Page 4 of Fated to the Panther

Who was this man and how did he know my name? Why should I accept that he wasn’t as evil as the demons after me? “Who are you to order me like this? I’m fully capable of taking care of myself.” The words, of course, were ludicrous considering what had happened, but I would not be treated like a child. I had skills and if I wanted to use them, I could levitate a fallen tree and blast it toward him. If I wanted to.

“You are my mate and you will do as I say when your safety is at risk.” The man swayed for a moment before recovering, and remained standing, his eyes glowing green like the panther’s.

I should be freaked out by how massive he was, and that I’d witnessed him shift from panther to man. Yet all I felt was an urgent pull toward him. As if my future, my life, depended on reaching him. Maybe I wouldn’t knock him out…yet.

I stepped closer, my fear gone.

He wrapped a beefy arm around my waist as soon as I was close enough. He grunted, “Do you ever do what you’re told?” The words were whispered against my ear right before he yanked me to his side, letting loose an otherworldly growl that made all my girl parts stand at attention as he unbelievably carried me back to the tree.

The ascent was dizzying, electrifying, and I should be terrified, but when I searched down deep, all I encountered was a calming acceptance from his presence. Unexpected, yes, but it was as if a piece of my soul, one I’d never realized was missing, had clicked into place.

The scientist in me waged war with my inner witch who had no trouble accepting the supernatural connection tickling my senses.

Did this man know what I was? If he didn’t, what would I do when he found out? There were many in the supernatural world who didn’t trust witches, but still had no trouble paying for our spells and potions.

How crazy was it that in the middle of a South American jungle I’d not only faced imminent death by demons while pursuing my dream of discovering a long searched for miracle plant, but I’d been saved by a shape-shifting man claiming I’m his mate? I mean, what in the shitstorm of a day is my life right now?

Chapter

Four

ROANE

My healing had never been quicker. Must be having my mate in my arms. Who even now was wiggling her curvy form, which ramped my claiming instinct to astronomic levels. “Kara, stop right now, or you may find yourself on your back sooner than you’re ready for.”

She froze against me, but even that didn’t relieve my rising need. Would anything at this point, now that I had my mate in my arms?

“How do you know my name?” Her demanding words echoed throughout my jungle home.

With a reluctant sigh, I relaxed my hold and immediately regretted it as she slid down my body, her hip bumping against my aching and growing erection.

She marched around the room, running her hands through her long blonde hair, which had come free during the pursuit. I was momentarily mesmerized by her beauty and her fortitude. Any other female may have fallen apart much sooner.

Her body vibrated with pent-up emotion and watching her pace fed my panther’s need to chase our mate. Kara wasglorious, awe-inspiring, and her lack of fear of me filled me with confidence that I’d soon be planting my seed in her womb, doing my part in advancing the prophecy my brothers and I had lived under for nearly a millennium.

“You were just pursued by demons and that’s what you’re concerned about?”

At my words, she whirled around, her mouth open to respond. Instead, she slammed her full lips together. Her gaze dropped to the top of my thighs, landing on my straining cock, her eyes wide with shock, but also filled with a curiosity that gave me hope.

The pain of my erection had reached a level I’d never encountered in my centuries-long existence. If this wasn’t proof she was mine, then nothing ever would be.

Instead of blushing or acting uncomfortable about my nudity, my mate directed her gaze away from my midsection, then resumed stomping through my home. “So, this is really a treehouse? If you weren’t bald, I could almost imagine you being Tarzan. But where’s the monkey?” She paused next to the bed, then obviously thinking better of it, she continued checking out the space, next stopping at the table I’d spent hours making.

She ran her hands along the glossy finish and jealously filled me by that innocent gesture. She had no idea how close I was to giving her no choice. But it had to be her choice. I would die before ever hurting her.

Her eyes dipped again to my cock. A sweet blush bloomed on her face before she narrowed her gaze and shrugged her shoulders before she moved away and finished walking around my home.

Not sure how to feel by her reaction to my obvious desire for her, I grabbed a pair of pants, pulling them on carefully as I tucked myself in. But I left the top button undone in deference to comfort and a healthy dose of masculine pride.

“No monkey, but if the image turns you on, I’ll play. Me Tarzan, you Jane.” Thumping my chest, I offered her a grin. My humor did the trick, and her gaze focused back on me. But I wasn’t prepared for the smile that lit her face. If I thought charming her would be that easy, she quickly slammed that door in my face and busted out laughing.

Tears soon streamed down her delicate face, her shoulders shook, and her full breasts bounced. If I hadn’t been a goner from my first scent of her, I was now truly done for. And just like that I was hard as steel—again.

“I’m glad you find me amusing, but I assure you, I never joke around about these things. I realize how intense all of this has been for you. Not many humans would have done what you’ve done or held up as well as you have after being chased by demons. Would you like to sit? I’ll get you some water. Take some time and then I can answer any and all questions you have.”

Her features morphed into an “are you kidding me” look. “Sure, let’s ignore that minutes ago you weren’t a sleek, monster-sized panther ripping apart demons. Or how about the bullet wound. Where’d that go? And yes, when I’m processing, I often turn to humor. But have no doubt, I’m not some helpless female. I’m not without defenses. Now, if you don’t mind, tell mehowyou know who I am then tell me who you are. Then, if you would so kind as to show me the best way out of here so I can get back to my camp.” Jutting her chin, Kara crossed her arms, lifting her ample breasts. All of it, her words and posture telegraphing the unspoken part, “or else.”

She was spectacular, but challenge noted and accepted.

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