Page 6 of Purrfectly Naughty

Chapter 3

Javier Auberon stepped out of his gunmetal gray Mercedes G63 and deftly avoided the patches of snow until he stepped onto the immaculately shoveled brick walkway that that led to one of his Aunt Gerri’s many incredible mansions.

A smile played at the corner of his mouth as he adjusted the tiny blue box in his side pocket. A token of affection for the wonderful woman who had always spoiled him rotten with her home-baked sweets when he was a child.

It had been years since he’d seen her and he was looking forward to it. His brother had recently inherited all of the property that had been held in their parents’ trust for him down in Quito, Ecuador, where they had both been born. Gabriel was the rightful heir and, as the second son, Javier was free to leave and live his life as he saw fit.

The possibilities were endless, but ultimately he’d decided on moving to the states. North America had long been his favorite vacation ground, but now it was time to make it his home.

The word home was somewhat ominous for a young bachelor, but there it was, pushed into his head by his inner Bear who was feeling his years somewhat.

Mate, thought the Bear and Javi shushed the great beast.

He’d been ignoring the silly animal’s thoughts for the past hour. For some reason, his Bear had mating on his mind and it probably had more to do with the fact his aunt was a world-famous matchmaker.

Whatever.He had plenty of time for that. He was going to concentrate on enjoying himself for now. It was the Christmas season after all, and although Aunt Gerri had tried to get him to use her famous Paranormal Dating Agency for years, Javier had no need to get mated right away.

His brother, Gabriel, on the other hand, could use her help. In fact, it was part of the reason he was there, to invite Gerri down to the large Auberon family villa.

Javier was staying at a local hotel for the time being, but he also intended on asking Gerri for help looking for the ideal town for his relocation. He simply had no place in the villa now that his brother had inherited the land and titles.

Javi bore him no ill will, it was simply tradition for his species. Andean Bears did not live in Clans, but rather small family groups where only one male heir stood to inherit.

Kind of like the aristocracy of old England, he thought ruefully. His brother did not necessarily want to be addressed by his formal title, Baron Gabriel Auberon, but Javi did love to taunt the old boy.

“Javier Auberon, don’t dawdle, dear, come and say hello. Oh, it is so nice to see you, osito,” Gerri Wilder appeared on the large staircase that led to her enormous estate resplendent in a white and black gown that made the older woman’s sapphire gaze and traditional white bob sparkle in the moonlight.

He knew from experience that it was one of several magnificent ensembles his Aunt Gerri would display during the evening. She was nothing if not spectacular when it came to looking as elegant and lovely as the silver and gold decorations that graced the entryway.

“Hello, Aunt Gerri,” Javier raced up the steps to embrace the shorter woman in a familiar hug, “You have not aged a bit!”

“Why, thank you, flatterer,” she embraced him warmly and kissed his cheek careful not to leave a trace of lipstick.

“For you,” he said and presented her with the small trinket he’d picked up at Tiffany’s.

She opened the box to reveal the white gold bracelet with its dangling sapphire moon pendant. It had reminded him of his favorite she-Wolf and he’d followed his impulse to purchase the present.

“Thank you, osito, it’s lovely! You did not have to buy me anything, but since you know I love gifts, go ahead and fasten it,” she smiled as he secured the bauble on her wrist, “now tell me how is Gabriel? Things settling in at the villa?”

“He is very well, but it is such a big place for one lonely Bear. To be honest, he is having a difficult time finding his mate,” Javier kissed Gerri’s hand and patted the bracelet satisfied that he had chosen wisely, “in fact, the new Baron has asked me to extend you an invitation to his villa for the new year perhaps?”

“I see. Yes, I would love to visit Gabriel,” she nodded though her gaze seemed to stray for a split-second before she gave her assent, “now, tell me more about you.”

He smiled warmly and told her all about his search for a place of his own. Having chosen to move to the States, Javier was now looking for the perfect town to relocate. He had no use for busy cities or crowded spaces as he could now run his business virtually from anywhere.

“I just want to enjoy life. My business is very good and pretty self-sufficient. I want a quiet little place where I can walk down the street and not have to fight a mob of people.”

“I see,” she laughed.

“You know, Gerri, I spent a week in New York and I swear I was almost trampled every time I left town, but I did love the pizza,” he grinned.

“Well, osito, I think I have the perfect place for you, but we can discuss that after the ball. Go on inside and enjoy yourself, make sure you mingle,” she winked.

“Thank you, Aunt Gerri. Feliz Navidad,” he kissed her cheek and made his way inside.

Christmas was Javier’s favorite time of year and his Aunt Gerri sure knew how to throw a party, he mused as he took in the music that drifted pleasantly above the crowd. The live band was very good and his inner Bear chuffed happily inside his mind’s eye.

The playful beast liked music and the holiday carols were fitting with the season. He was polite as he weaved through the crowd, all dressed in their holiday finest. There were a lot of people in the ballroom some were dancing and more were sitting at the elegantly set tables being served by the smiling waitstaff.