Chapter 3

THREE

T he New York skyline stretched before Reid Parker, a tapestry of glass and steel that never failed to remind him how far he'd come from the lush forests of Savannah. He stood in his office, a sleek, modern space that mirrored the city beyond its floor-to-ceiling windows. His dark eyes scanned the security protocols displayed on his tablet, fingers swiping through pages of data with practiced ease.

At thirty-eight, Reid had built Parker Security Solutions into one of the most respected firms in the country. His dual life as a bear shifter and CEO had taught him the value of vigilance, a lesson he'd learned early and well.

A memory flashed through his mind: his father's strong hands guiding his own as they traced tracks in the Georgia mud. "Remember, son," the deep voice echoed in his thoughts, "a bear's strength is in his instincts. Trust them, but temper them with wisdom."

Reid's jaw tightened. His father's wisdom had served him well, both in the boardroom and in the wild. But some lessons were harder to learn than others.

As if summoned by his thoughts, his phone buzzed. The caller ID displayed "Mom," and Reid suppressed a sigh. He tapped the screen, bracing himself.

"Hello, Mother."

Catherine Parker's voice crackled through the speaker, warm but tinged with familiar exasperation. "Reid, darling. How are you? Working too hard, as usual, I expect?"

"I'm fine, Mother. Just reviewing some protocols. What can I do for you?"

"Can't a mother call her son without an ulterior motive?"

Reid's lips twitched. "She can. You don't."

Catherine's laugh was a mix of amusement and defeat. "You know me too well, dear. I was just thinking..."

"Here we go," Reid muttered under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, Mother. You were saying?"

"Well, I was talking to Martha Ellis at our book club, and she mentioned her daughter is having some trouble with a project. I thought, given your expertise..."

Reid pinched the bridge of his nose. "Mother, please tell me you didn't give out my business card again."

"And what if I did?" Catherine's tone turned defensive. "You're always saying you want to expand your client base. Besides, this could be a unique opportunity. Martha's daughter works in the gaming industry, of all things. Imagine, my Reid working on video games."

Reid's eyebrows rose despite himself. The gaming industry wasn't his usual arena, but he couldn't deny a spark of curiosity. "What kind of trouble are we talking about?"

"Oh, something about security features. I'm sure she'll explain it better than I can. The point is, Reid, you should consider it. And who knows? Maybe you'll hit it off. Martha's daughter is single, you know."

And there it was. Reid's momentary interest deflated like a punctured balloon. "Mother, we've talked about this. I'm not interested in you setting me up."

"But, darling, you're not getting any younger. Don't you want to find your mate? Start a family?"

Reid's grip on the phone tightened. "I'll find my mate when the time is right. And I have a family - you, Jake, and the sleuth. That's enough for now."

Catherine's sigh crackled through the line. "I worry about you, Reid. All work and no play..."

"Makes Jack a dull boy, I know," Reid finished, his tone softening. "Look, I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine. Really. Now, if there's nothing else..."

"All right, all right. I know when I'm beaten. But, please, at least consider meeting with Martha's daughter. For me?"

Reid closed his eyes and counted to five. "I'll think about it. No promises."

"That's all I ask. I love you, dear."

"Love you too, Mom. Good-bye."

The call ended, and Reid set the phone down with more force than necessary. He loved his mother, but her constant meddling in his love life - or lack thereof - grated on his nerves. At thirty-eight, he was more than capable of managing his own relationships.

Not that there had been many lately. Between running the company and his responsibilities to the sleuth, Reid's social life had taken a back seat. He enjoyed the occasional night out, the thrill of the chase, but nothing serious. Nothing lasting.

And that was fine. Really. He didn't need the complication of a relationship. He was waiting for his fated mate, the one person who would understand both sides of his nature. Until then, he was content with his life as it was.

Wasn't he?

A notification chimed on his computer, pulling Reid from his thoughts. A new email had arrived, the subject line catching his eye: "Consultation Request - Shadow Realms Project."

Curiosity piqued, Reid opened the message. As he read, his eyebrows inched higher. The request was from Brianne Ellis - undoubtedly the daughter his mother had mentioned. She was seeking a security consultant with experience in shifter matters for her latest video game project.

It was an unusual request, to say the least. Reid's firm typically dealt with high-stakes physical and digital security, not video game design. But as he read further, he found himself intrigued. The game seemed to incorporate elements of shifter society in a way that required authentic input on security measures.

Against his better judgment, Reid found himself reaching for the phone. He dialed the number provided in the email, half expecting it to go to voicemail. To his surprise, it was answered on the second ring.

"Brianne Ellis speaking. How can I help you?"

The voice on the other end was warm and energetic with an undercurrent of humor that caught Reid off guard.

"Ms. Ellis, this is Reid Parker from Parker Security Solutions. I'm calling about your consultation request."

"Mr. Parker. I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon. Or at all, really. I mean, not that I didn't think you'd call, but... you know what? I'm going to stop talking now."

Reid found himself chuckling despite his usual professional demeanor. "No need to stop on my account, Ms. Ellis. Your request was... interesting. I'd like to learn more about your project, if you're available to meet."

"Are you kidding? I mean, yes! Absolutely. When works for you?"

They settled on a time and place - a café near Central Park, neutral ground for both of them. As Reid ended the call, he realized he was smiling. Brianne's enthusiasm was infectious, her quick wit a refreshing change from the often-staid business calls he was used to.

Curious, Reid pulled up Brianne's profile on his computer. Her resume was impressive - a string of successful game titles to her name and glowing reviews from industry peers. But it was her photo that caught his eye. Blonde hair framed a heart-shaped face, blue eyes sparkling with mischief. She was undeniably attractive, but it was the intelligence and humor in her expression that held his attention.

Reid shook his head, closing the file. This was a business meeting, nothing more. He couldn't afford to be distracted by a pretty face and a quick wit, no matter how intriguing.

Still, as he prepared for the meeting, reviewing security protocols related to gaming, Reid couldn't shake a feeling of anticipation. This consultation was outside his usual wheelhouse, a challenge he found himself looking forward to.

His phone buzzed again, this time with a text from Jake Morgan, his best friend and right-hand man.

Jake: Heard you're taking on a game designer. Branching out, are we?

Reid rolled his eyes. News traveled fast, especially when his mother was involved.

Reid: It's just a consultation. Nothing's decided yet.

Jake: Sure, sure. And the fact that she's single and cute has nothing to do with it, right?

Reid: How did you- Never mind. I don't want to know.

Jake: Your mom might have mentioned it to my mom. You know how they gossip.

Reid: Of course she did. Look, it's just business. Nothing more.

Jake: If you say so, boss. But hey, maybe you should keep an open mind. You never know where you might find your mate.

Reid: Not you too. I get enough of that from my mother.

Jake: Just saying. Anyway, good luck with the meeting. Try not to growl at her if she beats you at her own game.

Reid: Very funny. I'll let you know how it goes.

Putting his phone away, Reid glanced at the clock. It was time to head out if he wanted to make the meeting on time. But first...

He made his way to a secluded part of the building, an outdoor area accessible only to him. Here, hidden from prying eyes, Reid allowed his form to shift. Bones cracked and reformed, muscles bulged and stretched, and in moments, a massive grizzly bear stood where the man had been.

Reid stretched his new form, relishing the release of tension. He took a few loping steps, feeling the power in his muscles and the sharpness of his senses. This was a part of him that few understood, a primal strength that both exhilarated and frightened him at times.

After a few minutes, Reid shifted back, adjusting his suit as he returned to his human form. He always felt more centered after a shift, more in tune with both sides of his nature.

As he made his way out of the building and onto the bustling streets of Manhattan, Reid found his thoughts returning to the upcoming meeting. Despite his protestations to Jake, he couldn't deny a spark of curiosity about Brianne.

What kind of woman combined game design with an understanding of shifter society?

Reid shook off the thoughts as he neared the café. He entered the café and sat to wait for Brianne. But as he caught sight of a blonde woman walking toward the café, a notebook clutched in her hands and a nervous expression on her face, Reid felt his carefully maintained control slip away.