Page 22 of Finding my Shifter Soulmate

"Yeah, I just finished a yoga class. How's my favorite escapist doing? When are you coming back?"

I hesitate, unsure what to say. It’s not like I’m about to tell her I’m dating some normal guy I met at a bar. The truth seems crazy. Because I'm now the girlfriend of a sexy panther shifter that saved me from myself. This time on the island has only confirmed what I already knew: that there is nothing for me to go back to in the states. I don't think I ever want to leave Gede's side again. But I don't know how to explain that to her yet. "Uh, I can't come back yet. I don't think," I say finally.

"What? Why?"

How the hell do I explain this? 'I'm sleeping with a panther shifter.' Talk about an outlandish story. "Um, I think I met someone."

There's a noticeable pause. "Like a guy?"

"Yes, a guy."

"Wait. I want to hear every detail," she says, squealing. "Tell me where you met. What's his name? Is he hot?"

I slide into a chair at a table made of glass and bamboo, smiling to myself. "We met at a dance festival in one of the villages. And, oh yeah, his name is Gede."

"Gede?" she shrieks.

The voice booming into my ear pulls a laugh from my throat, and I shake my head at her excitement. "He's a local. He has a beach house way off the map."

"Well, damn girl. That's what I'm talking about," she says, laughing right along with me. "Are you in love?"

My cheeks feel hot. Is there any possible way to explain what Gede means to me in a single conversation? How he has helped me heal, at least part of me, in the few days we've known each other?

When I let my thoughts soar in his direction, my chest aches for him, I feel the need for his touch even more. When I'm with him, it all makes sense. He takes a little bit of the ache away that's been with me since my breakup. He makes me feel like everything is going to be okay. It's still insane. It's a whirlwind and maybe not the logical choice. But it's exactly what I need, and I don't want it to end.

"Um, I won't say that I'm not."

"Girl, that's intense. Are you sure you can trust him? No judgment. You know I trust you. And I just want to make sure that you're okay."

A sigh lifts my chest. I want to make her understand, but it's impossible over the phone. "I am, and don't worry. I just wanted to tell you that I might be staying longer and why."

There's another long pause. "I'm not trying to doubt you, Sabrina. It's just, you haven't known him long at all. What does this guy have? To make you fall so fast for him, I mean."

Jean is asking for information I can't give her. Telling her about the whole supernatural thing is definitely out of the question. But she worries about me, and I understand. I would, too, if our situations were reversed.

When I ponder her question for a minute, the answer reveals itself to me. "I can't explain, but he has what I need. At least right now."

Jean responds softly. "I believe you." Then the excitement returns to her voice. "Seriously, Sabrina, I hope you take pictures of everything. And send them to me because I'd die to be in Bali right now. Maybe if you stay there for good I can come visit you. Isn't it beautiful there?"

Smiling at her ability to embrace the wild things in life, I reply, "Yes, it is. It's very beautiful. You would literally faint if you saw the view from Gede's bedroom."

As I gaze out of the windows, looking into the jungle, a sudden flash catches my eye. Blinking in case I've imagined it, I glance back, but see nothing out of the ordinary.

"I would like to visit, yes. Tell me again what he looks like," Jean demands, giggling.

"He's so handsome. Strong, tall, tanned, with dark hair and beautiful eyes."

"Do you have pictures? Oh my gosh, Sabrina. Show me. Show me your man!"

I laugh, but then I swear a shadow crosses over my vision. This time I peer harder, and see nothing but foliage outside. "No, I've been a bit too... preoccupied to think about it, but I'll ask next time we're together."

She has completely lifted my mood with all of her silliness. As much as I'd love to be with Gede right now, I'm glad I called Jean, too. With her support and encouragement, I can forget about my worries for a few minutes.

Except, now as I stand here, the shadow in the woods fades into view again. A figure flashes in and out of the underbrush, and a chill shoots down my spine. A pair of green eyes glow in the dark. Cat's eyes, staring right at me, and as much as I want to run, I can't. Terror roots me in place, and I end the call and drop my phone to the ground.

My mind is playing tricks on me. There's no animal staring at me, there's nothing evil in the brush. Gede has other shifters watching the house, and Rama wouldn't infiltrate the Barong's turf. Logically, I believe this, but my body is on high alert. My heart, beating faster, sends blood roaring through my head, and I can barely think.

A second passes and the eyes blink out. Running to the window, I search the area outside, waiting for the eyes to pop back up. My hair stands on end, goosebumps rising to cover my skin. I wait and wait, until all I see are trees swaying in the wind.

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