Page 15 of Bear Boss's Mate
“I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to talk,” Mick’s voice pleaded.
Marcy heard Austin’s smooth voice in her ear. “I’m just outside your building now. I’m going to ring your intercom,” Austin said into the phone. His deep voice was reassuring.
The apartment intercom rang. Marcy buzzed him in.
His footfalls on the cement steps could be heard through the phone. Austin was running up the stairs rather than taking the elevator. She was amazed that he didn’t sound winded at all.
Marcy continued to press the phone to her ear, comforted by his breathing.
“Nearly there,” said Austin.
Seconds later, Marcy heard Austin’s voice in the hall calling out to Mick. She was surprised that he knew Mick’s name. Hanging up her phone, she went to the door and opened it.
Austin was facing him. “Mick, is it?” Austin’s face looked calm, but his voice was deeper and more gravelly than she had ever heard before. It was clear he was not to be messed with.
Mick didn’t answer. His face paled when he looked up at Austin, taking in his sheer size.
Austin continued in a low, even tone. “The lady doesn’t want you here. I believe she’s asked you to leave her alone. I suggest you do so.”
Mick took a couple of steps back, creating a distance between him and Austin. “Who the hell areyou?” he warbled.
“The person who will remove you if you do not leave. Now.” Austin narrowed his eyes at Mick. He sounded so self-assured it made Marcy’s heart flutter. She put her fingers to her lips as she watched.
Mick turned to look at her. “You’re going to regret this,” he spat. “Do you know what this guy is? He’s a fucking mutation. A shifter. It’s dangerous to date shifters in this town.”
Austin stood a good foot taller than Mick. He grabbed him by the jacket and tossed Mick up against the wall. The man’s feet dangled a few inches off the ground. “Don’t you dare threaten her. If you harm her, you will have me to answer to.”
Mick’s face reddened, but he didn’t respond. Austin let him go and took a step back.
Mick stumbled and moved further down the hallway, away from him. Austin’s fists were balled at his sides. A low rumble emitted from his chest. Mick backed away, not taking his eyes off Austin.
When he was gone, Austin stepped inside the apartment, closing the door behind him.
His face looked relaxed, but his eyes had changed from their standard shade of amber to a deep golden color. She wondered if that was what Mick had seen that made him realize Austin was a shifter.
Austin was wearing an expensive suit and tie. He looked amazing. She licked her lips as she took in this man that was the embodiment of pure masculinity. She’d met no one like Austin before.
Just as quickly, she admonished herself for letting her hormones take over. She couldn’t allow herself to get involved with her boss. Period. She hugged herself, trying to ignore the overwhelming desire to wrap her arms around him.
“Are you okay?” Austin asked, moving closer and running his hands up and down her arms. She was surprised at the gesture but didn’t react outwardly. Even when a jolt of electricity zapped her at his touch, she remained calm.
Looking up at him, she noticed for the first time she wasn’t shaking in his presence. Even the anxiety she’d had was gone. For the first time in ages, she was okay.
If anything, she was turned on by Austin’s take-charge alpha bear attitude. His brief touch made her feel safe.
“Yes. I’m okay.” She tucked some hair behind her ears.
Austin looked around the apartment and then back at her. His eyes were back to being amber again. Marcy noticed his jaw tighten.
He clenched and released his fists a couple of times before realizing she was watching him. His brow furrowed. She frowned with guilt at drawing him into her drama.
Austin smoothed one hand through his hair and sighed.
“I’m sorry to call you in such a panic. I didn’t know what else to do. I didn’t mean to bring you into my problems,” Marcy piped, putting her hands out to her sides and shrugging.
Austin raised his brows and grinned. “I’m glad you did.” He gave her a quick once over. His face lit up. “You look stunning, by the way.”
Marcy blushed. “Thank you.”
