ROMANCE: Mated to the Bear (Stepbrother Paranormal Shifter) (Threesome Taboo Romance) (45 page)

Chapter 2

Just a week before running shoeless after a masked woman, Alan was driving with the top down to his cherry red 1969 Corvette Stingray. He’d received this car as a parting thank you gift from his old employers at the real estate firm in Dallas. Alan had worked his ass off for the first few years with the company and he brought in the most money out of any of the brokers at the office. He was a student of the game and had the riches to prove it.

After Alan had stricken his first deal on his twentieth birthday, his success exploded. Once he knew how to broker the deals and leverage his money, Alan spent time acquiring properties. He’d either flip them for a quick profit or manage them for long-term residuals. Within his first two years of working in real estate, Alan was a millionaire.

Then, he built a partnership with another young budding entrepreneur, Maxwell Hart, and the two became a force to be reckoned with. They sent scouts to various towns throughout the United States and picked up hundreds of foreclosed businesses, industrial properties, and trailer park lots. Their business was booming after two years of head-to-the-grind hard work.

Maxwell really didn’t need the extra income. He was the heir to a wealthy family estate. When his parents died in a freak helicopter accident, Maxwell became affluent beyond his dreams. Real estate was just an outlet for him and a place that he could make friends. Sadly, the young 27-year old billionaire wasn’t much of a people person and he had few friends. Naturally, Maxwell gravitated toward Alan’s sweet nature and positive spirit. Alan could handle Maxwell’s abrasive personality and at least justified the relationship as a good business decision.

On the way to an abandoned industrial park that he was interested in buying, Alan’s phone chimed through the car speakers. The sudden interruption jarred Alan from his thoughts.

“Hey, Al!” Maxwell cheerfully called into the receiver. “What do you have going on this afternoon? Any plans?”

“Well, I gotta…”

“Cool, well, why don’t you pop by real quick? I have some news you’re going to love. And…” Maxwell continued to excitedly blurt out everything on his mind.

“Max, Max, Max!” Alan shouted back. Sometimes it took a little forcefulness for Maxwell to stop and listen. “Hey, buddy, I’m headed out to that lot on the east side right now. I’ve got some money left over from our last closing, so I’m thinking…”

“Dude, screw that property, it isn’t going anywhere,” Maxwell yelled back. “Now get your ass over!”

Alan took a deep breath, held it in and slowly sighed.

“Okay, give me a minute...”

“You’re coming here right?” Maxwell grew agitated.

“Look, it won’t take a minute, just let me…”

“Dude, fuck that property, let me send out our interns. They’ll handle the shit—take pictures, measurements, scare out any hobos and squatters. We’re good. Seriously, I’ll make it worth your time.”

Alan took another deep breath, rubbed his hand over the stubble on his chin and decided to give in.

“Alright, I’ll be over. And, Max?”

“Yeah, baby boy?”

“I don’t need the interns screwing this up. Let me check it out later, okay?”

“Not a problem. Hey?” his friend’s tone grew serious.

“Yeah?”

“I love you, bro.”

Alan smiled and nodded his head. “Likewise, see you in a few.”

Despite his workaholic nature, Alan had to deny his obsessive compulsion so that he could see what Maxwell so badly needed. His friend was never one for carrying a conversation on the phone and always opted for meeting at his house when he needed something. Maxwell was used to getting his way as an only child of a wealthy couple. He inherited his family estate right when he turned 18 years old, so he was a bit socially awkward.

Usually when Maxwell wanted something, Alan was quick to cave and answer to his demands. The friendship had its good times yet the business relationship far exceeded that connection. Maxwell was a shrewd real estate broker in his early days. A few real estate deals went sour. Maxwell would balk at buyers who wanted to negotiate. On one occasion, he embarrassed a haggler by showering sheets of crisp hundreds on them. The young broker told them that if they were going to screw him, he’d at least pay for it first.

On one occasion, rather than deal with the repercussions of losing another deal, he paid a servant to go and buy the property with cash. Then, he fired the servant after the deal closed, waited for them to run out of money and paid for the tax lien to acquire the property after it defaulted.

Alan didn’t agree with some of Maxwell’s practices, but the bottom line was that their partnership brought him more money than he ever dreamed of getting.

The phone rang again and Alan looked to see that it was his mother contacting him. This call was a welcomed change from the last one.

“Hey, Ma! How are you?”

“Hey, sweetie, is now a good time?” his mother asked.

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“Well…you kind of sound like you’re in a wind tunnel, are you okay?”

“Yes, Ma, I’m fine. I’m just driving.”

“Oh, honey, you shouldn’t be texting and driving.” She admonished him.

He sighed, “Mom, I’m not texting. You called and it goes into my car stereo. Look, what’s up?”

“You have a phone built into your stereo?!”

“Mom,” he paused and rather than fight it, Alan agreed. “Yes, Mom. What’s up? Why’d you call?”

“Your stepsister, Tiffany just graduated boarding school and is on her way home. Her father and I got a last minute invite to a four-week cruise and we need her to stay some place…” she drifted off a moment. Alan could hear her placing an order at a restaurant.

“Mom, should I call back?”

“No, hang on a second…” his mother continued her order.

After a few seconds, she came back to him.

“Okay, so we don’t really trust an 18-year old on her own since she’s probably got raging hormones and too much time on her hands. We figured that maybe she’d get into less trouble out at your place.”

It was hard for Alan to say no to anyone, let alone his mother. He loved his family and couldn’t find any reason that his little stepsister should not stay at his place. After all, his mansion was practically untouched and rather isolated on the outskirts of town.

“Yeah, Ma, no problem. Do you need me to send a taxi for her?”

“Oh, no, honey. She’ll probably drive straight from school up to your place. It’ll save a lot of back and forth.” A food order was called in the background.

“Well, okay, honey. I appreciate it; I have to let you go. My lunch is ready. I love you!”

“I love you to Ma.”

“Alright, sweetie, buh-bye.”

Alan recalled his sweet little stepsister Tiffany. The last time he saw her was before he moved away from home. She was only 12 years old, had blond pigtails and was a rail-thin little kid. Tiffany proved to be a handful for Alan’s mother and stepfather, so they kindly asked Alan for a little help. The last two years of school, they wanted her to go to a boarding school because their marriage was in upheaval. Rather than bring the adolescent in between their marital disputes, they thought it’d be best for to get her education, room and board away from them. With her away at boarding school, they could work without interruption on their marriage.

Having no issue with money, Alan willingly paid for his kid stepsister’s boarding costs. It was an expense that he felt was worth it, especially if it could save his parent’s marriage. And, thankfully, his parent’s relationship was on an upswing of late. Considering the two were going on a month-long cruise, they had to at least tolerate one another.

Pulling into the red brick driveway of Maxwell Hart’s property, Alan slowed to a stop, and then pressed the gate button. Alan waved at the surveillance camera on the twelve-foot high privacy fence. A buzzer sounded and the gates parted for him to pull up to the house.

An older, tall gentleman dressed in a black and gray tuxedo with a black top hat came down the steps from the front of the mansion. As Alan parked his car, the gentleman knelt down slightly to open the door.

“Hey, I’m here to see Max,” Alan looked up at the tall man. This guy was a new addition. Maxwell had servants and a head butler, but he never kept workers around for long. If he grew bored of a worker, he’d just fire them. “You must be new here, I’m Alan.”

“Would you like me to park your car in the garage, sir?”

“No, that won’t be necessary. I’ll just see myself to Max. Thanks, though.” Alan shut his car door and raced up the steps.

The man gingerly shouted something to Alan, but he couldn’t quite make out what he was saying. All that Alan wanted to do was get this meeting out of the way so he could have some chance of catching the property before sundown. Alan figured if he left Maxwell’s in the next thirty minutes, he’d make it there by about 5:30 pm. That’d give him at least another hour of sunlight.

Alan was familiar with Maxwell’s enormous home and zigzagged through corridors and courtyards before he came to the west wing that Max spent most of his time. Approaching the office door, he stopped and heard heavy breathing following behind him. He turned to see the butler power-walking to catch up with him.

“Sir, sir?” the older man called. “Allow me.”

“No, I’m good,” Alan briefly knocked then opened the door. “Hey, what’s up, Max?”

Maxwell was seated at his desk without a shirt on, showcasing his tattoo-covered body. He had his head resting on his hands and elbows firmly planted on his desk. The young heir had a slightly disheveled appearance with his dark brown bangs dangling in his eyes. He looked up and a brief look of shock crossed his face.

“Well, I didn’t expect you so soon. I figured you’d go look at the property anyways, then come here. Grab a seat.” Maxwell motioned to the leather office seat further out to the right of his desk. “Hey, can you give me a second, please?”

“Yeah, sure,” Alan sat down and relaxed back into the squeaky shiny brown leather furniture.

“You,” he pointed to his butler, “come here.”

Alan knew what was coming next based on the stern look he shot at his butler.

The butler leaned down to Maxwell, and the young man cupped his hand over his mouth to whisper into the servant’s ear. Concise and spitting tones came from Maxwell and his face grew red with each word. He then slapped the butler on his backside.

“Now get the fuck out, Jeeves. Learn how to do your job or I’ll demote you to head come-cleaner at the local quarter porn theater. You hear?”

He scowled at his servant who was sweating profusely by now. After chasing after Alan and then enduring Maxwell’s sharp words, the worker looked as if he were ready to collapse at the moment.

“Yes, sir.” The butler bowed and quickly exited the room.

Maxwell glared at the worker as he exited and then broke his gaze to look over to Alan. A smile instantly swept across his face. The brash billionaire leaned back into his swivel chair and slumped down a bit. An odd shuffling sound came from his desk and Alan quickly dismissed it.

“Now, where were we?”

Chapter 3

Alan was not surprised by Maxwell’s eccentricities and abrasive openness. At times, the young man’s behavior was laughable and other times, shocking and stressful. Honesty was his strongest and weakest suit because he couldn’t leave well enough alone. Oftentimes, Maxwell would expose someone’s fault, make light of it, then bully them into submission. And, the larger the audience the young billionaire had, the better for him to put on a show.

So, it wasn’t shocking that Max would insist that Alan drops everything he was doing just to come out to him, half-dressed and forcibly affable. Maxwell knew damn well what brought Alan to his office, but he chose to put on a spectacle for his buddy by making a mockery of his new butler.

“What’s the matter, baby boy?” Maxwell leaned forward and rested his chin on his hand. “You look stressed out, bro.”

For the heir to a billion dollar estate, it was incredible that Maxwell maintained the inheritance, established and grew a business and still addressed people like a surfer dude. Many meetings, Maxwell kicked back into a swivel chair in a board room, swung a leg over the side and emitted a feeling of indifference. When he had the opportunity to share his opinion, Maxwell would sit up straight in his chair, clean up his language and spout brilliant rhetoric with valid arguments.

Every business meeting executive or potential client were always appalled by his demeanor, but ultimately, when Maxwell finally composed himself, he’d capture everyone’s attention and influence most any outcome. That is unless someone disagreed. When someone did not agree, Maxwell would draw logical conclusions as to why that person was wrong and immediately dress them down in front of everyone. Eventually, his reputation preceded him, and Maxwell was rarely met with resistance.

For this little performance with his butler, Alan was unimpressed and only wanted to humor his friend and business partner. Unfortunately, the emotionally intuitive Maxwell read Alan the moment he angrily plopped into the office chair and slightly rolled his eyes when the butler was dismissed. In his head, Alan tried to back pedal, but he knew right away that Max could read him no matter what and would call him on it.

“Look…” Alan shook his head and placed his hand over his eyes, “it’s been a long day, man. What’s up?”

“Shit, dude. All you had to do was tell me you were being a bitch today and I would’ve told you to come tomorrow.” Max unblinkingly stared down Alan.
Fuck
, he mouthed.

“Hey, bro?” Max clicked his fingers and Alan shot a look at him. “I know what your problem is?”

Alan sat forward in the chair.

“You need to get laid.” Maxwell paused, leaned to one side and farted. He laughed and Alan couldn’t help but grin. “See! I knew you couldn’t stay serious for too long.”

The two friends chuckled together as Maxwell wagged his finger at Alan.

“So, what’s the deal with that property? Did you send out an intern or what?”

Alan’s ears perked and he sat up straight to address the potential deal. No sooner had Alan formulated his words, Maxwell already interrupted.

“See! You can’t lighten up. Alan, when are you going to learn that the money isn’t going anywhere? When you get that deal done, then another one will come along and you will be forever treading on the hamster wheel. When is enough going to be enough?”

Alan was thrown aback by Maxwell’s change in tone and believed that they were going into a deep conversation on how Alan had rarely taken a break from working since they first started working together. Fearful that if he ever paused, Alan felt he’d lose everything he’d worked so hard to do.

“Listen, I’ve got your back. And even if you never work another day in your life, you’re my boy!” Maxwell stared unflinchingly. “You’re my only family, bro.”

Alan was moved by the sentiment, but after hearing it so frequently the emotional impact wore off on him. But, Maxwell was sincere. Though, any self-respecting person wouldn’t just give up their livelihood or passion just so that their best friend supports them. Granted, a few million meant nothing to the wealthy Hart heir. And, that’s really all the money that Alan would need for the rest of his life.

When Alan would reflect his status as a billionaire, it was true—no amount of money seemed to fulfill him anymore. First it was to make a few hundred thousand per year. Then, it was to make a few million per year. And, the amount kept moving up and he knew that his next target had to be in the trillions.

“So, when are you taking a break?” Maxwell broke the awkward silence.

Alan shrugged and started to mumble out something when Maxwell offered, “Look, you need sex and lots of it. Do you ever just go pick up a bitch just so you can get your fuck on?”

“No,” Alan nervously laughed and blushed.

“Oh, shit…” Maxwell leaned back and bumped his desk. “Can I ask you a serious question?”

“Yeah…sure.”

“Are you gay?” Maxwell asked with a serious tone.

“Haha, no!” Alan blushed. “God, no. Geez, man. You dragged me all the way here to question what team I bat for now?! Come on, man! What’s the big…”

“Cool!” Maxwell sat up straight. Alan could sense that business was about to be conducted. “Okay, have you ever been to a masquerade ball?”

“No,” Alan thought a moment. “I can’t say I have. I’ve been to costume parties, but not like, a masquerade ball per se. Why?”

“I’m pulling out all the stops, baby boy. Next Saturday, I’ve hired the best of the best to host the biggest party ever. BUT!” Maxwell held up a finger. “It’s strictly invite-only.”

“Okay, so what’s the deal? Is this going to be, like, ballroom dancing or…”

“Dude, if you say that again, then I know that you’ve been dining on dicks. Seriously,” Max tilted his head down and looked up at Alan from under his brow line. “I know a lot of the richest of the rich and I also have narrowed it down to all the freaks and swingers. I’m only interested in getting couples that have hot wives so I can fuck ‘em.”

“And, I have a few of my people gathering some college chicks, and anyone else willing to put out.”

“So, it’s an orgy?” Alan asked.

“No! Of course it isn’t,” Maxwell placed his hands over his mouth. “Wait a second, bro.”

Maxwell collapsed onto his desk and slammed his hands on the desk as he groaned out. Alan looked at him confused.
Did he stub his toe or something?
He thought. Breathing rapidly, Maxwell pressed off his desk, sat up straight and looked to the ceiling.

“Okay, ah, what was that again? I’m sorry, man.”

Even more confused, Alan cocked an eyebrow then brushed off the bizarre behavior. “Is it an…”

“Oh, yeah! That’s it, ah…no, but…” Maxwell continued to look toward the ceiling and gradually directed his gaze to below his desk. “Well, it’s a masquerade ball. So, there’s an implied intimacy in the invite.”

Maxwell scooted his chair back and stood up. Alan was startled to see his friend exposed. His flacid cock hung from the open zipper of his pants. Quickly, Max slipped his member it into his pants and carefully zipped up. He continued to gaze under the desk and held a finger up toward his lost friend.

Had Maxwell just got off while we were talking? If so, how?! His hands were up in view the whole time
, thought Alan.

“Okay, we’re good, you can get out now,” Maxwell spoke down to the floor. “I have company and you have to leave.”

What the hell?!
Alan was perplexed and leaned over the desk.

A tall, skinny redhead woman wearing nothing but a garter belt, lavender-colored hose, and high heels stood up from under the desk. Maxwell offered help as he wrapped his hands under on arm to drag her to her feet. The woman’s hair was fiery red and teased out. She brushed one hand across her mouth, hiding what remained of Maxwell’s indiscretion.

Only glancing out of the corner of her eye to Alan, she smirked at Maxwell.

“Tell my butler I need my dick washed in ten minutes and he better be wearing his top hat. Now do me a favor,” Maxwell pulled within kissing distance. “Rinse your mouth and I’ll meet you by the pool tonight at ten. Bring your friend.”

The nude woman started to extend her lips to kiss Maxwell. He responded with a quick slap to her naked ass cheek and directed her to walk around his desk.

“What the fuck is wrong with you? If I wanted to taste myself, then I wouldn’t need you. Get the hell out before I change my mind about our deal.”

The woman scurried awkwardly out the door. She appeared to be six foot tall in her transparent stiletto heels. Each quick step made a loud crack on the hardwood floor. Max watched as the woman closed the door and he opened the top drawer of his desk. He reached in and grabbed an envelope.

He tossed the envelope to Alan and the befuddled friend fumbled for the object. When Alan grasped it in his hand, he held it up to have a look at it. The paper looked aged and weathered as if it were from the Victorian-era. A wax seal with the Hart family crest secured the letter shut.

“Go ahead, open it.” Maxwell eagerly motioned.

Alan slowly peeled the wax seal back and pulled a fancy Victorian-style invitation.

A Night at the Masquerade Ball

The Hart Family Mansion

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Cocktails, 7.30pm

Dinner, 8.00pm

Festivities to begin directly after dessert

Please RSVP right away. Formal attire required. Masks are mandatory the entire evening. NO exceptions! Masks will be delivered after responses are gathered. Customized porcelain masks for the women. Nondescript black bandanas for the men. You will be ejected from the event if you remove your mask.

“Hmm,” Alan tossed the invited onto Maxwell’s desk. He looked up to see Max widely grinning.

“So, what do you think?”

“Nah, I’m not interested. My stepsister’s coming to town that Sunday.” Alan explained.

“Dude, what do you mean, no? Come on, I put this together so that you and I could finally celebrate that recent nursing home deal.” Maxwell looked to Alan with sad eyes and outspread hands. “Come on.”

Alan sunk back into his chair and thought for a moment.

“So, you want me to come to some orgy where I may or may not get the clap from some random person? And, I may or may not get handled by some guy…”

“Now wait,” Max quickly stopped him. “This isn’t going to be some sausage-fest. There’s going to be plenty of pussy for everyone. And, the only reason we’re letting any dicks come in is to bring their chicks and also to keep the women warm while we keep getting our rocks off.” The young heir chuckled.

“Dude! You just got your rocks off in front of me and now you want me to do it again?!”

“Now, you barged into my office and I told my fucking butler if he didn’t know how to treat our guests better I’d make him wash my shit stains with his toothbrush from now on. So, that’s your bad for coming in while I was getting my dick sucked. Next, you don’t have to be around me at the party when you’re fucking a chick.”

“Shit! You can even go on the other side of the mansion, so you don’t have to bang the same bitches as I do.” Maxwell held his hands up defensively and paused to gauge Alan’s reaction.

Alan softly sighed, popped to his feet and said, “Fuck it, I’ll do it.”

“My boy!” Maxwell walked around the desk to embrace his reluctant pal.

“Okay, okay! Come on! You’re all…finished,” Alan glanced down to Maxwell’s crotch then back up to his beaming face.

“I could kiss you, but you never know where my lips have been!”

The two burst into laughter and Maxwell walked his friend to the front entrance. As he opened the front door, Maxwell’s smile faded.

“Goddamn it,” he muttered.

Alan turned back to him, “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing,” he shook his head. “That fucking butler should’ve parked your car in the garage. I mean what the fuck?! It’s only summer time…”

“Hey, don’t sweat it, it’ll be fine,” Alan insisted.

Maxwell snapped his attention back to Alan. He shrugged and stepped in toward him. Alan could smell a mixture of sweat and sex on his friend. He wanted no part of touching him again.

“Come on, give me some love, bro.”

Alan gently pushed Maxwell’s chest, but the man was too strong. The young heir pulled Alan in and bear-hugged him. Maxwell wasn’t chiseled, but he was unusually strong for someone built like him.

“Okay,” Alan grunted. “Let go, I’m pretty sure you’re dribbling on my pants.”

Maxwell quickly let go of him to look down and that was long enough for Alan to race to his car, uninterrupted.

“See ya later, baby boy! And, hey…”

Alan turned around as he continued to back-step toward his car.

“I’m serious; don’t go out to the site. Get someone else to do it. Stop trying to manage every last detail.”

Alan held his hand up and popped into his car.

“Yep, I got it!” Alan pulled out of the driveway and headed to the industrial site for a quick drive-by. When Alan finally made it home, the sun had already set and he was exhausted.