The ‘Golden Luxe Resort’ was as beautiful as the name sounded. And as I entered the ballroom where the dinner would be held I couldn’t help but be impressed with the luxurious décor. Karina was waiting for me by the door.

“Libby! You look so beautiful…another knock-out dress!”

I had to thank Kim for coming to the rescue again and lending me another dress. This evening’s number was a beautiful soft blue feather-print, slip style midi dress that tied at the neck. It had a plunging neckline that flattered my breasts and a scarf hem finish. It was a little sexy, but not over the top, and I felt good in it. “Thank you. You look amazing yourself.”

“Here comes your shifter,” she smiled.

I turned, following her gaze.

Justin was walking towards us, grinning broadly and looking like a million bucks in his dark pin-stripe suit and pink and green striped silk tie. He was so handsome. My heart did a little flip-flop. Libby, I admonished myself—stay focused. I turned towards Karina so my back was to him. I needed to stop this craziness right now and ask her about a prize substitute.

Karina was beaming. “I’m so happy. The ‘Scratch and Win Shifters’ lottery looks like it’s going to be huge. Yes, you and Justin will be our first huge success story. It couldn’t happen to a nicer couple!”

She was so sweet I felt bad about saying something to her, but… “Well…uh, I did want to talk to you about something…about the lottery prize. Um, uh, about Justin, I mean,” I said softly.

“What is it? You’re pleased with the match, right?” Karina looked puzzled. “Your personalities mesh so well, according to the tests.”

“You know actually, Karina,” I grimaced, “I would prefer a prize substitute.”

Her brows arched. “…a different shifter? You don’t like Justin?”

“He seems very nice—really nice, in fact,” I replied.

“Ok, so…you’re…not attracted to him?” She peered at me closely, her blue eyes intently studying mine.

I shook my head. “The guy’s hot as hell. I mean, geez…” Justin was more than hot. He was fucking delicious. But where did that get me in the long run?

“What is it, then?”

“Well…um…” How did I explain to Karina that I knew Justin was just caught up in this whole lottery thing? In real life, once everything settled down he would realize I was just curvy ole’ me—a hard working waitress at Driscoll’s—nothing special. A guy like him would never be happy with someone like me. He needed someone skinny, rich, beautiful…

“Libby?”

“I would just prefer, um, cash over a shifter.” I knew it wasn’t going to work. Me and a guy like Justin…no way. So why not get some cash and get out now?

“Gosh, I’m so sorry to hear this,” her lips tightened. “However, like the rules say on the back of the ticket, there are no substitutes. But you don’t have to take the prize, you know. You are under no obligation.”

“Are you sure I can’t get cash instead? I mean, even a little cash would be good? Isn’t there somebody you can talk to at headquarters, and...”

“No, sorry, all prizes are final. But like I said, you don’t have to take the prize.” She waved her hand in the air. “…I guess Justin might get to go back in the pool of prizes. Honestly, I’m not sure what the lottery will do in this case. This is a brand new game.”

Hmm…the thought of Justin going back into the lottery pool didn’t sit right with me. It bugged me, but I wasn’t quite sure why. But of course, if I forfeited the prize, it only seemed right that he should get another chance at love…

“Well, you should think long and hard before you give the prize up.”

“I guess I don’t know what I should do.” A zillion thoughts ran through my head. On the one hand, if I couldn’t trade the shifter prize for cash, maybe I should just see this out. Working as a waitress at Driscoll’s and living on a super tight budget, well—not a lot of exciting things were happening in my life. And he certainly was cute. Maybe it was worth taking a chance…but I didn’t want my heart broken either.

“Justin, hi…” Karina looked past me.

I turned towards him, expecting to be greeted by his sexy, devilish grin. But he looked right past me and directly at Karina, a tight expression clouding his face.

“I just wanted to say hi. I hope you ladies are having a great evening.” Then he abruptly spun on his heels and walked away.

I arched my brows. “Wow, what’s going on with him?”

Karina grimaced. “I’m guessing he overheard you ask if you could trade him in for a cash prize.”

“What? I wasn’t even loud and my back was towards him.” I could feel myself flushing at the thought of asking her if I could trade him in for cash—even a little cash. I had never meant for him to overhear.

“I know. But shifters have amazing hearing in their animal and in their man.”

“Ugh.” My heart dropped. He seemed like such a nice guy. I’d never meant to hurt him. He must think I’m such an asshole. “I’m going to go talk to him.”

“Good luck.”

I took a deep breath and marched over to Justin. He was standing near the bar; his shoulders slumped, wearing a gloomy expression.

“Can I talk to you for a minute, Justin?”

“What did you want to talk about?” he responded coldly.

“Um, back there…when I was talking to Karina, did you hear me?”

“What do you think?”

“I, uh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you could hear me.”

“I did.”

“Look, I’m sorry—really sorry.” And then my words just came tumbling out. “You know, I work as a waitress at Driscoll’s. I’m lucky if I take home twelve dollars an hour. I’m barely scraping by.”

“I get it, Libby. You wanted the cash and it’s more important to you than love.”

“No, no…it’s not that.” I shook my head. He just didn’t get it. “Of course I want love. What woman doesn’t? But let’s face it. It would have never worked out between us.”

“Oh and why is that? I thought you were my mate, Libby. We were matched. I felt it. And I thought you felt it, too.”

I thought back to the other day. It was true that when I’d met Justin in the lottery office, I’d had this strange feeling about him—like we were meant for one another. But I’d brushed it off.

“Look,” I said bluntly. You’re a drop dead gorgeous man, and…I’m an average looking woman with an overly large, curvy body. I figured you were just caught up in this lottery fever and later would leave me for someone more…more…”

“…more what, Libby?” he pursed his lips.

“…more, you know…”

“No, I don’t. What more could I want than you? I look at you and I see this sexy, sassy woman with a smile that lights up my soul and a hot, curvy body that drives me wild. I thought you were my mate when I saw your pictures. When I saw you in person I knew it.”

As I gazed into Justin’s eyes I could see he meant it. I’d been such a fool. Why hadn’t I believed in myself enough to know that I deserved someone special like him?

I lowered my eyes. “I’m so sorry. I made a terrible mistake. Will you please give me a chance?”

His eyes softened and he pulled my body towards his. “Libby, my beautiful Libby. Why would I ever want to let you go?”

Waves of desire flooded my body and my knees grew weak as he leaned in and cupped my chin, tilting it towards him.

“Darling,” he said softly, but firmly. “I want you now and always. You’re my mate…my intended.”

I swallowed hard. I ached for him. “I want you.”