my scholarship kicks in. So I sing at some local clubs on the weekends. I was learning this song to sing on Friday night.”

  “Beautiful, smart, and talented, too!” exclaimed Wilson. “You certainly are a triple threat.”

  “Oh stop,” protested Sarah, and playfully smacked his arm. “I’m just your average girl-next-door who happens to sing.”

  Wilson smiled. “Well, I would love to hear you sing sometime, Sarah. I’d love to come see you Friday night, especially because you are going to be performing my favorite song, but I promised my friend tha
t I would have dinner with his parents. I haven’t seen them for years.”

  Sarah’s face fell.

  Wilson quickly added, “Are you free on Saturday? How about dinner and a movie?”

  Sarah collected herself and beamed. “I’d love to.”

  “Send me a text so that I have your number,” he urged playfully, nudging her phone that was lying askew on the table.

  “What’s your number?”

  Wilson rattled off his number and Sarah’s fingers quickly typed it in, along with the message, “See you Saturday!” She hit send.

  A few seconds later, Wilson’s phone beeped. He glanced at the message.

  “Wonderful,” he said. “I can’t wait for Saturday evening, Sarah.” He stood up and stretched. “I have to run. I’m meeting my friend for lunch.” He grabbed his mug and just stood there for a moment, smiling down at her. “Bye,” he said finally, his eyes sparkling.

  “Bye,” said Sarah, her smile almost hurting her face.

  She watched the door longingly after he had disappeared. Saturday night seemed so far away!

  ***

  During her class about elementary school math on Friday morning, Sarah received a text message alert.

  It was from Wilson. “Sing like an angel tonight, Sarah. I wish I could be there.”

  Sarah glowed. “Thanks so much,” she texted back.

  Wilson replied, “Need address to pick you up tomorrow. Is six p.m. good?

  “Yes,” Sarah texted back. Then she sent him her home address.

  ***

  The doorbell to Sarah’s apartment chimed promptly at six p.m. Saturday evening.

  “Just a moment!” she shouted over the Internet radio she was playing in her bedroom. She quickly turned off the music, and ran her flatiron through the few last strands of untamed hair. She sprayed on a finishing lacquer. “There,” she whispered, eying herself in the vanity mirror. “Perfect.”

  She trotted to the door in her bare feet, took a deep breath, and opened it wide.

  She was confronted by dozens and dozens of pink roses. Somewhere behind the flora, she could make out the top of Wilson’s head.

  “Ooooooh, they are so beautiful!” she exclaimed. “Are they for me?”

  “Yes, good evening,” chuckled Wilson from behind the huge bouquet. “They are especially for you. I couldn’t leave one rose behind. I told the florist that I’d buy every pink rose in the place.”

  He helped her carry them to a corner table where she deftly rearranged them to erase any signs of manhandling from their journey.

  “No one has ever given me a bouquet like this!” she said breathlessly. “Thanks so much, Wilson.” She hugged him tightly.

  “You’re welcome,” he replied. “You look very lovely this evening. Love your sweater.” He touched the sleeve softly with his fingertips. “It’s so soft.”

  Sarah was pleased. She had spent a week’s pay on the cashmere sweater – a crimson red that complimented her long dark hair and dusky eyes. She colored a little as Wilson’s eyes swept over her, lingering on her breasts and hips.

  “Now take a seat on the couch for a couple minutes,” she said. “I’m almost ready.”

  Wilson sat on the couch and propped a leg up confidentially. “Love your apartment,” he said, glancing about. “Very artsy.”

  Sarah laughed as she scurried back to the bedroom, “I use my creativity to make it comfy. It suits me.”

  She routed through her closet for the perfect handbag and her black leather boots with the stiletto heels.

  Meanwhile, she was unaware that her two cats were slinking into the living room, curious about the newcomer.

  With her belly low to the ground, Chum-Chum skulked softly behind the couch where Wilson was seated. She crawled under the couch and sniffed Wilson’s feet, a low growl permeating through her abdomen. Noodle arched his back and his tail swelled to three times its normal size.

  “Scat!” Wilson yelled.

  Sarah tripped out of the bedroom, one boot half on. “What happened?”

  Wilson was breathing hard. “You’re cat attacked me.” He did not look amused. “It came out from under the couch and bit my ankle.”

  Chum-Chum had already retreated to the dining room but Noodle was bravely standing on the top of a bookshelf, caterwauling like an old tomcat.

  “Now, that one is going to jump!” Wilson exclaimed, pointing at the crouching feline.

  Sarah waved her hands at Noodle. “Stop! Bad kitty!” she yelled, and clapped her hands. She herded him into the dining room and shut the door.

  “I’m so sorry,” she apologized. “Let me take a look at your ankle.”

  Wilson’s ankle was scratched and bleeding. Sarah grabbed a bandage and some antibiotic ointment from her first aid kit and helped him to apply it.

  “I can’t apologize enough,” she repeated. “What a horrible way to start a first date.”

  “No worries,” said Wilson. “Cat’s don’t like me, and I don’t like them.”

  Sarah sighed. “They usually are so good when I have visitors. Except…” She thought for a moment. “You know, they act the same way when my friend Douglas is over. But with everyone else, they’re fine.”

  “Ah,” said Wilson. “Jealousy. They don’t like men coming over and monopolizing your attention. Well, I have to admit, I am glad they treat your friend Douglas so badly, too.”

  “Douglas is just a friend,” Sarah quickly reassured him. “We’ve known each other since first grade.”

  “Really?” said Wilson. “That is quite a long friendship.”

  “I know. It’s been forever,” said Sarah. “He’s like my brother.”

  She quickly slid on her other boot, zipped it up, and grabbed her purse. “Let’s go.”

  The two of them left the apartment together.

  ***

  Dinner was delightful. Despite the frigid temperatures, it was a clear starry night. Despite her stiletto heels, Sarah turned down Wilson’s offer of a cab, and they walked ten blocks to an Italian bistro that Wilson’s friend had recommended. Sarah and Wilson had so much to talk about, and he was so funny, she couldn’t stop laughing at the charming jokes and puns he managed to squeeze in at opportune moments. She was having such a great time that she felt like they had only been walking for a few minutes before they arrived at the bistro.

  Wilson ordered a slightly expensive bottle of red wine to start their meal. He raised his glass to toast. “To this absolutely stunning woman who I cannot believe agreed to come out on a date with me,” he grinned. “Cheers to the beautiful Sarah!”

  Sarah grinned ear-to-ear and tapped her wine glass against his.

  Wilson winked at the violinist standing in the corner. The old man stood by the table and played a slow serenade. Sarah tilted her head to the side slightly, smiled, and just stared into Wilson’s dazzling blue eyes for the entire song. She was in high spirits. She had never dated a man this romantic – and this handsome!

  They both chatted happily throughout the meal. Wilson discussed some other universities he had visited recently, and asked Sarah questions about the one she attended.

  Before they knew it, the bells at the cathedral down the street were tolling eight o’clock.

  “Better get to that movie,” said Wilson. “Want to grab coffee on the way?”

  They both grabbed a coffee from a nearby coffee bar, and walked arm-in-arm to the theater.

  “What’s showing?” asked Sarah as they approached the ticket office.

  “Horror flick, it looks like,” replied Wilson, starting at the marquee. “Do scary movies frighten you?”

  “Not if you’re with me,” Sarah said, loving the pressure of his arm against her.

  Wilson purchased two tickets for Hotel Macabre II, and they entered the dark theater.

  The movie bothered Sarah a bit more than she would have thought. She was not a fan of slasher films, but she had played down her fear of horror movies because she wanted an opportunity to
cuddle with Wilson in the dark.

  After one particularly gruesome scene, Wilson noticed that she was visibly shuddering. He put his arm around her.

  “We can leave, if you’d like,” he offered.

  “No, I’m just cold,” Sarah lied.

  Wilson removed his coat and tucked it around her snugly, then wound his arm around her again. “Cold no more, my lady,” he said.

  Sarah snuggled up against him.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Sarah did not sleep a wink that night. She tossed and turned, got up and drank a glass of warm milk, returned to bed, and tossed and turned again. She could not stop thinking about Wilson. Each time she began to finally relax and fall asleep, she would remember how amazing it felt to cuddle with him in the movie theater. Then she would get butterflies in her stomach, and she found herself wide-awake once again.

  Although her first date with Wilson was absolutely perfect in every way, there was one area that bothered Sarah a bit. Wilson had not tried to kiss her. He had insisted that they part outside the movie theater, and then he had paid for her to take a cab home. She tried to ignore the feeling, but she was a little depressed about the whole night, and doubted herself. The part of her that lacked self-confidence argued that maybe Wilson was not really attracted to her, after all. Perhaps she would never hear from him again.

  She knew all these feelings were silly. The reality of it was that Wilson had manners, more than any man she had ever dated. She told herself that Wilson most likely considered it uncouth to kiss a girl on the first date.

  She dragged herself out of bed at 8 a.m. for an early morning study group at the university library. She mechanically showered and dressed herself in simple jeans, sneakers, and a hoodie. Then she trudged to campus through the drizzling rain.

  Douglas was the only one in the study group that had arrived on time. He was slouched in one of the big chairs near the library entrance, staring moodily through the windows that overlooked a dark city street.