The Panther's Mate: Paranormal Shifter Romance Short Story

John Maze is a billionaire entrepreneur residing in Miami. He has it all: He is perfect looking, he owns large mansions around the globe, a fleet of expensive sports cars, a private jet, and more money than he knows what to do with. But he has a problem; despite his massive wealth and growing fame, he is lonely. Even though he could have any woman he desires, he has had a big problem finding Miss Right. So far he just hasn't found anyone who really loves the real him, someone who can look past the glitz and glamour of his billionaire status. Kate Buchannon is a former accountant, and currently a fraud prevention specialist for a cyber security company by day and a college professor by night. She is a workaholic with a passion for accounting, teaching, and golf. Despite being beautiful, Kate is fiercely independent and confident. This has had a detrimental impact on her love life. She has had a difficult time finding a man who can accept her driven and strong-willed nature. Kate has been a BBW all of her life as well, but she has refused to let her weight have any impact on her life. She is confident in herself and people seem to respond to her accordingly. She has actually embraced her body and uses it as a badge of honor because she is real and true to herself. Men find her attractive, but the fact that she is so bold and strong have taken a toll on her romantic possibilities. When John is tapped to take part in a charity golf tournament he ends up crossing paths with Kate, who just happens to be the niece of Gordon Buchannon, a long time business associate of John's. The sparks fly between John and Kate instantly, but Kate is hesitant to give in to her desires. he has recently ended a serious relationship where she discovered her ex-boyfriend's infidelity. It has enhanced the trust issues she has always had since her father walked out on her and her mother when she was eight years old. When John discovers a lot of money missing from one of his businesses, he asks Kate to take a look at his books. He can't trust his own employees until he finds out what is really going on. As Kate begins working with him the two start a friendship which starts to blossom into romance. Will Kate be able to resolve her trust issues enough to let John into her heart? Will John be able to crack Kate's tough exterior and finally have love in his life that he has been looking for? And will Kate be able to handle the dark truth about the real John Maze?

Author's Note: This book contains mature language and themes, intended for adults only!