Page 7 of Unbearable Player
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.