Tiger Bite: BBW Shapeshifter Paranormal Romance (Shifters Everafter Book 1) by Lola Kidd Page A

a stern look before leading his team away. The security team constantly patrolled the grounds of the governor’s mansion when she was home. You never knew when a werewolf, or worse, was going to attack.
    “Can we speak for a minute, honey?”
    She followed her dad into his office and sat across from him at his desk. She hated these little chats. It was never to tell her anything good. She shrugged off her heavy cloak and let her hair free of its tightly wrapped bun. With her hair hidden away, it was much easier to pass among the townspeople unnoticed. But having it up for too long gave her a tremendous headache. She massaged her scalp to get the blood flowing again.
    “Did you have a nice time shopping today?” he asked her.
    Jessica nodded. “It was nice walking around without the guards. I felt so free.”
    “The guards are for your own protection. If what happened to your mother ever happened to you, I would be devastated.” His eyes shone with tears. “I thought we were past this. What can I do to make you understand how important your safety is to me?”
    Jessica swallowed around the lump in her throat. She hated seeing her father cry. She didn’t want to do anything to hurt him. Her mother’s death at the hands of a werewolf had almost killed him too. “I understand, Daddy, but the guards are too much. There hasn’t been a shifter attack in Penicalla in years. Tell Alek and his men to give me some space and I won’t run away from them again.”
    Her father sighed. “I thought you liked Alek. He’s certainly the best guard we’ve had, and I trust him.”
    “I don’t like Alek,” she huffed. “He was fine, but he’s become overbearing, and he crosses the line. He doesn’t need to ever put his hands on me.”
    “Did he do something?” her father asked, standing up. “I’ll fire him on the spot.”
    “Nothing like that, Daddy,” Jess assured him uneasily. Her best friend always used to joke about Alek “guarding her body.” Jess didn’t think it was a very funny joke. “I mean he gets too close for comfort when he’s following me. I need my space. I thought they were supposed to be invisible.”
    “I’m sure it isn’t on purpose.” He sat down again. “I’ll speak with him about it. Please don’t do this again.”
    “I won’t, Daddy.”
    “Good. It’s even more important now that you’re getting older.” He leaned back in his chair. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about today. I know that you’ve been unhappy here. You think I treat you like a child and you want your freedom as an adult.”
    She shrugged but didn’t say anything. That was somewhat true. He didn’t treat her like a child as much as a prisoner, but it was close enough. She didn’t want to upset him any more by saying he was more like a warden than a father these days.
    “I think I’ve found a solution to our little problem.” He gave her his most winning politician’s smile. “I’ve spoken with Maurice Collins of Collins Jewelry. He and I agree that it would be best if you and his son Jasper got married as soon as possible.”
    “Are you kidding me? This is the twenty-first century. I’m not marrying anyone because you want me to.”
    He shook his head. “I hoped you’d be happy with my surprise. We’ve arranged for the wedding to take place next month. I know it’s very short notice, but I’m going to be hitting the campaign trail hard again soon.”
    “I don’t love Jasper. I barely even know him. I am not marrying him.”
    Her father frowned. “You two spent a lot of time together during the campaign.”
    “We spent a few events together, but I was just being polite, like you always ask me to be. I knew his family’s money and endorsement were very important to you.”
    “He’s a good man, Jess. He’ll treat you right and he’ll always keep you safe.”
    “I don’t need to be kept safe,” Jessica exploded. “I need to be able to live my life! You’re insane if you think