Bad Bear: BBW Bear Shifter Paranormal Romance (BRIDES fur BEARS Book 1) by Natalie Kristen Page A

Financial Consultant,” her manager
said in her usual brisk, efficient manner. “Pamela said that many new businesses had
sprouted up and the town was expanding quite rapidly, so she wanted
someone trustworthy and experienced who could give the business
owners and town residents sound financial advice. I thought of you,
and...”
    Without a second thought,
Staci had given her reply. “I'll go. I'll go to Shadow
Point.”
    So here she was.
    In
the small town of Shadow Point where humans were the minority and
paranormals ruled the night— and
the karaoke mic.

C HAPTER TWO

    “ Okay,
my turn,” Melanie said, clambering off her bar stool and
rushing to the side of the small, narrow stage.
    Staci
whistled and c heered when Melanie bounded onto the stage as soon as Gramma and Ne-ma finished
their song on a surprisingly
pitch perfect high note.
    Taking the mic, Melanie
launched into a soulful ballad and appreciative applause broke out.
Staci gasped. Melanie had the voice of an angel. The crowd began to
sway and some couples even got to their feet and began to slow dance.
    Staci
smiled. There were shifters, vampires, fae folk and humans crammed into the little bar, and everyone was having a good
time. She had made the right decision moving to Shadow Point. She
was going to like it here, she decided.
    When
Melanie glanced her way, Staci grinned and flashed her friend two
thumbs-up. Melanie was one of the tellers in the bank. It was a
small branch, with just two tellers, a receptionist and the b ranch manager. Staci made five. Staci got on well with her new colleagues. Pamela, the b ranch manager, was a single mom while the other teller, Matthew, was a
newly-wed and was always eagerly rushing home to his love nest.
Claire, the receptionist, had come with them to The Round Table, but
after a few drinks, she had happily chatted up a well-dressed vampire
and headed out with him. She had winked to Melanie and Staci and
waggled her eyebrows. I am so getting laid tonight ,
her eyebrows said.
    Staci whooped in delight as she
watched Gareth walk up to Melanie after her song and hand her a gold
star. Melanie squealed and pumped her fist in the air. She was
getting drinks on the house tonight.
    Melanie came and threw one
arm around Staci's shoulder. “I did it,” she beamed,
admiring her glittering cardboard star. “Yay! Free beer!”
    Staci laughed. “Don't
get too drunk. We all have to work tomorrow.”
    Gareth sauntered over with
two frothing mugs of beer. He handed one to Melanie and smiled at
Staci. “Hi. Haven't seen you around. You new in town?”
    “Yes. I'm the new
transfer at the bank,” Staci began. “I...”
    “Oh. You're the new
Financial Consultant that Pamela promised us.” Gareth's eyes
twinkled as he held out his hand. “It's real nice to meet you.
I'm Gareth Knight.”
    “Staci Castillo.”
    Gareth pushed the other mug
of beer into her hand and said, “Since this is your first visit
to The Round Table, you get free drinks too.”
    Melanie spluttered and cried,
“No fair! I didn't get free drinks on my first visit.”
    Gareth was already walking
away but he turned to smirk over his shoulder. “My bar. My
rules.”
    Melanie
raised her mug and said
sincerely, “ I
know that this is just a
temporary transfer for you, but... I
hope you'll decide to stay.
It's a good town.”
    Staci nodded. “I know.
To Shadow Point!”
    They drained their mugs and
thumped each other on the back. “Well done!”
    The music started up and a
group of giggling women surged towards the stage. “I love this
song!” Melanie shrieked. “This is like the witches'
anthem! Come on, girls!” Melanie yelled to her fellow witches
and rushed to get on the stage with them.
    Gramma and Ne-ma who had
planted themselves at the front of the stage pulled Melanie up and
made room for her between them.
    Gramma and Ne-ma raised their
wands and yelled, “Altogether now!”
    The witches didn't need to be
told twice. They all raised their