Red and the Tiger (BBW Shapeshifter Paranormal Romance) (Shifters Everafter Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

friend from bingo. There’s some kind of betting tournament going on, and Gran went to that. Why did you come to Rose Valley? Did you grow up here?”
    “No. I grew up in the human world, but I came here as soon as I was old enough.”
    “Did your family come too?”
    He shook his head. “I don’t have any family. I was a foster kid.”
    “I’m sorry. That must have been really hard. I’ve heard it isn’t easy for shifter kids to get adopted. Were you at least in a shifter home?”
    “Nope. I got mainstreamed. It’s supposed to make it easier for shifter kids to fit into the human world.” He laughed harshly. “The guys in charge didn’t think that one through.”
    “What do you mean?” Suzy rolled onto her side to face him.
    “There are a lot of guys here like me, who grew up in the system and left to come to a shifter sanctuary. That was exactly what they were trying to avoid.”
    “Why? Were people mean to you? I thought it had gotten better for shifters.”
    “Mostly it has, but not in this case. I don’t know. Growing up like that, you see that humans don’t really want you around. You know?” He drew his legs up to his chest. “There was no chance for a kid like me to get adopted. They’ll let us live but they don’t want us in their homes. As soon as I heard about a place where there were only shifters, I couldn’t get here fast enough.”
    “Do you like living here?”
    He shrugged. “It’s better than anywhere else I’ve lived, but I think I’m ready for a new place. Do you like where you live?”
    “No.” The forcefulness of her answer surprised her. “I mean, I love my home. It’s the only place I’ve ever lived, and my Mom and Gran are the best. I just would like to see more of the world.”
    “I get that. If you’ve never slept outside your home at your age, I think you could stand to get out more. Doesn’t really add up, though.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Well, and I don’t mean anything bad here, you seem a little naïve. But your grandmother is out here gambling in a rough shifter town. I don’t see how the two go together.”
    “My dad died when my mom was pregnant with me, and she’s very protective. She and Gran are opposites in every way. And I’m not naïve.” Suzy rolled over to her back and looked at the ceiling. “I just haven’t gotten to experience much. I know the world is a crazy, scary place. I just choose to still think there are good people out there. Like you. I wasn’t wrong about you.”
    Tyler snorted. “You’ve known me for a few hours. You can’t make a good judgment in that time.”
    Suzy yawned and looked at him. “You’re still helping me even though I lied to you. You try to seem like a big, bad tiger, but really I think you’re a pussycat. That’s why you want to leave Rose Valley. You don’t fit in with the hardscrabble, tough people here.”
    “You’re tired.” Tyler stood up. “I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”
    She nodded. “Good night again.”
    “Night.”
    This time after he had closed the door, she didn’t have any trouble falling asleep. She was too exhausted. He had talked with her, and that was something. He still didn’t care to ask her name, but it was still something. Maybe she would be able to convince him to help her. In the morning. Now, she needed to sleep or she would be no good to anyone.

Six
    Tyler couldn’t sleep anymore. He could have stayed up talking to Red, but she needed sleep. His tiger was also getting out of hand.  The animal wanted her. Normally, he wouldn’t be opposed to having a human for the night, but this was too risky. The girl was so naïve. There was no telling how she’d react if he even kissed her. Something told him it would be bad. She would get attached or obsessive or say he had taken advantage of the situation. It would bring undue attention to him and his new business venture.
    If he even had a business venture anymore. He checked to make sure