The Maverick Pride Tales - Chapter 122: Chapter 122

“Still, your sister must be very proud of you, being such a success,” Uncle Uzzi remarked, handing her half of a strawberry jam infused bear claw.
Holy cow, I’m gonna gain a million pounds. But so worth it…
“You would think so, excuse me,” Annalia replied, mouth full of deliciousness and swallowed before she continued with her explanation. “They don’t approve of my job or the fact I refused to live with them. I think they just miss having a built-in babysitter for my nephew. He’s a good kid, but my sister is his mother, and she needs to be the one raising him with his dad. Instead, they act like I abandoned them and always comment on how stupid I am to be paying rent when I could live with them instead.”
Annalia shook her head, scoffing at the sheer gall of her sister and brother-in-law.
“That seems difficult. But you mentioned children, do you like them?”
“Oh, I love them. I just don’t think it is my job to raise Sandra’s son. I know when I have children, I want to be the one who takes care of them, me, and my husband—if I ever get married,” she whispered the last, glancing down at her fingernails.
Annalia was a whiz with computers, but her love life left a lot to be desired.
Sigh.
“You know, so far, my dear, I have to tell you I think you are a smart, honest, and lovely woman. I do not understand your family’s objections to your lifestyle. You seem hardworking and responsible.”
“Awww, you are so sweet. Thank you,” she whispered, feeling her cheeks grow warm. “I am so sorry for whining. It just feels so good to get this off my chest, I hope you don’t think badly of me.”
“Of course not, dear. And you aren’t whining, it is perfectly natural to be frustrated with all you have been through. I would never judge you, my dear. We each have our own crosses to bear, but that doesn’t mean we don’t deserve a sympathetic ear now and then. Feel free to tell me anything, Annalia.”
“I appreciate that,” Annalia replied and flashed a small smile.
She hated feeling ungrateful, but her sister and family were such an energy suck. She really enjoyed sharing tea and pastries with the older man, even if she’d spilled her guts like he was some kind of therapist.
OMG. He is gonna think I am a total freak.
“Look, I should apologize for taking so much of your time. The tea and pastries were delicious, but I should probably go.”
“Are you sure?”
“Oh, yeah. You must have things to do, but let me help clean up,” she replied, taking her cup, saucer, and spoon, and walking it to the kitchen. She came back for the plate of pastries, just as Uzzi was standing.
“No, no, I got it,” she told him, and he smiled and nodded as she took the rest of the dishes to the kitchen. Uzzi followed with the teapot.
“Thank you, my dear. You did not have to go through the trouble.”
“My pleasure completely. I don’t mind dishes, just don’t ask me to do the laundry,” she told him with a laugh.
“Deal,” he said, smiling in return.
“Annalia, if you don’t mind me asking, what about a boyfriend? Are you seeing someone right now?” Uncle Uzzi hedged.
“Seeing someone? Oh, no, I’m about as single as they come,” she muttered.
“Is that by choice?’
“well, I guess, I mean, not really,” she replied, loading the dishwasher. “I want to find a good man, but according to Sandra, I’ll never be acceptable material for any man to seriously consider. Might as well not even try.”
“Annalia, please forgive my frankness, but your sister is manipulating you, and it is affecting your self-esteem.”
“You are probably right, but not everything she says is untrue. Just look at me. I dress for comfort, not style. I am allergic to most makeup. I get crazy ideas for work in the middle of the night and will spend hours at my desk without stopping until I have whatever I am working on just right. And I am a total nerd and will pick popcorn and Harry potter movies over a fancy dinner and night at the opera.”
“You sweet child you, all I am hearing is that you are young, healthy, beautiful, smart, and honest. I know a dozen men who would cut off their right arms for a chance to date you.” he stated, and Annalia snorted and shook her head.
“Yeah, right.”
“I never joke about matters of the heart, dear. Incidentally, if you want a makeover, I can recommend a place where they cater to people with allergies like yours and use only the most gentle and natural ingredients, but only if you are interested,” he informed her with emphasis.
“Organic makeup, huh? I admit, I am curious. You know, I’m an artist, but I have no ideas about style,” she replied and dried her hands.
“Wonderful,” Uncle Uzzi said, and waved his hand in the air. For a moment, Annalia thought she saw blue sparkles, but when she blinked, they were gone.
Odd.
“Let me find that card for you,” Uzzi murmured, patting his pockets, and opening one drawer.
For the first time, Annalia considered whether she was interested in something like a makeover, or shopping in general. The truth was, she didn’t like her sister’s manipulations and criticism. Could that be why she hated looking for new clothes?
Yeah. Duh.
Sandra meant well, but she was forever putting Annalia down. Her sister was thin, blonde, and hardly ever had a hair out of place. She was Sandra’s total opposite. Curvy body, curly, frizzy hair, dark eyes, and a big mouth. That was her.
Annalia could never capture attention like Sandra could from the opposite sex. Her sister was one of those neck-breakers, when she walked into the room, men’s heads snapped to attention.
Sigh.
“Here we are,” Uncle Uzzi said, handing her a card that read Purrfect Products: Makeup so gentle even your cat will like it.
Odd.
“And if you are interested in clothes, try this place,” Uncle Uzzi handed her another card for Jessica’s Closet. It seemed to be a boutique catering to women with fuller figures. That was exactly what Annalia needed. Awesome!
“Thanks. Ooh, they carry Kisses by Kylie, I hear that lingerie line is exquisite, but honestly, looking sexy isn’t a concern these days.”
“Dear, you are young and healthy, why on earth would that not be a concern?”
“Uncle Uzzi, my sex life is about as exciting as my wardrobe,” Annalia replied and laughed out loud at her bad joke.
“I admit, I am surprised to hear that, Annalia. Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“If you aren’t comfortable, you don’t have to answer, but I am in the relationship business, so I’m naturally curious. Do you like sex?” the older man inquired, and Annalia was floored by the question.
“Like it? Sure, I mean, I have liked it. But to figure out what I like now, I would have to actually engage in some sex with another person,” she replied honestly, cheeks heating up again.
“How long are we talking here since you had good sex?”
“Um, well, I’m not a virgin or anything, but the last time I got naked with a man was less than remarkable and it was a while ago.”
“Seems to me you need a new perspective, dear,” Uncle Uzzi said.
Awkward, she thought. Her eyes widened and Annalia tried to think of a way to stop this from getting worse.
“Oh, um, Uncle Uzzi, I think you are very nice and all⁠—”
“No! I mean, I am flattered, but I don’t mean me, child,” he replied, and his blue eyes twinkled. “What I meant to say was, how about you let me set you up on a date?”
“What? Who? Me?”
“A date, and yes, you,” Uncle Uzzi said, smiling widely. “Annalia, if you allow me, I promise I will find the perfect man for you.”
“A perfect man for me? I don’t think he exists,” she began, but the idea was tempting.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to meet someone who was genuinely interested in her? To talk to a man who wanted to hear what she had to say?
And then, of course, there was the whole sex thing. She could hardly recall the last time she’d seen an actual penis.
Sigh.
Thank god for her top drawer. Without a few top picks adult toys purchased discreetly over the years, Annalia would never get her freak on. Hell, she wouldn’t even know what an orgasm was.
“Dear, he exists, believe me.”
“Then what would the perfect man want with me? Uncle Uzzi, I have no delusions about myself. I know I am cute, but in today’s world, I’m also considered fat and weird, and I have a terrible time with new people. I’m shy.”
“Nonsense,” Uncle Uzzi growled. “You are a lovely woman. Now, tell me what you want in a man.”
“How about someone who wants to be with me? Frizzy hair, sweatpants, belly rolls, big thighs, and all?”
“I don’t think that will be a problem, but you may want to wear something other than sweats on your first date,” he told her with a good-natured laugh. “What else?”
“How about someone who appreciates that I have an actual appetite for food? I mean, Uncle Uzzi, I like salad, but I am not a rabbit. I won’t live on it. The last man I went out with tried to make me promise to go on a diet on the very first date.”
“That man sounds like an ass,” Uncle Uzzi’s eyes glowed royal blue before he continued. “Annalia, I swear that will not happen. I will introduce you to big, gorgeous, growly men who adore women with real bodies. My clients love curves, and the man I introduce you to, will love yours.”
“Really?”
“Yes,” he returned. “This is the part where I think you should sit down, dear.”
“Uh oh. IS this mystery man some sort of underground criminal or something?” she asked, only half kidding.
“No, not a criminal,” Uzzi told her. “Do you believe in the supernatural?”
“Supernatural? What, is it a ghost or something?”
Again, she laughed, but the tiny hairs on her arms and the back of her neck were standing up. Annalia’s pulse began to speed up, as Uncle Uzzi’s gaze bore into hers.
“No ghosts, Annalia. I saw your bag with the books you like to read. Tell me, what do you know about Shifters?”
“Shifters? You mean like the romance genre?”
“No, I mean like Shifters,” Uncle Uzzi replied steadily and smirked.
“Um, are you trying to tell me Shifters are real?” she whispered. “I mean, I saw some leaked footage once of a man turning into a Wolf in new York City, but I thought it was some sort of internet prank,” she began, eyes wide. “But I work for Graves Enterprises, and one of the darker rumors floating around is the company is run by a Werewolf, so I think I know better.”
“Well, Annalia, let me assure you, Shifters aren’t a prank. They are very real, and I happen to know some who are looking for a woman just like you.”
Disbelief, curiosity, and hope warred with each other for dominance inside of her, and Annalia licked her lips.
“A woman like me?” she bit her lip.
“Of course.” Uncle Uzzi nodded. “Now, if you agree, I will set you up with a Shifter who will treat you like the treasure you are.”
“Is it safe?” she asked, for some reason believing this ol man without question.
Shifters were real. They were really real. All her years of reading and online roleplaying in games like WolfMoon have finally paid off. Annalia was ready for a change in her life, and this felt like the right path for her. In fact, this felt huge.
“Always. When I introduce a client to a potential mate, I guarantee his or her safety. No one will mess with you while I am protecting you. That said, I think you should know, I have an impeccable reputation for finding mates.”
“What do you mean by mates? Like friends?” Annalia asked.
“Oh no, a mate is more than a friend.” Uncle Uzzi leaned forward. “To a Shifter, there is no one or thing in the universe that compares to his or her fated mate. It’s destiny. You see, Shifters are dual-natured. They share their essence with an animal spirit that they are then able to manifest in the physical realm. A Shifter knows his or her mate upon meeting them. It’s instinct, intuition, or a combination of the two.”
“So, a mate is like a girlfriend?”
“Still so much more than that, Annalia. A mate is the one person he will place above all others. She is essentially made for that Shifter. Please excuse my use of pronouns, but I think in your case you would be looking for a male.”
“Yes,” she replied, swallowed the lump in her throat. “Your pronouns are perfect.”
“To a Shifter male, his mate is the most important thing in the world. She is his reason for living. If you mate a Shifter, you will be cherished, worshipped, loved, and did I mention the sex is incredible?”
“But what if I am not his mate?”
“Annalia, if you allow me to work with you, at the very least you will have a hot date with loads of sweaty, delicious sex. What do you have to lose?”
Holy shit.
Uncle Uzzi had her at hot date. The promise of sex was icing on the cake. Annalia looked straight into Uncle Uzzi’s eyes and decided to take a leap of faith.
“I guess I don’t have anything to lose, Uncle Uzzi,” Annalia said. “Sign me up!”