Black Passion Lorie O’Clare
Black Jag, Book Two
Jaguars are hunters, through and through. That lifestyle will be protected at all costs in the Costa Rican rain forest village of Guarida, where Ran VicMoran and his littermates have settled. Ran will hunt and kill as necessary to protect their peaceful way of life. Times are changing though, and danger comes on two feet. Olivia Sancerre has endured her overbearing mother all her life. She won’t be the same manipulative woman her mother is. However, each time Olivia runs into Ran, her calm, quiet nature dissolves and she can’t seem to stop sparring with him. The more they banter, the hotter she is for the incredibly sexy, commanding jaguar. As danger smells stronger, enemies are right under their noses and life as they know it is about to change, Ran and Olivia begin a torrential love affair. Soon they’re not only fighting to remain together, they’re also struggling with a new way of life they never saw coming.
An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication
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Black Passion ISBN 9781419929434 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Black Passion Copyright 2010 Lorie O’Clare Edited by Mary Moran Cover art by Syneca Electronic book publication August 2010 The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.
BLACK PASSION Lorie O’Clare
Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Jacuzzi: Jacuzzi Inc. Corporation Styrofoam: Dow Chemical Company
Lorie O’Clare
Chapter One Ran VicMoran slammed his fist on the desktop and shoved his chair away from the computer. “Fucking signal sucks!” Unreliable computer signals were the only thing preventing this place from being paradise. Well, that and maybe having a few hot and willing females at his beck and call. The last time he got laid was the night he and his littermates arrived at the small jaguar community, buried deep in the rain forest on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. That was three months ago. “There’s got to be a better way to get a signal.” He stood and paced the length of the small hut he shared with his littermate. “I’ve got to move again.” He and Rafe, his littermate, moved into the small hut built off the ground almost two months ago. Living here wouldn’t be so bad if Rafe weren’t fucking every female willing to spread her legs, and if Ran could stay online longer than five minutes. “I was so close this time.” He pulled his cotton shirt over his head as he headed for the door. Hurrying down the wooden stairs, he adjusted his ponytail at the base of his neck and let his eyes adjust to the afternoon light spilling through the thick branches above. “Hey, Ran. Are you going on the run tonight?” Juana Ann skipped up to him and then fell into stride as he walked briskly across center ground, the large area of hard, flattened dirt that was the middle of Guarida. Maybe if he lowered his standards and didn’t care what a female smelled like he’d be getting it as often as Rafe. Not that Ran kept any type of stroke tally count against his littermate. The type of sex Rafe had was not Ran’s definition of getting lucky. If Ran wanted simply to get his dick wet, Juana Ann and other single females in Guarida would do nicely. He glanced down at Juana Ann, who moved alongside him close enough her bare arm brushed against his more than once. Most of the den’s huts formed a circle, enclosing the center ground inside. More dens were built behind the ones closest to center ground and each was built in one of the large trees. Ran hadn’t questioned it when they’d first moved here. A few of the dens had been there for three generations, since jaguars first arrived in this part of the world around seventy years ago. There was enough rain that unless they wanted to haul in materials not indigenous to the forest to prevent their dens from flooding, they built the huts off the ground. “You should go on the run tonight,” Juana Ann encouraged. “Probably.” He hadn’t given it much thought.
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Cubs raced around them, tackling each other and hissing and growling loudly. The younger ones, either in their fur or skin, tumbled over each other while their mothers watched them protectively. Many mated females spent parts of the afternoon at center ground, catching up on any new howlings and letting their cubs play so they’d be worn out by the time darkness settled in. “Why don’t you run with me tonight?” Juana Ann brushed her fingernails down his bare arm. Ran looked down at the obvious invitation in her eyes. “Shouldn’t you be looking for Rafe?” He barely remembered her leaving their den early that morning, but only because she kept him up half the night with her howling while she fucked his littermate. Juana Ann shrugged lazily. “He’s not here and you are.” Ran almost shook his head with disgust. “You two are made for each other,” he mumbled under his breath. “What?” Juana Ann wasn’t the only single female whose sire and mother were dead. She had no littermates so held on to her single status as she lived alone and did as she wished. As long as the stench of her promiscuity didn’t grab the attention of a jaguar who decided to howl righteously about her being a slut, Juana Ann was free to fuck and not demand a mating or growl and throw a fit about being dishonored. As violent and aggressive as their kind was, more and more cubs entered into adulthood without parents or anyone to enforce they hold on to their traditions and run with honor. “I’ll talk to you later.” He reached the stairs to his older littermate’s den. Bounding up them, and ignoring Juana Ann’s parting words, he simply waved over his shoulder. “Hunt well,” he told her then rapped on the door. Maybe he should lower his standards and take advantage of Juana Ann’s invitation. The physical release would be welcomed if he’d be able to live with himself the next day as the female left him and pranced on to the next male. Baritone voices inside tickled his ear. Instinct had him gripping the door handle, but his breeding helped him to stop. Footsteps sounded inside and he waited impatiently for the door to be opened for him. He honored his oldest littermate by not barging into his den. “Hi, Ran.” Angela opened the door, grinning, her hair damp and the faint smell of soap lingering around her. “Angela,” he said quietly. “Don’t track mud in.” She pointed to his shoes. “That’s the only thing I don’t like about living here,” she added, still smiling. Her green eyes glowed with happiness. “Raul made a mat for me that we’re keeping by the door. You can take your shoes off there.”
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Ran obliged and slipped out of his shoes then shut the door behind him. Angela left him to his business and sat next to Raul on their bamboo couch. He envied his older brother for having such a perfect mate. Angela cuddled into Raul, turning her attention to Fred Sancerre, who sat opposite them in one of the chairs. His daughter Olivia sat cross-legged on the floor next to him, scribbling something in a ledger book. Fred stopped talking, and Raul narrowed his brow as he studied Ran. “What’s the scowl for? Rafe driving you nuts?” “No, my computer is.” Angela scooted to the end of the couch. “I don’t know a thing about computers, Ran. But how about a cup of coffee?” “Sounds good. Thanks.” Ran shifted, needing to talk to Raul, but not wanting to interrupt the current conversation. Angela hurried into the kitchen and came back carrying a cup of coffee and dragging a chair. “I’m sorry we don’t have adequate furniture to entertain yet.” “This furniture is exceptional.” Fred twisted in his chair as Ran hurried to take the chair from Angela. “Here you go.” She smiled. “Have a seat.” Ran glanced at the top of Olivia’s head while she continued to write numbers in neat columns in her ledger book. He glanced at Raul, scowling. It wasn’t right to sit with the female on the floor. Raul understood his line of thinking and shrugged. “She wants to sit on the floor.” If Olivia heard them, she didn’t acknowledge their comments. Her slender shoulders were bare and long black hair tapered at her rear end. She wore jeans and her feet were bare. Pretty feet, he thought to himself. Not that he could see much else of her. Olivia didn’t say much to anyone but continued working with her numbers. Her lavender scent, possibly coming from her shampoo, distracted him as he tried to relax, resigned to hearing out the conversation taking place before talking to his oldest littermate. “I’m afraid I don’t know much about computers either.” Fred nodded his greeting. Ran was used to the comment. Those who said they didn’t know much about computers didn’t want to know anything about them. “It’s just a connection problem.” He glanced over at Raul, who stared back at him and raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t mean to interrupt the conversation,” he added, holding his littermate’s attention, who gave a very slight nod. They would discuss his issues later, more privately. “It’s quite all right,” Fred announced. “My daughter Olivia here is determining how much furniture we can purchase and what funds are available for building another hut.” “John Ramos took Margie for a mate.” Angela looked so pleased with the news, as if she’d set the mating up herself. “Obviously they’re anxious for their own den.”
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“It’s a good mating too.” Fred puffed out his chest and nodded solemnly. “Wouldn’t surprise me a bit if my own Olivia finds a mate soon. There are quite a few good single males in our community now.” Olivia made a very unappealing grunt that her father ignored. Raul and Angela both smelled rather amused. Ran glared at his brother, but Raul simply raised one eyebrow as he nuzzled his mate. When Ran glanced at Fred, the older male looked at him as if Ran were a prime choice of raw meat. Ran stiffened, straightening, his instincts immediately demanding he protect himself. He was all too familiar with the trap being set for him. Fred stared at him another moment and began grinning then nodded to his daughter, the look on his face more than a bit obvious. Fucking tail! The older leopard was damn near tossing his daughter at Ran to try out for a possible mate. He ached to pop his older littermate in the face, especially when Raul gave Angela a knowing wink and she grinned mischievously. It wasn’t the first time an overzealous sire or mother sniffed Ran out and propositioned him, having determined he met with their image of what a good mate would be for their daughter. Fred wasn’t as subtle about it as most were. When Ran glanced at Olivia, who remained hunched over her ledger, it was impossible to tell her reaction. If she possibly smelled a bit pissed it was covered up quickly by her sire’s sudden burst of happiness. Apparently he viewed Ran looking at his daughter as consent to his proposition. These were the two extremes Ran lived with, in spite of how it was making him nuts lately. Due to the status of their dens, some females ran as freely as the wind, changing their direction just as often. Other females were considered incredible commodities, set out on display and damn near bartered off to the most impressive male. Ran wasn’t too impressed with either arrangement. He’d rather hunt a female on his own terms, but when he caught her, he’d like some assurance she wouldn’t sleep with another male, his littermate for example, the very next day. “Everything’s in order,” Olivia said coolly, looking up at her sire and ignoring the others in the room. “I’ll give the figures to Miguel.” When she straightened, her straight hair fell like a solid waterfall down her backside. It didn’t hide the narrowness of her waist or how her hips were nicely rounded, probably leading into a firm, perfectly shaped ass. She focused on her sire, turning her torso to face him. Although her back was to Ran, he was able to see her profile, how her nose was straight and turned up just a hair at the bottom. Her cheekbones were set high in her face. Her eyebrows were thin and as black as her hair. Her lips were full, slightly parted, and she licked them as she continued watching her sire. Olivia was one hot, feisty-looking little female. Something tightened inside him Ran didn’t usually experience. He considered the possibility of Fred Sancerre trying to toss his only offspring at any available male he might consider a good addition to their small den. The thought of how some of the rogues out there might sink their teeth into such a perfect, young and sexy female as Olivia didn’t set well with him. If her sire was so desperate to mate his daughter off, or 9
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simply clueless as to how an unmated male might react to the invitation to chase Olivia, she would have no protection. The only catch to a hot female like Olivia would be the consequences attached if any male were to catch her. Jaguars took mating seriously. The commitment was for life. No exceptions. Fred had just given Ran permission to pursue his daughter. The last thing he’d ever do was abuse such an honor, especially when the daughter was as breathtakingly beautiful as Olivia. Ran had no interest in mating and settling into a den. It would be a long time before he would have cubs and commit to the responsibility in rearing them. But spending some time with Olivia might prove more entertaining than pinning down a female like Juana Ann, who wouldn’t even run but would willingly fall to the ground and spread her legs. Sex was a lot better after a good hunt and sparring. The excitement of pulling it off without being snagged into a mating afterward often made the act even hotter. “You go to all that work in your little notebook but won’t share the figures with us?” Olivia twisted around, narrowing her gaze on him as she edged closer to her sire. She acted as if she just now noticed he sat behind her. Something told him she wasn’t shifting her weight and moving closer to her sire out of fear. Olivia shifted as if she were in her fur, a primal, predatory positioning, sniffing her potential aggressor and eyeing him carefully to determine friend or foe. It gave him the impression she buried herself in those numbers so often, when she surfaced, the world was her aggressor and she would attack if needed. Her feline movements in her human form were incredibly erotic. Her alluring scent, mixed with the slightest of spicy aromas, proved what he’d guessed. Olivia was turned-on and pissed. Possibly she liked what she saw in him but didn’t care for anyone telling her who to run with. Ran pointed to her ledger book, which rested on her lap. If all he did was spar with her a bit, getting her riled, it might still make his day turn out a lot better than he’d imagined. He reached for the ledger, holding out his hand as if he believed she’d hand it over to him. “I need my own den, little cat. Where is this list showing who gets the next hut? What kind of funding for supplies do we have?” “My little notebook?” she hissed, her scent turning spicier as her temper flared. “No wonder your computer won’t work for you, little cat,” she said softly, reusing his term of endearment but making it sound more like an insult. Her eyes were round and wide, and at that moment glowed as if they were actually rare gems. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s suffering from multiple operator errors.” She pursed her lips into a pouty expression and Ran damn near got hard as a rock. Olivia was even hotter face-to-face. Her scent, fully spiced with anger, was so damn provocative he could get drunk as hell on it. “Olivia,” Fred Sancerre said, looking down at her and placing his thick, short fingers gently on her shoulder. His tone wasn’t reprimanding but more imploring.
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At the same time, Raul snickered or made some sound he didn’t successfully muffle when he pressed his fist to his mouth. If he started laughing, Ran would kick his ass in his own den, no matter if he entertained another litter. Ran was tempted to push Olivia a bit more. If she blew up in front of him, later tonight, possibly on the group run, if he sparred with her a bit more, he very likely might get some incredibly good piece of tail. Olivia’s lips pressed into a thin line. Either his expression gave him away or she picked up the smell of lust on him. Ran wasn’t sure how she could smell any of his emotions over her own raging temper. “I assure you,” Ran said, matching her soft-spoken tone. “It wasn’t an operator error. But I have no problem with you sniffing out the true nature of the problem. Give me your little book and I’ll check your numbers and you can go fix my computer connection problem.” Olivia sprang to her feet with quick agility. Ran had seen her around their small community of Guarida, which was Spanish for lair, but never close enough to pick up her scent. She was tall, slender, with curves to make any healthy male start panting. Her black hair flew around her wildly as she stalked to the door. “Olivia,” Fred called out, hurrying out of his chair with his arms extended. “My precious cub,” he pleaded. Olivia was out the door, slamming it hard enough to shake the walls. Fred turned quickly, suddenly looking miserable. “I’m so sorry. She really is a nice female. I promise. Just a bit quick-tempered, but she calms down quickly. You’ll see.” Fred snapped his finger in the air and kept talking when no one else said a word. “I know. We have fresh kill at our den. My Olivia is a damn good cook. We would be honored if you joined us this evening. That would make things better. You know, Ran, she really would make an incredible mate. Think about it and I’ll talk to you soon.” Before Ran could come up with a thing to say, Fred hurried out the door. As quickly as he left, he bounded back in. “Please tell your littermate we want two of those wicker chairs he made for the Perezes. My Bonnie will throw a fit if I come home without putting in my order for the chairs.” With that, he hurried back out the door, calling his daughter’s name as he hurried down the stairs. Raul burst out laughing. “Who would have thought quiet Olivia had such sharp teeth?” He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around his waist as he roared with laughter. “You must admit,” Angela added, grinning up at Ran as she started snickering too, “she’s got a dangerous amount of a wild streak in her.” Ran had always adored Angela, worshipping her with respectable silence and never allowing his fantasies to become disrespectful. Up until a few minutes ago he would have easily howled to anyone Angela was the hottest, prettiest female in Guarida. And she’d had quite an untamed side to her as well, until Raul decided he’d 11
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tame her. There was something about Olivia Angela didn’t have. Both were beautiful females. Olivia’s hot body, the way she moved easily and quickly but with a fluent agility that purred with feline sensuality, and her fiery nature put her at the top of the list as the hottest, sexiest creature in the rain forest. For now, this would be information kept to himself. Angela’s snickering turned to full-blown laughter. Ran glared at both of them. “There is nothing funny about a disrespectful female whose poor sire is even shamed by her,” he informed both of them as images of what it might take to tame Olivia just a bit, not too much, flashed into rather hot images in his mind. He ignored the images of her sire deciding Ran had given her enough attention and would now mate with her. Raul stood, pulling his mate up next to him. He held his gut as he managed to quit laughing. At Ran’s comment though, he shook his head, wagging his finger at his littermate. “You smell her wrong,” he said. “Olivia isn’t quiet. If you attended the meetings in the gathering den you’d sniff her out better. The female is aggressive and growls her opinions loud enough for everyone to hear. She honors her sire and mother though. And trust me, they reek with their pride for their only daughter. Olivia has Guarida on a tight budget, allowing funds to build a hut or pay for transportation or ordering supplies if anyone needs to leave the jungle for any reason, disbursed only after she’s convinced the funds are truly needed. No one can get her to release any money from the community’s budget unless she’s determined that litter or male or female has contributed enough to all the dens to have earned money for whatever it is they need. She’s fair, but definitely not calm and quiet,” he added, a smirk returning to his face. “And she is absolutely beautiful,” Angela cut in. “What’s so wrong about accepting Fred Sancerre’s offer to eat their kill? I’m sure it would be good meat.” Her look was hopeful as she focused on Ran. He huffed in a breath, knowing he wouldn’t argue with Angela, not only out of respect for her, but his littermate would defend his mate to the death. Ran didn’t want to discuss Olivia with them anymore. Maybe he’d sniff her out later. He’d give it some thought. But he wasn’t going to discuss her with Raul and Angela. “There is actually a reason I stopped by here,” he reminded them, changing the subject. “I don’t know,” Angela purred, not backing out of the discussion of Olivia. Both men looked at her quickly as her scent ripened. She wagged her finger at Ran. “What you said was insulting. She ran from our den, shamed because of you, Ran. How would you like it if someone called your computer insignificant? You really should sniff her out and ask for her forgiveness. After all, you don’t want to share a den with Rafe the rest of your life.” “If someone doesn’t understand the importance of computers, then I don’t have time to explain it to them.” Ran wasn’t opposed to sniffing out Olivia, but he wasn’t
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sure it would be to apologize. “Something tells me asking that hot, feisty female for forgiveness would ignite her temper all over again.” Raul grinned along with him. Getting a female to bare her teeth and claws was often the best foreplay there was. Angela shook her head, clucking her tongue, then pushed her way between both of them as she picked up cups and headed to the adjoining kitchen. She started growling to herself and the low rumble continued when she carried the cups to the sink. Raul gave her a wary look. He shot Ran a warning look, letting him know with an almost inaudible grumble they would endure Angela’s rant. “Olivia really is a nice female. It isn’t hard at all to smell her honor,” Angela began, and started organizing their small den. She hurried around a long counter that separated the kitchen and living room and began hauling the chair back into the kitchen. “She and I chatted a bit when Raul and Fred discussed having Rafe make some chairs for the Sancerre den. She’s very easy to talk to and she didn’t give me the impression she’s much into any of the howlings around Guarida.” “She looks as if she’d rather fight instead of talk.” Ran ignored her punishing look and sipped his coffee. “How did you expect her to act when she was all but backed into a corner?” Angela demanded, shaking her head. “Or would you rather sniff after females who run with no intention of demanding a mating?” Angela’s parents had died when she’d been younger. She’d run wild, too often without chaperones. Ran knew his littermate had watched Angela with a protective eye for a number of years before deciding to close in and tame her and make her his mate. Ran was pretty sure Angela hadn’t been like Juana Ann, although she certainly wasn’t reared in a den like Olivia’s either. Ran opened his mouth to remind Angela she had been snickering right along with Raul when comments were made about Ran running with Olivia. “So you came over to discuss a computer problem?” Raul asked, speaking before Ran could. He shifted, blocking Ran’s view of Angela. He would protect his mate and at the same time prevent her from snapping at his littermate. Angela was the last female Ran would ever need protection from, but he didn’t mind shifting the scent in the room to something more pleasant. Walking over to the window, which looked down at center ground, Ran took in the jaguars outside but didn’t see Olivia. Her scent still lingered by his littermate’s front door. It smelled a lot better than the anxiety, which had started to clog up the air around him. He breathed it in and his insides tightened, something primal and predatory surfacing. He forced the emotions down, preventing any more aromas from releasing and giving Angela reason to howl at him some more. “Did you get a chance to learn how many huts are being built?” he asked, and turned from the window as his brother plopped his large body onto the couch.
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“Why? What’s up?” Raul asked, not bothering to get up but stretching out on his couch and pouncing on Angela when she tried to walk past him to continue straightening. Angela made a show of struggling but gave in easily and cuddled in to her mate. Ran was thrilled his littermate knew such fresh-smelling happiness. Lately though, he wished he had a female keeping him company in his den instead of his obnoxious brother. “I got online for a few minutes before I came over.” Ran turned his attention back to the window, staring at the cubs who rolled around on the ground and attacked each other viciously, making as much noise as they did scratches and bruises. “I went to Colony’s website, just to see how our old community up in the States is doing. I wouldn’t say I missed anyone there, but there are times when I long to sniff out the fresh mountain air. Living in Colorado did have its advantages.” “Every one of those advantages disappeared long before we ran from Colony,” Raul said coolly. Ran nodded, indifferent to Raul’s hardening expression. With Raul it was all about keeping their litter together and strong. Ran agreed with him one hundred percent but didn’t feel a need to stress the point he had no notion of returning to the mountains where the three of them were whelped and grew up. “Why did you go to the website?” Raul asked, still watching Ran with a wary look. “Like I said, I wanted to see what Colony was up to these days. A lot can happen in the three months since we’ve been here. Unbelievably, Natasha Kalusian hasn’t changed the password. I logged right in and read all their current howlings.” “My littermate’s confidence in herself has more times than not been her downfall.” Angela’s expression sobered and her scent soured. “What is she doing with Colony now?” she asked, keeping her tone light, although she didn’t fool anyone. Angela cared for Natasha. She was as good as her littermate was bad. Natasha hadn’t taken over Colony as their leader when Ran and his littermates left. From what he’d read earlier, in the short time he’d been able to stay online, it appeared she’d not only succeeded in taking her position as bitch in charge, she’d implemented some changes they’d all feared would happen. It had been their main reason for leaving the States and running in their fur to Costa Rica where jaguars had lived since exiling from their native land in Europe during the early 1940s. Gloating over their predictions coming true would stink up the den and make Angela feel worse. Natasha and Angela had been very close as cubs, not drifting apart until entering early adulthood when both females began running in very different directions. Angela loved the mountains and Natasha loved the community. Where Angela didn’t consult with anyone and did what she wanted discreetly, Natasha howled loudly and scratched fiercely as she began gathering loyal followers and as many enemies. She’d already begun plotting her control of Colony and the destiny of jaguars long before anyone was able to sniff out the damage she would inevitably
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cause. Angela didn’t approve of what her littermate was doing, but there was still Kalusian blood inside her. “I got to the main page and read the announcement that success with humans has made jaguars a word said with reverence.” He sucked in a breath, keeping his back to his littermate as the smell of outrage filled the den. “It said that in so many words,” he added and turned around slowly. “As I said, I wasn’t able to stay online long.” “What exactly did it say?” Raul slowly released his mate and straightened until he sat facing Ran. “That’s just it,” Ran said, side-stepping around the exact wording for Angela’s sake. Already worry lined her pretty face, and he cared too much for her to bring her pain. “I lost my internet signal. I couldn’t read the rest of it. We’re too buried in the forest here. I’d like to get approval to build my den a short ways from here, where there’s a clearing and a better chance of keeping a signal for longer than five minutes.” Raul stood, keeping his attention focused on Ran, but it was Angela who spoke first. “What exactly did you read?” she asked. Ran shook his head. “What?” Raul demanded. Ran cursed under his breath. “Fine,” he snapped. “But I didn’t start howling about the atrocities out of honor to your mate,” he added flatly, staring at Raul. “I’m a grown female,” Angela informed him, standing as well and moving next to Raul. “If my littermate has made life worse up there for jaguars, I want to know every detail.” Ran hated seeing the pain already lining her pretty face. Raul was ready to pounce. Any mention of Colony being so desecrated outraged all of them. Ran didn’t hold back any details, although he felt Angela’s pain when she paled at his words. “It said, Jaguar success will lead to controlling humans. All I read after that was how the next mandatory meeting will cover any concerns over jaguars not earning their full share after their kill. Something was mentioned about ledgers being presented and anyone having further complaints over all the money they were earning not being enough could howl personally to Natasha Kalusian.” “They’re going to end up killing each other over greed, and it will be the Kalusian litter’s fault,” Angela snapped, her pain smelling angry as well. Ran moved to her, unable to stop himself when she covered her mouth with her hands. Pulling her into a hug, he looked over her head at his littermate. “I can drive into Puerto Jimenez and get online there, but that’s a good hour away at least, even if I run in my fur. Keeping up on what they’re doing will be tough to impossible without a connection here. I already own a decent computer but the den Rafe and I are in is buried too deep in the rain forest.”
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“All of Guarida is buried deep in the rain forest.” Raul frowned. “Are you suggesting you leave us?” “No. But there are clearings nearby. There’s one not too far from center ground,” he said, pointing in the direction where the trees parted enough for a large patch of sun to reach the ground. “If I could get a den built there, then with just a few more pieces of equipment, I should be able to remain online and monitor activity around us and among jaguars everywhere.” “I’ll talk to Miguel,” Raul offered. “I can explain how monitoring Colony’s activities will help preserve the life everyone has enjoyed here for generations now.” “We’ll have to go over the wording,” Raul said, and kept his attention on Ran when Angela shot her attention to his face. None of them would howl too loudly about Angela being Natasha’s littermate. Angela had information about Natasha no one else knew. Worse than that, the VicMoran litter escaped Colony when Natasha and her alley cat rogues didn’t want them running. Raul had almost lost his life when the four of them ran from Colony. Natasha didn’t want three unmated males, who were in their prime and deadly predators, leaving when if they’d stayed, she would have made even more money bidding them off to humans as mercenaries. No one wanted Natasha sniffing anywhere near Guarida, and if they believed Angela being related might instigate trouble, claws and fangs would be bared before anyone listened to reason. Just looking at Raul, Ran knew his littermate already worried the same thing. “The Kalusian litter and Colony wants us to kill for money just as they’re doing in the States. We left them, found new territory here. Don’t think for a minute they’ll leave us to our kill and not sniff us out and try to make us prey.” “Natasha never stops when she’s obsessed with something,” Angela said, her scent flat as she left Ran’s arms and walked into Raul’s embrace. “I always ran with pride being a Kalusian,” she whispered. Ran stroked her hair. “I’m sorry, my little cat,” he murmured. “You run with that same pride, my beautiful female,” Raul assured her. “Now you run as a VicMoran.” “I’m very proud to be a VicMoran.” Angela didn’t need to convince either of them of that. Her love for Raul was one of the strongest, most enjoyable aromas Ran had ever known. “You know I ache for the den I’ve known since I was a cub to regain its honor. Something must be done or the Kalusians will reek of greed and destruction thanks to my demented littermate.” “I agree,” Ran said. “That’s why I need to establish better internet service here in Guarida. I want us on top of all their actions. It will be more than the Kalusian litter destroyed if things continue as they are now.”
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Raul cradled her in his arms, kissing the top of her head and looking at Ran. Angela twisted in Raul’s arms and her green eyes were full of emotions. Her sweet smell was clouded with sadness, but she managed to sound hopeful when she spoke. “Ran, you need to sniff out Olivia.” Ran frowned, not understanding what the sexy and incredibly feisty female had to do with anything. “Ran, she not only keeps the books for our community, but she’s got a lot of pull with Miguel. If you convince her it’s important for you to build a den so we can all stay informed, she’s the one who can make it happen. You’ve got to go find her and do whatever it takes to get her on our side.”
***** Ran bounded down his littermate’s stairs and headed toward center ground after assuring Angela he would do what it took to make sure they stayed a step ahead of Natasha. It wasn’t kept a secret from any jaguar what Natasha Kalusian was doing with Colony in the Colorado Rockies. They didn’t howl about it on a regular basis however. Ran wasn’t sure how much Olivia knew about jaguars being paid mercenaries to humans up in the States. Sniffing after her again, dodging her sharp fangs and keeping out of reach of her long claws sounded like a hell of a plan. Olivia was as hot as she was quick-tempered. He wondered if growling at Ran got her wet. Had she run out of the den to prevent him from sniffing out her desire? Suddenly finding Olivia sounded more important than anything. He would be able to sniff out the truth as to how much she knew about the jaguars in the States after spending some time with her. And while picking her brain, he might as well seduce her incredibly sensual body. “Where have you been?” Rafe fell in alongside him, startling Ran. “Where have I been? Where the hell were you?” Ran rubbed his hand down his hair and blew out a breath. He did his best to douse his thoughts so they wouldn’t smell and make Rafe curious. Rafe would definitely want to know if Ran found some hot, sensual creature who appeared to enjoy sparring more than the average female, and most enjoyed it. “What crawled up your ass and died?” Rafe scowled as he studied Ran. “Damn, you need laid bad, don’t you?” “I need a better computer signal.” “Huh?” “Never mind.” If he explained his problem again it would ruin his mood for the rest of the day. And he hated being grouchy, hated being around others who were irritating unless they were sparring and fighting to get under his skin while their green eyes glowed as if they were rare gems. “And I could get laid if I wanted,” he added,
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forcing his expression to relax and trying for a smirk as he stared at Rafe’s skeptical expression. “Don’t think all these females spread their legs just for you.” Rafe made a show of looking astonished. “You’re kidding. I thought they were all mine.” He smacked Ran on the back, laughing at the same time. “Come on, let’s go chase some of those willing females. You’ll feel better once you get your dick wet.”
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Chapter Two Olivia walked around the thick grove of trees and stopped in her tracks. She stared at Ran and Rafe VicMoran. They were both so good-looking, much more appealing than any other male in Guarida. But damn. Ever since their litter moved here from the States, every single female suddenly couldn’t keep her tail down around either male. She’d be damned if she became just another statistic for them to howl about. Especially the way the two of them gloated. She overheard them easily and wasn’t surprised by the expressions on both their faces. “You assholes,” she hissed, squeezing her ledger book so hard in her hand it cut into her palm. “Do you really think all females are so stupid they can’t smell past how narrow-minded you are?” “You got to watch out for the smart ones,” Rafe rumbled, his baritone practically a growl as he stepped forward and moved slowly around Olivia. “Impossible to tame but worth a good fight if they put out. All you have to do is out-smart females like this one,” he added, moving close enough to Olivia to lower his head and sniff her neck. “Like you would have a clue.” Olivia crossed her arms over her chest, refusing to move or even respond to him. Inside, it was like a hammer pounded cruelly against her rib cage. “It’s jaguars like you who give us a bad name. Now shoo!” “Shoo?” Rafe cocked an eyebrow and took a step backward. “Yes. Go away.” She was forced to back up when he stepped around her and was suddenly within inches of touching her. Her heart jumped to hyperdrive and her temper escalated just as quickly. Dropping her ledger book, she shoved him in the chest. “Now!” she demanded. Rafe didn’t budge. If anything, he looked incredibly amused and dangerous. Olivia ached inside. The beauty before her, these gorgeous males, was damaged. Ruined. Assholes. Her sire begged her to find a mate, pointed out how many single males there were in their community now. More than anything she wished she could make her parents happy, have plenty of cubs for her sire and mother to spoil. But it just wasn’t going to happen when every male she met thought with the head between his legs instead of the one on his shoulders. “You are one fiery little female,” Rafe growled, and grabbed her. Olivia shrieked. God! It was such a lame sound. Outrage mixed with embarrassment when Rafe grabbed her waist and lifted her off the ground. She barely noticed Ran standing behind Rafe, but if he laughed at her, she would have his ass too.
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She grabbed his hair. The sparks that raced up and down her spine ignited the fury burning inside her along with her humiliation. Probably half the community watched, taking bets more than likely. She pulled his thick black hair, yanked with all the power she could put into it. And at the same time she howled, not some pathetic cry but a fierce warrior’s scream. Her claws extended, her spine prickled and her teeth grew. Flashes of color appeared before her eyes as she swore she saw Rafe’s shock and amazement when she leaned into him and bit his cheek. “Bitch!” he screamed, tossing her backward and at the same time stumbling and grabbing his face. “You little prick tease.” “I wasn’t teasing you in any way,” she snarled, leaping at him. Strong arms wrapped around her waist and forced all the air out of her lungs. She was dragged backward as she continued trying to lunge at Rafe. The asshole would pay for all the females he fucked, for the way he treated her gender, for his insulting implication she smelled stupid enough to fall for his shallow lines. She reached for him, barely seeing how her hands were starting to change and long dagger-like claws extended from her fingers. All she focused on was the brute who no longer looked good—not at all. He looked like prey. And she always attacked to kill. “Enough!” A hard whisper hissed in her ear. “Rafe, leave her alone.” “No problem.” Rafe waved a hand at her and turned, stalking away. “Let me at him.” She couldn’t get her footing. She was being dragged backward. “Calm down.” The calm voice creeping into her brain annoyed her further. “Let me go!” She twisted furiously against her muscular prison until released then stumbled backward until she fell on her ass. The cool ground was rough and it stung when her rear end and hands slapped against it. Ran picked up her ledger book and held it in his hand, tilting his head slightly as he watched her. Could this possibly get any more embarrassing? “Are you okay?” He was so calm. He took a step toward her. “Don’t.” She held up her hand, willing her heart to slow down, praying her temper wouldn’t cause her to do something even more humiliating than this. “Just…go.” So much energy pounded inside her, aching for a channel, a direction, anywhere to go to escape this situation. She needed to run, to strike out, attack, anything. She brushed her hair from her face and looked at her legs, which were spread out unladylike in front of her. Ran sighed heavily and she dared glance up at him. A thick strand of black hair fell loose to his shoulder. Such long hair. Silky and shiny. Even in the shade she could see how it would look like raw silk in the sunshine if all of it were to escape from the ponytail at the back of his neck. And the way he studied her. Damn it. 20
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Ran didn’t look at her the way his littermate did. Rafe simply saw a female he hadn’t fucked yet. Ran studied her as if her actions told him something about her, something she might not want to share. “I’m sorry for my littermate’s behavior,” he said, placing her ledger on the ground next to her. “Hell of a litter you have there.” Again that sigh. He reached behind his neck and released his ponytail holder then made quick work of pulling all of his hair back and resecuring it. For a moment she thought to question why he kept it back. As if that were an appropriate question. Especially when she should still be mad, outraged. She definitely shouldn’t care how he wore his hair. “I do have one hell of a litter,” he informed her, moving and squatting next to her. Roped muscle flexed under his faded jeans. They didn’t hug him but looked comfortable. Like the ponytail. Ran was a male who didn’t focus on his appearance. As if he needed to. Ran was not only the sexier of the VicMoran males he was easily the hottest male in all Guarida. He smelled as though there were more on his mind than chasing females as if they were prey, which only made him even more of a turn-on. What was on his mind? “I also want to apologize for my comment back at my littermate’s home,” he added, his voice growing softer, more serious. He nodded at her ledger. “I referred to the size of your ledger when I said it was small, not the importance of it. Obviously, if I felt it weren’t important I wouldn’t have asked about what it said inside it.” He relaxed his elbows on his legs and hooked his fingers together. She shot a glance up his body, past his trim torso and broad shoulders, and focused on soft green eyes. Eyes that burrowed deep inside her and found places she didn’t allow anyone to see. She looked past him, noticing for the first time where she sat. Ran had dragged her to the side of a hut. A large tree trunk blocked their view of center ground. The gathering den, a large hut built in an even larger, very old tree, also added seclusion to their spot. The gathering den was only used for meetings and special ceremonies. No one came around it otherwise. All the jaguars catching up on any new howlings wouldn’t be able to see either one of them. Hopefully no one witnessed the worst of her humiliation. “My choice of words was poorly chosen.” He didn’t say anything else but simply watched her. Olivia didn’t smell a lie on him. He sounded and smelled sincere, which was an odd scent to pull off a single male in the rain forest. She cringed inwardly, hearing her thoughts and frustrated with how jaded she’d grown since moving here and feeling more as if she were being hunted than sought out to learn what type of jaguar she was. Not that it mattered. Already her sire had suggested Ran come sniffing around. Her sire meant well, but lately he was humiliating her as much as she’d been when she fell on her rear in front of such a sexy male. Any time her father sniffed out a single male, he was practically tossing his daughter in the male’s arms. Olivia would have to snarl at 21
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her sire, or inform her mother to tell him to quit trying to mate her to any male who didn’t smell of a female. And if she told her mother, Bonnie Sancerre would put a few teeth puncture wounds in her mate’s hide. Olivia’s mother preferred running in the lead. If she learned her mate was trying to find their only cub a mate, she’d make double time trying to secure a mating for Olivia on her own right. Unable to stand the growing silence between her and Ran any longer, she shoved herself to her feet and rubbed her ass. It was soaked, probably smeared with dirt. If she were lucky, she would get to her den and her parents wouldn’t be there. Her mother mended enough of her clothes when she was a cub and would attack any cub, or their parents, if someone got the better of her daughter while rough-housing. Olivia didn’t want to think of her mother’s reaction if she smelled Olivia’s humiliation when she entered their den. An image of her mother snarling and chasing down Rafe VicMoran appeared in her mind. The thought hit her as funny. She looked down, noticing her shoes were muddy too, and bit her lip to keep from smiling. Her mother would rip Rafe apart. The poor male would never have cubs if Bonnie Sancerre got her claws and teeth on him. Ran broke into her thoughts. “Anyway, I hope you accept my apologies.” He reached out and pulled a leaf from her hair. Olivia shifted, instinct having her dodge his touch, and his fingers brushed over her shoulder. There was something compelling about his scent. His fingers weren’t as rough as her sire’s. When he touched her, something sizzled just under her flesh, a sensation she wasn’t sure she’d experienced before. Not that other males hadn’t touched her before, but none of them made her insides come so alive by doing so. It made her tummy twist and tighten. She stiffened, stilling her thoughts before they began swarming with possible meanings behind her reaction to him brushing his fingers against her flesh. She shot him a furtive glance, praying her scent wouldn’t change and alert him to how she’d reacted to his barely touching her. Those soft green eyes searched her face as if he really cared why she acted the way she did. Which was bullshit. He wouldn’t understand even if she tried to explain. No one did. It wasn’t Olivia’s fault her brain instantly tried to analyze everything that happened to or around her. Where other jaguars probably saw the world as a hunting ground or a place to grow, mate and breed, Olivia always had to turn everything into a math equation. It made things simpler if she could plug all events around her into an arithmetic problem. It was when certain stimuli wouldn’t fit that her brain started swarming, searching for a different angle to view the situation so she could make it fit logically into a problem she could solve. When that wouldn’t work, it was usually best to attack and make the illogical problem go away. “You don’t say much, do you?” Ran observed, tilting his head again and letting his gaze drop down her quickly before, once again, focusing on her eyes. She blinked. She had plenty to say. “I accept your apology since it smells sincere. Yet you make no apologies for the behavior of your littermate, which makes me think you must condone his actions.” She straightened and could almost look him straight on 22
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without tilting her head back. Let him see she wasn’t some weak female, the kind she was sure he was accustomed to manipulating, just like his littermate. “Maybe you’re the same kind of male he is. You enjoyed watching him try to overpower me. Tell me, is it when a female surrenders, acknowledges you and your littermate are the more powerful and begs you to do whatever you wish, is that what gets you off? Or do you prefer the struggle? I honestly would like to know if males such as you are even capable of controlling your actions, especially when one of you realizes you’ve hunted the wrong type of female. Does smelling intelligence on a female turn you off?” “Far from it.” Something changed in his expression. His scent ripened, instantly spicy with anger. “I was preoccupied, frustrated by my own problems.” “What problems would be so incredible you wouldn’t notice a male, especially your own flesh and blood, bullying a female?” His anger smelled powerful, but something else drifted through the air, an intense, overwhelming aroma she would have paid closer attention to if her temper hadn’t peaked again. “I seriously doubt you’d understand.” He picked up her ledger book, which annoyed her even further for allowing him to distract her enough she didn’t notice him take it from her. He glanced down at it, running his finger over the brown cover as he stared at it. “There’s very little I don’t understand,” she grumbled, hating the realization this male was better than most in disguising his true nature, even though he’d just revealed it. He didn’t smell her intelligence. Probably because she masked it too well with her anger and pent-up adrenaline. The urge to strike out, rake her nails over his flesh until he saw her for who she really was had grown to an almost uncontrollable surge of energy. She really needed to find a better outlet than taking it out on this incredibly sexy male standing way too close to her. “I bet,” he said grimly, but not sarcastically. He didn’t look like his littermates. Granted, Ran, Rafe and even Raul were definitely related. It was obvious around the mouth, the way they walked, and they were all sexy as hell. But good looks faded quickly when a male turned into an asshole. Some of them were better off staying in their fur. Put them on two legs and they turned into idiots. Ran didn’t have the dull haze in his eyes most males possessed when they looked at her. Rather, he looked at her as if he really saw her. Or maybe she wanted this particular male to see her intelligence and not just her physical appearance. Which was reason enough for her to get the hell away from him. Something egged her on though. She didn’t smell disbelief on him. He hadn’t lied to her since they’d begun talking, and his continual eye contact, the way he spent more time probing her eyes than drooling over her breasts, made her want to convince him of her nature. Olivia wanted to make sure Ran saw how competent and strong she really was. “Our community wouldn’t survive if it weren’t for me,” she told him, and then instantly wondered why she bothered. When he didn’t look away or change his
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expression, more words tumbled out. “I keep track of everyone’s skills, what money there is, and that everyone receives their fair share. I make sure every litter is treated fairly, not abused or ignored. Guarida is such a great and honorable place to live because every den here feels they’re noticed and appreciated.” “All of that information is in this book?” He held up her ledger then handed it to her this time instead of placing it on the ground next to her. Olivia accepted it and clutched it against her chest. “Yes. All the money brought into Guarida is logged in here. If any litter contributes to the community, it’s documented. Anything anyone needs is also documented. There isn’t any favoritism in Guarida. All litters are treated equally, with all work done and work needed completed compared to what each litter can offer. I have a foolproof equation, which ensures the fairness to all. It’s not something even I can manipulate.” She was proud of her system and seldom had the opportunity to explain it. Everyone was always content to simply let her make the calls. “Are there any copies of everything you have written in that ledger?” Ran tapped the edge of the ledger, and his fingertip brushed against the swell of her breast. He didn’t yank his hand back but continued to watch her with his alert, focused eyes. All her pent-up energy swarmed inside her into a tight ball before sinking between her legs. A swelling started throbbing and she shifted from one leg to the other, feeling her jeans brush against her pussy. “No. The information in this ledger is confidential. Not every litter wants the entire community to know if they’re in need or if they are able to be more generous than some. Some litters in Guarida are led by honor and respect,” she finished, gripping her ledger tighter, as if the book would serve as a shield, preventing his sex appeal from affecting her. “I sure hope it wasn’t damaged when it slid in the mud after you fell.” He lowered his gaze to her book then reached. Again his fingers touched her. They stroked between her arms, almost reaching her breasts again. “I’m going to be pissed as hell if my littermate caused you to lose all of that information.” “It’s not damaged,” she said, holding on to her book so he couldn’t take it. “I always double-check my figures before entering them in here. Not only do I have notes, I’m quite capable of remembering what I enter in here. No information is lost, I assure you.” She wouldn’t take offense when he seemed more concerned about facts and financial records than he did her honor. He didn’t say he was pissed at his littermate for lunging at her. “You write all of that information down twice?” Ran looked at her differently than he had a moment ago. Olivia sensed he suddenly saw her in a different light. Possibly this male was able to sniff out intelligence in a female. “These figures are way too important to be treated lightly.” “I agree. Why don’t you keep them on a computer?”
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“A computer would be rather hard to haul around with me.” “Not if it were a laptop.” “That isn’t in our budget.” “I have a computer. Maybe I…” “This is my job.” Maybe he wasn’t the most stupid male she ever met, but still, whether he understood the importance of what she did or not, he wouldn’t take this responsibility from her. “No.” He held his palms out to her, large hands that looked smooth and slightly rough around the fingertips. “I don’t want your job. But if you’d like to store your files…” “Not only is this information important but also very confidential. It would be wrong to allow all litters to know what other litters have or don’t have. I wouldn’t dishonor myself or anyone else in Guarida by doing that.” “I agree.” His cheekbones were barely visible but looked strong. His soft green eyes glowed the more they talked, as if he enjoyed the discussion and wasn’t preoccupied with getting her out of her clothes and fucking her. “We would password protect the files. Only you would be able to access it.” Ran shifted his attention to her hair then her face. He glanced past her. She took the brief moment to take in his broad shoulders, the way his loose-fitting cotton shirt hung slightly crooked and allowed her a peak at coarse black curls visible just below his collar bone. He looked warm, solid and strong. But not too strong. Not so strong that he was bull-headed and convinced only his way was the right way. Maybe that’s what intelligence did to strength, curbed it just enough to pull out the incredibly seductive smells of both characteristics. When she returned her attention to his face, she caught him looking at her. No way would she blush. Instead, she pushed her feet together, straightening to her full height of not quite five and a half feet, and pressed her book hard against her breasts. Her nipples were like small knots, incredibly sensitive to where she was forced not to press her ledger book quite so hard against her breasts. And the swelling inside her spread, growing hotter as it twisted and swirled inside her until it became a raw, unleashed need. She sucked in a breath, praying she wouldn’t start smelling of the lust that crawled ruthlessly inside her. “You live with Rafe. There’s no way I would enter your den and be forced to endure the insulting nature of that jerk just so I could work with my numbers.” She shook her head, refusing the idea but then stopped when he smiled. “What?” His smile was beyond captivating. His eyes lit up, truly glowing, suggesting he was a happy soul who enjoyed everything around him. He looked so unlike the scowling male who entered his littermate’s den earlier. “It’s a shame you won’t.” He chuckled then tugged at his shirt, shifting so he offered a tempting view of the perfectly shaped muscles in his chest. “No female has
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ever sent Rafe running with his tail between his legs. You got him good, and he deserved it. Imagine entering our den and him scowling and finding a reason to leave.” His expression glowed more as he spoke, until he reminded her of a mischievous cub sharing a plot to put some scoundrel in his place. “And if he retaliates instead?” In close quarters, a pissed-off male could take her down. Not that he wouldn’t suffer dearly for his efforts. But Olivia wasn’t stupid. No way would she put herself in a circumstance that would risk her life. Ran’s expression darkened so quickly she forgot to take her next breath. He focused on her, those soft green eyes once again reaching deep inside her, igniting the fire already simmering and bringing it to a quick boil. “You have my word he won’t lay a paw on you—ever.” There was so much finality in his words she believed him. Her heart raced faster than it should. In the year she’d been here, no one backed her. She didn’t have females she howled with or a certain group she ran with. And in spite of all the information each litter confided in her, she trusted no one. But the way he looked at her… As if he understood her. The pounding in her chest matched the throbbing in her pussy. Something shifted inside. She couldn’t stop it. Call it a craving built up for too long, an urge so strong it consumed her. Instead of questioning it, analyzing it, plugging it into several of her favorite formulas to test it for stability, Olivia did something she’d never done before. Already there were qualities in Ran she hadn’t seen in any other male in Guarida since her litter moved here. He stirred emotions and sensations inside her she’d only been able to bring to life while masturbating. The urge to run to her den and the privacy of her room to satisfy the painful craving inside her didn’t appeal to her. Instead she wanted to test the male standing in front of her. Olivia wanted to know if his strength matched his intelligence. She wanted to take him on, see where it would take the two of them. On an impulse, she decided the simplest of formulas sometimes was the best choice to use. Olivia stepped forward, reaching for Ran. Her fingers gripped his shoulder as she cleared the distance and tilted her head to continue staring into his eyes. Suddenly they smoldered. He understood her intention. Before she was able to initiate the kiss, his hand slid around her waist, pressed into the middle of her back, and he lowered his mouth, greeting her hunger with a fiery craving of his own. Her ledger book slipped between them to the ground. Ran pressed her against his virile body. When he adjusted his head, slipping his tongue between her lips, she opened to him. The swelling pressure inside her exploded and millions of sparks ignited everywhere inside her. They prickled down her spine, raced through her veins, and the dam inside her broke. All her pent-up energy from attacking Rafe flooded between her legs.
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She made a sound but barely heard it from the rushing in her ears. Ran filled her mouth, exploring and tasting while she moved her tongue around his. She found his ponytail and yanked the band loose, freeing his hair and tangling it in her fingers. The waves of need releasing inside her wouldn’t stop. As soon as they peaked, the swelling started again, this time making her need fiercer. Olivia gripped his shoulders, feeling his loose hair tickle the tops of her fingers. His arms crushed her to him, strong and confident. And when she dug in, feeling how solid his muscles were, his growl rattled her senses, making it impossible to focus on anything. The sound replaced the rushing in her ears. The vibration swept through her mouth, down her middle, and created a new, more intense round of throbbing need between her legs. There was an emptiness inside her she’d ignored for too long. She needed it filled, stroked, soothed—now. And the hardness that throbbed between them, Ran’s cock stretching up her abdomen, pulsing and growing the longer they kissed, offered a promise to take care of the growing pain inside her. His cock was hard and ready. Olivia pushed against his shoulders and walked into him after forcing him to step backward. She kept her mouth pressed against his, continued kissing him as she guided him into the seclusion of the trees. “Back in the bushes. Now. Hurry.” If someone spotted them, they would have to stop. She would have to live with the painful need burning out of control inside her. And she wouldn’t be able to think until she appeased the yearning threatening to take over her entire body. Olivia hadn’t allowed her desires to peak out of control before. But Ran was right here. He was kissing her with savage need, proving he wanted her as much as she wanted him. The simplest of mathematical formulas easily showed need matched with need equaled satisfaction. She didn’t need to do this problem twice to know she would get the same answer no matter how many times she checked her work. All answers would show the sensible course of action was for the two of them to fuck now. “Olivia.” He growled her name, making it sound almost reverent. Imagine a male who cared whether fucking her might compromise her somehow. As if she cared what anyone thought. The air was thick of the smell of their lust. If aromas could be seen, Olivia knew dark, warm colors would wave through the air, providing a natural shield to protect their privacy while they explored each other’s bodies. She wasn’t so much a romantic as a realist though. Pushing Ran backward again, she edged them into the grove of trees bordering the huts surrounding center ground. The rich, heavily perfumed smell of these particular trees would help hide the smell of their fucking. “Now. Ran. Now.” She kissed him again, pushing him harder, then giving him a shove so he almost lost balance. At the last minute, when she was ready to take him to the ground, he grabbed her, turning her around fast enough she was suddenly dizzy and the one who lost her
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balance. She gripped his arms, maintaining her balance and stared up at him through fogged vision. “Olivia,” he said again. She blinked, staring into his deep green eyes while a mist slowly lifted from her mind. Crap. Oh crap. “Okay.” She shook herself free, suddenly understanding. Ran didn’t want to fuck her. His expression remained relaxed, so damn sexy. And his cock was so hard it looked as if it would split through his jeans in the next minute. She swore she saw it jerk against the fabric when she stared at it. Ran brushed his lips against hers again. Then, taking her off guard, he lifted her and gently brought her to the ground. Her mind spun, her thoughts rushing into each other and growing muddled. His hands were on her, pushing her shirt up, cupping her breasts. Her flesh sizzled, her mind swirled. Drinking him in when his mouth found hers, she didn’t try to understand. This was what she wanted, and he was giving it to her. If only he would move faster. “Ran. Now. Now.” She struggled to push her hands down his side, yank his clothes from his body. They were in her way, preventing her from her release. Olivia didn’t want to clear her head. She liked the fog floating heavily around her thoughts. Nonetheless, she ordered herself to drink in a deep breath, dragging it into her lungs and searching for any smells that suggested anything existed between them other than lust. God, every inch of him was fucking perfection. And he pawed at her as furiously as she groped him. This was how she wanted it, needed it, imagined it would be. Rough. Aggressive. Hot and demanding. All she smelled was lust—raw, unleashed, thick and demanding. Buttons popped. Material ripped. His shoes disappeared. None of the items were needed. Just flesh, hot, solid, smooth flesh rubbing against each other, igniting cravings equally as deep, as strong and as fresh and dominating. When they were naked, her vision was still blurred when she opened her eyes. She wanted to see him, put to memory the perfection she felt under her fingertips. Ran was beyond beautiful, more than perfect. She traced her fingernail over a small scar on his chest when he lifted himself over her. Spreading her legs, breathing in the rich smell of her lust, she opened to him and watched his muscles quiver under her touch. “You’re amazing,” Ran whispered, his voice gruff and needy. “Olivia.” Again he spoke her name as if it meant something to him. She arched into him, her heart swelling along with her pussy. When his cock pressed against her entrance, she fought the need to explode at that moment. She wanted to enjoy this, every moment, feel him fill her, stretch her, hit the spot she needed touched, and that would bring on her much-needed orgasm.
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“Oh God!” The sparks were now fireworks, exploding again and again. “Crap. Shit.” Ran dove inside her, quick and fierce. He more than filled her, more than satisfied her. He took her over the edge, breaking her dam of lust and forcing her swelling need to rush with a ferocity she feared wouldn’t end. Olivia tumbled, her world spinning over and over again in her mind. There were no thoughts, nothing other than the incredible feelings surging to life and exploding inside her as his cock impaled her, eased back only to dive back in, deep to her inner core. “You’re so tight.” Ran moved his lips over the curve of her neck. “You feel so good, little cat.” “Yes. Good.” She dragged her nails down his back. “Perfect.” He continued moving, picking up the pace. The friction turned to heat, filling her, creating a pressure again until she couldn’t take the heat from it any longer. “That’s it, my sexy cat. God. The way you come. You’re going to drain me.” She wrapped her arms around him, digging in with her nails, her thighs pressed against his hips and she came. Came harder than she ever had in her life. Exploded and erupted. Ran’s body tightened, and what sounded like a rumble deep inside him grew louder until he pressed his cheek to hers, releasing a deadly sounding roar as every inch of him tightened to steel. He released inside her, spilling his hot cream deep in her womb.
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Chapter Three Ran lay perfectly still, catching his breath. Olivia’s nipples brushed against his chest and his cock twitched, enjoying the hell out of her warm, soaked pussy. The cloud of lust faded and he lifted his head, glancing around them to make sure no one was near. Slowly rising off her, he waited for her reaction. It wasn’t as if she didn’t want this, she’d begged for it—hell, fucking demanded it. And far be it for him to deprive a female of something she wanted. But that didn’t mean her mind might cry a whole different story now. He sniffed the air to see if she was experiencing any regret, anger or other negative emotions. Their clothes were destroyed and the sound of cubs shrieking nearby helped bring him back to reality faster. Glancing around again, Ran stood and reached for her. “Come on. Let’s go.” She stared at his hand then, instead of taking it, reached for her ledger book and pushed herself to her feet. “Where?” She didn’t look at him. “Well, not in that direction,” he said, nodding toward center ground. She looked at the ground and slowly ran her fingers through her hair. Following her gaze, he spotted their clothes, ripped, shredded and useless. He leaned down, grabbing the shreds and balling them together. “How about a run until it’s dark? Then I can escort you home.” She shook her head. “What then?” He stared at her crooked part in her hair. “Are you okay?” He glanced down her willowy body, at her perky, round breasts and the slow rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. Her legs were long, slender yet muscular. And her skin creamy, contrasting perfectly with her thick, long black hair. “Olivia?” he asked, inhaling the air around them. Her scent was everywhere. He didn’t smell blood though, and although she was tight, he guessed—assumed—she wasn’t a virgin. Olivia was a grown female, probably in her mid-twenties, and way too sexy to haven’t had plenty of offers. But if— “Damn it. Are you okay?” Worry shrouded him like a dark, wet blanket. She was quiet. He’d figured that out. Olivia could give him a piece of her mind too. He knew that one already as well. “I’m fine.” Her voice was tight and she shot him a wary glance. “Go ahead and run. Just be sure and shower,” she added, her voice trailing off. “Shower?”
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“Yes. God.” She clasped her ledger book to her chest, pressing her breasts together and creating a nice show of cleavage. “My scent is all over you. If you go shower now, possibly you can scrub it off.” “Maybe.” He saw her point. Her scent embedded in his flesh would be bad. Hell, he knew nothing about her, other than what Olivia wanted, she got. And if she didn’t want something, it was best to get the hell out of her way. “Okay.” Again she diverted her gaze from his then turned, still clutching her ledger book to her chest, and took off running behind the dens. He watched her disappear. She had a hell of a nice ass. Her hair flowed down her back, fanning at her waist as she ran from him. Her legs were long, and she was gone in moments. Ran stood there, holding the pile of destroyed clothes, and breathed in her scent. As if a shower would get rid of it. If he stayed away from her, didn’t think about her, maybe after a few weeks it would fade. He doubted he would quit thinking about her any time soon. And the main thought that plagued him was why he wanted to chase after her instead of letting her out of his life. What little he knew about her already was enough to send any sane male running. She was demanding as hell, arrogant and convinced her way was the right way. He was better off letting her slip out of his thoughts.
***** Ran leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, watching the expressions of everyone in the room while Miguel Rinero spoke. The male jaguar wasn’t much older than Ran, but was mated with three cubs. Selena, his mate, hung on his every word, occasionally looking down as her cubs sat at her feet. “There’s a serious matter at hand we need to discuss tonight.” Miguel didn’t use a microphone. His loud baritone was easily heard over the steady patter of rainfall on the palm thatch roof. “As much as we all enjoy our total seclusion from humans, there are times when it’s important to know what’s going on in the world around us. The internet is our best tool. I doubt any of you would argue that.” “It’s not important to me,” Terry Rodriguez called out. The stout jaguar then laughed at his own comment while a few others muttered their consent along with him. “It should be,” Miguel said, his tone harsher than it was a moment ago. “I remember when werewolves were bragging about their WWW they invented over twenty years ago. Back then it was the werewolf war weapon. They quickly saw how effective their invention was, how well they could learn about all their packs, and all species all over the world with their new invention. That’s when they changed the WWW to world wide web, it sounded more harmless and would encourage everyone to use it. Today, everyone is online, communicating with each other and forgetting how many can break in and learn what they’re saying.” “Even more reason to leave computers alone,” Rodriguez snarled.
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“All right. Enough!” Miguel held up his hands, looking around at the jaguars who sat or stood along the wall in the large thatched hut. “Listen to me. Listen!” he bellowed, finally grabbing their attention. “Sometimes remaining ignorant of what is going on outside the rain forest isn’t to our advantage. If other jaguars or humans, or hell, even lunewulfs are heading our way, we want to know before they get here. We can listen on the internet but not howl. No one knows we’re listening. Even you should know this, Rodriguez.” “Is someone heading our way?” Anita Perez, the oldest female in their community and a widow with teenage cubs, glanced around the room before looking at Miguel. Although only in her early forties, she held rank as an elder, and widow status also gave her pull. She silenced the room. Rodriquez sat and sulked but didn’t try to interrupt Anita. Everyone looked from her to Miguel for the answer. “We hunt daily,” Joshua Perez, her oldest and firstborn from his litter, stood taller than his mother and puffed out his thin chest as he spoke clearly. “We would smell anyone approaching long before they reached our dens.” “Silence.” Miguel held his hand out, palm flat, toward Joshua. The eighteen-year-old scowled and curled his lip but didn’t say anything else. Although not at full maturity, since there was no sire in his den Joshua already had the blood running through him of an alpha male. He came from a strong litter and someday soon would possess the leadership skills he ached to have now. “Ran VicMoran has spent some time outside the rain forest. Some of you know his abilities with computers and anything electronic. He has been a gift and asset to our community since his arrival.” Ran endured the looks from those in the chairs and around the room as he kept his gaze pinned to Miguel. Olivia sat with her parents, but a quick glance showed she focused on Miguel and not him. The sooner Miguel spit out what he needed to say, the sooner they could end this meeting and Ran could get busy with more important matters. He kept his expression blank, unwilling to let any of them see the urgency gripping his insides. They were running out of time. He wasn’t sure even Miguel was aware of the seriousness of the matter. Ran saw what the computer told him, but he smelled the shift in the air, an alertness sizzling just behind the breezes, or soft rain, or after the sun set or rose. Trouble brewed and its disgusting stench would surround and wipe them out if they weren’t prepared. “Ran approached me earlier today after spending the past few days in Puerto Jimenez. We don’t have the means here to gain a solid internet connection, so Ran left us to learn what he could and report back the details. The situation with the jaguars in the United States has escalated since he and his litter left there to come here.” “What’s that have to do with us?” Rick Ramos gave Ran a hard look before shifting his attention to Miguel. “We don’t have anything to do with those jaguars. And from
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what I’ve heard from Raul and his littermates, they live without honor. What’s this all about?” he snarled. Ran grew sick of the interruptions. He sucked in a breath and inhaled Olivia’s scent. Three days away from her, still barely knowing her, being with her for only a brief time, and he couldn’t kill her scent. Forcing his attention on anyone in the room other than her, he got to the point. “We’re going to have something to do with them, whether we want it or not. That is why we need to take action,” he announced, silencing the room and quickly elevating the tension level. “I tapped in to their website last night. Several jaguars lead Colony, which is buried in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Natasha Kalusian is overseeing most of this. These few jaguars have grown very rich taking money from humans then sending out other jaguars to serve as the humans’ mercenaries. If the jaguar returns alive they’re paid, if not, Natasha keeps all the money. They are growing in power and it doesn’t smell good.” “If your litter brings trouble to our community by moving here,” Rick growled, and started to stand from where he sat, “that’s your problem and not ours. I knew you males moving here would cause trouble.” “Looks like you’re the one causing trouble right now,” Rafe snarled, and stepped away from the wall where he’d been standing next to Ran. Jaguars healed quickly, and after three days, a small scrape curved upside down across his cheekbone from where Olivia had filleted his flesh. “Shut up and let Ran speak.” Ran didn’t need Rafe fighting his battles for him. “The only way there’s going to be trouble is if we waste our time snarling at each other instead of letting me do what needs to be done,” he barked. “Sit down, Rick,” Miguel ordered. Rick took his seat but glared at Rafe before turning his cold stare on Ran. Ran ignored him. The male looked for a fight faster than Rafe did. “The public articles I read announce the success of jaguars in the United States and how they are now a growing power that the U.S. can use to fight their battles. Other nations are coming forward, searching for jaguars on their own land. Already it appears humans in several Middle Eastern European countries are announcing similar arrangements with jaguars living there.” “There aren’t jaguars in the Middle East,” someone called out. “Natasha will sell them some,” another jaguar yelled. The others laughed and the smell of the room shifted slightly as males and females around Ran calmed down a bit. The mood was still stiff, the topic less than comfortable, but it was a sign of everyone listening when they settled down and looked at Ran expectantly to continue. “Not that have been reported. There are jaguars in Central America who haven’t been reported either,” Ran announced, and the remaining smiles in the room faded. “I’m not as worried about the Costa Rican government but there are mercenaries in this 33
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country too, and if they start sniffing around, searching for us, eventually they may find us. Our kind has lived in this small sanctuary for seventy years now. We need to cover our tails. The jaguars in Colony sure won’t remain quiet about where we are if they feel it’s to their advantage to start howling.” “The Nicaraguan government would be someone else to keep a close eye on,” Anita announced, and a few others around her nodded soberly. Ran held up his hand just as Miguel did earlier. “You’re right,” he said over the comments that followed. “But we do exist. And Central American humans have their battles to fight just as everyone else on this planet does. There are humans near us who would love to find jaguars who will agree to sell themselves to kill unwanted humans.” “How much will they pay?” Rick rubbed his hands together, grinning evilly. “Not enough to regain your honor once you enter in to such a disgraceful agreement,” Ran snarled. Rick snapped his mouth shut, narrowing his gaze angrily at Ran. It took only a slight shift in his gaze to look past Rick and focus on Olivia. This time she was looking at him. She straightened, holding her head high, and clasped her hands in her lap. No ledger book this time. He pulled his gaze from hers reluctantly, hating that it bugged him he couldn’t read how seeing him after a few days affected her. As if it mattered. Damn it. He wanted it to matter. He needed to focus on the meeting. It was time to cut to the chase. Remembering her comment about not being able to afford a laptop, he made a point of turning his attention to her. By God, she would react to him one way or another. “I want to install my computer system here. If any humans know of our community here, it’s imperative we know it. We need to be more prepared than we are right now in case Guarida is invaded.” Everyone shifted nervously, again their sudden change in emotions altering the smell in the thatched hut they used for meetings. It started raining harder outside, and the large drops pounding the roof created a dull roar in the room. Olivia’s mother leaned into her, whispering something. Was his scent on Olivia? Others turned in their seats, either speaking to Olivia or Miguel. “All of you are trying to sniff out how much this will cost Guarida.” Ran spoke louder, drowning out the dull roar of murmuring until only the rain outside competed with him for everyone’s attention. “I purchased a new computer system while in Puerto Jimenez with my own money. It will need to be set up outside of Guarida. There’s a clearing not far from center ground where I’ve consistently had a signal. If I had power there, I would be able to take all the time needed to privately search and learn about potential harm that could affect all of us.” He searched everyone’s expressions while the group remained quiet, glancing at each other until they began whispering among themselves. Tension still ran high, but no one said anything.
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“Once I’ve secured a connection and created our own ISP, everyone needs to be aware that the chance exists others might detect our connection. I believe this is necessary though if we want to know what other jaguars are doing.” He glanced across the room at Raul and Angela, unwilling to voice everything he learned. Angela’s littermate in Colorado instigated the jaguars into running as mercenaries for humans. No one would accuse her blood of being tainted because of the atrocities of her litter. “There are jaguars on this planet who would destroy our honor if we let them.” “None of my litter will ever kill without cause.” Anita puffed out her ample chest and pressed her lips together. Her oldest put his hand on her shoulder, staring at the others silently. “Same here.” “We won’t live without honor.” The comments around the room told Ran what he already knew. This group of jaguars was proud, strong and willing to fight to preserve their existence in the rain forest. Olivia leaned around her mother and whispered something to her sire. He nodded and turned to look at Ran. “How will this computer of yours bring attention to us?” Fred Sancerre didn’t look angry, simply curious. “I doubt it will at first,” Ran answered seriously. “Once I get my computer online, others could trace my signal back to us. I’ll do my best to disguise my connection so anyone curious will believe I’m online somewhere else. I should be able to piggyback off another connection. If we’re buried too deep in the forest, a powerful router might do the trick. It’s a long shot, but they could learn about us by sniffing us out if they try hard enough.” “What did he just say?” Anita frowned, bunching her face into a mass of wrinkles and chuckled over her own ignorance. “Once we’re online, we’ll know everything everyone is doing. Our lives here won’t change, but we’ll add a buffer of protection to our community by staying informed.” Miguel offered the information. “Guarida needs to utilize modern technology the rest of the world is using. Enough of you are computer savvy to know establishing a main computer system to assist in our protection is a very smart move.” Ran leaned back against the wall. Jaguars who didn’t understand computers often didn’t want to understand them. Anita seemed content with the response. Rick Ramos coughed loudly. “The only protection I need are my teeth and claws.” A few others growled their consent. “Enough. Enough.” Miguel ordered silence and moved to the center of the room, walking down the aisle created by rows of chairs on either side. “Ran will set up his computer, and he’ll keep us informed about what’s going on beyond the rain forest. No one will take away our good hunting. We will survive by tooth and claw as jaguars always have. That will not change. But no one will accuse the jaguar of being ignorant
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either. If anyone thinks they can attack Guarida, they will learn how dangerous jaguars can be.” “They come here, I sure as hell will be ready to attack,” Ramos interrupted again. Ran knew they were getting through to most of the males and females filling the gathering den when fewer of them laughed at Ramos’ continual effort to make an ass of himself. Miguel looked around, and when no one else said anything, he continued. “If there aren’t any more howlings needing addressed, there is fresh kill from several of our litters. Everyone enjoy and hunt well.” “Hunt well,” several repeated. Others in the room responded with, “And don’t be hunted,” both sayings being older than any jaguar could recount but were comments exchanged by any honorable male or female when arriving or leaving another jaguar’s presence. Ran slipped outside when the meeting ended. Miguel didn’t bring up building him a new hut to shelter his computer. He would have to haul his equipment to the clearing and haul it back to his den as he had been doing. The whole reason for bringing it up at the meeting was to get funds approved for him to build a new den. Miguel simply focused on convincing all the jaguars that relying on a computer as part of their protection was a good idea. Ran had paid for the computer. What did it matter what the rest of Guarida thought about it? When he started howling they were in trouble from something he’d learned online, they would all listen. Right now he wasn’t any better off than he had been before the meeting. The issue would have to be presented to Olivia then discussed by everyone. Litters would take precedence over having a new den built for him, especially those with young cubs or expecting a litter. There were new mated jaguars in Guarida, and Ran would agree he wouldn’t want any newly born litter not properly sheltered. A single male wouldn’t hit the top of the list. He would have to improvise, and the sooner he started the sooner he could set up his new computer. All of which would keep him busy and his mind off Olivia. Damn the female anyway. Rafe fell into line next to him when Ran hit the bottom of the gathering den’s stairs and started across center ground, which instead of packed dirt was now a maze of tiny rivers as large raindrops landed with a thud against whatever they fell on. “Smells like you got laid while in Puerto Jimenez.” He bumped Ran’s arm with his elbow. “An eager and willing female always helps the spirit.” Ran glanced over at his littermate. “Is that all they are to you?” Rafe frowned. “Of course not. You know damn good and well there are many incredibly awesome females out there. Angela is one of them.” “Is that the only one you know?” Rafe’s frown turned into a scowl. “What kind of question is that?” He slowed his pace and stopped, turning to face Ran and ignoring the heavy rain that streamed down
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his face and soaked his hair. “Has someone said something to you? Is there talk about me?” Ran waved him off, stepping around him and continuing with his quick pace to the other side of the far row of dens. “No one’s said a word. Forget it.” “Where are you going?” Rafe didn’t have a problem changing the subject. “Miguel didn’t bring up building me a new hut. I’m going to have to do it myself.” He glanced over at Rafe. “I would appreciate you coming along to help.” The clearing he had in mind only took a few minutes to get to walking on two feet. If Guarida continued growing, in time he would have neighbors. But for now, Ran would live in isolation. Which suited him fine. Spending time with his computer didn’t baffle his brain and leave him frustrated as some jaguars did. Ran glanced up at the patch of sky, visible directly above him. Silk cotton tree branches reached toward the opening, looking as if they ached to cover it up and conceal the ground from any outsiders. Long streams of rain fell from the sky. “I suppose you have a plan.” Ran grinned at his littermate. “Sure do.”
***** Days seemed to fly by, and Ran noticed he did most of the work alone. But midafternoon toward the end of the week, he stood back, wiping sweat from his brow, and stared at the small hut he’d made. “Not too shabby,” he said out loud. The sound of a nearby waterfall tempted him. Indoor facilities would have to wait for a while, and a shower sounded good. Normally he would head into Raul’s, grab a hot shower and anything good Angela might be fixing in the kitchen. For some reason, he didn’t want to go into Guarida without being clean. Not to mention, Olivia’s scent still lingered on him. “You just have to quit thinking about her,” he grumbled, and stacked his tools up alongside his hut before heading for the waterfall. His stomach grumbled loudly when he sauntered across central ground in Guarida over an hour later, his hair still damp. He’d pulled it back in a ponytail and remembered how Olivia had yanked it loose the day they’d fucked on the ground on the other side of central ground. He looked in the direction of her litter’s den before giving it any thought. Hunger was making him grumpy and he pushed forward, stuffing his hands in his jeans pockets as he made it to his old den with Rafe. “You get that place of yours done?” Rafe glanced up at Ran but then returned to measuring wood. One finished chair sat to the side and an incomplete chair looked close to being done.
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“For now.” Ran made himself comfortable in the chair, grabbing the armrests and leaning back, giving it a test ride. “It amazes me how you actually have talent for something.” “I shouldn’t have announced it. They’ve got me making furniture for every damn litter here.” “Tough break.” Ran knew his littermate didn’t mind the work. Rafe straightened and stretched, shirt off, back glistening with sweat and smelling pretty ripe at that. But the females who walked by noticed, and Ran noticed each of them drooling over Rafe, the smell of their hunger obvious. Olivia wasn’t one of them. “It’s going to suck not having someone here to do all the dirty work. You still going to come by to clean and cook?” Rafe teased. “Yeah right.” Ran leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands. “I need to get my computer set up.” “You love that thing the way you should love a good female.” “Nope. I’d take the good female too.” “Let me finish here and I’ll help you haul your shit.” Rafe smiled at a couple of females who stopped to admire him. “I do have one favor in return,” he said, rubbing his hands through his hair and turning to look at Ran. “What’s that?” “These two chairs. They need to go over to the Sancerre litter. And I’m not going anywhere near that little Sancerre bitch.” Ran straightened, noticing the bite on Rafe’s face was almost completely healed. “You were out of line. She’s not a bitch.” “Yes. She is. And a mean one at that.” He turned and continued working. “I’ll help you get your stuff out to your new place. You take these chairs over to her litter.” Rafe wiped the wood down on the second chair as large raindrops began splattering both of them. “Oh hell,” Rafe muttered. “I guess this is why they call it a rain forest, huh.” He glared at the sky before giving Ran an imploring look. “The Sancerres will be more impressed with their new chairs if they aren’t soaked by the rain.” Raindrops clung to Ran’s eyelashes before plopping to his cheeks. He wiped them away and bent over to grab the bamboo chairs. It didn’t take more than a few minutes to reach the Sancerre den. Working his way up the stairs that wrapped around the large tree trunk, he held the chairs over his shoulders until he reached the entrance to the den, which was a hut built off the ground using the large, old tree as a support along with tall, thick poles underneath the hut for additional hold. He didn’t have to knock before Bonnie Sancerre yanked open the door to their den and grinned broadly at Ran.
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“Would you look? They’re beautiful!” She purred with excitement as she clapped her hands together. “Your litter is loaded with so much talent. Please enter. Welcome to our litter.” “Thank you.” Ran entered the living area where he’d first spoken to Olivia, still hauling the chairs. “Rafe builds them and I haul them.” He let the chairs slide off his shoulders. “They need to go over here.” Bonnie pointed to the opposite corner of their living room. Fred Sancerre chuckled and patted Ran on the back while he hoisted the chairs up to his shoulders again and placed them where Bonnie wanted. “What’s the word on getting your computer system set up?” Fred asked once his mate finished situating her new chairs. Ran looked at Fred, so distracted by Olivia’s scent, which was everywhere, he almost didn’t hear the question. “I’ve spent this past week building my den in the clearing where the signal for internet is strongest. I’m setting my computer up tonight.” “After the run?” Fred asked. “All the single males and females of age are having a run tonight. Young male like you wouldn’t want to pass something like that up.” Fred grinned knowingly and puffed out his chest. “I remember in my day.” “Yeah. Yeah.” Bonnie stopped him. “Ran isn’t some rogue jaguar. Are you, Ran?” She smiled sweetly, almost too sweetly. And the way she looked at him, like fresh meat, was enough to cause a cold sweat to break out over his flesh. She made a show of walking around him, sizing him up. “Bonnie,” Fred said with exasperation. “Now,” she began, holding her hand up and waving him into silence. “Ran here is quality through and through. I know it when I see it. And so smart. Computers and all. You know our Olivia, don’t you, dear?” She turned before Ran or Fred could say a word. “Olivia!” she bellowed loud enough to shake the walls. Ran shot his gaze to the doorway off the living room. No wonder her scent was drowning him. She was here. He straightened, thankful he had showered. An urgent craving mounted inside him as he stared with anticipation for her to appear. And she didn’t. “Good grief.” Bonnie stalked out of the room. Her legs were at least as long as her daughter’s but thinner, as was the rest of her. Maybe once upon a time the older female might have been attractive, but now she moved through her den as if she were a force to be reckoned with in spite of her gaunt figure. Her movement was as aggressive as her personality. Olivia was aggressive too. “Don’t mind her,” Fred said, patting Ran’s arm. “Her heart is in the right place.” “I’ve no doubt she’s a very good mate.” Ran tried to sound polite. “She is, isn’t she?” Fred sounded as if that reality just occurred to him. 39
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Ran heard Bonnie in a back room, talking to Olivia. It was obvious Olivia didn’t want to come out and talk to him. He shifted, more than ready to leave. The hard pit growing painfully in his gut would go away as soon as he left. Rejection didn’t sit well with any male. And that’s all this was. It wasn’t as if his heart was broken or anything. The happy smell in the den didn’t fade, and if Ran stayed here much longer his wounded ego would ruin the pleasant scent in the room. “If you’ll excuse me,” Fred said when the voices in the back room escalated to nasty hisses. Ran nodded, his ears itching as he fought to hear what the two females said to each other. Walking out of their litter would be rude as hell. But so would getting a hard-on if he saw Olivia. For days now he’d masturbated, the only thoughts in his head being how smooth her skin was, the way she dug her claws into his back when she came, and her soft cries when he impaled her tight pussy. He needed to think about something else—about what a pain in the ass it would be setting up his computer in the rain—anything. Ran couldn’t create a distraction that would work though, not with her scent so thick around him it rendered him powerless against anything but going to her. He fought the urge to march back there and demand to know why it was so incredibly hard for her to say hello. “My daughter apologizes,” Fred said as he reappeared. “She wasn’t ready for company and doesn’t want you to see her not her looking her best.” “But she is fixing herself up and will be out in a moment,” Bonnie added in a singsong voice as she appeared behind Fred. Fred turned, and Ran caught the confused look he gave his mate. Bonnie glared at him before turning and smiling sweetly to Ran. It was obvious where Olivia got her temper and her bullheadedness. Bonnie was determined as hell to yank her daughter out to talk to Ran. It was best to get it over with. He would be civil and polite and leave soon so Olivia wouldn’t be miserable and suffer in his presence. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to handle smelling her unhappiness. “Don’t keep a good male waiting,” Bonnie sang out louder, looking over her shoulder at the doorway that led the way into the rest of their den. There wasn’t an answer, and Bonnie grumbled something under her breath. It sounded as if she complained about an unappreciative cub. “Now let’s see.” Bonnie smelled sickeningly sweet as she fluttered her fingers in front of her, and in spite of being so gaunt, somehow gave the impression she could take on any male in Guarida and whip him into a senseless pup with one paw tied behind her back. “Sit here, in one of our new chairs. Your littermate is blessed with such skills. And you, computers we know about, tell us more about you.” She gave her mate a look that clearly said he was to sit on the couch next to her. She sat down with incredible grace for a woman who stood a good five feet ten inches if not taller. Her mate was about the same size. Ran sat, facing them, and mentally prepared a brief and summarized version of what he would share with Olivia’s parents. 40
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“We’re from the States,” he began, shifting his attention from Fred to Bonnie. Both looked at him expectantly, as if he were about to share some incredible secret. For the life of him, he didn’t know what to say and grew irritated with the realization that Olivia might be stalling simply to make him sweat. How many other single males did Bonnie torture for her daughter’s sake? “You’ve probably heard all about Colony you want to hear.” “On the contrary.” Fred grew serious and his wife shot a pensive look at the doorway, smelling more concerned about her daughter than their conversation. “We’ve heard what you and your littermates have shared in the meetings. But tell me, do you really think what they’re doing up there might affect our lives here? How certain are you of the local human government sniffing around for jaguars?” “All I know is it’s happening in other parts of the world. If humans decide they want to know where we are, I want to know about it before I can smell them outside my den.” Ran forgot if he was going to say anything else when Olivia appeared in the doorway. Fortunately her sire and mother shifted their attention from him to their daughter. Ran missed their reaction to their daughter’s tardy arrival and could only hope they missed his reaction when Olivia silently stood in the doorway, close enough to him he managed to pick up a hint of his scent still lingering on her. Ran locked gazes with her and sensed she had as many unanswered questions as he did. The sight of her stole his breath. His chest tightened, and the pit that grew painfully in his gut swelled and turned into something more dangerous. She wore faded jeans and a simple pale-colored tank top. Her black hair was damp and fell behind her down her back. She was barefoot and her face rosy, as if she just washed it. Olivia looked away first and focused on her sire and mother. Ran let his gaze travel down her, noting her small, perky breasts and that she didn’t wear a bra. Her nipples hardened delightfully while he watched. “There you are.” Bonnie watched him instead of her daughter and the smile slowly crossing her face looked dangerous, as if she’d caught him admiring her daughter and was now ready to move in for the kill. He sucked in a breath and almost choked on the rich scent of Olivia, which matched the aroma seeping from every pore in his body. Ran was in trouble. Deep fucking trouble. If they caught her scent, realized it matched his, those satisfied smiles would change instantly.
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Chapter Four Olivia never felt worse in her entire life. The thought of bounding out the front door, running until she fell from exhaustion, sounded a hell of a lot more appealing than staying here. It wasn’t as if she could return to her figures, resume her work at budgeting in the costs to build several new dens some newly mated litters desperately needed. Not that the task should appeal to her. It wasn’t as though she was on that list. “There you are,” her mother purred with annoying delight. The only satisfying part of the picture she saw was the desperately uncomfortable look on Ran’s face. Served him right to suffer from her mother’s exasperating attempt to play matchmaker. If she only knew how she howled up the wrong tree with this male. Ran looked as if he wanted to race out of her den faster than she did. “How are you doing, Ran?” Her face felt stiff when she smiled. She sucked in a breath and picked up how he smelled just like her. Did that mean he’d been thinking about her as much as she had him? “Good.” He gave her a quick once-over before his attractive green eyes burrowed into her once again. “I dropped off chairs my littermate made for your litter.” He ran his hand down the arm of the chair he sat in, reminding her of how his touch had seared her skin. Olivia forced her attention to the chair. It wasn’t hard to tell how skilled the craftsman was who made the chair. Ran didn’t make them though. His asshole littermate did. And he just made a point of telling her his reason for being here was business and not a social call. If only she hadn’t looked into his eyes. Those beautiful, sensual eyes. Eyes she dreamed of nightly and woke up crying about every day. “My mother wanted them,” she said, her tone cool. Which her mother instantly noticed. She moved in on her, giving Olivia her trademarked piercing glare that had at one time terrified her. Now she simply returned the disapproving stare. “Be nice,” her mother hissed then turned, her expression changing instantly along with the tone of her voice. “Fred and I will step out for a minute so you two can visit.” “Mom,” Olivia began, but didn’t continue when it was clear her mother would make her life hell if she didn’t oblige. “Come on, Fred,” Bonnie ordered, and Olivia’s sire obediently followed his mate out of their den. Their footsteps sounded on the outside stairs before all she heard was the gentle pattering of the rain.
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Olivia breathed in Ran’s scent when her parents closed the door. He still carried her smell on him. If her sire or mother had picked up on that, all hell would have broken loose. She needed to give thanks for small blessings. “I’m not going to make you suffer because of me.” Ran grabbed her attention, his tone cool and his eyes—knowing. “Cut the crap.” Her voice cracked, infuriating her. Worse yet, with him in the same room, watching her as he did now, her insides swelled, her pussy suddenly throbbing. “Don’t do me any favors.” He cleared the distance between them quickly. “Do you any favors?” he hissed, his soft green eyes turning dangerously dark. “All I’m doing is what you want.” “What I want?” She fought not to scream. Digging her fingernails into her palms didn’t calm her either. The quick, sharp pain only fed the fire burning inside her with him now inches away. It sucked how badly she wanted him. And she hated wanting anyone. It made her feel powerless. Ran had power over her, and if he ever found out how strong she craved him, it would be her ultimate embarrassment. “Yes. If memory serves, saying no to you wasn’t an option.” Not to mention, he should want her, not the other way around. “Why you…” She swung at him and he grabbed her wrist, moving faster than she guessed he would. When he wouldn’t let go, she attacked with her other fist. He grabbed that wrist too. “Let me go.” She couldn’t get her hands free. “Why? So you can put bruises on me? I don’t think so.” He pulled, forcing her closer. She held her breath, refusing to look away from the smoldering need she swore she saw deep in his gaze. “You told me to go away, not the other way around.” His mouth moved closer, inches from hers. “I smell your need, Olivia,” he growled, his gaze dropping to her mouth. “And it’s not coming from me, although living with your scent sure helps add to the fantasies while I masturbate.” “You jerk!” She put some muscle into it, twisting violently, and gave it everything she had to get free of him. When her wrists were finally free, she swung, aching to put him in his place even if just for a minute. Ran ducked and then leapt. She missed hitting his jaw, and suddenly found his body wrapped around hers. Every inch of him touched her, made her skin sizzle with excited anticipation. The smell of their lust was so strong her parents would smell it the moment they entered if they didn’t smell it already. Ran pushed her up against the wall, pressing against her. His rock-hard cock jerked against her rear end and she froze. Her suddenly soaked pussy was so swollen she bit her lip so she wouldn’t suggest something stupid—again. “You are one hell of a feisty little cat,” he growled into her ear.
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“Fuck you,” she hissed. “I already have.” He pushed against her harder. “And if you keep moving, I might do it again. This time though, I think I’ll instigate making love to you, Olivia.” “Let me go and you might be able to regain your wits about you. It sure seemed to work last time.” “I don’t regret last time.” Like hell he didn’t. She remembered the way he looked at her, his somber, brooding expression ripped her heart out. And she would be damned to hell before any male made her live through that humiliation again. “Say what you want and then leave.” She wouldn’t cry while he was here. When she pushed away from the wall, he backed up, his arms out, watching her carefully. “I didn’t know you were here. And Rafe didn’t want to bring the chairs over.” She snorted then looked at the floor quickly to hide the smile when she remembered Ran telling her she was the first to send his littermate running with his tail between his legs. He moved closer and touched her chin. When she looked up, he kept his fingers there, staring into her eyes. God, she would come just drowning in his gaze. “I’m sorry if I hurt you,” he said quietly. “You’re wild as hell and downright mean when you want to be. But I see—and smell—what you won’t let anyone else know. Once you decide to be civil, we’ll discuss what happens next.” Ran backed away from her then turned and left her den. Olivia stood there, swearing she still felt his fingers on her chin. Rubbing where he touched her face, she hurried to the door, following his scent as if it were a magnet. She watched him as he reached the bottom of the stairs and her parents. “Leaving so soon?” her mother asked, her shrill, intentionally friendly voice easily heard from where Olivia stood just inside their den. The silver in her mother’s hair was more dominant with the light rain slowly soaking it. Olivia quickly moved to the open window in the kitchen when her mother turned and bounded up the stairs. Her father stood facing Ran. Would he smell her on him? God. What would her parents do to him if they learned the truth of what had happened between them? Whatever they tried, she wouldn’t allow it. No way would she be forced into a mating with a male who didn’t love her. And at the moment, Olivia wasn’t sure Ran even liked her. There was a challenge in his parting words. He might want to fuck her again, but only to show her he wasn’t the type of male to be pushed around. “Ran, I want to ask a favor,” her father said, sounding so serious that she strained to hear. He cleared his throat. “Olivia is going on the run for the single males and females tonight. I’m not sure she wants to, but her mother insists she make a go of it. Olivia is quiet and doesn’t spend a lot of time with others her age. Keep an eye on her, will you, please?”
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Ran glanced up at the window, catching her watching before she could move. He looked back quickly at her father. “You’ve got my word that no male will hurt her.” She turned around quickly, his last words spinning around in her head when her mother pranced in the door. “How did it go?” her mother asked, all smiles as she moved closer then made a show of sniffing Olivia. “I smell him on you. That’s always a good sign.” It was nothing shy of a small miracle her mother and sire weren’t the kind of jaguars who were overly physical with their affection. Her parents loved her with all their hearts. They were honorable, well-respected jaguars. Her mother and sire weren’t ever overly affectionate with each other, let alone her. Olivia hadn’t grown up damaged because she might not have been hugged as often as some cubs. And right now, she couldn’t have been more grateful her parents were that way. Neither of them had tried sniffing her out prior to now. And her mother did it more for show. Bonnie Sancerre was an incredibly intelligent female. She might not think her daughter was a virgin, but she knew Olivia wouldn’t have molested a male or allowed him to take advantage of her with her parents at the bottom of the stairs. It was equally amazing her mother didn’t detect the dull anger that still clashed with the raging desire inside her as she fought the urge to chase after Ran. “It will fade. He gave me a hug.” She shrugged and moved around her mother. “I know about these things.” Her mother took her arm, her broad smile not fading and her happiness so strong it almost made Olivia gag. “Ran is a good male, and smart, like you. Already it’s clear the community thinks very highly of his litter. He spoke at the meeting, and the information he’ll gather from his computer will impact future decisions made among us. That makes him a leader in Guarida.” She grabbed Olivia’s arm, her cold grip strong when she brought her daughter around to face her. “Think about it, my little cub. What beautiful cubs you two would have. And they would be so intelligent. Leaders, all of them. I’m sure of it.” Olivia exhaled loudly, unable to stop herself. When her mother looked worried, it was all Olivia could do not to run from their den. It would make her life so much easier than enduring her mother’s wrath or, worse yet, pity party when she thought her daughter wouldn’t oblige to her wishes. But as annoying as her mother could be, Olivia knew her actions were meant to be kind. Her mother’s scent turned pungent instead of spicy. She would mope loudly all evening if Olivia disagreed with anything her mother said. “I know grandcubs would make you so happy.” Olivia rubbed her mom’s hand, knowing the sooner her mother understood the truth of it, the better it would be. “And if I could mate and give them to you, I would. But, Mom, Ran isn’t the male for me. I tried, you don’t know this but I did. I tried. He is smart and handsome, and not at all interested in me.” Olivia turned, biting her lip hard so the tears wouldn’t slip down her cheek. Fuck Ran VicMoran for putting her in such a position, for hurting her litter, her mother and
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her. The pain sliced her in half. And she hated it, hated it with everything she was made of. If he wasn’t interested in anything other than proving he wasn’t a male easily manipulated by informing her they would have a rematch—when he decided it would happen—she wished he would have just dropped off the damn chairs and left. “I’m not so sure,” her mother murmured, using one of her favorite tones that smelled a bit too strongly of confidence and satisfaction. “If you say so, Mom.” Olivia wasn’t in the mood. She left her mother in the kitchen and headed back to her room. If she weren’t the one in charge of the budget and knew how tight things were and how many litters needed their own dens, she’d selfishly insist on living in her own den right now, as far from her mother as possible. “Damn it,” she grumbled, punching her bedroom door as she entered her room, then picked her pillow up off her bed and hurled it at her wall. “Olivia.” Her mother’s cool, serious tone would have stilled her in her tracks when she was a cub. “Not now, Mom,” she said, glancing around her room then grabbing her shoes. “Yes. Now. Listen to me.” Her mother crossed her arms, blocking the doorway. “You won’t mate and have cubs for me. You’ll do it for you. If you don’t want to mate, then fine. So be it.” Olivia looked at her mother, searching her face for some ulterior motive. Her mother’s scent was so calm it scared her. “But,” Bonnie added, pointing her finger at her daughter, “if you do want to mate, and if possibly you’ve found the male who you want, don’t you let him get away. No matter what he says, how he acts, you go after him. Males don’t readily walk into a mating. None of them. Do you understand what I’m saying?” “Yes.” She answered quickly, knowing it was the only way her mother would leave her alone. “I hope you do. I’m no fool, Olivia. I know what I know and what I smell. You go get what you want.” Bonnie turned and quietly walked out of Olivia’s room, closing the door silently behind her.
***** The rain had stopped, but the ground was soft and thick under Olivia’s shoes. She walked slowly, watching the other females as they giggled and glanced around them, whispering with each other and sniffing out the males who were slowly gathering nearby. They were all acting like idiots. What kind of male would want anything to do with a female who didn’t have one single functioning brain cell? Or maybe the simple truth of the matter was males didn’t care what went on in a female’s brains. It wasn’t the part of the anatomy that interested them.
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This whole run thing bugged the crap out of her. The mated escorts stood in calm groups, visiting and laughing with each other. How did jaguars go from the insanity of being unmated to the relaxed, comfortable state of being mated? Guarida was large enough now that someone had the brilliant notion that the traditional run of the unmated should occur. Well, it was a fucked-up tradition, and she had half a mind to disappear into the woods, leave the fools to their play. Glancing up, she spotted the large tree next to the storage hut where she’d fucked Ran. Her heart constricted in her chest. He’d fucked her, come inside her, left her body craving more of him. His expression after they’d finished, his scent so sober and collected he might as well be a mated male, had torn her heart apart. He’d asked if she was okay. He’d been worried about her. He’d let her run to her den, hadn’t chased after her and hadn’t sniffed her out afterward. Maybe he was more obedient than he wanted to believe. After all, she’d told him not to follow her. However, almost a week later he appeared at her den, welcomed by her litter, but then informed her, when she decided to be civil, that he’d let her know what would happen next. No male led her around on a leash. She did an about turn and marched to the other end of the open area, steering clear of the dens that all faced the clearing in the middle of their community. Avoiding a puddle, she stomped around it then steered clear of the group of mated couples. “The run hasn’t started yet.” Rick Ramos leaned against a tree, his muscular arms crossed over his chest and one foot flat against the trunk. He raised heavy black lashes slowly, and his piercing green eyes traveled down her slowly. “I know that,” she told him, keeping her cool. Rick was an idiot and nothing more. He wasn’t worth her energy in getting riled by his obvious comment. “Where are you going then?” He pushed away from the tree, following her into the darkness of the forest. She didn’t want to tell him she had changed her mind and wasn’t going. It really wasn’t any of his business. But when he kept following her, there was no avoiding it. She spun around to face him. “You’ll miss out if you don’t get back there,” she suggested, getting a hint of the lust already hanging heavily around him. “Maybe I won’t miss out at all. You shouldn’t walk alone,” he told her, moving closer then reaching for her. “And you shouldn’t try to take what isn’t offered,” Olivia warned him. It wasn’t the first time she kicked some male’s ass when he got a bit too frisky. But she wasn’t a cub anymore, and as a mature female, she would give him the option of turning around without forcing him.
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His smile was proof enough that he wasn’t taking the hint. She braced herself, sizing him up quickly and telling herself she could take him. “Sometimes it takes a bit of persuasion before anything is offered,” he told her then grabbed her arms. He was strong, very strong. She wasn’t dealing with horny teenage jaguars anymore. This was a full-grown male who obviously didn’t have any manners. Well, she wasn’t a teenage female anymore either. Olivia brought her leg up quickly, immediately going for the kill. But Rick adjusted his body and laughed when she hit his thigh instead of racking him. “I know about you already,” he told her, almost panting with excitement. “Don’t think I didn’t see the bite mark you put on VicMoran last week. You’re a hot female, one who probably gets all turned-on when it gets really rough.” Rick yanked her off her feet, moving his hand quickly and grabbing her hair. His mouth smeared a kiss across the side of her face, and she struck out with her free hand, determined to teach him a lesson no matter how much pain she endured from it. “That’s not something you’ll ever find out.” The roaring baritone rang in her ears as Rick was pulled backward and thrown into the bushes to the side of them. Ran leapt onto him, not waiting for Rick to get up, and snarled fiercely as he sent a deadly blow to the side of the male’s head. Olivia hurried to them, unwilling to let Ran beat the crap out of Rick without helping. She was ready to strike when Ran lifted Rick off his feet, holding the male by the neck. “Touch her again and I’ll kick your fucking ass,” he roared, his teeth growing long enough that his voice was garbled. Others ran into the forest, stopping quickly and sizing up the situation. “That bitch needs a fucking leash,” Rick snarled, shoving himself away from Ran and pointing his fingers at her. Olivia was horrified. More of the community plowed into the forest, surrounding them, watching her, watching Ran, whispering, sniffing the air and deciding what might have happened. “Don’t talk about her like that!” Ran said, his growl bloodcurdling when he plowed into Rick. The two of them toppled into the undergrowth, pounding each other. Because of her. She didn’t know whether to laugh or scream. One thing she did know, no one fought her battles for her. She jumped at the two of them. “I can beat the crap out of him myself,” she yelled just as strong hands pulled her backward. “I’ll fight my own battles,” she cried out, fighting whoever held a death grip on her. Ran suddenly seemed to possess the strength of his animal form in his human body. His hair tousled around his face, he lunged into Rick again, his fury so strong Olivia almost sneezed from its spiciness. He sent Rick flying backward. The jerk landed
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with a thud loud enough to shake the ground. Before he even landed, Ran spun around, leaping at her. “Be quiet,” he whispered, his face inches from hers and his hands on her shoulders. His touch, his words were so gentle, almost soothing, they took her off guard. They didn’t match the high-intensity of the situation. “What’s going on here?” Miguel stomped loudly over the vines spreading across the ground. His shirt was half tucked in and his mate hurried alongside him, cub in her arms and looking around at everyone frantically. Olivia wanted to disappear. This would be the howling of the entire community before dawn arrived. One moment she stared into Ran’s eyes, which were bright with flecks of gold that looked more intense than she’d ever seen them. The next moment he turned, standing with his back to her, and fisted his hands at his waist. “Everything’s under control,” he growled, turning his attention toward Rick. Olivia looked past Ran, shrugging off whoever held her. She was released and Raul stepped around her, moving to stand next to his littermate. Olivia found herself standing behind both males. If she were any shorter, she wouldn’t be able to see a thing. “Motherfucker,” Rick grumbled, glaring at Ran then shoving the males standing next to him out of his way as he stalked off. “What happened here?” Miguel demanded again, looking at Ran after Rick was gone. “I saw everything.” Joshua Perez almost danced around several huddling females. “Rick Ramos attacked Olivia Sancerre, and Ran VicMoran stopped him and beat the shit out of him.” Several others chimed in, offering similar stories. Miguel rubbed his forehead and slowly raised his hand. “Okay. Okay. Head out on your run. The excitement’s over.” That was announcement enough for most everyone to head back to the edge of the forest, talking excitedly among themselves. Olivia glanced over her shoulder, wondering what her odds were of disappearing and running through the woods back to her den. Although, if she returned to her sire and mother they’d want an explanation for her returning early. There wasn’t anywhere to run, which created a panic sensation that quickly shifted over to anger. “Is there something here I need to know about?” Miguel’s question sounded a bit too knowing. His attentive gaze shifted from Ran to her. “I’ll let you know if there is,” Ran said solemnly. Raul glanced at his littermate, and Miguel simply nodded. “I’ll let the Sancerres know.” He turned, placing his hand on his mate’s back, and left Olivia standing in the forest behind Ran and Raul. Ran lowered his head and blew out a loud breath. Raul turned, sizing his littermate up then looking at Olivia. “If I leave you two alone back here, your litter will expect an announcement,” he said, looking quickly from her to Ran.
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“Yup.” Ran sighed again, turning slowly and looking at her. “Are you okay?” “I never wasn’t.” She lifted her chin, meeting that damnable all-knowing look of his that burrowed too deep inside her soul. “Raul, just one moment. Stand at the edge of the forest, if you will.” Ran didn’t take his attention off her when he spoke to his littermate. Raul didn’t say anything but turned, walking away without making a sound. Ran continued to stare at her. “Why is it so important to you to prove that you are invincible?” She wasn’t ready for the question and frowned. “You know damn good and well if no one stopped him, Rick would have raped you. Why did you come back here all by yourself?” “You don’t think I can handle myself?” She searched his face, shocked to see how serious he was. “You look here, Ran VicMoran. Just because I fucked you doesn’t mean I would put out for any other male around here,” she hissed, keeping her voice to a whisper so no one would overhear her. It wouldn’t surprise her a bit if the few jaguars addicted to howling were still sniffing the two of them out, trying to hear what they could. “You better not. No one else will touch you.” His eyes were once again their soft green and his voice calm, but his expression looked as determined as his scent. Her mouth went dry. She was ready to defend her abilities if he argued whether she could protect herself or not. His declaration that she ignore all other males threw her off guard. Her heart pounded painfully and swelled until it lodged in her throat. “I wouldn’t have let him touch me.” Her voice cracked and sounded scratchy. She looked down at her hands, struggling to regain her senses. If he detected nervousness, or lust, she wouldn’t be able to fight him off. She didn’t want to fight Ran off. Whoops and hollers beyond the trees let her know the run would begin momentarily. Single males and females focused on their evening and whether or not they would get laid tonight. Odd, she stood alone in the forest with a single male, and she prayed he wouldn’t touch her. Until now. Ran shook his head slowly. “He was touching you, Olivia. When I grabbed him, his fucking paws were all over you.” She breathed him in, her own scent on him smelling exceptionally strong. “I would have—” “Damn it.” Ran grabbed her, squeezing her arms and lifting her toward him until his mouth brushed over hers. “It’s okay for someone to care for you,” he whispered over her lips. “I know—” She couldn’t finish her sentence when he crushed her against him and impaled her mouth.
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She was instantly soaked, immediately on fire and swelling with raging need. Her flesh burned, her insides smoldered with an urgency that made her head spin. Ran tasted so damn good, demanded so much and showed her what he could give her with that one kiss. She couldn’t catch her breath when he pushed her back, holding her for a moment while her legs seemed to turn to complete liquid. But then he let go of her and backed up, glancing over his shoulder. She still wasn’t positive her legs would hold her. “Do you want to go on the run?” he asked. “Not really.” Ran nodded once. “My littermate will escort you to your den.” She shook her head. “I’m not going to my den.” “If you aren’t going on the run, you’re going to your den.” His tone sounded so final, as if he demanded a say in her actions. “No,” she said, confused by this change in him. No one told her what to do, although crossing him right now didn’t appeal to her. Ran turned, taking her arm, his touch gentle. He walked to Raul, holding on to her until he handed her over. “She needs an escort to her den.” “I do not.” She crossed her arms over her chest, needing to snap Ran out of whatever trance suddenly had him convinced she couldn’t handle walking alone. “I’m not hurt. I’m not incompetent. And I promise I won’t get lost.” “Nor will you lose your honor,” Ran insisted. “If you walk home alone after Ran fought for you in front of half of Guarida, the litters will believe you’ve been turned out. Not only will that disgrace you, it will make my litter look bad. That isn’t going to happen.” Raul growled with such formality it stank. Olivia’s jaw dropped. She hadn’t expected the VicMoran litter, which was so overdosed with sex appeal, to be the type of males who would howl traditions and laws to her. “Look. I’m not some inept female. I’m not a cub. Hell, I’m almost twenty-five. And I promise, I’ve walked home alone many nights. No one will think a thing about it.” She laughed, trying to make light of the situation in spite of the nervous swelling slowly filling her insides. Determined to make it go away, she started walking around them. Ran and his littermate wouldn’t smell her uncertainty. “Olivia!” Ran grabbed her shoulder. She spun around, ready to strike. “Damn, you are the most fiery, bull-headed…” He didn’t try to finish but instead slapped her fist down. He moved too quickly, yanking her almost off her feet as he spun her around so her back faced the forest. “You will not dishonor yourself,” he said slowly and with a growl that chilled her blood. “Whether you care about what others think of you or not, I do. Tonight’s events will ruin you if you don’t behave. You’ll do
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what I say. You won’t argue about it. And if you walk away from me again, I swear to God I’ll throw you over my shoulder and haul you to your den myself.” This was getting out of hand. Going to her den right now was the last thing she wanted to do. It would make this whole nightmare even worse. Her sire and mother would question why she didn’t go on the run. And if Miguel showed up, or worse yet, had already spoken with them, her mother would go on a war path. And as honor bound as Ran and his littermate seemed to be, her freedom would be stripped away. A sense of claustrophobia, of her world crushing in around her, pressed against her until she could barely breathe. She wouldn’t beg, arguing wasn’t getting her anywhere, and although attacking had its appeal, something told her she couldn’t take both of them on. Especially not in the center of Guarida. The hell with ancient jaguar traditions and laws anyway. She’d never seen proof they existed. From what she’d seen, they were tools used to make females do what males wanted or for mothers to cower their cubs into behaving. Either way, all they’d ever done for Olivia was serve as a seriously annoying leash and a way for someone to try to control her. “Fine. Raul may escort me to my den.” She turned, didn’t run, didn’t hurry, but walked away from them with a slow, confident pace. Raul’s steady footsteps followed her, the large male not saying a word. When they reached her stairs, she turned, planting a pleasant expression on her face. “Please let your littermate know I’ll do nothing to dishonor him or your litter.” She sounded calm, pleasant, and held her head high, appealing to his stubborn, damnable male pride. Raul didn’t show a bit of emotion but simply watched her with dark, unreadable eyes. “It’s obvious he is panicking that the litters will demand he do something he doesn’t want. Assure him I’ll make sure he isn’t forced into a mating he doesn’t wish for.” “I smelled your scent on him, little female. I don’t need to tell my littermate a damn thing. I’m here because he wishes it,” Raul grumbled, sounding more than annoyed. “What you two do is your business, not mine. But it seems to me that convincing yourself there’s nothing between you two is making you smell like a fool. And from what I hear, you’re supposed to be pretty damn smart.” He nodded, stepped back and glanced up at her den. “Hunt well.”
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Chapter Five Ran worked methodically, focusing on his task, and tried not to think of anything else. The sooner his computer was up and running, the sooner he could spend his time learning what jaguars were up to around the Earth. Guarida would benefit from the knowledge, and staying busy would help him smell sane. Although after tonight, it would be damn tricky not to lose his honor. That fact made him sick. No one ever viewed him as anything other than a male to be trusted. He’d fucked Olivia with more intensity than he ever had another female. And she’d come at him like a female in heat. He didn’t get why her scent didn’t fade but still clung to him as strong as ever. Ran shook his head, groaning aloud as he let his thoughts get the best of him. If he hadn’t smelled her clearly for himself, he might have believed she was in her heat. Olivia wouldn’t have fought Rafe off if she’d been in heat though. She would have done him then sniffed out the next available male and taken him on too. He hauled his generator over to the corner of his small one-room hut. With the amount of energy rushing around inside him, he could have hurled the damn thing clear to the other side of the rain forest. Once the thing was up and running, he situated his one lamp next to his desk then turned it on. Light flooded through the room that was now his den. It looked drab, plain, empty. Ran stared at the rolled-up sleeping bag, slightly damp from hauling it and some of his clothes from his old den to this one. “Who cares,” he growled, and made quick work of unpacking the new computer from its boxes, situating it on his desk. “Why care about anything. Why care about her fucking reputation if she doesn’t?” Ran worked methodically, trying to ignore the human stench still lingering on the new, store-bought system. Setting up his computer was a no-brainer. It didn’t create enough of a distraction. Until he established a connection and got online, he wouldn’t be able to distract his thoughts. It was a damn good thing he was quite alone with nothing but thick groves of trees surrounding him. His anger grew with every minute as he replayed Olivia’s refusal to admit something existed between them. “Which is fucking stupid.” He turned around, searching the shadows along his wall, then grabbed the bag of supplies he had picked up in Puerto Jimenez. Digging through its contents, he pulled out his new mouse pad. “So what if she doesn’t turn me away when I kiss her or fuck her.” God. He scrubbed his face with his hands, demanding his brain focus on something else. “She’s screaming at the top of her lungs that she’s not interested. Yet our scent is as embedded in her flesh as it is in mine.”
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Humans lied. Jaguars manipulated their words to prevent the stench of a lie. But smells never lied. They were what they were. It was that simple. If neither of them had given a second thought to fucking each other the way they had, their combined scents would have faded. Ran sucked in a breath. He swore Olivia was in the room with him. “At least I know you’re suffering too, little cat,” he grumbled under his breath, his face twisted in a repulsed scowl. “You’re my female whether you want to think you are or not.” He got down on his hands and knees and crawled under his desk then yanked the computer cords loose and made sure everything was plugged in the way it should be. Ran started backing up and froze, tilting his head and listening. Something moved outside. Ran backed out from under his desk and knelt on his haunches, going still while focusing on the sounds outside. He heard it again, soft footsteps moving slowly, quietly, and coming closer. Standing, he moved to his door then placed his hand on the handle. Another soft sound, intentionally gentle, as if someone tried to approach without his knowledge. He inhaled and recognized the scent immediately. Now it made sense why her scent was so damn strong. They’d marked each other. He’d been told over the years that marking didn’t occur if the male and female being intimate didn’t wish it. There wasn’t any doubt in his mind marking Olivia hadn’t crossed his mind when he’d been buried deep inside her pussy. Something told him it hadn’t been foremost on Olivia’s mind either. Ran wasn’t deep into believing the subconscious. It was hard accepting something he couldn’t smell with his own nose. What he did accept was what he could detect with his senses. Pulling open the door, he stepped outside into a gentle, late-night mist. “Olivia,” he growled, hardening instantly at the sight of her wet body. “What are you doing?” She pushed a damp strand of hair away from her face. “I should ask that of you.” And he should be outraged that she disobeyed him. “I told you I didn’t want to go home.” He was getting used to the way she tilted her head defiantly. “You are the most disobedient, bull-headed—” “I am not bull-headed,” she snapped, approaching a lot less quietly than she had before he opened his door. “Bull-headed means blindly stubborn. And I’m neither. I simply know when I’m right about something. Also,” she continued with a soft purr, “I’m not disobedient since there weren’t any orders given I needed to obey. Because giving an order would imply someone held rank over someone else, and they don’t.” “Oh really.” In spite of the wonderful view she offered with her damp shirt clinging to her perky breasts, he didn’t have a lot of towels. If he got too wet it would put a delay in setting up his computer. He turned and walked back into his hut. “I can’t wait to hear what you think you’re right about or where you feel you rank in this matter.”
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“I’m not doing anything wrong, disgraceful or dishonorable if I choose to visit someone. And I don’t hold rank. I’m my own female and am capable of making my own decisions.” “Do you think simply because you believe something should be a certain way our culture and traditions will adjust and bend to your will?” He turned when he was inside, leaning on his door handle and watched as she remained in his doorway and took in his den. “You may enter,” he offered formally, although he doubted she hesitated out of honor to his den. The look she gave him confirmed as much. “What are you doing?” she asked, wrinkling her nose when she sniffed and entered his one-room den. She also ignored his question. “Setting up my computer.” He sighed, glancing down at her wet shoes and the way her jeans hugged her slender legs. Images of those legs wrapped around him while he plowed into her tight little pussy blindsided him for a moment. “And I was just getting ready to finish the wiring and set up the satellite.” “Outside?” She looked interested. “Where?” “On the roof.” She tilted her head, glancing at his ceiling. “Think it will hold you?” “I built it.” She didn’t look convinced. “I weigh less than you. I’ll do it.” “You know how to set up a satellite?” “Show me. I’m sure it’s not hard to do.” Ran scrubbed his hair with his hand. “Olivia, damn it. I don’t want you to leave but you can’t be here.” She turned on him, getting in his face. Olivia wasn’t very tall, the top of her head almost reaching his nose, and her hair was wild, damp and smelling of the forest. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes burned with an energy he ached to tap. In spite of being a petite female, her larger-than-life nature commanded attention. “I’m not leaving,” she spat at him, sounding furious, but her words hardening every inch of him. “I already know how well you fuck. Don’t tell me it’s dishonorable to learn what a male is about.” Olivia backed up before he could respond. Ran stood there, shocked she suddenly wanted to learn about him, as if she was considering creating something with him. What had brought her to her senses? He really wished he knew. Whatever it was, it would be handy to know. Olivia wouldn’t change her mind easily about anything. He snapped out of his shocked state and watched her squat and use her fingernail to slice open the box that said Satellite on it. He stared at her back, at her spine and her narrow waist, at the luscious swell of her hips and the perfect curve of her ass. Her rich scent, a mixture of outdoors, determination and raw lust, smelled better than anything he had ever inhaled into his lungs.
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But if anyone were to sniff her out and find her here, and this would be the first place they looked, especially after tonight, there would be irreversible demands. Was he ready to accept a mate who would challenge every word that came out of his mouth? Ran remembered Olivia’s mother and her strong, overwhelming smell of manipulative behavior and cringed. Olivia began lifting the dish satellite out of its box, and Ran grabbed one side of it, fighting not to breathe in the strong human smell absorbed in the packaging as it screeched against the box when they pulled it out. Olivia let go of her end and Ran held the satellite dish, studying it, as Olivia made quick work of removing the Styrofoam and plastic wrap. Once she had all of it removed, she looked at him and grinned. Ran couldn’t imagine her mother smiling with such happiness. “Where do you want it?” she asked, her green eyes glowing. “Outside, alongside the hut.” He should demand she leave, drag her back to her litter himself, but damn it to hell, the smell of her happiness was addictive. He almost grinned back at her. “Grab that box of tools over there.” Ran explained their way through the installation. Olivia asked questions and handed tools. And after only one trial and error, he stood back, glancing quickly at the sky to guess the time before surveying their work. “I’ll admit it would have taken longer to get this installed if I’d done it alone.” Olivia rocked up on her heels and beamed just like her mother had when she’d been convinced she’d found the perfect male for her daughter. Panic rushed through Ran with so much intensity he almost teetered. Olivia was beautiful, captivating, strong and elegant. But damn, there was no way he could be saddled to a mate like Bonnie for the rest of his life. But taming Olivia? Did he have the strength? Did he want to have the strength? She flung her arms around his shoulders. “I’m good. You should always remember that.” Her nipples hardened against his chest. Although he meant to put her at arm’s length, he stroked her hair first, straightening it and enjoying its silky texture. “Now we crash,” he informed her, willing himself to back away from her. “I’ll walk you back to your den.” “No way, black cat,” she whispered, staring at him with those same emerald green eyes, which, at the moment, were as radiant as they’d been when she’d first come for him. “If I decide I’m going to put my books on this computer, I want to see how well it works.” He rubbed her cheekbone with his thumb and her lashes fluttered over her eyes while her breath caught momentarily. “What is it about you, little cat?” “I’m not little,” she said, laughing and looking up into his eyes. “And honestly, that’s what I’m here to find out.”
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“What are you finding out?” He saw the answer in the glow of her expression, and as terrified as it made him, he grew hard as a rock thinking about how he could keep that glow on her face. She wrinkled her nose. “That you procrastinate worse than my sire.” He blinked, trying not to put meaning into her words. Her sire wouldn’t procrastinate if her mother began flirting with him, would he? “I never procrastinate.” “Then why are you just standing here holding my face?” “You’re right.” He grabbed her, lifting her into the air. “I should be bending you over my knee and spanking that sweet ass of yours for not doing as you’re told.” “I dare you to try,” she cried out, twisting furiously in his clutches. He almost dropped her. She was strong and determined as hell never to be controlled. Ran didn’t want to control her—as long as she did the right thing, he was cool with it. But he never turned down a dare. “You’re going to learn only one jaguar can be in charge,” he told her, adjusting his grip on her when she struggled to put her feet on the ground. “I already know that.” When she couldn’t get away from him, she prevented him from turning her around by wrapping her long legs around his waist. This positioning worked for him too. Ran pressed his hand against the center of her back, holding her to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, laughing, and willingly brought her mouth to his for a kiss. He dove into the wonderful, warm, sweet taste of her, devouring and taking all she offered. At the same time, he raised his free hand and brought it down soundly on her ass. The crack of skin being spanked, with her jeans hardly enough shield to mute the sound, sharpened his senses. His spine crackled with energy that pulled the predator forth inside him. Olivia cried into his mouth, tightening her grip and swirling her tongue around his. He brought his hand down again, this time keeping it there and cupping her ass. It curved so perfectly in his palm. “I’m going to spank you next,” she whispered against his lips. He opened his eyes and stared into the fiery excitement glowing in her eyes. “When hell freezes over,” he growled. Her smile was lazy and convinced. “You might like it.” “And you might like learning to trust enough to submit.” She shook her head then let it fall back, offering the slender curve of her neck to him. “I’m not submitting to you or any male, ever.” “I’ll agree to half of that,” he murmured, and lowered his head to bite her neck. Olivia didn’t weigh much. Holding her didn’t bother him, but he wanted his hands free to explore. In spite of the small voice in the back of his head warning him how damning taking her right here might very well be, he lowered her to the ground, feasting on her neck until she lay under him. It would be easier getting wetter outside than trying to dry out his den afterward. 57
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“What’s wrong with being equals?” she whispered. “The male doesn’t have to tell the female what to do.” “There’s nothing wrong with it. But when the female gets too demanding and risks her own reputation, the male must make sure she remains safe and honored.” Olivia laughed, lifting her head just as his hand cupped her breast. “Is that what you’re doing now?” Her triumphant glow should have sobered him. He stared into her eyes, seeing how her orneriness, feistiness and untamed stubbornness were embedded in her nature. He didn’t smell those traits on her because all three had been intertwined in her nature to become one aroma. Those traits made up the smell that was Olivia. He might be able to teach her to submit, but it would damn near take breaking her. Ran wasn’t sure he ever wanted to see her without her feisty glow. Yet her intelligence rang in just as strong. Ran appealed to that side of her as he mastered more strength than he wanted to show her how it must be. Olivia fought him when he pulled away from her. “No. Ran, no. That’s not what I meant.” For the first time he saw her pout when he moved to a kneeling position, in spite of her efforts to keep him on top of her. “Damn it,” she growled, slapping the ground with her hand. She lay there, her legs wrapped around him, and stared at the sky. There was mud already drying on the back of her arms, and her hair was tangled and twisted in tight, long strands around her. Her shirt clung to her like a second skin and her jeans hugged her hips and long legs. Ran spotted her bellybutton where her shirt ended and stared at her bare stomach for a moment, watching her breathe. Olivia was the sexiest female he’d ever known in his life. Her pouty expression, with her lower lip puffed out just a bit more than her upper as she stared above her, didn’t appear manipulative. She was honest, possibly to a fault. When she’d wanted to fuck him, she’d chased him down and they’d fucked. When she wasn’t sure she could handle the repercussions, she stood with her head held high and made as much clear to him and his littermate. At the same time, when she didn’t want a male, tearing into him didn’t bother her a bit. Now, when she had decided to learn who he was as a male, other than his abilities to make her come, Olivia lay before him, determined to do just that. His cock was so fucking hard it would explode before he would be able to walk her home. Ran couldn’t deny the overall picture, with all her good and bad bound together, appealed to him very much. His voice was gravelly when he forced the words out. He’d just told her he needed to maintain her honor, even when she tossed it to the wind in her determination to do as she wanted, and now he had to live by his words. “We’ll go to your den now, together, and tomorrow I’ll come and ask permission to officially run with you.” “That’s tomorrow,” she complained, sitting up and ignoring her hair when it fell around her shoulders. “And who will escort you to your den after you take me to mine?” she demanded.
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Ran pulled a twig from her hair. “Don’t argue with me on this one, Olivia. You knew our traditions long before you came to my den. You know I can’t dishonor you and allow you to return to your den alone. If you don’t like the way of jaguars, dishonoring yourself isn’t the way to go about changing things.” Ran jumped and then sprang to his feet when a crackling sounded behind him. Every inch of him went on red alert as he sniffed the air and searched through the darkness to identify the sound. Immediately, he smelled other jaguars. There was another crackling, the sound of twigs breaking as someone walked over them, someone who didn’t care if they were detected while approaching Ran’s den. Olivia pushed herself to her feet, grabbing her clothes and yanking them on as she balanced herself with her hand clutching his shoulder. “Ran, it smells like—” she whispered. She was interrupted by the shrill, excited voice of a very satisfied female. “Did you see?” Bonnie Sancerre leapt into view, wagging her finger at her daughter and Ran as she grinned broadly and turned to look for whoever had followed her to Ran’s den. “I saw them. I demand my right to a mating.” She clapped her hands, staring at Ran and grinning from ear to ear. Miguel Rinero scratched his thick, black hair and scowled. Fred and Raul appeared behind them. Ran looked at his littermate and saw the sadness and frustration in his eyes that he was sure matched his own. “Your right to a mating?” Olivia finished snapping her jeans then tugged on her shirt to straighten it. Her actions condemned the two of them even more. Ran shifted, noticing how her hair hung wildly around her face, damp and dirty. But it was the sudden outrage, the overwhelming smell of a female ready to attack, that alerted him. “Mother, you are already mated,” Olivia said coolly, narrowing her eyes on her mother and ignoring the males slowly moving closer. “When I’m ready to mate, I’ll let you know. It will not be the other way around.” As deadly as Olivia sounded, her mother returned with a spine-chilling edge in her voice that made no qualms about the fact she’d take her daughter on right now before she’d allow Olivia to speak out in public to her like that. Ran snapped his head in her direction when she began speaking. “Not now, Olivia,” Bonnie growled, looking very fierce. She turned the same hard look on Miguel. “Our traditions are quite clear on this matter, wouldn’t you say?” “Well, I…” Miguel began, suddenly looking as if he wished he was anywhere but where he was. “You know they are as well as all of us do.” She continued to glare at him but pointed her finger at Ran. “He’s compromised my cub. I suspected as much earlier when he was in our den. He smells more like my daughter than she does!” Bonnie announced, her voice rising as she made her announcement, as if she intended for every creature in the rain forest to hear her. She crossed her arms as if the decision were final.
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“Obviously he’s taken advantage of my unmated daughter. He must take her as a mate. I demand it,” she yelled, her voice again going shrill. To Ran’s credit, every male with Bonnie, shy of her mate, cringed at her words. None of them thought Ran would take advantage of a female, which was a damn good thing. If Bonnie truly believed for a second he would forcibly dishonor Olivia, he wouldn’t hesitate setting her straight on the matter. “We’ll take our daughter to our den and discuss this—” Fred Sancerre didn’t get to finish. “Enough!” Bonnie held her hand up and Fred looked at it, closing his mouth, his expression pinched but not completely readable. Bonnie shot her mate a condemning look before giving Raul a once-over that looked just as punishing. “Raul VicMoran!” she announced, holding her finger in the air and taking her time walking around Miguel until she faced Raul. “Did you or did you not witness this male fighting for our cub earlier this evening?” Raul looked at her, straightening, but remained silent. He wouldn’t say a word to the female without speaking to Ran first. Of that, Ran didn’t doubt for a moment. His honor wasn’t on the line here, and he would stand behind whatever Ran decided. Ran looked her way quickly when Bonnie started toward him. “Go to your sire, Olivia,” she snarled, not taking her attention from Ran. “Quit this right now, Mother,” Olivia put her hands on Ran’s arm, as if she would protect him from the riled female approaching him. He pulled his attention from Bonnie and looked at Olivia, putting his hand over hers. “Do as your mother says,” he said quietly, focusing only on her. “Ran,” she gasped, as if his suggestion were preposterous. “She can’t control either one of us like this, let alone humiliate us in front of other jaguars,” she hissed. He took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, then pushed her toward her sire. “No one is being humiliated,” he let her know, focusing only on Olivia. The wild look in her eyes made him wonder if he’d be able to get through to her before she pounced. “Go with your litter. I’ll come to your den tomorrow.” Her wounded look tugged at his heart and he nodded once, praying she wouldn’t decide now was a time for one of her heated outbursts. Ran didn’t want to find out which female, mother or daughter, would be able to throw a bigger fit. He didn’t relax any when she turned and walked into her sire’s open arms. Instead, he focused on his next confrontation, Bonnie Sancerre, who he guessed might be able to put Olivia’s tantrums to shame. Her spicy scent filled his nostrils. She was pissed and the glow in her eyes had him guessing she enjoyed the emotion a bit too much. “You’ve had sex with my cub,” she hissed, moving in on him, her lips parting and her teeth sharp. Ran straightened, honoring her by not breaking eye contact but not feeling any details were necessary. He couldn’t hide Olivia’s scent that even he smelled over Bonnie’s outraged emotions. 60
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“And you fought for her tonight. Now she’s out here, alone, without an escort. Is it your intention to disgrace our litter?” “No,” he said easily, not taking his eyes from Bonnie for a moment. Nor would he let her know it wasn’t his idea for Olivia to come to his den. She didn’t deserve the wrath of this female. “Very good. Then you planned on coming to talk to us?” Her smile held no warmth. “The two of you were discussing your mating?” She looked past him at the small hut and narrowed her eyebrows when she spotted the satellite dish. “Or possibly you were trying to figure out how to expand on this den to make it into a decent place to raise a litter?” “We weren’t doing any of those things.” Raul stepped forward and ignored Bonnie when she glanced over her shoulder and waved him back. He moved to stand next to Ran, silently offering his support. Ran appreciated it but wished it was just him and the female. There wasn’t any way he could get rid of his audience. “I see.” Bonnie tapped her lip, sizing him up, then turned her back on Ran to look at Miguel and Fred. “Tell me if I’m right here.” Her overly sweet, obliging tone still smelling heavily laced with fury. “My only cub, my female daughter, and only surviving offspring from my litter, obviously faces having her honor disgraced. This male admits they weren’t discussing mating. We all know what we saw. It’s bad enough so many single females run with their tails in the air, ready and willing to bellyup for any willing male.” She sighed dramatically, shaking her head as she clucked her tongue. Bonnie smelled anything but sorry for the many females who either had no litter to guide them or ignored the strong code jaguars ran by and chose their own path. “Now, Bonnie, they’re both fully dressed.” Miguel stepped forward, looking tired but willing to cover Ran’s tail. As much as he appreciated it, Ran guessed Bonnie would scream about her cub’s dishonor so loudly it would ruin Olivia regardless if he didn’t say something. “It’s okay, Miguel.” He held his hand up when Raul and Miguel both looked at him seriously. “I won’t lie about anything here. Yes, Bonnie, I’ve had sex with your daughter.” Olivia’s loud sigh was ignored by all parties. Bonnie’s triumphant snort annoyed the tar out of him but also offered him a sour taste of what lay ahead for him if he didn’t tread very carefully. “The events that happened afterward are private and are also part of the reason I spent several days outside Guarida.” “What’s that mean?” Bonnie frowned at him then turned and glared at Olivia. “What’s that mean?” she asked her daughter. For the first time since their privacy was interrupted, Ran felt a rush of unease. Olivia’s look was frightening. Her eyes glowed like emeralds but with a flare of gold,
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showing how strongly her emotions wrapped her tight. She fisted her hands at her side, stepped out of her father’s arms and slowly approached her mother. “Does the word private mean anything to you, Mother?” Olivia’s quiet tone sounded deadly enough to still the wind. No one breathed. There wasn’t a sound around them. Ran almost believed the waterfall even paused, fearful of being reprimanded if it made too much noise and annoyed these two females who looked ready to pounce on each other. “Don’t you dare speak to me like that.” Bonnie’s tone was just as caustic. “When you learn I’m no longer a cub and my affairs are my own, then I won’t have to remind you.” She quit walking when she was within inches of her mother’s face. The air was so charged with deadly energy that the hairs rose on Ran’s arms and down his neck. He dared a side-glance at his littermate. Raul returned the look, barely raising one eyebrow. When he shook his head once, it was barely noticeable. But the gesture was enough to show Ran he didn’t agree with the way this situation was playing out. Both females would dishonor themselves in a matter of minutes at the rate they were going. Fred Sancerre didn’t look as if he had what it took to handle either female. “Your affairs are your own when you are mated and not a moment before,” Bonnie hissed, putting her fists on her waist and growling deep in her throat when she quit speaking. “Right!” Olivia’s eyes flashed, turning almost completely gold. “Like you’ll stay out of my affairs once I’m mated. You never leave me alone. You push and push. And now you’ll push me into a mating. Back down, now,” she demanded. “Olivia.” Ran wouldn’t remain silent any longer. “Enough.” “Enough of what?” She turned her fiery rage on him. Bonnie glanced at him too, cocking an eyebrow as if amused he would take on her cub. Ran didn’t remain focused on Bonnie but turned his attention to Olivia. She wouldn’t make this situation worse. It was already bad enough. “There are others around,” he said quietly. “And you won’t disrespect your mother like that.” “How dare—” “No!” he growled. Olivia snapped her mouth shut and stared at him a moment. Her hands were clenched into fists and her knuckles turned white. Rage burned in her eyes and her cheeks flushed. He would guess probably more out of frustration and humiliation than anger. A mixture of emotions created a harsh smell, although no scent on her was unappealing. Ran understood how being confronted publicly would outrage her. It would him too. Olivia would hold her head high with honor. No one would see her being disgraced by the overwhelming smell of her mother.
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“This isn’t how this situation will be handled, not here, not now,” he said, stepping closer to her, which also put him in claws reach of Bonnie. “You’re right, my little cat,” he growled, lowering his voice further as he stared into her large eyes. “This isn’t a matter to be howled about in the middle of the rain forest. Go to your den with your litter. I’ll come to you tomorrow.” She stared at him a moment longer. He was surprised to see moisture well in her eyes, but she blinked it away quickly and looked past him. Glancing at her mother then Raul, she started to turn. When she hesitated, he reached for her, an urgency filling him and demanding he pull her into his arms in spite of insisting she leave with her litter. “I’m done,” she said, not speaking to anyone but continuing to look toward the forest. “No one is going to tell me how to lead my life.” She looked pointedly at her mother. “No one. No matter where I am, who I am with, I am my own master and that is how it will be. Every one of you is trying to make me submit. If I give in to one of you, you’ll believe you’ll always be able to control me. That isn’t how it will be.” Then, instead of returning to her sire, Olivia ran. Not toward any of them. She took off into the forest, putting enough speed into it not even her mother moved quickly enough to catch her. “Fred!” Bonnie screamed. “Do something!” Fred cursed and headed in the direction of his daughter. Bonnie made quick time of following him. “Olivia!” she screamed, and disappeared into the trees. “Son of a bitch,” Ran cursed when the three of them were gone. More than anything he wanted to race after Olivia, get to her before her parents and protect her from the wrath of her mother. “I’ll say,” Raul said, blowing out an exasperated sigh. “You’ve got one hell of a mess on your hands. This one stinks real badly,” he added, smelling as if he felt sorry for Ran. “That’s no lie.” Miguel walked up to them slowly, searching Ran’s face before rubbing the growth on his chin and glancing in the direction where the Sancerres disappeared. “What are you going to do about this?” he asked, his tone serious. Ran shook his head. “Wait until she calms down and can smell the right thing to do, I guess.” “The mother or daughter?” Miguel asked. In spite of how serious the situation was, Ran couldn’t help letting out a dry laugh. “There’s no point in talking to Bonnie until I can speak to Olivia. Up until this evening, she wouldn’t give me the time of day.” “She refused you?” Miguel looked suddenly very interested. “Because if she did, then you might be able to get out of this mating demand on that technicality.”
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“I’m not making any demands or decisions, not yet.” Ran shook his head. He needed time for all of this to sink in and to talk to Olivia. “She came out here because she said she wanted to know more about me. She helped me set up the satellite dish. When all of you showed up,” he pointed to where he wrestled her to the ground, “we were fooling around a bit, but that’s it. I didn’t fuck her tonight.” “Her scent is all over you,” Raul pointed out seriously. “I know.” “And that isn’t from today?” Miguel asked. He didn’t say anything but simply shook his head. “If you don’t mind me asking, how many days ago was it?” Ran knew where this was going. As a male and female ran together, their bond with each other intensified, when they made love the passion naturally strengthened. If he were fucking Olivia regularly and his feelings for her growing, he would draw her scent deeper into his flesh. The same worked with Olivia. Miguel looked at Ran, believing something stronger than lust might be at work. Especially if he and Olivia had sex more than a day ago and their scents remained wrapped around each other. At the same time, when and how often he and Olivia had sex wasn’t going to become public knowledge. Miguel and Olivia’s litter howled about honor. The last thing Ran would ever do was put Olivia’s sex life on public display for scrutiny. His silence spoke volumes. When Raul’s expression changed, his scent turning shocked, Ran glanced at him warily. “It wasn’t yesterday, was it?” he muttered, sniffing the air as he studied Ran’s face. “Does it matter?” Ran asked, willing both of them to drop it when he knew very well how much it did matter. “Ran, you’ve bonded with her. The two of you are already mated.” Raul’s scent was a mixture of seriousness and sadness. “Fucking tail, jaguar, what have you done?” Ran’s expression was probably rather comical. Raul simply nodded and dragged in a ragged breath. “I never would have guessed by your nature or smell you would take a female so seriously the first time you were with her. And I take it that this was your first time. Have I smelled her on you before?” Rafe asked, frowning. “The other day was the first time, and I didn’t instigate it,” Ran admitted. “The other day?” Raul and Miguel asked at the same time. “Well hell,” Miguel grumbled, rubbing his hand against the side of his head as he studied the ground. “And she chased you down?” Raul asked. He didn’t smell of disbelief but more stunned. “Is that so hard to believe?” Ran demanded, crossing his arms and giving his littermate a pointed stare.
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“Actually, no.” Raul also scrubbed his head, tousling his hair as his expression turned a bit more compassionate. “It just doesn’t happen that often.” “She damn near tackled me after attacking Rafe and putting a serious dent in his ego.” Ran had a hard time not smiling over the memory. He was in a very serious predicament. No jaguar liked a leash and collar any more than he liked a cage. Ran always believed that when he finally did mate, it would be with his best friend, a female who understood him as well as he did her. There wouldn’t be anyone trapping anyone else. It wouldn’t be necessary. “I can’t picture you with such a headstrong female. Damn, Ran,” Raul grumbled under his breath. “What the hell have you done? You’re going to have to break her to a leash and collar just to control her.” “She isn’t as bull-headed as she likes everyone to think.” He blinked, surprised to hear the words come out of his mouth. But it was the truth. Something he had just figured out this evening. In spite of how aggressive Olivia came across, it was a shield, a way of blocking out the world. He had penetrated her shield this evening, smelled how vulnerable she actually was. Thinking about it made the truth of it sink in deeper. “I should run after her. She shouldn’t have to fight this out with her sire and mother alone.” Raul put his hand on Ran’s shoulder. “My advice to you is to stay put, make sure someone always knows where you are and don’t approach her litter until they seek you out. One wrong move and you’re going to be tied to that female for life.” Ran looked up at him, ready to argue. But Raul was serious. “You don’t think it would be a good mating?” Ran muttered, again surprised at the words coming out of his mouth. Raul looked surprised. “You smell a good mating here?” Ran hesitated when he saw the concern on both males’ faces. “Oh hell,” Raul grumbled when Ran didn’t answer right away. “My littermate is paws over tail for the female,” he said, shaking his head as an odd look appeared on his face. He slapped Miguel on the back and laughed dryly. “The litter is always the last to know. Isn’t that the way of it?” Miguel’s chuckle charged the air around them with the light smell of humor. “That it is. Take your littermate’s advice, Ran. Keep your nose to the ground and keep your whereabouts known. I’ll let you know immediately when her litter contacts me. And I doubt it will take long for them to do so.” He shook his head, laughing some more, and turned to leave. “Hunt well, my friends,” he said, waving over his shoulder, then headed into the forest. “Are you sure about this, Ran?” Raul asked when they were alone. “I mean, don’t get your tail in a knot, but don’t you think you would be happier with a passive female?” Raul let out a guttural sound, a dry laugh smelling of no humor. “Granted they’re all wild before you tame them, but with some females it’s obvious they’re going to be trouble always.”
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“I’ll let you know when I am sure.” Ran turned toward his den, the urge to go after Olivia still plaguing him. “I know two things, Raul.” “What’s that?” “I know no one will ever put a leash on me and tell me what to do. And I know she’s crawled under my skin, and not just her scent. She’s a good female, Raul. And you’re right, she is out of control.” If he could get her to listen, as she did before she ran, there might be a chance. He sure would like to find out if she was able to administer self-control and honor his wishes when it was necessary before committing to a lifetime mating. “Do me one favor, take a good look at her sire and mother. See the example Olivia has lived with, how she views a mating should be. Most jaguars behave as their sire and mother did. And I’m not sure I could handle you being on such a short leash like her sire is.” “I wouldn’t tolerate any length of a leash.” There was more fierceness in his tone than he meant to express. He focused on Raul. “Olivia is her mother’s daughter, but she’s got her sire in her too.” He blew out a sigh, knowing he wouldn’t be able to put his head on his pillow with all the thoughts plaguing his brain. Raul needed to believe Ran would call it a night or he wouldn’t leave. “I’ll take your advice though.” “Good.” Raul nodded once and turned to leave, obviously ready to return to his mate and simply waiting to hear what he needed to know to be satisfied. “My mate wasn’t feeling good when I left, and I know she’s worried sick about you right now. I’d appreciate it if you stop by tomorrow, let Angela smell that you’re okay.” Ran nodded. “Hunt well,” he mumbled, and turned to go into his hut.
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Chapter Six His computer was up and running, and it was still dark outside. More than likely, no one would seek him out before sunrise. And there was no way he could sleep. He’d lost interest in surfing the internet. All the world’s problems would wait another day. Right now, his problems smelled more important. That proved right there he needed to get his head on straight. He couldn’t remember the last time sitting in front of the computer didn’t appeal to him. And Ran had never allowed so much drama into his life that its stench weighed him down. He feared if anyone were to run by his den right now they’d worry Ran had leapt off a cliff and hit his head a bit too hard. His thoughts were growing more and more confused. Opening his door, he breathed in the moist air. It was filled with the smells of the forest, nurturing, healthy and clean. Exactly what he needed right now, cleansing aromas to clear the turmoil and aggravation out of his brain. A hard run, away from Guarida and all his problems, would at least wear him out enough to sleep. “You don’t run from your problems,” he mumbled, lecturing himself as he began undressing. “Run hard to clear your head and return ready to embrace them honorably.” Stripping out of his jeans, he tossed them onto the bedroll that would be his bed until further notice. Then stepping out into the steady rainfall, he embraced the change while droplets of water pounded his flesh. A spark of electricity shot up his spine and he straightened. Ran needed the hot pain, the intense pleasure that followed worse than a junkie needed his drug. Allowing his body and his brain to alter would enable him to see how everything was without human emotions clogging up the issue. It would give him a fresh outlook. While in his fur, he wouldn’t be bothered with emotions and human logic that wrapped around the sticky situation with Olivia like a noose. Instinct would prevail over emotions, simplifying matters. Ran loved tearing across the land in his fur. Another asset though, agreed upon by every creature on this planet able to change, was the ability to wash himself free of all drama, all foul emotions, and see things as they really were. Ran raised his head to the sky, closing his eyes and letting the rain splatter his face. The sparks shooting through his spine now exploded over the rest of him. Bones altered and muscles changed. The rain felt different when his skin toughened into hide and shiny, thick black hair slowly covered him. His balance teetered when his body weight shifted, and he fell to all fours, stretching and feeling the intense power that pulsed to life inside him.
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He glanced around at the quiet clearing surrounding his den, the view appearing different to him now. He was aware of the insects crawling on the ground, the sound of the rain as it hit leaves and branches, and small animals scurrying away in fright. Strong and fierce, fearing nothing, a male jaguar in his prime. He was at the top of his food chain, feared and even loathed by most races on earth, and damn proud to be who he was. Ran sprang into flight, stretching his long legs and putting distance between him and his new den within moments. He didn’t care how long he ran, didn’t worry when the sun appeared through the dense forest around him. All problems floated out of him, his muscles constricting and stretching as he ran harder, faster, plowing over thick foliage. He ran deeper into the forest, indifferent to which way he headed. The harder he ran, the clearer his mind became. Nothing mattered anymore but flying over the next fallen log or finding the largest rocks to jump on in order to get across roaring rushes of water. And when he reached a clearing, he didn’t bother searching the sky in order to determine the time. His world was a mixture of macaws and noisy monkeys, varieties of small birds who sang loudly overhead, and the buzz of insects as they flew from plant to plant. He dug his claws into a thick trunk and climbed the large tree, which was split in two and created a nice throne for him to rest. Stretching lazily, he almost purred when the sun appeared from behind clouds and warmed his damp coat. For the time being, he was king of his world. Ran feared nothing and there wasn’t a worry in his head. He could bask in the sun knowing no one would bother him. He’d run quite a while, with the fiercest creatures around him being the monkeys, and their particular breed wasn’t as aggressive as others. One deep inhalation was enough to let him know no one around him would challenge him. Ran stretched out lazily, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the sweet aromas from flowers opening up, greedy for their own rays of sun. There was a sweet, perfumed fragrance to the air and he inhaled deeply, swatting his tail to warn any insects they better find another creature for their feast. That’s when a new scent reached him. Out of place, different from everything he breathed in so far on his run, yet dangerously familiar. Ran lifted his head, sniffing the air until he determined where it came from. Then standing slowly, he searched his surroundings until he spotted her. Olivia. My female. His brain focused on that one simple fact. The stress from being coerced into mating no longer weighed heavily in his thoughts. He didn’t care about demands other jaguars thought they could make of him. Let some older female just try to tell him how he’d lead his life. A potentially overbearing mother-in-law didn’t bother him. It would be a cold day in hell before Ran submitted to someone else’s mate. No matter if her daughter was the hottest female in the rain forest and by all rights already his. It wasn’t his problem if Raul feared Olivia might possess some of those same unappealing qualities. All those concerns stemmed from human fear and worry. None of which
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mattered to his jaguar brain. In fact, as he dwelt for a mere moment on the situation surrounding Olivia and him, he would have laughed if his vocal cords could master such a sound. All of it seemed so petty. One thing and one thing only mattered. His female approached. She’s already mine. Jumping to the ground, he paid attention to his footing for the first time since he started his run and managed not to make a sound. Suddenly he was wound tight. The laziness in him disappeared as all of his senses were intensified. The smell of his female so close put him on his guard, ready to kill anyone who might harm her, as well as prepared his insides for taking what belonged to him. Quietly, moving with the skill of one of the most ruthless predators on the planet, Ran cleared the distance between them. He was less than ten feet away when she lifted her head. In the next moment, she sprang to her feet, growling and baring dangerous-looking teeth. Ran wasn’t swayed. She couldn’t outrun him, couldn’t overpower him and sure as hell couldn’t kick his ass. Not in their fur. Not in their flesh. Her temper didn’t sway him. Olivia’s attitude didn’t bother him. She belonged to him. She knew it. He knew it. And he wanted her now. Olivia growled, lowering her head before giving a furtive glance at her surroundings. He would allow her one minute to realize escape was impossible. The only reason he didn’t leap immediately was because part of his mind was still human. The animal side of him screamed for him to mount her now. Her scent wrapped around him—ripe, aroused and stronger than all the other smells of the forest combined. He stepped closer, his body rigid with a craving too strong to fight. His muscles were rigid, every inch of him wound tight. Ran hadn’t decided yet if he’d pounce, not giving her a chance to willingly submit, or give her a bit of free rein, let her try running just so he could capture and enjoy her once she offered her belly. Olivia roared, challenging him with a loud cry that vibrated over his already-taut hide. He responded with a slow rumble that started deep in his throat. Her eyes grew wide, her arousal heightening along with determination. Ran breathed in the mixture of emotions. They hit him like an aphrodisiac. She leapt backward, sidestepping a thick patch of thistles and reared up on her hind legs. Olivia let out a bloodcurdling snarl, informing him in the simplest of ways what she thought of how he spoke to her. She flashed long, deadly claws and her green eyes glowed with defiance. Surrender, my precious female. You are mine. There was nothing better than an honorable fight before making love to his mate. His mate!
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Ran ignored the small part of his brain that suggested his next action should be thought out carefully. Taking her in their fur would intensify their combined scents. Her aroma would seep deep into his pores, taking over his scent completely. Jaguar females were a feisty lot, willful and aggressive. They marked their male with so much of their scent no one doubted who they’d mated with. This well-known fact about jaguars offered proof to many as to why they were such a fierce breed. Ran understood it to mean male jaguars needed to be incredibly powerful, cunning and intelligent or they’d be chained to a female for life. He didn’t have a problem with the “for life” part. His honor ran through him as fluidly as his blood. Ran had known since entering full maturity when the female for him came along it would mean serious training and one hell of a lot of patience and determination. He would never wear the collar in the den. Now wasn’t the time for mulling over all of this. All that mattered was taking her, sinking his cock deep inside her, filling and claiming her in her fur. She leapt at him, slapping him with her paw. Her claws almost raked through his fur to his hide, coming dangerously close to drawing blood. Ran moved just in time to prevent her attack from becoming that serious. With a quick lunge, he plowed into her, knocking her over. Ran was on top of her in the next moment, grabbing her neck in his mouth and holding her in place. I smell you in me, and me in you. Already we’re one. The little rumbles coming sporadically as he started panting were meant to calm her. She looked up at him, twisting her head until he let go of her neck, and stared at him with deep green pools of smoldering lust. Olivia was wild, untamed and anything but ready to submit. The clarity that washed through his brain made everything suddenly simple. All the worries from earlier, the stress and frustration over trying to determine his next move, washed out of him. It was like a waterfall, washing the dirt and clutter away and leaving a clean, clear picture, sharp and focused. He wouldn’t tame her in one night. Any male who claimed his mate bellied up to him after one sharp roar would smell strongly of a lie. It would take time. Ran didn’t want to break her spirit. He didn’t want to force Olivia into doing anything she didn’t want. In order for her to submit to him, she needed to trust him. She needed assurance in her heart and her soul how well he would provide, nourish and love her. When she finally gave herself to him entirely, he would honor and protect her, making sure every moment for the rest of their lives that his mate never knew fear, hunger or frustration. As hard as his job as provider would be, Ran would run with pride, knowing how much he’d gained with her unending trust. The beginning of the rest of their lives started now. Ran didn’t worry about positioning, didn’t stress over what to do to build her orgasm. He adjusted himself until his swollen cock found her entrance. And that’s when he paused. She was soaked, swollen, and the moment he felt her, he also smelled her rich, addictive aroma.
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Olivia moved slightly, which was all she could do while pinned underneath him. Slipping her tail to the side, she arched her rear end and offered herself to him. Those green eyes didn’t blink, didn’t look away. He drowned in them, and drowned further when he sank deep inside her. Olivia let out a whimper, her mouth opening and quivering as he penetrated her with his thick cock. His vision blurred briefly, feeling more overwhelmed than he ever had in his life. Even in his fur, with basic instinct prevailing over all rational thought, he knew taking her like this, fucking while in their cat form, bonded them together for life. Tradition spoke clearly about this, and he was honor-bound. We are now officially mated, my adorable cat, he growled then began licking the side of her face as he buried himself even deeper into her sweltering heat. There was no turning back. No way he could pull out and think this over. Not with so many tiny muscles caressing him even deeper inside her. They teased him, tore at his insides and threatened to pump every bit of his sanity out of his brain if he didn’t start moving. He needed to fuck her—hard and fast—just to keep his wits about him. His hind legs shook as he began moving. Ran continued with quick, soothing licks to her neck and face as he fucked her with an energy that belied the fact he hadn’t slept since yesterday, had run furiously for miles and needed every bit of his strength to keep his weight off her and not crush her. Not that any of that took much thought. Ran didn’t need to think to know he would never hurt Olivia. Giving her pleasure, showing her how well she’d be taken care of, were all that mattered. She cried out, a mixture of purring and howling, as the heat between them grew. There were no loving words exchanged, just the hard, swift, aggressive sex that brought both of them to exploding releases almost at the same time. His entire body had been so tight, wound into a furious ball of need and lust. When he came, every inch of him sprang loose and his muscles shook with the ferocity of his orgasm. Olivia tightened around him, suffocating and drowning him at the same time. Her whimpers became cries of pleasure. Neither of them worried or cared how much noise they made as their consummation hit its peak. Ran felt her shaking underneath him and knew she wasn’t cold. He continued with his release, filling her, marking her, claiming her forever. When his head cleared and his vision returned to normal, he relaxed over her, enjoying the little quivers from her pussy as his cock started to soften. She relaxed her head on the ground, no longer looking at him but staring glassy-eyed to the side. Olivia. He growled quietly and began cleaning her face. Then slipping out of her, he continued running his tongue over her fur, smoothing and soothing her. She tasted so good, looked so beautiful. He ached to offer her his kill, feed her until she couldn’t eat another bite then bathe her until her coat shone. The simplicity of his actions, his thoughts, relaxed him until he lay next to her, continuing with gentle, tender licks. In spite of his animal form, something powerful hit him. He didn’t panic with the realization but accepted it in spite of how profound it was. They hadn’t just fucked.
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They had made love. Olivia was his. He’d known as much in human form. Hell, he’d known it from the moment they’d parted ways after fucking alongside the storage hut next to center ground. Raul had guessed as much and voiced it before Ran had been able to say the words out loud. This wasn’t how things usually happened between males and females. It wasn’t common for two jaguars to learn they were soul mates the moment they sniffed each other out. Ran and Olivia had learned they belonged together, had bonded in spite of their minds insisting they were simply enjoying rough sex in a daring and dangerous location. Olivia blinked, her lids heavy. Her heart no longer pounded throughout her body. When she focused on him, her look was sated, peaceful, and he ached to keep that expression on her face always. Then, because he hadn’t slept, had spent too long stressing over what was right and honorable, he closed his eyes, used his paws to pull her closer and tucked her in against him before falling asleep. Ran opened his eyes minutes later, giving new meaning to the term cat nap, when Olivia pushed away from him and stood. Come back here, he growled, but she ignored him, walking slowly away. Ran pushed himself to his feet, aware that his stubborn female was back. Gaining submission from her for longer than a few minutes would be the death of him, and a task he would willingly embrace until she turned her trust over to him. Although right now all Ran wanted was her warm body cuddled next to his, most of the time if he demanded Olivia do as he ask, it was to protect her, not humiliate or dishonor her. Very soon she’d sniff out the truth of the matter. Ran would never do anything but present Olivia other than the first-class female that she was. Olivia didn’t run but sauntered almost lazily through the clearing until she reached a pool of water bubbling over large, flat rocks. He watched while her body transformed and she slowly took her human form. Then, with her back to him, she crawled onto one of the rocks and pulled her knees to her chest. The change pumped to life inside him. As his body took human form, his mind altered too, and a rush of emotions attacked with a fierceness worse than a hard slap to the face. He waited, regaining his composure, and watched as she dropped her chin to her knees. Her long, black hair cloaked her, and her rich scent changed to something that tugged at his heart. “Go away,” she said when he walked over to her. “You really need to learn to quit saying that to me.” He ran his hand down her hair, starting at the top of her head and stopping when he hit the middle of her back. That’s when he picked up her salty smell. “You’re crying.” “Just give me a minute, okay? I’m fine.” “Crap, Olivia.” He knelt next to her, leaning on the rock and lifted her hair to see her face. She pressed her face farther into her knees, hiding from him.
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Ran stroked her hair back then pulled her to him, ignoring her when she stiffened in his arms. “My little cat,” he purred, kissing her forehead when she wouldn’t look up at him. Adjusting her, he pulled her into his arms and sat on the rock, cradling her in his arms. “You always need the world to see you as so strong and invincible.” “Don’t you?” Her voice was rough. “Yeah,” he said on a sigh. He ran his hand over her hair, petting her, allowing the movement to soothe while he searched for words to do the same. There really was only one thing to say. “When we return to Guarida, I’ll take you to your sire and mother and announce our mating.” “You aren’t sure that’s what you want.” She was relaxed, but she didn’t lift her head to look at him when she spoke. “My mother told me if I wanted something, I needed to go get it. That the only way to learn if something existed was to seek it out and find out for myself. But when I did that, she trapped me. I was set up, convinced by her manipulating nature to go find you, just so she could discover us together and howl to everyone her daughter now had a mate.” Ran would have laughed if the matter weren’t so serious. “There’s nothing worse than feeling trapped.” “I guess you would know,” she said, laughing once and making it sound more like a cough. “You feisty little cat,” he muttered, stroking her hair away from her face and over her slender shoulders. “I’m the one who pounced on you just now.” She shrugged into his hand. “You were in your fur. All that was on my mind was pouncing and dragging my claws deep into your flesh. I wanted to take you on, show you how no one could conquer me.” “That probably would have turned me on even more,” he growled, the instant image of battling her to the ground looked damn good in his mind. His cock stirred against her soft ass. “I’ll remember that.” Ran lifted her chin. She fought him for only a moment before letting her head fall back, revealing her tear-stained face. He used his thumb, tracing the damp paths streaking her cheeks as he inhaled her salty sadness and confusion. Olivia kept her eyes closed but didn’t fight him. Her mouth was slightly open, pouty, and he left her moist cheeks to feast on her lips instead. Pulling her closer, he tugged at her lip with his teeth, biting enough to make her open her eyes, then sucked the moist flesh, tasting her emotions as he watched them swarm in her eyes. “I don’t like this,” she said, moving her lips against his instead of returning his kiss. He raised one eyebrow and let his hand slide from her shoulder to her breast. Her nipple was hard and perky. “Oh really,” he drawled, and lowered his head to capture her mouth again. This time he thrust inside, demanding she open to him.
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Olivia moaned, shifting in his arms. She took her time dragging her hand up his chest and draped her arm over his shoulder. Her lazy, relaxed movements made him even harder. He held her, enjoying her soft, smooth skin while devouring her mouth. Olivia was strong, intelligent and so damn sexy he didn’t doubt her abilities to keep him hard all day. Fucking her until neither of them could move sounded better than any other plan he could conceive for the day. “I think you like this very much,” he informed her, and cupped her breast, tweaking her nipple between his finger and thumb. She hissed in a breath. “Not this, silly.” Her laughter was as lazy and peacefulsounding as her body was relaxed. “I don’t like what’s happening to us.” He raised his head, searching her face. “You’re making me hard as a rock. I’m probably going to fuck you again here in a moment. Which part doesn’t appeal to you?” Her eyes glowed with amusement, the moisture from her tears adding to the shininess that made them sparkle. “Do you know what is so perfect about numbers?” He frowned, not understanding her change of subject. “There aren’t any gray areas. No tricks, nothing that can’t be explained logically and clearly. Keeping books was so damn safe. And I guess I hid behind them so long I tricked myself into thinking I was strong when I wasn’t.” He wouldn’t allow the sadness to fade the emerald shade he loved in her eyes. “Trust me, Olivia, you’re stronger than any female I’ve ever known.” “Bull-headed, remember? There’s a difference.” She pushed against his chest. Ran didn’t want her out of his arms. “I’m not going to allow any dishonor to come close to you. You will never feel shame. When you run, the smell of your pride and happiness will create a trail for anyone to follow. Do you trust me to know I speak the truth?” “I believe you’ll do the honorable thing.” She stared past him, a faraway look in her eyes. “I knew before we ever spoke you were honor-bound and intelligent.” She chewed her lip and glanced at him. “And sexy.” “You’re a good judge of character.” Ran shifted his weight on the flat rock, stretching out his legs, then lifted and turned her. Their faces were inches apart and she draped both arms over his shoulders and stretched her legs to straddle him. He decided he liked this new positioning very well. “I am,” she agreed readily, drawing on his shoulder with her fingernail as she focused on the act. “And I know how bull-headed my mother is too. Not that it’s a secret.” Ran fought not to smile or let his amusement smell. With his next breath Ran realized what he’d initially thought was sadness now smelled more frustrated and possibly upset. “Jaguars focus on their litters. We seldom give much thought to everyone else’s litters unless they make a scene smell for a while.”
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“One of my mother’s favorite pastimes.” She shifted her attention, focusing on Ran through the corners of her eyes. “My mother isn’t a terrible female.” Ran shook his head. “I never thought she was.” “It’s her self-esteem. My mother has believed all her life the only way to get what you want is to go get it, fight for it, do whatever it takes to make it your own. I knew if I could show her there was another way to find happiness she’d see it and finally understand. I knew it would calm her down.” Olivia swallowed, staring deep into his eyes. “She didn’t give me a chance to show her I was good enough to not manipulate the male I wanted,” she whispered. “I was good enough for him to come sniffing after me.” Olivia was the best there was. Ran couldn’t imagine her not knowing that. He continued studying her, watching her eyes glow with unshed tears. “My mother didn’t allow me to show her,” she finished, her voice cracking. Her scent shifted, growing stronger as she breathed in deeply, their combined scent closing in around them as her expression turned determined. “She can’t smell my confidence over her insecurity. And part of that is my fault. Hiding in my books allowed her to sniff out her own conclusions.” Olivia reached for his face and dragged her fingernails down Ran’s cheek. “I never bothered telling her I’d already made my plans for a mate.” Ran’s insides tightened, her touch immediately igniting need inside him. At the same time, although there wasn’t anything dangerous lingering in her gaze, a warning light went off in the back of his mind. No female, or any jaguar, would trap him into anything. Ran followed his own path, created his way and fought his own battles. “Neither you nor your mother will force me to belly-up. When I speak to your parents, they will hear what they want to hear, but I will make it clear we’re not going to announce our mating publicly until it’s something we’re both comfortable with.” “Hmm.” She tilted her head, nodding slowly but not saying anything. “When she doesn’t listen to me and announces it anyway,” he added, and Olivia burst out laughing, her nipples brushing against his chest. Ran grabbed her, placing his hands firmly around her narrow waist, and adjusted her so his cock pressed against her soaked pussy. “That’s when she’ll fall into our trap.” “Oh?” “We’ll make sure she understands from that point on your decisions will be made by you.” If Bonnie dishonored him by announcing what he asked be kept private, he would possess the right to terminate the mating. No jaguar was ever expected to hold up their end of a bargain if the other party disgraced them by not abiding to the terms. His plan would make mother and daughter see he wouldn’t be manipulated or controlled. The clarity of it lightened the weight on his shoulders and made him anxious to see it played out. “I won’t be caged and wouldn’t want that of my mate either.”
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“You make it sound so simple,” she mused, shifting slightly and rubbing her pussy down the length of his shaft. Her voice grew husky when she continued speaking. “Keep in mind, my mother isn’t an idiot. She loves plotting as much as you do.” “Who’s plotting?” He lifted her, giving his cock some room, then lowered her down on him. Olivia moaned, a soft, languid sound, and shifted so he sank deeper inside her. She bit her lower lip, watching him while her lashes hooded her gaze. Her breathing escalated and her thigh muscles tensed against his legs as she raised herself up. Her velvety, slick skin twitched and clung to his dick, caressing and torturing him until he worried he would explode before he was able to offer her any pleasure. “You are plotting, Ran VicMoran. Although it might prove to be the most entertaining part of this mess you and I have fallen into together.” Her voice was a rough whisper and her eyelids fluttered shut as she let her head fall back and arched into him. “No one’s fallen anywhere yet,” he told her, holding her back and lifting and lowering her so she smothered his cock with enough heat to boil his blood. “Crap, Ran!” She tore at his flesh with sharp fingernails as her leg muscles constricted against his outer thighs. “That’s it, my feisty cat.” The sweet pain ripped his insides open, releasing the urge to make it even rougher. He leaned back enough so he could thrust harder, go deeper, give her a ride that would make her scream his name. She opened her eyes, staring at him wildly while her black hair fanned her shoulders and fell over her naked body. “Ride me, feisty cat. Take what you want.” “I want all of it,” she hissed, and moved her legs, brushing her breasts over him as her breath grew heavier until she panted and bucked against him. “Take it.” “Yes.” She threw her head back again, howling while her breasts swelled, so round and perfect. They bounced before him, giving him a view worth coming for. The moment her pussy muscles constricted and the slickness of them increased, he knew she had reached her point. Her cheeks flushed, her hair fell wildly around her and her mouth formed a perfect small circle. She raised her head, her emerald eyes turning gold as she growled, baring her teeth, then lunged forward like she would bite him. Ran moved quickly, knowing she would take a chunk of skin from him if he didn’t hold her tightly. As she suffocated him, soaked him with her come and drained everything he could give her out of him, he was sure there wasn’t a more beautiful creature on this earth.
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Olivia cried out, lashing at his back with her fingernails and trying to dig in and hold on as he impaled her one last time. He released inside her, spasming several times as he wrapped his arms around her, tightening his grip and holding on, never wanting to let go. Maybe the animal half of him still lingered in his system. Or possibly it was coming twice in such a short amount of time. He was lightheaded, and her sated body draped over his felt so damn perfect, but something deep inside him told him none of those were the reason why his mind was so clear. There wasn’t any hiding it. Or denying it. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt more content,” he admitted, turning his head so he spoke into the curve of her neck. “I know,” she whispered, her arms draped over his shoulders and her cheek rested by his neck. “I don’t ever want to move.” “Then don’t.” He adjusted his arms, relaxing but holding her securely against him. He liked knowing she felt safe, comfortable and happy right where she was. Glancing past her, staring at the water as the sun made it sparkle as if diamonds were floating in it, something inside him sliced open, raw and sharp, more acute than when she had scratched his back. They were falling in love. As soon as he acknowledged the thought, Ran swore the scent on him and Olivia changed slightly. Something musky, appealing and crisp dominated their smell. Olivia didn’t move but there was no way she didn’t smell the change on their smells as well. Maybe this was what love smelled like. As soon as he acknowledged the scent, Ran also seemed to understand this aroma would smell differently on any couple. Love was different and unique to each mated couple. It made sense each mated couple would have their own aroma for love. It wasn’t an emotion he had a lot of experience with. He’d never uttered the words to another female before. But feeling it now helped him understand how vulnerable of an emotion it was. If not guarded, protected carefully, he saw with cruel clarity how badly it would slice a jaguar in two, possibly resulting in more pain than a deadly battle. He wouldn’t allow that pain. Not for him and not for Olivia. Staring past the water and into the thickness of the trees spreading forever around them, he vowed silently to make sure neither one of them would be hurt because of what they now shared. It was more than fucking in their skin or in their fur. More than following tradition and knowing honor. It was being together—not because they were told they had to be, but because it’s what both of them wanted. Which was all that mattered.
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Chapter Seven “That’s not how it’s going to be.” Ran’s eyes grew darker as he put his hands on his hips and glared down at her. It was his fault if he was going to get mad, especially after the time they spent together out in the forest. Now they were just outside Guarida and reality had a nasty bite. “I need to return to my den alone. Trust me on this one. I know my litter.” She touched his chest and he flinched. He really was angry. “Please, Ran,” she added quietly, her heart aching when she saw the pain twist in his expression. Olivia bit her lip, determined not to give in to his request. She saw Ran would be more aggressive around her mother than her sire had ever been. It would cause problems, but nothing she couldn’t handle. “If you return to your litter with my smell wrapped around you and I don’t go with you, they will hunt me down.” He grabbed her shoulders and gave her a quick shake. “No one hunts me. Do you understand, Olivia? I won’t have it.” “I do understand. It won’t be like that. But I know my parents. And I want to talk to them alone first. I’m sorry you don’t understand that.” She sucked in her breath, knowing well enough if she got too worked up she would start fighting instead of being the reasonable one. There were too many thoughts spinning around in her head right now, threatening to spill out. She hadn’t had a chance to sniff them out and make sense of them. Although the way the pain damn near snapped her in two just looking into his eyes made her consider trying to explain the emotions tumbling around inside her. “No one will chase you down because you won’t run. Your honor is the strongest scent on you, Ran. But I think it will go better if my sire and mother believe I was alone while I was gone. I’ll tell them I needed time to think.” “They will know I was gone too. You know when you didn’t return to your den they searched for me. I’m sure at least several jaguars by now know how long both of us have been gone.” “You needed to run to clear your head as well. They don’t have control over you, Ran.” “I won’t lie, Olivia,” he growled. “And neither will you.” She couldn’t stop him from forcing her to turn around, even though she tried. She dug her heels into the ground, and still he forced her closer to center ground, close enough that she smelled other jaguars ahead of them through the trees. “Quit dragging me,” she hissed, trying harder to force him to stop. “I won’t be seen being hauled around by some male as if I were nothing more than property.”
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“Some male?” he growled behind her, his fingers clamping down on her arms as his spicy scent dominated all smells around them. “I am your mate,” he insisted, stressing each word. At least he’d stopped hauling her toward central ground. “You know what I meant,” she said, her heart pounding in her chest. “You aren’t going to haul me somewhere against my will.” “We’re going to do this the honorable way.” “Ran, I don’t want my mother shredding you to pieces.” It was the wrong thing to say and she knew it the moment the words were out of her mouth. “Damn it.” Ran heaved her off the ground, and for a moment she panicked that he’d toss her over his shoulder. Instead, Ran cradled her in his arms, adjusting her as he marched forward into the clearing, ignoring too many curious stares as he crossed central ground. Olivia could only bury her face in his chest, knowing if she made eye contact with anyone the stench of her humiliation would raise more questions than what they were witnessing now. When he stopped and released her, Olivia slid down his front. She instinctively adjusted her clothing and began combing her hair with her fingers. Ran ignored her efforts to make herself presentable. They stood at the bottom of the stairs to her den. Ran wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him, tilting her head with his thumb at her chin. “Speak with your sire and mother. I will be here once it’s dark. If they wish to see me sooner, I will be honored to see them in my den.” He didn’t kiss her, didn’t even say goodbye. Ran let go of her and traipsed back across central ground, nodding at the few jaguars he passed, who returned the greeting, amusement filling the air. Olivia was curious what expression was on his face but wouldn’t stand outside another moment to allow the nosy howlers to return their attention to her. Olivia hurried up her stairs with Ran’s scent wrapped around her so tightly it was as if he still held on to her. God, suddenly she wished he were. What made him change his mind? He hadn’t smelled upset when he left her. If anything, his serious, determined scent never changed from when they’d first started arguing over him returning to her den with her. She’d expected him to haul her up the stairs, ready for a growling match. Facing her sire and mother alone was going to be a bitch. It was better this way, even if Ran didn’t agree. Although now she was curious about his motivation in leaving her at her den. Olivia reached the top of the stairs and wrapped her fingers around the doorknob then froze. Voices and the smell of a male leopard, other than her sire, came through the door. The last thing she had expected was company. Had Ran sniffed the male out from the bottom of the stairs, so left her with a set time for him to return? Her sire and mother would certainly clear out the den to speak with him. 79
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Not wanting all attention on her when she first entered her den, Olivia walked along the deck surrounding their den to the back door, thankful for it being unlocked as she quietly let herself inside. Ran might as well have been right behind her, his scent was that strong. She would smell just as powerful on his flesh. They were mated. She took a step or two down the hallway, pausing before she reached the entrance to their living area. Mated. Thinking the one word in her brain sent her heart on a vicious rampage. It beat furiously against her ribs as her palms dampened. Her sire and mother probably already knew she was here, but if she started in on a panic attack over the reality of how her life had just changed, everyone would sniff her out. She forced her breathing to slow, working to calm her heart, and focused on the conversation between her sire and Miguel. “Who is this litter?” Her father leaned against the back of one of their dining room chairs, his arms crossed and his expression pinched in a frown. “Hunter.” Miguel’s voice was low, serious. “No sire or mother, just three grown unmated littermates. Apparently they are from Colony in Colorado just like the VicMoran litter. I spoke with Raul VicMoran about the litter.” “Oh?” Bonnie’s voice was shrill, tight. Possibly she sat on the couch since Olivia didn’t see her. “Are these littermates male or female? And how old are they? And why would you howl about their arrival to the VicMorans? Suddenly their litter has say on who lives in Guarida and who doesn’t?” “Two males, one female—all mating age.” Miguel offered the information in a monotone voice. “What did Raul have to say about this Hunter litter?” her sire asked. The silence that followed wasn’t a comfortable one. Olivia imagined facial expressions and wondered what the VicMorans might have said about this new litter. “Maybe one of them will appeal to our Olivia.” “Bonnie, you just demanded a mating for her,” Miguel said, not too patiently. “You’ll need good cause to back out of that.” “How about the fact my daughter is gone, and where is this male who is sniffing after her?” She hit a pitch that was usually warning enough for any sane jaguar to leave her alone. “And if they’re together, that’s even more reason why your demand for a mating can’t be reversed.” The calmness in Miguel’s tone was followed by silence. “Is there something about this litter we should know about?” her sire asked, his voice low but serious. It was a tone he didn’t often use and one Olivia’s mother seldom countered. Miguel didn’t hesitate this time and Bonnie didn’t interrupt.
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“Raul smelled angry over their arrival. When I pressed, he simply said there were some confrontations in the past between him and David Hunter, the oldest male. I gave him opportunity and he offered no reason why I shouldn’t welcome the Hunter litter into our community. They are all young, mating age, and Guarida is a growing community.” Olivia glanced down the hallway, doubting she would make it to her room without being noticed. When she looked back toward the living room area, her father’s head was bowed and tilted slightly. He watched her without moving, his expression not changing. She sucked in a breath, knowing the slightest move of his body language would tip off the others that she was no longer missing. What the hell. With company here, at least she might get into the shower before her mother pounced on her. “Tradition is just that,” Bonnie announced, as if she wrote every law they followed and could change them to suit her whim. “Tell us about this Hunter litter. Just littermates you say? Sounds as if jaguars who leave Colony do so without a sire or mother.” “David and John Hunter came to me this morning. I haven’t met the female yet.” “So they would know the VicMoran litter then?” Fred asked, and cleared his throat. Olivia guessed he coughed, creating enough noise to allow her to slip down the hallway and into the bathroom without being heard. It was a nice thought, believing her sire supported her, but she wouldn’t push her luck. She knew from experience he would side with her mother before he would back her. Either way, she closed the bathroom door behind her and hurried out of her clothes. Turning on the water would be a dead giveaway, but her mother wouldn’t drag her out for any punishment while she was naked and dripping wet. At least, she better not. The hot water never felt better. Fucking Ran twice left her in dire need of showering, but standing there while the water pelted her skin made her very aware of all of the sore muscles. She scrubbed every inch of her body, massaging the sore areas then soaking until the water turned tepid. Even after drying off and rubbing scented oil over her skin, Ran’s musky aroma clung to her. If she closed her eyes and breathed deeply, he might as well be in the small fogged-up bathroom with her. “Sooner or later you’ve got to come out and talk to me.” Her mother’s stern voice, right outside the door, blasted her serene moment. Olivia jumped then cursed under her breath. “Then I’ll make it later.” “Get out here right now.” Olivia yanked open the bathroom door. “I’m not some small cub who needs reprimanded because I missed curfew,” she snapped, glaring at her mother.
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Bonnie was twenty-some years older than Olivia, but she was still a healthy, strong female. And she was pissed. She moved quickly, grabbing Olivia by her shoulder and getting some of Olivia’s hair tangled in her fingers when she yanked her daughter out of the bathroom. Olivia held on to her towel, managing to keep herself covered, as she tumbled forward then regained her footing before stumbling into the living room. Thankfully their company was gone. Her sire stood in the middle of the room, raising his arms as if he would catch her, but then rethinking his actions quickly with a glance past Olivia to her mother. He crossed his arms over his chest instead. “Until you’re mated and in your own den, you’ll obey my rules. And no matter how old or how large your own litter gets, you will always respect me. Is that clear?” Her mother yelled loud enough half of Guarida probably heard her. Olivia straightened, tightened her towel over her breasts and held her head high while taking her time straightening her hair out of her face. “I have never disrespected you, Mother,” she said coolly. Her temper raged inside and she bit back words she ached to say. Bonnie wouldn’t humiliate her when all Olivia did was what was expected of her. “You are the one who threatens to humiliate this litter, not me. You’re the one who demanded a mating. Now you dare to question me when I don’t come home before dark and sleep like a virgin in my own bed. What the hell is wrong with you?” “You are not going to run with any male before he presents himself and properly asks for the honor to do so.” Her mother stuck her chin out and narrowed her eyes on Olivia. “This VicMoran male has not once asked for that privilege. Don’t growl at me about humiliating this litter.” Olivia understood her mother. As outspoken as she was, her intentions were, in her eyes, good. She was incredibly demanding, convinced the world wouldn’t function without her there to oversee everything, and stubborn to a fault when it came to sniffing out anyone else’s opinion. Hers was all that ever mattered. Olivia also knew stinking up their den with a yelling match wouldn’t work against her mother either. She had to remain calm or her mother would win this fight. As many times as Olivia had backed down just to make her mother be quiet, it wouldn’t happen this time. “He didn’t get a chance.” Olivia shook her head, aching to shake her mother until some sense rattled freely in her head. “You stomp through the forest and demand a mating when all we were doing was assembling his computer. And look at you now, ranting and raving when you don’t have a clue what is going on.” “If I had a clue, I wouldn’t be ranting and raving.” “This is my life, not yours. You’ll have a clue when I tell you.” Olivia stormed out of the living room, shoving her mother off her when she tried to grab Olivia again. That wouldn’t happen twice. She would never attack her mother, but she wouldn’t be thrown around either. “I’m getting dressed,” she snapped. “When I come out, if you’re ready to be civil, I’ll let you know what is going on.”
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“You don’t tell me how it’s going to be.” Bonnie tried to follow Olivia into her bedroom, but Olivia closed the door on her, leaning against it for a moment and breathing deeply. Her mother’s spicy anger almost drowned out the smell of Ran. There was no way her parents didn’t smell it if she smelled him so strongly on her. Olivia moved away from the door when her mother stomped down the hallway, continuing her rant to her mate. She felt obligated to hurry and dress just so her sire wouldn’t be tormented by his mate’s outrage. Olivia hated how her fingers trembled as she slid into jeans and found a tank top to wear. She took her time brushing her hair while working to calm her emotions. It was damn near an impossible task. She was furious with her mother’s behavior and needed to sniff out Ran more than she needed her next breath. Being without him was killing her. She needed to stay here though. Olivia had never dishonored her sire or her mother. She wasn’t about to start now. Somehow, she’d make her mother understand how things would now be. Holding her chin high and breathing in what she hoped was a calming breath, she opened her door and walked calmly back into the main room. Her sire and mother turned at the same time to look at her when she joined them. “Is he coming over to ask for you?” her mother demanded. “Yes.” Olivia kept her expression neutral when her mother’s eyes widened and her sire looked down, rubbing his neck. She honestly couldn’t tell if the news made them happy or not. “I wanted to talk to you first before he came over.” “You told him to wait before talking to us?” Her sire looked up quickly, and her mother turned and gave him an odd look. “Yes,” Olivia said, staring into her sire’s soft eyes. “And he willingly agreed to this?” Bonnie waved her hand in the air, her aggravation smelling ripe. “What is this all about? Who cares what he willingly agreed to do? If he isn’t over here by mid-evening, then I’m approaching Miguel and announcing our disgrace.” “Like hell you are.” Olivia stepped forward, pausing only when her sire straightened. Her mother’s cold glare didn’t sway her, but when her sire stepped into the action, Olivia paid heed. “No one is being disgraced. And I won’t have you bring dishonor on Ran. He is an incredible male. If he said he would be here, you better believe he’ll be here.” Bonnie walked between them, heaving a loud sigh. Her sire glanced at her. The worried expression he wore too often had created heavy lines in his forehead and around his eyes. Her mother paced to the window, glancing out at the center of Guarida where cubs played and young mothers worked together, weaving mats or holding their newly whelped cubs. “We want the best for you, the absolute best.” She turned around, holding her hands out toward both of them in a pleading gesture. The only thing worse than her 83
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mother’s temper was when she went soft and tears welled in her eyes as they did now. The salty fragrance didn’t smell right on her and never had. “You are so perfect, in every way. But you’re almost past mating age.” Olivia rolled her eyes. Her mother’s attempt to embrace tradition when it suited her argument didn’t hold weight with her. Bonnie didn’t focus on her but walked to her mate. “For a while there were so many males, all of them decent. She attacked and brutalized every one of them.” Fred nodded. “None of them appealed to her,” he said quietly. “She’s all we have. Her mate must be the best of all possibilities, perfect for her and for us. They will continue our line.” Olivia watched her mother gaze up at her sire. There were times when Olivia saw the beautiful female her mother once was. Her incredible determination to control all situations around her had aged her quickly. There were other reasons too. Olivia couldn’t change the past any more than her mother could. “It’s not my fault my littermates died. I barely even remember them.” She didn’t raise her voice. Even though she was no more than a toddler when her brothers drowned, she wouldn’t show disrespect. “My mate is decent and kind, and he cares about me. What more is needed?” Her mother’s eyes were bright, once again filled with the fire that so often burned brightly in them. “What about supporting you? What does this Ran do?” “You already know that answer,” Olivia threw her hands up in the air, unable to stifle her exasperation. “And you sure weren’t screaming disgrace when you showed up at his place last night. Ran will not only care for me, he cares for the entire community, protecting all of us by knowing what is going on outside Guarida.” A gentle rap on the door caused Olivia’s heart to skip a beat. She was so wrapped up in arguing with her mother she didn’t smell Ran. But there he was, and sooner than she expected. Her heart swelled when it occurred to her Ran might not have been able to wait to be with her again. Hurrying to the door, fighting not to skip in her excitement, she yanked it open and her large grin faded quickly. “What do you want?” she snapped at Joshua Perez. He stiffened then looked past her at her sire. “I’m told to announce to each litter there will be an emergency meeting in half an hour.” His self-importance smelled musky on him. With a quick nod he turned and bounded down their stairs. “An emergency meeting?” Bonnie’s voice was shrill. “What’s this all about?” “He’s gone.” Olivia searched outside before slowly closing the door. Ran wasn’t anywhere to be seen, although she did notice the young mothers with their cubs were no longer in central ground. It was eerily quiet outside. “Ran would know what is going on,” she murmured under her breath.
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It was obvious no one knew what was going on when Olivia entered the meeting hall thirty minutes later. The first jaguar she spotted was Ran, standing at the other end, talking with Miguel and Raul. Raul’s mate stood next to him, her worried expression tightening Olivia’s gut. Something was wrong. She shifted her attention back to Ran, watching as he focused on Miguel and his littermate, his expression serious as he spoke to both of them. How could her mother not see how perfect he was? Obviously she was being too stubborn. Ran’s black hair was smooth against his head. It pulled back into a ponytail, which was thick at the back of his neck and curled under just below his collar. That long hair added to his charisma, his dynamic nature as he stood tall, as tall as his older littermate and taller than Miguel. She studied his firm jawline, the way his mouth barely moved as he focused on the males facing him and spoke without hesitating, showing he was the informed one, the male who enlightened the rest of the community. Not that she was surprised. Ran would always be a leader among their males. With his broad chest, his narrow waist and muscular legs, which were long and powerful-looking, there wasn’t another male in the room who came close to meeting his perfection. With a quick glance around the room, Olivia made sure no other female drooled over him. She would leap over chairs and attack without question if even one of them stared at him for longer than a second. Her mother misread Olivia’s suddenly outraged smell. “Looks like you’ll have to get accustomed to him viewing work as more important than you,” she whispered, her tone accusatory. Olivia narrowed her gaze on her quickly, using a fair amount of restraint not to curl her lip and growl at the insult. Her sire patted both their shoulders, ignoring their peaking emotions. “I’m going to go see what’s going on,” he said quietly. “Take a seat and I’ll be right back.” Olivia fell into stride alongside him, anxious to be by Ran’s side. Her sire stopped, turning and putting his hand on her arm. “Sit with your mother,” he told her. “No,” she began, ready to explain where her place was now. “Yes.” Her sire turned her with more strength than he usually applied. “He hasn’t spoken for you yet, and you won’t be seen with him publicly until he does.” Her sire didn’t usually tell her what to do. She found herself being guided to the chair next to her mother before she regained her wits about her. “But,” she began. His face was in hers, serious and intense. “Olivia, do as you’re told,” he said in a tone that oddly reminded her of Ran. She sat, looking up at him, stunned and speechless. And before she could recover, Fred turned, leaving them in the chairs while other litters filed in around them. By the time he joined them, his expression pinched, Miguel had called the meeting to order.
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“I know. All of you smell confused. But this is important.” He waved his hands in the air, gathering everyone’s attention. For the first time, Olivia noticed two males she didn’t recognize. They were large, with thick black hair falling in soft waves to their collars. The strong resemblance between the two of them clued her in they were obviously littermates. She wondered if they were the Hunter litter Miguel mentioned when she first had entered her den. Searching around them, she spotted a female sitting next to one of them. She was tiny, petite and barely noticeable next to her oversized littermate. “Ran, explain what you told me.” Miguel didn’t waste time getting the meeting started. All eyes in the room turned to Ran. This time he didn’t lean against the wall but walked around the chairs until he faced everyone. His gaze found hers and burned deep inside her while she stared back. If anyone else around them noticed he only watched her or that she didn’t blink while drowning in his soft green eyes, Olivia didn’t have a clue. Everyone seemed to fade away, the sounds of them shifting in chairs, the variety of smells from emotions that ranged from apprehensive to upset, all of it disappeared. Olivia experienced a sensation of being pulled forward, captivated by how he didn’t pay attention to anyone else around them but her. Ran showed no emotion, and his baritone was soft, soothing, easing her nerves as if he sensed her returning to her den had been unpleasant and wanted nothing else than to comfort her. “Oh hell no,” Bonnie grumbled next to her. Which snapped Olivia out of her trance. She looked at her mother’s pinched expression, but her mother didn’t return the stare. When Olivia returned her attention to Ran the spell had been broken. He spoke to everyone, his gaze shifting from one jaguar to the next. She was so wrapped up in fantasizing about him, she hadn’t heard what he’d first said. “We’re not going to tolerate this.” His rich baritone was charged with enough energy to silence even the cubs on the floor. “After investigating a bit, I learned the contract Natasha entered into with humans states she will reveal the location of all known jaguars on the planet. Humans want assurance that they know where we all are in case any jaguar is resentful about the contract and decides to take their anger out on nearby humans.” “Humans now know where Guarida is?” someone howled from the back of the room. “Everything we have here will be destroyed,” Anita Perez wailed. “Natasha is trying to force our paws, and the paws of any jaguar who doesn’t currently live in Colony. She has extended an open invitation to any jaguar outside of Colony to relocate their den there.” Ran’s expression was lined with disgust. The comments flooded the room, turning into a dull roar until Miguel and Ran both held up their hands. 86
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“Enough!” Ran barked so loud a couple of cubs started crying. Concerned mothers cuddled their litters in their arms. But the room grew quiet again, other than soft whimpering from trembling cubs. “The damage is done. But I promise, we won’t submit to anyone’s demands. You have my word on that.” Ran’s expression turned dangerous when he took his time studying all the jaguars in the room. He turned, saying something to Miguel, who nodded solemnly. “Ran is going to monitor communication with the government. In the meantime, we’re going to beef up security here.” Miguel glanced at Raul when he moved to his mate and pulled her into his arms. Olivia moved to the edge of her chair when Ran hurried out of the meeting hall. He didn’t glance her way but simply left. Matters were serious. They bordered on dangerous. Humans could show up here, but then what? They couldn’t force any of them to do what jaguars in Colony were doing. She would just as soon kill a human who asked her to kill than go kill the human they wanted dead. She jumped up, and at the same time so did other jaguars in the room. The buzz of sudden discussion created a ringing in her head. She just wanted to get out of there. When her sire stood then moved into the aisle, she hurried around him. His hand wrapped around her arm. “Where are you going?” “I’m going to help him.” She tugged to free herself from his grip. “You’re going to return to our den.” “No. I’m not. I need to be by his side.” She pulled harder. Fred tightened his grip until it hurt. “Olivia, you’re not going to run to him. And that’s final.” It wasn’t like him to be so demanding, but his tone was more serious than she ever remembered it being in the past. Her mother pushed behind her and Fred let go of Olivia’s arm. It was immediately replaced with her mother’s arm wrapped around Olivia’s shoulder. “We’re going to return to our den and discuss this.” She glanced at her mate. “Find out if humans are really on their way here. I want to know if they are, and if so, how close they are.” Her sire’s voice returned to its placid, resigned tone. “They might not have that information yet.” “I can find that out.” Olivia practically shoved her mother off her and darted for the door. There were several males and females in front of her, and she pushed her way around them, indifferent to their complaints and grunts. Rain pounded the ground outside, instantly washing the bitter smells of hostility and frustration out of her brain. Lights that were seldom used, other than for special ceremonies—like mating ceremonies—now lit the common area. Sheets of rain sliced through the air while odd-shaped shadows stretched across the ground. 87
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Olivia tugged her hair behind her back and hurried into the rain, feeling it instantly soak her tank top until it clung to her skin. She didn’t make it halfway across the open area when she spotted Ran. He stood with his littermates in a small huddle, ignoring the rain and discussing something so seriously he didn’t turn until she joined him. She ignored the glare from Rafe and the concerned expression from Raul. Ran turned, acknowledging her. His ponytail was flat against his back, and his shirt stuck to him, showing off every bulge and contour of his chest muscles. Olivia realized her soaked shirt probably left little to the imagination as well. She hugged herself and glanced up at Ran as he blinked raindrops from his lashes. “You need to go to your den,” he said seriously. “I’m going to come help you.” Ran shook his head. “I’ll feel a lot better knowing you’re safe with your litter.” “I’ll feel a lot better with you,” she countered. “I can help. You need me.” “Olivia. Go to your den.” Someone grabbed her arm and she turned quickly, staring into her mother’s condemning look. Bonnie didn’t look at any of the males but pulled Olivia so hard she almost tripped over her feet. “Come with me now,” her mother hissed. Taking long strides, she marched toward their den while she held Olivia’s arm, and part of her hair, in a death grip. “I should have known,” she continued growling, her anger intense and hanging heavy in the soaked air. “What?” Olivia couldn’t free herself without throwing her mother to the ground, which crossed her mind. She hated being hauled off like a disobedient cub. “I heard what he said. Don’t play me for a fool.” Bonnie didn’t look at her but continued dragging Olivia toward their home. “He was sending you to your litter. And you will not humiliate yourself or us by begging to be with him.” They reached the stairs and Bonnie bounded up them, slipping before she reached the top. In spite of Olivia’s urge to send her mother flying, she grabbed her, preventing her from falling. Then she almost fell onto her back when they entered their den and her mother stopped dead in the doorway. “Strip out of everything so you don’t soak my floor.” Her mother snapped at her as if she were still a cub. “I know how to care for my den.” Olivia wasn’t in the mood. “You don’t need to tell me when to dress and undress.” Her mother turned stiffly. “When you are so old that you can’t climb a tree, I will still be your mother and you will still honor me.” Her tone was so cold it sent chills rushing over Olivia. She shook with instant outrage and looked away from her mother while biting her lip until it hurt. Olivia would love and honor both her sire and mother even after they no longer ran on this earth. Having her mother point out her obligation to do so was humiliating. She kicked
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off her shoes and closed the door behind her, shutting out the sound and smell of the pounding rain and replacing it with the dull humming in the dark living area as rain pounded the roof. Olivia had always loved the rain. It cleansed out all emotions and their smells from the air, created its own sweet, refreshing aroma, and always felt so good when it soaked her body. She stripped out of her shirt and shorts and balled them up with her mother’s clothes as she realized that quite possibly this was the first time she’d raced into a downpour without relishing in the cool, soothing comfort that it always brought. Rain cleared the head, always helped her think better, and made such beautiful sounds as it raced over large leaves and created unique rhythms as it dripped from branches and rooftops. Her world was so twisted up right now she forgot to let the rain take care of her when she’d been outside. Olivia blew out a breath, walked barefoot into the kitchen and pulled out two towels. She handed one to her mother, who snatched at it without looking at Olivia or saying anything. “I’m sorry.” Olivia would have smiled any other time if she caught her mother with such a surprised expression on her face. Right now, that look spoke volumes. Olivia was turning out to be just like her mother, demanding and self-focused, oblivious to the world around her and caring only about her own happiness. How many times had Olivia sworn she would never be the overbearing creature whom no one really liked? She took her own towel, shook it out and started drying her mother’s back. “You care about me and you don’t want to see me hurt or smelling of regret.” “Well, of course I do,” her mother snapped, now sounding wounded. Olivia sucked in a breath. Bellying-up to her mother was damn hard to do, especially when her mother gloated and pouted worse than any female Olivia had ever known. “I didn’t want to like Ran when we first met,” Olivia confessed, her insides tightening while a small voice in the back of her head warned her not to open up too much to her mother. “And I told him to leave me alone, to never seek me out.” “You should be careful about males who don’t listen to you,” her mother said quietly, bent over now and rubbing her feet. “Oh, but he did listen. He left Guarida, was gone for several days in Puerto Jimenez.” Olivia took the damp towel and made quick work of running it over her naked body. She then wrapped it around herself and followed her mother toward the bedrooms. “When he came back, the first time I saw him was when he brought your furniture here. And that was only because his littermate refused to come here after I bit his face when he sniffed a bit too close and thought he could growl at me how he pleased.” Bonnie snorted. “Sounds like the littermate is more trainable.” Olivia paused outside her mother’s bedroom door, wondering at her mother’s view of males. She chose her words carefully. “Is my sire trained?”
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Bonnie looked up at her quickly, her gaunt face even more hollow with her hair plastered to her head. “Your sire would kill for us. He is out there right now sniffing everything there is to know to make sure we are protected and safe.” Her mother clasped her hands in front of her, standing tall as she faced Olivia. “He is very welltrained and a perfect example for you.” “Ran said he would feel a lot better knowing I was safe with my litter. That’s why he told me to go to my den.” Olivia wasn’t sure her mother would hear her, but she needed to try. “He cares about me. He cares a lot. I think he loves me.” Something shifted in her mother’s face. An expression Olivia wasn’t sure she’d ever seen there before appeared. Before she could sniff it out, her mother took the towel and walked away from Olivia. She stood on the other side of the living room, continuing to dry herself, and said nothing. “I swore to myself when you were first whelped, you would only mate out of love.” Her mother sounded tender, calm, and it was scary as hell. “You don’t know why I wanted that for you.” It wasn’t a question but a statement. Since her mother had never brought this up before, Olivia honestly didn’t have a clue. Nor did the smells coming off her mother make any sense. She knew sadness when she smelled it, regret, remorse or pure pain. Her mother didn’t smell like any of those yet smelled a bit like all of them at the same time. “I think I love Ran too,” she offered, not sure what else to say when her mother remained silent. Bonnie looked at her, her eyes glassy, almost blank. It scared Olivia even more. “I didn’t know your sire before we were mated,” she explained, offering this bit of truth as if it were something trivial that didn’t matter. “I had never sniffed him out, didn’t have a clue what he looked like. My sire arranged the mating with Fred’s sire on the terms the Sancerre den would build us a den and provide us with a bit of land. You see, the Sancerres were a prominent litter in the rain forest for several generations. My mother kept telling me it was my duty, that an intelligent, sharp female as myself would only make their line stronger.” “And you want better for me?” Olivia asked. An explosion sounded outside. The walls of the house shook and Olivia grabbed the doorway, turning in horror when the front door flew open and her sire almost glided inside. “What?” her mother shrieked. “We’re being attacked. Airplanes. The forest is on fire.” Her sire spoke quickly. Another explosion sounded and Olivia slid to the side when her den seemed to shift and move as if it were falling out of the tree it had been built in.
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Chapter Eight “Fucking hell!” Ran grabbed his desk, stabilizing it when the ground shook. He kept his gaze pinned to his computer screen. The door behind him flung open and the outraged smell of his littermate clogged the air in his small den. “We can’t fucking fight this. There isn’t anything here at Guarida to return their attack. Jaguars can’t fight something flying over the trees.” Rafe snarled his frustration as he moved in next to Ran, dripping water everywhere. “Have they hit any of the litters?” Rafe shook his head. “They dropped explosives around the community, which has started fires. They’ll burn us out if they do anything.” “Fucking Natasha and her damn Colony. Like letting the humans know where jaguars lived would make them want to work with us. They want us all dead.” “Do you know if there are more planes coming?” Ran shook his head. “All I know is what I overhear in their transmissions.” He turned, ignoring the ugly scowl on Rafe’s face. “Go get Olivia. I shouldn’t have sent her away.” Rafe met his gaze, his expression going blank for a minute. If his littermate tried to argue with him, Ran would kick his ass. There wasn’t time for discussion. “I can’t leave this computer. Somehow, if I can make their equipment think we’re all dead, or better yet, that they were given false information and there never were jaguars here, they should quit attacking. I tapped into their targeting coordinates. But I can’t leave. And I’ll think a hell of a lot better if I know Olivia’s safe.” “Whatever,” Rafe growled, turning and storming out of the hut. Ran wasn’t sure how much time passed before Miguel showed up. “What do you know?” he asked, his worry smelling as thick as Rafe’s anger had smelled. Ran’s den was too small for so many strong emotions. “The only communication I’ve been able to tap into seems to be a couple of hours old. Everything is encrypted, and my system doesn’t receive information quickly enough for me to speed up the process.” Even purchasing the best he could afford didn’t help when they were buried so deep in the rain forest. “It appears when our attackers learned we existed, quick orders were delivered to their military to wipe us out. I did overhear a few transmissions that suggest we aren’t being attacked by any government’s military. They sound more like mercenaries organized by some remote coup and I hesitate in suggesting what country they’re from.”
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“I understand why you want to know who our attackers are, but right now we need to know how to stop them,” Miguel said, moving closer until he stood next to Ran and stared at the screen. “We need to know how best to counterattack.” “They intentionally created fires. I think this latest message I intercepted are orders to capture anyone they find, male, female or cub, and bring them in alive.” Ran didn’t hide his disgust and grunted loudly. “They’re scared of us and they don’t know much about us at all. But they’re under strict orders not to kill any jaguar. Their orders are to bring us back to their headquarters alive. They’ve been told anyone in the rain forest at these coordinates is probably a jaguar even if they appear human. They aren’t supposed to try talking to us and they do have permission to drug us if needed.” Ran looked over his shoulder and met Miguel’s scowl. “The only advantage I can smell in any of this is they’re afraid of us. We should be able to use that somehow to our advantage.” “That’s my guess too.” Miguel paced the short distance in the hut then leaned against Ran’s desk, frowning at him. “I think we should move Guarida.” “Move the community?” Ran had no say in political decisions and had only been here several months where many of the dens here were second- and third-generation adults. He was honored but at the same time concerned Miguel would present him with such a question. “Yes. We’ve created a sanctuary here. If humans know we exist, they won’t quit searching for us until they find us. And when they do, they will attack. If we can leave before they arrive, they’ll have no proof we ever existed.” Ran stared at the male for a long moment, his thoughts plowing through his brain quickly. He allowed them to settle and leaned back in his chair. “My litter has run from persecution and the stench of lies once already. No matter where we run on this planet, sooner or later, some predator will seek us out, try to kill us or force us to adhere to their wishes.” Ran slowly shook his head, not having to give it a lot of thought. “If you want to take your litter and go, then good hunting to you, my friend. I’m not going to run.” Miguel straightened, staring at Ran a moment longer, then nodded once. “Keep me posted on what you learn.” He turned toward the door. “And good hunting.” Ran watched him leave and pull the door shut behind him. The rain didn’t pound as hard on his roof now, and Ran glanced up, feeling a rush of pride that his small oneroom den didn’t leak. Glancing around at the heavy shadows cast from his lamp burning on his desk and the glow from his monitor, he knew he’d need to add on to his den soon for Olivia’s sake. Females were more prone to nesting and making a den their own. He would have to make their den larger to give her room to lay down claim and turn the den into a safe haven filled with love for their litter. Maybe creating an actual kitchen where kill could be prepared and another room for a master bedroom wouldn’t take too much time. Of course a real bathroom had to be added immediately. He could build with his hands, kill his food and remain aware of the world around him from his computer. They would have to first convince humans
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they were not here before working to turn their den into something that would smell of their love and pride. He glanced back at his computer screen, wondering how long ago he sent Rafe after Olivia. “God damn it,” he roared, slapping his desk when he noticed he was knocked off line. Shoving his chair back roughly, he yanked open his door, stepping out into the light mist still stubbornly falling after the downpour subsided. He looked at his satellite dish then beyond up into the dark trees and the hazy blackness that was like a heavy blanket over him, and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about the weather. Until the clouds broke up some, he wouldn’t be able to get back online. Either that, or radar in the planes flying overhead knocked him out. The sounds changed behind him, his guard instantly up as sparks shot down his spine. The humans might already be searching the rain forest for jaguars. Ran would fight to the death to protect what was his. Again he regretted sending Olivia away. He would know she was safe if she was with him. If he were getting ready to be attacked, his littermate and Olivia would walk right into the battle, and of course both would be honor-bound to fight by his side. Ran clenched his fists, straining to see who approached and narrow down their smell. He would change and attack swiftly and be done with it before Olivia got here. It took a minute to get his heart to quit pounding when he picked up on the aromas of his approaching company. A small group of jaguars grew closer. He smelled anger and also distinctive excitement. His spine still sparked, although the intensity had slowed. But the occasional snap in the middle, top or bottom of his spine wouldn’t subside. An overwhelming urge to leap forward, drag Olivia into his arms and make sure she was unharmed then ensure her protection was almost impossible to control. He straightened his legs, locking them in place so he wouldn’t move as Olivia appeared through the trees. Her parents and Rafe followed. “They insisted on coming along,” she whispered at the same time as she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. Ran stroked her back, rubbing his fingers over the small bones in her spine while he breathed in her rich scent. Her hair was wet, and her slender body crushed against his, bringing his world and all his thoughts to a quick halt. “It’s highly unusual to send a snarling littermate to collect the female you wish to mate with,” Bonnie informed him. He didn’t try to push Olivia away from him, instead he allowed his vision to be partially impaired by her thick hair. Bonnie gave Rafe a nasty look and his littermate crossed his arms, standing silently to the side while his expression was chiseled in stone. Ran stopped his hands before they cupped Olivia’s ass, deciding her parents probably weren’t ready to see him grope their daughter. Moving them instead to rub her arms, he backed away from her a few inches and looked over her shoulder at Bonnie and Fred.
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“It’s also highly unusual to be attacked by humans from the air,” he said quietly. “How are the litters doing?” “The fires are still burning outside of Guarida.” Fred rubbed his head and moved closer to Ran, glancing at his daughter and how she continued to hold on to Ran. “I don’t think any of the dens caught fire, but jaguars are pissed off all over the place. There isn’t one united plan for all of us at this time. We need to attack, fight back. We need a target.” “I know.” Ran nodded, pulling Olivia against him again. The overwhelming urge to ensure her protection preceded his ability to process anything else. It took a moment to get his head on straight. Since Fred offered what he knew and approached Ran as a male would another with respect and a calm tone, Ran honored the older male with the same courtesy. “Until the air clears a bit, there’s not much I can do here. My computer was knocked off line. But this time, I don’t think you’ll find a target to attack. Worse yet, jaguars are in turmoil already on our best course of action. Miguel left a short time ago, ready to howl that all tear down their dens and prepare to move Guarida.” Bonnie made a snorting sound that Ran chose to ignore. He stared Fred in the eyes, moving slightly until Olivia stood next to him. “The satellite dish isn’t damaged in any way, which was my first concern. I’ll try getting back online again soon. Until then, I can’t use technology to sniff out our enemy. We rely on our noses. I wouldn’t suggest traveling anywhere until I can verify where the humans are located and what their next tactical move will be.” Fred looked up to the sky. “So, you think they’re still up there?” “It’s impossible to say. I need to wait until I can get back online.” He turned, gesturing to the satellite dish. “Everything is intact, so it’s just a matter of reestablishing a signal.” “I’ll help you. I helped you install it the first time.” Olivia turned her back on everyone else and looked up at him with a small smile. “I’m not leaving your side,” she said under her breath. Ran brushed his finger along the edge of her hair, stroking her forehead slightly. Now wasn’t the time, or a proper way, to discuss mating with her parents. Not with the stress level so high. He let himself drown in her beautiful green eyes for a moment. It was long enough for Olivia to see he didn’t plan on sending her away again. The sides of her mouth curved into a smile as her scent turned fresher than the world around them would be once it finished raining. After the moment ended, Ran looked over Olivia’s head at her sire. “My guess is there is a thick cloud of smoke above us. I can smell the fires where the forest is burning and I pick up on the stench of their human bombs. Unfortunately, their metal airplanes and helicopters are harder to sniff out. With the dense haze overhead, we won’t be able to see or hear them as well either. As well, it’s hampering my internet connection.”
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“We need to get the fires put out. That cloud above us won’t dissipate as long as they’re burning.” Rafe sniffed the air. “Seems that while we’ve been standing here the smell is getting stronger.” “If Guarida is on fire now, we’ll lose everything.” Bonnie dug her fingers into her mate’s arm and turned to look back toward the trees. “Only one way to find out.” Ran glanced back at his den, ensuring his door was shut and locked. “Let’s go.” Neither male said a word but turned and hurried into the forest. Bonnie muttered under her breath, but she was her mate’s problem. Olivia fell into stride alongside him, her scent rich and her expression showing she would readily fight to save what was theirs. She caught him looking at her and a small smirk appeared on her face, puckering her lips beautifully. Her eyes shimmered, looking almost moist, and her cheeks were flushed with the emotions he continually caught a whiff of. An overwhelming sense of pride washed over him. Olivia was beautiful, intelligent and filled with honor. She would bare her teeth and fight to the death to protect her den, and the dens of those who lived peacefully alongside her. He would kill without hesitation to protect her. It never occurred to him before that a female running by his side would be this wonderful. Having sex, hunting them, flirting and enjoying them for the time they were around always fulfilled him in the past. He never sensed regret when he moved on, nor did any female ever give him grief when he happened upon her again after not seeing her for months. Ran didn’t like sending Olivia to her litter’s den after being with her all night. He liked her by his side, which should amaze him. She was bull-headed, outspoken, way too aggressive and wouldn’t easily submit to him. Ran couldn’t imagine having a mate for the rest of his life who wouldn’t honor him with her complete surrender and trust. It was something to work toward. And while he fought to tame the fiery female, having her by his side, in his bed, in his den sounded better than anything else he’d ever wanted in his life. A foul stench in the air yanked him out of his thoughts. Ran slowed, holding his arm out in front of Olivia as he sniffed the air and shot warning looks to Rafe and Fred. “Company,” he whispered, halting and almost gagging when he inhaled his next breath. “Wait,” Olivia hissed, digging her fingernails into his sleeve. The crunching of branches and leaves grew louder. There was more than one jaguar approaching. Ran grabbed Olivia’s arm and forced her to let go of him. He pushed her behind him, ignoring as her body stiffened when she tried to stay by his side. Bonnie remained at Fred’s side, barely visible next to Fred’s large frame. Ran didn’t care how the two of them dealt with their mating. They wouldn’t be an example for how he handled his mate, and Olivia wasn’t going to behave as her mother did. None of that
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was open to discussion at the moment. The despicable odor, a combination of blood and anger and vile thoughts, moved in on them until it was all Ran smelled. Rafe moved in next to him, preventing Olivia from moving to Ran’s side. They watched as several jaguars ran toward them, slowing and snarling as they squared off, the young males dancing and side-stepping each other while the smell of blood was thick on their coats. If they were injured, they sure didn’t act as if they were. Which made Ran suspect they were very high from an attack, one in which they were obviously the victors. “What the hell is this?” Ran asked. He moved closer, sniffing and staring hard into their burning green eyes that were glowing from their victory. “Have you killed humans?” “There’s blood all over your fucking coat. Who the hell did you kill?” Rafe lunged at the males, his voice almost drowned out by their deadly growls. “The sign of dens not keeping a tight enough leash on their males,” Bonnie muttered loud enough for the young males to hear. Several of them curled their lips at her. Ran held up his hand, grabbing their attention. He didn’t look at Bonnie as he bellowed orders. “Enough! There will be no accusations without proof,” he snarled, and shot a hard look at Fred instead of Bonnie. The male who would be his sire-in-law hadn’t once shown Ran he moved with a tight leash on him. Ran honored him by glaring at him to silence his mate. He swore Fred straightened and puffed his chest out a bit more. None of the males leapt forward. They were all barely grown males, the smell of their youth as strong on them as their aggression. Ran and Rafe could change quickly, and these were teenagers. One of them was Joshua Perez. At least Ran was pretty sure. He couldn’t identify the others. He hadn’t run with the younger jaguars enough since moving there to identify them. “Show us what you’ve done.” Ran moved in among them, the smell of death so thick on their coats it turned his stomach. When he stood in the middle of the prancing youth, showing all of them he would command their next move by taking over their circle, they finally quit their dance of death and began appearing a bit more humble. “Show me now!” he demanded with a fierce growl. The teenagers ran faster than Ran, and the others could follow on two legs. But it wasn’t hard following their trail. The young males pounded the ground and flattened everything underfoot with an excitement that bordered on dangerous. They were damn near out of control over something. Ran stopped dead in his tracks when he came up on the three young males, growling and fighting each other while they tugged at something on the ground. “Stop now!” he screamed, jumping toward them. They backed off slowly, showing long deadly teeth that were covered with blood. “Oh my God!” Bonnie’s voice was surprisingly calm.
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Ran stared at the mangled body on the ground. Rafe squatted among the black jaguars who growled and nipped at him. He ignored all of them and bent over the head of the person on the ground. “Human.” He looked up at Ran and then over at Fred. “Check the pockets.” Ran moved around to the other side of the body. “Look for any kind of transmitting or communication devices.” “There is never just one human wandering around outside their cities.” Olivia glared at the surrounding trees. Ran and Rafe pulled a cell phone, a two-way device and several weapons off the body. “This one was damn close to Guarida.” Rafe sniffed the air. “I say we search the area and kill any others we find. Teach them to fuck with us.” Ran slipped his shirt off and wrapped the cell phone, two-way radio and guns tightly in it. He stared at the group of males. “You’ll run with us,” he decided, giving each of them his attention. “You’ll follow my lead or pay the consequence. Am I understood?” Rafe started stripping next to him and the teenagers jumped around them, snapping and snarling, charged up and ready to find more humans. They settled quickly though, backing up and sitting when Rafe snarled at them while he continued undressing. It wasn’t Ran’s day to baby-sit, nor at the moment did it bother him all that much that the almost-grown cubs had a taste of human blood and wanted more. If he ordered the males to return to their litters, they would run off and try to attack again on their own. It was better to have all of them together. They would all fight to protect their dens and litters, and if that meant taking out a small army of humans, then so be it. “Those humans will regret the day they came after us.” Olivia spoke softly enough that Ran thought maybe she spoke to herself. She’d already stripped out of her shirt and kicked off her shoes. She wrapped her clothes tightly, twisting them into a rope and tying them around her neck. “Bonnie, maybe you and Olivia should go to the den.” Fred sounded worried. “Maybe you should go to the den.” The snarl in Bonnie’s voice showed the change already sparked up her spine. Ran wouldn’t glare at his littermate when Rafe made a face and rolled his eyes. “Olivia stays with me,” he announced, although he didn’t look at Fred and Bonnie. He met Olivia’s delighted gaze and watched her green eyes lace with gold as the change took over her body. “If I sent you away you’d just try and follow me,” he grumbled just for her to hear. Olivia’s grin widened until she smiled broadly, her incisors already sharp and pointed. “And Mother said you’d be hard to train,” she purred, leaning into him with
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her full, round breasts exposed and her nipples torturing him when she pressed them against his chest. “I’ll show you who is getting trained,” he promised her, although feeling angry with her sensual, half-naked body against his and her face glowing with love and excitement was simply not an option. “Stay by my side no matter what,” he said, his expression sobering. Olivia’s did as well. Her grin disappeared and she nodded once, the amount of trust and determination filling her scent filled him with pride. Maybe his brand-new mate would acknowledge his authority without question more than she proclaimed. Ran had no intention of pointing that out to her. Instead, he finished undressing and let the change charge to life inside him, exploding in his tailbone then shooting with the speed of high-voltage electricity up his spine as his brain sent signals throughout his body. The more primal side of him came forward with a rush, making his world spin in a rush of colors for a moment. Ran didn’t remember stripping out of his clothes or twisting them until they were a rope he secured around his neck. His body contorted, the biting pain he too often welcomed hitting him hard and fast. Which was how he wanted it. His mind urged his body to continue with the process as the skin on his body thickened into a tough hide and fur sprouted, growing and covering his body as a shield of armor would a warrior. He dropped to all fours and the ground shook, his senses heightened and making it easy to detect others in their fur nearby. Ran lifted his head, hearing, seeing and smelling the night so much better than he had a few moments ago. Although distracted by Olivia’s ripe scent, the smell of their united smells so strong it would drown out every other aroma in the forest, Ran continued searching with his eyes, looking beyond trees that had been dark shadows for his human eyes. The young males leapt around Ran, falling over each other and snarling and biting as they barely managed to control their overwhelming instinct to attack and kill. Ran moved slower, aware of Olivia brushing against his side. He picked up on her worry and fear mixed in with anger. His body was tuned into her. Olivia was his primary, his only concern. The forest would be safe for her. If he had to kill every human out there with his own paws and teeth, he’d do it without hesitating. His female wouldn’t worry about her safety around her own den. Ran remained close, ignoring the teenage males and Olivia’s sire and mother behind them. In spite of Olivia’s rich scent continually wrapping around him, arousing him, heightening his instincts and urge to protect her, he kept his attention focused on everything around them. More than once he met Rafe’s concerned, alert eyes. His littermate smelled the air, his body tense and wound tight. Both of them anticipated an attack any moment and although there was safety in numbers, Ran guessed his littermate worried he would
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have to take on the brunt of the fighting. Ran would protect his female. Fred and Bonnie were older and didn’t appear as if they’d done a lot of fighting in their lives. The young males would kill with eager energy, but their lack of training would make them vulnerable against skilled fighters. Ran guessed any humans who might be nearby wouldn’t have much knowledge in fighting against black jaguars though. None of them would live to share with other humans what they learned about Ran’s deadly species. Ran gave Rafe a hard look, lifted his head to sniff the air then returned his attention to Rafe. He gestured with his head then led the way in the direction where the smell of more jaguars was strongest. Five grown males stepped out from behind trees in front of them. They lowered their heads, acknowledging Ran and the others. The two Hunter males from Colony were in the group. David Hunter sidestepped his way toward Olivia and Ran lunged, snapping furiously until the jerk backed up. Back in the States, Ran had heard howlings about the male not caring if a female was mated or not. Ran didn’t often listen to howlings. They were too often exaggerated or wrong. In Hunter’s case, Ran had no problem making sure the male knew Olivia was his. One of the older males roared from behind the Hunter litter, making his opinion clear. Now wasn’t the time to sniff after females. Fred leapt forward in a show of protecting his daughter. Rafe stepped into the older male’s path, more than likely deciding to assist in ending this ridiculous behavior over a female he didn’t particularly care for. Regardless of Rafe’s opinion of Olivia, he would defend her out of honor to his littermate. Ran pushed into Olivia, moving her out of the clusterfuck, and got the side of his face licked for his efforts. Again her scent overwhelmed him, but something else trickled toward him. He stiffened, taking his time looking past the trees surrounding them. He spotted the slightest movement, and at the same time, Olivia snapped her attention in that direction as a low rumble started deep inside her. Olivia fell in beside him when Ran moved silently toward where he’d spotted something moving. They used the skills their kind was known for, moving silently, taking their time while a heavy calm filled the air around them. Even the wound-tight teenage cubs were smart enough to remain quiet. Among themselves they might snap and get out of line, but they were black jaguars, deadly, the worst enemy anyone could ask for, and so confident in their ability to kill they took their time. They had no fear of getting close and personal with their opponent. With one deadly and well-aimed bite, any of them could crunch the skull of a human. Olivia slowed first, and Ran stayed close to her, aware of the others spreading out among the trees, each wanting a vantage point where they could easily attack without having anything or anyone blocking their ability to make a quick kill. A group of human soldiers moved on foot through the trees, possibly fifteen or twenty males and females. If Ran and the others hadn’t already been here, the human army would have moved into center ground and no one would have stopped them.
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They swung flashlights, held their weapons in their hands and smelled nervous and sweaty as they approached. Costa Rica didn’t have an army. Ran studied the clothes they wore, trying to determine whose command they were under. The males and females wore green shirts and pants, a similar style of clothing many human military used. There wasn’t any other insignia on them that he noticed. If the small army approaching were hired to attack by one of the nearby governments, it would be difficult predicting their fight patterns. This wasn’t the kind of kill he enjoyed. There was no fight to this. The humans were hesitant, concerned with their footing, with trepidation creating a foul stench that mixed badly with their body sweat. But they were here to destroy his den, the litters who lived here peacefully, and only because they feared them. It was a sad state of affairs, and one that put a bitter taste in his mouth. “How do we know if we’ve walked too far? Or not far enough?” one of the human males muttered, his soft whisper meant only for his comrades to hear but too easily picked up by all the jaguars. “We don’t. Orders are we search for some kind of commune,” an older male said, looking around him as he spoke. “If they attack too viciously, kill them. But our orders are to bring back as many alive as we can, regardless of whether they’re men, women or children.” “They’re all going to attack,” another male with a gruff, raspy voice added. “They’re insane, blood hungry. I know how large cats fight. These mutated creatures, if they even exist at all, will probably be incredibly unstable. I say we shoot them straight between the eyes, men,” he barked, his voice the loudest among them. “Negative,” the older male said, scowling at the raspy-voiced male. “We’re paid by the head and I’m not sharing my count with you.” Ran glanced at Olivia, her eyes wide as her scent ripened with outrage. He didn’t smell fear among any of the jaguars. All of them were pissed. Everything they just heard reeked of the madness and debauchery of Natasha. Possibly she’d decided if all jaguars wouldn’t belly-up to her, she’d arrange for their freedom to be robbed of them anyway, and their lives turned into such hell they would beg to be mercenaries for her instead of human captives. Natasha would receive the same message the humans would get when none of their soldiers returned alive. Tonight a warning would be sent from the rain forest. Jaguars did exist and wouldn’t kill for anyone but themselves when it came to protecting their way of life. Leave us alone and you’ll live. Ran didn’t mean to growl out loud but the low rumble that rose into his throat stilled the teenage cubs and the others around him. Humans didn’t possess weapons powerful enough to stop his kind. Bullets might kill but they smelled so terrible it was too easy to dodge them before they hit their target. They could try dropping bombs, starting fires, under the assumption jaguars weren’t intelligent enough to put out flames or break through their communication
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network and learn where they planned their next attack. If he could, he’d see to it all blame for the massacre of the humans was aimed at Natasha Kalusian. Due to the stench of her greed, jaguars were forced to show humans they weren’t all interested in mercenary work. In fact, mess with them and they would regret the moment they did. Ran knew, as he prepared for attack, as well as pointing blame at Natasha, somehow he’d also need to deliver news to humans that if left in peace, jaguars would also leave humans alone. One lesson at a time. Ran didn’t have to snarl too loudly when it was time to attack. Olivia let out a low growl in return. She was ready too. There was no eye contact made, no countdown given. Each jaguar knew how to kill. This wasn’t rocket science. Ran made his move a moment after Olivia’s body pressed against his, her growl vibrating through his body. He would feed her his strength, his confidence, and remind her, as his muscles rippled, taut and ready to spring, they were killing machines, regardless of whether they used what was God-given to them for profit or not. Ran leapt into the air, deciding on his mark and willing his kill to be quick and painless. The largest human male in the group, the one who’d initially explained their orders, barely had time to look up. Ran sliced through the air, his long, lethal claws extended and his mouth open, ready to rip the helmet from the human’s head and go for the soft spots at the base of the skull. The human male never raised his weapon and didn’t cry out. Ran pressed his paws against the male’s chest, forcing him to the ground, and made quick work of tearing the hard helmet from the male’s head. In the next moment he punctured flesh, ending the human’s life before his shock could change to panic. Ran didn’t take inventory of what everyone else around him was doing. Rafe and Olivia, on either side of him, had attacked just as Ran had. They tore off helmets and bit into the sides of heads, puncturing skin at the base of the skull, twisting and killing instantly. The others did the same, ending the attack in minutes. Not one human had time to scream. Ran looked up, meeting Rafe’s gaze, knowing his littermate held the same opinion. Sometimes honor came with a high price. At least since they attacked a species who were no match for them, they didn’t make the humans suffer. Jaguars weren’t about killing for pleasure. Humans were definitely not good meat to eat. This attack had been necessary, on the defensive, and now it was over. Rafe started into the trees first. Ran followed, glancing over his shoulder only once before Olivia leapt to his side. They would scour the rain forest, sniff every tree and blade of grass until they were satisfied no humans remained alive anywhere near Guarida.
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The gathering den was filled with human weapons, radios, various communication devices and equipment used to navigate through the rain forest. Ran fingered a scanner, designed to detect life forms. The sophisticated device hadn’t worked too well for the human who carried it the night before. “Someone suggested last night we try to set up monitoring equipment deep in the forest that will notify us if anyone approaches.” Raul stood on the other side of the table, his arms crossed, and scowled at the items that had been confiscated off the dead human bodies. Ran and his group hadn’t been the only jaguars on the prowl, attacking humans when they sniffed them out, until too many of the half-of-a-soul creatures were dead and every jaguar from Guarida carried the despised stench of human blood on their coat. “Maybe it’s something we should consider doing. Normally I would argue on behalf of sticking to defending ourselves with our teeth and claws. I’d insist we begin a rotation, with all available taking shifts out in the forest to guard against intruders.” “What made you change your mind?” Ran left the scanner on the table with the rest of equipment, some destroyed and others probably in good working condition. “The same reason you would growl for technology to guard us instead of our own senses,” Raul said dryly. “We can’t sniff out tanks or airplanes until the smell of their oil and fuel come into range. If I remember my history right, I think that was one of the reasons the web was created, to help link reliable sources together and strengthen our protection.” Ran nodded, glancing again at all the equipment. He’d wanted to know if the humans were using anything he wasn’t familiar with. So far, everything they’d pulled from the many dead bodies was all common weapons with no unique, covert abilities. Do you have the equipment to place markers out in the rain forest?” his littermate asked, concern lining his expression more than usual. “So, you’re going to stay?” Miguel joined them and glanced from Raul to Ran. “I told you last night,” Ran said. “My mind hasn’t changed. We’re staying here.” “We’re not leaving.” Raul looked at Miguel. “There is something worth fighting for here. Right now this land isn’t tainted. When we ran before, it was because honor no longer hung in the air around jaguars. But here… Miguel, the jaguars here are proud, honest and loyal to each other. That is worth bloodshed to hold on to, my friend.” Miguel nodded. He didn’t understand the passion in Raul. It was clear in his eyes. Raul and Ran and Rafe had run from Colony to save more than their lives. They ran for their honor. For them, for all jaguars, there was no life without honor. Miguel’s litter had been one of the founders of Guarida, a good seventy years ago. His litter and the others who’d come across the ocean to avoid the impossible and senseless human war had lived among humans in several European countries, stifling who they were naturally out of fear of being discovered. For generations now, Miguel’s litter had hunted and bred in the rain forest in peace. Miguel didn’t want to massacre so many and have his coat tainted with their blood. He wasn’t able to comprehend living a
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life without freedom to hunt and live as he wished. His litter had changed over the years they’d been here, no longer knowing a life of fear or air stinking of lies and dishonor. Ran prayed Miguel would never know that life. There wasn’t any reason to howl about it, but he’d willingly stain his coat with the blood of whoever it took to ensure no one captured his litter, or any other litter in Guarida. He would attack to his last breath to protect their freedom. “The fires are all out,” Miguel offered. “The downpour that hit first thing this morning helped. None of them got close enough to harm any dens in Guarida. This time we prevented humans from soiling our community.” Ran didn’t miss Miguel mentioning “this time”. The male believed it would happen again. Ran wouldn’t argue the point. Humans held on to the smell of stubborn ignorance that clung to them for years. They seemed incapable of learning from others of their kind’s mistakes. Ran would much rather ward off humans than run with jaguars who moved with their souls sold and their honor permanently tarnished. “My mate and I visited several litters late last night before returning to our den after all the battles appeared over,” Raul offered, although gave no explanation for Angela not being at his side now. “Everyone was safe and unharmed. They were upset and worried though, especially the dens where there is no grown male to protect the young litters.” Ran gave silent thanks for Olivia not being at his side at that moment to hear Raul’s implication a litter wasn’t safe without a strong male to protect them. Regardless of her opinions, there were a few things his new mate would come to understand with time. Once they had cubs, Olivia would protect them fiercely, thrashing out at any who tried harming them. It was the nature of the female, and a strong part of what kept their breed strong and flourishing. At the same time, as her mate, Ran would kill to protect her, their den, all that was theirs from anyone who tried to destroy all they had. Olivia’s attention would be on her cubs. Ran’s would be on her. As a team, they would ensure all they had and loved would never be harmed. “A group of males and females volunteered to gather up the dead human bodies during the night. In spite of the humans down here deciding they’d rather capture jaguars than try negotiating with us to kill for them as is happening in the States, it was decided to burn them with honor. Obviously we couldn’t notify their dens, but each human was stripped of their clothing and placed on alters of leaves and twigs. They were burned on a large, open stretch of land, void of trees, just over a couple of miles from here. It was the site of the first fire the humans set last night and it still smoldered from their attack.” “I heard that. And you’re right. They were honored in their death more so than they were honored when we killed them.” Raul turned his attention to Ran. “Some feel the humans will attack harder next time. It will take them a long time to learn it’s better off for them not to try to kill us.”
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“If so, we’ll be ready,” Ran said. “We weren’t with you last night during the attacks,” he added, focusing on his older littermate. “But each human died as painlessly as possible. All of them were dead before one of them screamed. It was as much honor as we could put into the fight. But I agree. They will attack more aggressively next time. All we can do is kill them as mercilessly as possible. If we let them return to their cities injured, they will inform others how we kill.” “You handled last night well,” Raul said gruffly under his breath. “I’ve heard the howlings of how you rounded in the teenage cubs and led them and another group of males and females who joined you into battle. Regardless of the stench of this battle, you fought with honor.” It had been years since Raul praised Ran as he had when they were cubs. Having lost their parents when they were quite young, Raul had carried the load of bringing all of them into adulthood. There were times still when he slipped back into the role of sire with Ran and Rafe. Since Ran didn’t envy his oldest littermate for the burden of caring for his two younger littermates when he’d still been a cub himself, he never told Raul off when he petted Ran and complimented him. Instead, he returned the assurance. “The honor will never fade around us,” he commented soberly. Raul nodded once, his expression changing as he glanced around the room, apparently willing to change the subject. “You think you can make use of any of this stuff?” Ran looked at the human items. “The hand weapons, no. But some of these explosives might be worth holding on to. And the surveillance equipment looks good. I’ll see what I can do about setting up a monitoring system. Is there a count yet of how many litters are leaving and how many are staying?” “Nothing official yet,” Miguel offered. “I’m not sure if all litters have decided yet what they want to do. Some of the recent arrivals are staying. The Hunter litter told me this morning they aren’t leaving. Those with younger cubs are more concerned.” Ran didn’t miss how Raul stiffened at the mention of the Hunter litter. He didn’t care for them either. “You’re still going to leave?” Ran asked Miguel. Miguel’s expression turned pinched. “I’ve got young cubs who I don’t want raised in a battle zone. My mate has family south of here. They aren’t in a community like what we have here. There are humans around and they live without anyone knowing who they are. But it’s safe. We’re going to start our run in the morning, which obviously will take longer with the cubs, but we should arrive there in a few days. We’ll send the howlings if the land is good and there is room for more litters down there.” “Good hunting,” Raul said without ceremony. Miguel looked at him and after a moment said quietly, “Good hunting to your entire litter.” With that, he turned and headed out of the gathering den.
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Raul shook his head. “There isn’t anywhere that is completely safe and without problems. But I’m sure some will run all their lives believing they will find that perfect spot eventually.” Ran looked around the room, again at the many items, which were organized into piles on each table. “Come on over to the den for our kill,” Raul said, patting Ran’s shoulder, then started toward the door. “Angela will feed both of us. She’ll be happy to see you.” His stomach growled at the mention of food. “Works for me.” And when he left there, he needed to see Olivia and talk to her parents. This turn of events wouldn’t change his mind over what he would say to them. And Olivia would be expecting him.
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Chapter Nine Olivia watched Ran and Raul come down the stairs from the meeting hall. She almost stood and hurried after Ran, her instinct demanding she follow her mate. In less than twenty-four hours her mind and body completely accepted their union, and he hadn’t even asked her sire and mother yet for the right to mate with her. She forced herself to remain on the bench. The other single females sitting around her, working on the woven square patches used to repair or build the roofs for their dens, were too busy ogling both males to notice when Olivia almost darted past them to Ran. “You’ve got to admit, they are two fine pieces of eye candy.” Juana Ann Santiago hummed her approval. A couple of the other females giggled, sounding as if they were no more than stupid cubs. Olivia almost staggered from the fierce intensity to rake her claws across Juana Ann’s face. “Are you going to kick my ass for drooling?” Juana Ann challenged, straightening her legs and kicking aside the smaller palm fronds that were too small to use for the thatched squares later woven together for their roofs, but saved and later used for wind chimes or other den niceties. “No. She only kicks males’ asses,” Georgina, one of the younger of the Rodriguez litter, said, and laughed as she held her stomach and her face turned red. The square patch she’d been weaving slipped off her lap onto the ground. She looked at Olivia with wild, wide-open eyes while she covered her mouth. “Just like her mother,” she added, under her breath. “Keep weaving those palms.” Olivia kept her voice low, cool, but couldn’t care less if they smelled the spicy anger on her. “It might be your den that needs repairs next and it would be a shame if your litter slept with rain pounding your face from the hole in your roof.” “Who died and made you bitch in charge?” Georgina quipped. Olivia let her pile of dried palms she was weaving slide off her lap as she stood slowly. She ignored the others and moved in on Georgina. Juana Ann giggled nervously. Georgina looked up curiously, but then grabbed her pile and set it neatly on the ground next to her before jumping to her feet and scooting behind Juana Ann. “The only ones who might die are stupid little females who don’t know when to quit howling,” she hissed, and grabbed Georgina’s shirt, yanking her back around the bench where Juana Ann shifted, unsure if she should dart to safety or make a show of bravery by remaining where she was, in the direct path of a fight.
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“Which one are they fighting over?” the new female from the Hunter litter asked. She sat behind Olivia, facing Juana Ann. “I don’t want either one of them.” Georgina stuck her nose in the air and shifted her gaze from Olivia to the other females. “Apparently, even though you smell of Ran VicMoran, you must be protecting your what…piece of tail?” she sneered. “I’m protecting what is mine, and I doubt you smell otherwise,” Olivia snarled, the words falling out without her giving any thought to them. But what she said was the truth, and she didn’t have any problem letting anyone know it. “You even think otherwise and I’ll have no problem changing your mind until you understand how it is,” she threatened, tightening her grip on Georgina. The female staggered forward but her attention shifted from glaring at Olivia to looking wide-eyed to whoever suddenly stood behind her. “Olivia.” The deep growl behind her almost made her jump out of her skin. She dropped Georgina, who stumbled backward, quickly straightening her clothes and diverting her gaze from the males who stood behind Olivia. Olivia turned around as Ran glanced at the partially woven palm leaves on the ground. “I want to talk to you,” he said quietly, meeting her gaze. The females behind her grew very quiet as she followed him a few paces away from the others. Their curiosity was so strong it reeked. He stepped close to her, his face inches away and whispered quietly, “What were you doing?” “They were drooling over you.” “Oh really?” She actually growled, wanting more than anything to wash the smirk off his face. “My feisty cat. You don’t have to be jealous.” The back of her neck prickled. “I am not jealous,” she informed him. “Not even close. But I won’t have anyone implying you’re just a piece of tail.” “I’ll be your piece of tail anytime you want,” he whispered, his voice turning gruff. But he quickly sobered and brushed his knuckles down her cheek. “I’m having breakfast with my littermate then I’ll meet you at your parents’ den. Finish what you’re doing and return there.” Before she could answer, he bent down and brushed his lips over hers. “And later you can show me what you would do with your piece of tail.” “Ran,” she managed, although her heart pattered so fiercely in her chest she suddenly felt out of breath. His lips brushed over hers but he straightened too soon for her to satisfy her need to taste him. Even when she licked her lips, anxious for more of him, he had already turned and joined his littermate. He then walked away from her. Olivia stood there for a minute, focusing on his muscular legs and ass and how good he looked in his jeans.
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The females were right, he was definitely worth drooling over. When she turned around, if any of them were panting, she would have their asses. Doing an about-face quickly, every one of them seemed more interested in their work than they had been before she noticed Ran. She bent down, gathered up her dried palms and stacked them on her half-finished mat. The work could wait. Ran would be over soon and she needed a shower. None of the females said a word to her when she picked up her things and left. Let them all wonder and whisper about what possibly transpired between her and Ran. If they suspected the truth, they would find out soon enough they were right. Her parents weren’t home when she got there. Just great. Wouldn’t it figure when Ran finally showed up to talk to them, they wouldn’t be here? It bugged her that he wanted to eat with his littermate first before coming to her. He should want to come straight to her, not go anywhere else. But if he did, they would be here alone. “Then he could scrub my back.” She grinned at how wonderfully wicked that would be. “They would be so pissed off,” she mumbled, picturing her sire’s and mother’s shocked expressions when Ran started talking to them about mating as he walked out of their bathroom with a towel wrapped around him. The best part would be standing under the water with him, not a waterfall, but the warm, controlled spray massaging their flesh while they stood in the steamy heat. Olivia grabbed clean clothes and headed to the bathroom, glancing outside through the windows and wondering where her sire and mother were. She continued imagining Ran being with her as she stripped out of her clothes and stepped into the hot shower. She soaked her hair, arching into the water and running her hands over her breasts. Her nipples hardened into puckered, tender flesh as need swelled so furiously between her legs the smell of her lust hung thickly in the growing steam. It would be hard convincing her parents Ran wasn’t with her if they were to come home. Olivia scrubbed every inch of her body, which only caused her flesh to tingle even more with a heated craving for Ran so powerful it damn near unleashed itself inside her. When she finally turned off the shower, she heard her sire and mother speaking in the other room. She didn’t remember the last time she was anxious to join them. After drying and dressing, she took time to brush out her long, wet hair, dragging her brush through it repeatedly until she was sure it would lay straight down her back, shiny and clean. Every inch of her smelled fresh and her clean clothes and uplifted mood added to the appealing scent. She left the steamy bathroom and found her parents relaxing in the living room. “There you are,” Bonnie said, raising her tall glass of iced tea in greeting. Whenever her mother was in a good mood, it usually meant she’d just successfully attacked someone or won an argument and was ready to gloat. Olivia looked at her sire, moving to him before she realized she did so for fear of her mother’s next move. “You’re such a beauty,” her sire rumbled, patting the spot on the couch next to him.
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When she’d been a cub, Olivia would pounce up next to her sire and cuddle against his strong, powerful body. As a grown female, she sat next to him, but when he reached to pat her leg, she snuggled into him and leaned her damp head against his shoulder. There was still a calm, quiet strength about her sire she’d always loved. “Where is that male of yours?” her mother asked. The air in the room smelled too clean, too happy. Olivia shifted her attention to her mother, keeping her head resting on her sire’s shoulder. She thought he gave her leg a gentle squeeze. Something tightened inside her, her defenses rising although there wasn’t anything obvious to defend. “He’s eating his littermate’s kill,” she offered, studying her mother’s bright, alert eyes and how she sat perfectly straight in her chair, the loose-fitting dress she wore covering her slim figure but showing off her long, narrow neck. “And he didn’t invite you to join in the kill with him?” Her mother’s tone rose enough to alert Olivia. If someone didn’t know Bonnie Sancerre they might find her beautiful. Her thick black hair was piled on top of her head today and long strands fell free from the thick mass, streaming past her narrow face. Olivia had the same high cheekbones as her mother, but obviously the patience of her sire. If not, she’d leap out of her chair at the insinuation that Ran didn’t truly care about her. She was getting damn tired of smelling that on everyone. They were all jealous. “Actually he is…” “It doesn’t matter.” Her mother waved a thin hand in the air, interrupting Olivia. “We have something to tell you and we want you to hear us out before you jump in with your teeth and claws bared as you always do,” she said, her voice still too soft and her eyes so bright they were blinding. Olivia’s mouth was opened, ready to finish what she started to say. It would be nice to prepare her parents for Ran’s arrival instead of having him show up without them expecting him. Although they had to know he’d be here as soon as he could. He still needed to make their mating official. “Your sire and I have been discussing our situation with the other dens in Guarida.” Bonnie continued sitting with her back straight as a board and her thin legs pressed together under her cotton dress. “There isn’t any doubt the humans will return. None of us wish to risk being captured by these humans or endure the stench of their blood on our coats. What was once our perfect paradise is now no longer.” The amount of sadness she put into her last sentence almost dripped of over-exaggeration. “We aren’t going anywhere.” Olivia didn’t doubt the humans would attack again, but they’d be ready for them next time. She wouldn’t be chased out of her den by humans. They were pathetic creatures, half of a whole, and not honorable enough to destroy jaguars. Olivia forced herself to remain relaxed against her sire and keep herself from clenching with frustration over her mother’s attitude. “Ran will explain
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everything when he arrives,” she offered easily, fighting not to gloat when her mother appeared surprised. “He is coming here as soon as he’s done at his littermate’s den.” “He is coming here?” Bonnie asked, her attention shifting to her mate. “Haven’t we expected him here before?” Her sire didn’t have a chance to answer. Olivia sighed loudly, tired of her mother’s drama. She sat up, moving to the edge of the couch. “You know damn good and well why he didn’t show up last time,” she whispered, doing her best not to let her anger get the best of her. “We were attacked. He has too much rank in our community to sit socially with you while there were dens in danger.” “Rank,” Bonnie said, not swayed by her daughter’s growing frustration. “That is what you want, my dear? I guess Ran will give you a bit of pull among the females, what females will be left,” she added then made a tsking sound with her tongue. Olivia swore there were times when her mother got so carried away with her dramatic scenes she forgot to make sense to those around her. She shifted on the couch, giving her sire her attention and positive her expression appeared desperate. “What is she talking about?” she whispered. Her sire’s expression softened. “She just wants the very best for you, my sweet cub,” he muttered, again patting her leg. “It’s only natural for parents to do their best to sniff out the best path for their cubs, and one better than what they followed.” “You thought Ran was very much the best for me.” Olivia turned, again facing her mother. “In fact, you were so sure of it you made sure a mating would occur by trapping me, following me to his den and trying to make a show out of him dishonoring me unless he announced a mating. All we were doing was wrestling on the ground,” Olivia snapped, throwing her hands in the air before letting them fall and slap her knees. She then remembered her conversation with her mother right before they were attacked and perked up. “And what about what you said,” she began. “We all know where wrestling with a male leads,” Bonnie muttered under her breath, cutting her daughter off. “I’m not sure I smell anything on you other than a young female who has learned the joys of sex.” If Olivia’s mounting anger wasn’t consuming her she might have been shocked over her mother’s lewd comment. Bonnie Sancerre was never caught mentioning anything as personal as sex. Olivia kept her sexual affairs very private. Olivia had wondered more than once as she was growing up if her sire ever had say over sex. Her mother would snarl and growl until her sire put out. “So now you don’t find him a good mate?” Olivia wasn’t sure why she asked. Her mother’s expression softened and she tilted her head, doing a damn good job of appearing concerned for her daughter’s well-being as she spoke. “It’s so incredibly normal to be unsure you’re choosing the best mate. You’re so lucky though, Olivia. Many mothers don’t care enough to be there as their daughters run, offering their wisdom and insight. Choose the wrong mate and you’re saddled to him for the rest of your life. I will not live to see the glow of happiness fade from your eyes. I told you that
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your sire and I were forced into a mating with no say in the matter. Our sires cut a deal and we had to honor it. Of course, back in those days, a cub never dreamed of crossing either their sire or mother,” she added, shaking her head as she snarled. “You should feel so honored we’re running as hard as we are to make sure you choose the very best male in the rain forest and give you the chance to sniff him out before mating.” “Ran has been here for several months. Do you really think the first time I ever noticed him was recently?” “There are other choices.” Her grin broadened. “We met and spoke with the Hunter litter, the two males and female who ran here following the VicMoran den to Guarida. The oldest Hunter male, David, is quite a powerful male,” her mother said, nodding as if she had personal knowledge on the subject. Olivia refused to allow her thoughts to entertain her with images of her mother inspecting some young male jaguar to determine if he was a fine specimen and fit to run with her daughter. “His litter has already announced they are staying here. I swear, it’s the wild streak still running in all of you young jaguars,” her mother decided, chuckling as she shook her head and smiled fondly at her mate. “But David and his littermates will fight to protect Guarida and I’m sure they will all be strong assets in keeping the community going.” “I’m glad you liked them,” Olivia said, willing this conversation to end. She glanced at the window and finally looked over her shoulder at the clock in the kitchen. It had almost been an hour since Ran left to go to his littermate’s den. Hopefully he would be here soon. “David Hunter has quite a bit of money,” Bonnie announced, dropping her voice to a whisper as she leaned forward, looking as if she might spring out of her chair any moment. “Think about it, Olivia. Not only would you probably still hold rank as one of the prominent females, but you’d have everything nicer than all the other dens.” Her mother almost glowed as she beamed with satisfaction at her daughter. “Of course he told us he looked forward to the day when he had in-laws whom he would naturally keep in a comfortable living so all they had to worry about was spoiling their grandcubs.” Bonnie actually clapped her hands together and laughed. “Good grief.” Olivia turned and glared at her sire. “How do you put up with this?” she grumbled when her mother continued laughing. Olivia blinked, rather surprised over her sire’s serious expression, as if he watched to see if Olivia might take the bait her mother offered. She’d seen the Hunter litter but hadn’t given them too much of her attention. She’d been more focused on Ran. She remembered one of the Hunter males trying to get close to her and how Ran and Rafe both attacked to protect her. Ran didn’t approve of the Hunters, which probably meant they weren’t an honorable litter. Ran only associated with jaguars who were pure and proud. Jumping off the couch and away from her sire, she hurried to the front door.
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“You aren’t leaving,” her mother announced, her tone harsh and her scent its usual steel coolness. “You’re right. I’m waiting for Ran.” She looked out the front door and her heart skipped a beat when she spotted him crossing center ground, a determined look on his face as he neared her den with long, swift strides. “He’s here!” It was Olivia’s turn to beam with happiness and clap her hands as she spun around to face her sire and mother. She barely noticed her mother’s expression change into one that was a bit too guarded. Olivia heard Ran’s footsteps on the stairs as she shifted her attention from her mother to her sire. “The two of you better behave,” she whispered. “Ran is here to make our mating formal and official. He is here to honor both of you,” she hissed then spun around to the door again, taking only a moment to press her hands down the sides of her head, hoping her hair was still smooth and straight. “Make it official?” her mother sneered. Spicy anger drifted throughout the room. “Your scent is so ripe on him. Why start caring about our traditions and laws now?” “Please honor him.” There wasn’t any more time to convince either of them this was the male for her. She didn’t know why their scent had remained embedded in each other after their first time together. It had to mean something positive though. They were meant to run together, share their kill, fight alongside one another. Life had never felt so perfect until she’d been with Ran. He reached for the door handle when Olivia faced the door and met his gaze. Immediately a hard pull deep inside her seemed to drag her toward him. Ran opened the door, staring down at her with his eyes smoldering. “You smell as beautiful as you look,” he said under his breath, moving into her space as he crossed the threshold into her litter’s den. She smiled, knowing she needed to step to the side, present him to her sire then to her mother. Females told stories of this moment in their lives to their cubs. Traditions were annoying as hell, but at least they offered familiarity to an otherwise awkward scene. In spite of knowing what was expected of her, Olivia couldn’t step to the side immediately. Ran smelled of the rain, of the earth and the soap and shampoo he always used. His black hair was pulled tightly behind his head. Although she couldn’t see it at the moment, Olivia knew his hair twisted at his nape into a thick ponytail. Her fingers itched to touch him. She wanted to run her fingers over his rippling muscles in his shoulders, arms and across his chest. Just thinking of how his roped muscles would twitch under her touch made it almost impossible to keep the smell of her lust at bay. She indulged for only a moment before shooting her gaze back to his eyes. The corner of his mouth tilted just a bit, but enough to show her he knew where her thoughts were headed and had no problem with her drooling over him. Olivia straightened, damned if he’d enjoy her flustered stated. Fortunately the smell of their happiness and desire for each other drowned out her mother’s anger. Her sire 112
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and mother might be unique with their mating, but both of them knew how to represent their den. She took the step to the side, shifting her weight as she remained next to Ran but looked at her sire and mother. It was impossible to miss how incredibly uncomfortable both of them looked. As much as she loved Ran and believed without hesitation she was choosing the right male, she experienced a twang of pain in her heart. Olivia was happy but her parents needed to smell that way too. She’d done everything on her part to show them how much he meant to her, now it was Ran’s turn. “Sire,” she began, pressing her ankles together as she clasped her hands in front of her and straightened to her full height. “Ran VicMoran is here to speak with you.” Her sire took his time standing. Olivia guessed he’d waited for this moment for most of Olivia’s life and would take his time enjoying it. Which was his prerogative. No matter how much her mother smelled as if she would leap in between both of them at any moment, not even Bonnie Sancerre would disrespect their traditions. Especially after howling about this one in particular so much lately. Her rear end was barely on the edge of the couch, her entire body tense and her lips pressed into a thin line as she stared from one male to the other. She looked indecisive over which one of them would be the better prey. “I enter your den with a serious matter,” Ran began, his tone calm although his scent ripened, the smell of her on him becoming overly noticeable until it dominated the room. They might be going through the motions of their traditional ceremonies, but it was more than obvious they were already mated. “I formally request your blessing in the mating between me and Olivia, your daughter,” he added, never taking his attention from her sire. “With your approval, she will become Olivia VicMoran.” Olivia VicMoran. The way he said her name, her mated name, created a warmth deep in her womb that spread over her body faster than she could take her next breath. At the same time a swift chill attacked her senses. The room seemed tight, the air suddenly too thin. They were making the right choice, Olivia knew they were. Everything smelled so perfect. She couldn’t explain the excitement and fear she knew all at once, but there wasn’t time to dwell on it. All she had to do was stay where she was and not say a word. For once, she was grateful their traditions were predominantly male oriented. Fred stood next to where he’d been sitting. When Olivia looked at him, it dawned on her he didn’t look to his mate for guidance on how to handle the matter. Either he already knew his mate’s feelings on the subject, which weren’t hard to sniff out since lately she had been howling them loud enough for most of Guarida to hear, or his own conviction on the matter was so strong he wouldn’t seek out his mate’s opinion. “We shall speak of this outside.” Fred moved toward them and the door. Olivia had no problem getting out of their den. Too many strong emotions were complicating manners. Letting Fred and Bonnie Sancerre know she and Ran were
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mating and securing her parents’ blessing shouldn’t take too long. She brushed her fingers along Ran’s forearm when her sire took her hand in his large, leathery one. “My little cub,” he said softly. “You’ll wait in here with your mother.” Instead of arguing or encouraging her to do so, Ran turned, gripping her shoulder with one hand and tilted her chin back with the other. “Stay with your mother,” he whispered as if already knowing her well enough to know she would protest strongly at being left out of the mating discussion. “This is about my life too,” she protested, trying to step out of Ran’s grasp. She didn’t have the strength to stop Ran from grabbing her and pulling her into his arms. Suddenly his hard, muscular chest drained all arguments out of her. She was immediately under his spell, drinking in his compelling scent. When he stroked her back, sparks ignited up and down her spine. Her sire ignored her new position in Ran’s arms and only focused on her when he reached for her face. His rough fingers dragged down her cheek. “I will speak with the male alone for a few minutes. When we return inside, you may discuss this mating all you want.” There was something in his wording, in the way he held her gaze a moment longer than she would have expected that alerted her to the barely detectable hesitation on his face. “Why would he take Ran outside?” Olivia demanded the moment the door closed behind the males. She heard their footsteps on the stairs as she spun around and faced her mother. “You said you wanted it different for me than it was for you, yet you have no problem with them discussing my mating without me?” Her mother snapped her attention to Olivia and a small smile appeared on her face. She reached for her daughter. “Let the males chat,” she said, her tone still too sweet and her aroma almost disgustingly so. “Come here, my dear cub,” her mother purred. “You aren’t being left out of anything. We already know how you feel about all of this. It’s very easy to sniff out.” Olivia didn’t resist but followed her mother to the couch where her sire had sat. She sat next to her mother when Bonnie patted the couch. Olivia couldn’t remember the last time she cuddled into her mother. She must have as a very young cub, but as soon as she had the choice, Olivia had always turned to her sire for comfort. It wasn’t until she was a grown female that she figured out her sire’s loyalty and love for his daughter would never go past the line his mate had drawn. The growing tension twisting in her gut wasn’t what she smelled. Olivia knew better than to wrinkle her nose at her mother, but she sure as hell didn’t like the smell that suddenly filled the room. “Olivia, there is no reason for all of this nervousness.” Bonnie laughed easily and tapped the back of her daughter’s hand with her thin, cold fingers. “You are most definitely the most wanted female in Guarida right now. I can smell it in the air. Any
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female would die to be where you are right now, my sweet cub,” she purred. “They all envy you.” Olivia knew there were females in their community who would do anything to lift their tail for Ran. She was pretty sure she got her point across earlier before coming to her den. None of them would dare allow their cravings to even begin to form a smell. Olivia would have no problem slicing any female in two who dared to try sniffing after her male. “As long as they don’t make those feelings obvious.” Olivia didn’t mean to growl when she spoke. She straightened, deciding she didn’t care. “I think it’s clear to all single females who Ran belongs to. Our scents have combined.” “This is true.” Her mother suddenly sounded contemplative as she looked past Olivia toward the windows. For a moment she seemed worried, but if that was the scent Olivia picked up, it faded with her next breath. As did her mother’s concerned tone when she returned her attention to her daughter. “It won’t matter.” “It better matter,” Olivia snapped. “If anyone out there has forgotten why we run with our traditions, I will have no problem reminding them.” “Our traditions do exist for a reason.” Her mother nodded, her green eyes seeming paler than they used to be, as if the vibrant glow in them faded with age. “As you and I sit here right now, in our den, you are by our laws a single female. Until your sire gives his blessing to Ran VicMoran you’re not his mate.” She held her hand up, stopping her daughter when she would have interrupted. “Regardless of your scent, my little cub, it is clearly stated in our traditions and laws.” When she’d been younger, Olivia often challenged her mother over all these laws and traditions. She’d demanded her mother recite whatever law she used to her benefit when pointing out Olivia running along a wrong path. It had always started a fight. Bonnie Sancerre couldn’t quote one single law. As Olivia grew older, she learned no one could. There wasn’t one male or female Olivia had ever known who could quote their laws. Although history claimed every law and tradition was in writing, no one seemed to know where these writings were. “I know that,” Olivia snapped, knowing it was easier to keep the conversation moving. Although at this point it was all a technicality. She stared at her mother, searching her face, and noticed an array of emotions seemed to be visible in spite of her mother’s efforts to appear pleased and content. Immediately she was suspicious. “Is there something you’re trying to say?” “Yes. There is.” Her mother sounded excited as if she’d been waiting for Olivia to figure something out. “We told you we visited with the Hunter den before returning to ours.” Olivia nodded, forcing herself to relax and leaned back on the couch, crossing her arms and letting her mother speak.
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“David Hunter has noticed you. Naturally, since his litter just moved here, he isn’t aware of which females are mated and which aren’t, especially if they aren’t seen with their male on a regular basis.” Olivia stared into her mother’s eyes, watching that radiant glow return. Her smell of happiness gave the entire room a clean smell. “I barely remember what he looks like,” Olivia said honestly. “He is very handsome. Much nicer on the eyes than Ran VicMoran. And I’m not being cruel,” her mother said hastily, again waving her hand in the air between them. “You’ve run with your male for a short while now and I agree he’s worth howling over.” Olivia fought to keep her jaw from dropping. Her mother hadn’t said anything favorable about Ran since Olivia started sniffing after him. She’d howled and bared her teeth to all who would pay attention when she wanted the two of them mated. Something else was on her mother’s mind now. And the way she did a very good job of not making her thoughts smell worried Olivia more and more with each passing second. “What are you saying?” Olivia said, giving her mother a hard stare. “You’ve got a plan brewing in that head of yours. I know you, Mother. The more you hide your smells, the more you worry me.” Her mother’s laughter was definitely sincere. Nothing honored Bonnie Sancerre more than someone acknowledging how good she was at plotting and sniffing out a strategy to get her way about whatever mattered to her at that moment. “A mother should be honored when her cub knows her so well.” She ran her thin hand down the side of Olivia’s hair, smiling and allowing her pride to smell strong. “And you know how much I love you, sweet cub. You’ve been your sire’s and my pride and joy for as long as you could run.” “Thank you.” Olivia was honored. Her mother seldom offered Olivia any type of praise. “But you aren’t telling me about this plan you’re plotting,” she added, keeping her mother focused. “And if you’re in any way trying to control which way I run…” “Oh!” Bonnie gasped, sincerely looking and smelling hurt. “Control which way you run? Haven’t I already made it very clear how fortunate you are, my dear, to have a mother who cares enough to dedicate so much of her time in making sure your mate will please you for the rest of your life? Have you seen the many females who are leashed to a male they don’t like? There are many out there. And it goes both ways. Just as many males run with no pride, empty inside from a life with a female who doesn’t please them. Both have honor and would never stray. But they didn’t sniff around carefully enough when they were young. They were so anxious to run without stopping to sniff around them and compare the scents they smelled.” “You make it sound as if I should go shopping for a mate.” Olivia fought not to leap off the couch. What was taking her sire and Ran so long?
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“Don’t make it sound so crass.” Her mother narrowed her eyes on her daughter. “David Hunter has requested the honor of taking you for a mate.” “What?” Olivia shrieked, leaping off the couch. “Why would you bring up such a thing?” Olivia was mad over her mother throwing a wrench into what should be a day of perfect memories. It pissed her off even more when she realized her mother was pleased with this new offer. “I take it Ran’s knowledge of computers and his competent manner among all of us no longer impresses you.” “The young male is very impressive,” her mother said dryly. “The possibility exists there might be a better match for you though, Olivia. Your sire is worried Ran will not please you. Before long you’ll grow bored with how easily you control him. He and I have decided we need to stall for a day or so in order to allow you to determine which one pleases you better.” Her mother patted Olivia’s arm. “David Hunter will challenge you more, and in the end, he will please you better than Ran VicMoran. Trust me, Olivia. You are so much like me. If your male is nothing more than a door mat, you’ll lose interest. We are headstrong, dominating females and need males equal to our strength.” “Are you kidding?” Olivia glared down at her mother, fisting her hands at her hips. “This isn’t like picking out the best furniture for your den. I don’t believe you, Mother.” Something hit her and she stilled, studying her mother’s face. “Are you saying my sire bores you because he jumps every time you growl?” “Enough!” Her mother roared, flying off the couch and damn near over the coffee table. She was face-to-face with Olivia in the next second, her spicy anger almost putrid as she glared at her daughter. “You ungrateful, spoiled cub,” she hissed, incredibly furious. “Spoiled?” Olivia almost laughed in her mother’s face. Her anger quickly escalated, doubling the spiciness in the room and making her eyes water. She ignored the moisture, too upset to give it much thought. “You’re suggesting I prance around these two males, teasing and taunting them in order to learn which one smells better to me. Do you want me to snarl and bare my teeth just to see which one knows how to attack and which one might belly-up?” “You don’t know David. There is no way you can compare him to Ran until you sniff him out.” Her mother’s voice calmed and she spoke as if she were trying to guide Olivia toward the obvious outcome, or at least what she viewed as the only outcome worth running toward. “David’s litter has quite a bit of money. Back where his den used to live, in Colorado, they were leaders in their community. With him as a mate you will always be comfortable, never know hunger and live as you should live.” Her mother straightened, sliding a loose strand of her thick, wiry hair back behind her ear. “You are the best female in this rain forest. There is no reason why you shouldn’t sniff around just a bit and make sure you have chosen the best there is. Haven’t you noticed since the Hunter litter arrived in Guarida they haven’t asked to be put on the list for a new den? Do you know why?” Bonnie answered her own question before Olivia could say anything. “They have already ordered their own supplies and plan on building a 117
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very nice den. David also assures me if your sire and I leave Guarida you two would follow. He has strong opinions on a litter remaining together.” “I’ve already found the best male there is.” Olivia managed to sound calm, although racing out of the den and breathing in fresh air sounded like the only way to keep from completely losing it. She marched away from her mother to the door. “Where are those two?” “Your sire is explaining the situation to Ran,” her mother said coolly. “He’s doing what?” Olivia yanked the door to their den open and rushed outside to the ledge. She stared at center ground as a large drop of rain slapped her cheek. Olivia swatted at it as her mother appeared behind her, trying to drag her back into the den. “You will not dishonor yourself by interrupting the males during this very important discussion.” “You have nothing to worry about,” Olivia said, turning to her mother. “There’s nothing to interrupt.” She waved her hand toward the ground below at the bottom of the stairs. “See, Mother?” It was impossible to keep her voice from rising as her temper peaked and she began to shake. “Our mates have disappeared.” “He is not your mate,” Bonnie hissed, her eyes darkening as she grabbed Olivia’s arm. Her grip was strong considering how slender and long her cold fingers were. “Your sire hasn’t given his blessing.” “You know damn good and well he’s my mate.” Olivia couldn’t hold in her outrage. Her mother was about to ruin her life, and all she cared about was securing her own comfort. “I can’t begin to count how many times I’ve defended you,” she whispered. “Whenever anyone called you a cold-hearted bitch, I protected your honor.” Her mother straightened, letting go of Olivia’s arm and dropping her hands to her side. She stared at her daughter, her face void of emotion. Olivia ignored what possibly was her mother in pain, although once again Bonnie pulled off an incredible feat of preventing any emotion she might be experiencing from creating a stench in the air around them. “If any male or female made fun of our den, accusing my sire of having no spine and moping behind his mate like a good little pup, I was right there with teeth and claws, ready to show them how wrong they were. But, Mother…” “Don’t say anything you’ll regret, little cub.” There was an icy edge to her mother’s tone that chilled Olivia to the bone. “Trust me, Mother, I won’t. I love Ran. No matter what the two of you do, that isn’t going to change.” Olivia turned to the stairs as another rain drop splattered on the side of her head. “You better hope Sire hasn’t said anything to make Ran too angry,” she informed her, and bolted down the stairs. “We honored you by asking for your blessing. But as you said, our scents make it very clear. We’re already mated and you can’t do a thing to change that,” she yelled as she bounded down the stairs. More raindrops fell until they were sheets of rain, pounding on her clothes and flesh.
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Her mother screamed something behind her, but it was drowned out by a loud clap of thunder.
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Chapter Ten Rain splattered against leaves above Ran and plastered his back. It wasn’t going to be one of those pleasant rains, although after living in the rain forest as long as he had now, Ran had learned a rainy day didn’t mean a pleasant afternoon. If things weren’t bad enough already, the humidity in the air clogged their emotions. Fred Sancerre was right behind him, his anger and frustration stinking almost as bad as Ran’s outrage. “Ran, wait.” The older jaguar huffed as he caught up with Ran. “What are you doing?” Ran turned and was hit just under the eye by a very large raindrop. Immediately, more rain pelted his face and arms. He tugged at his shirt, peeling it away from his body as he stared at Fred, unsure whether to be disgusted by the older male or feel sorry for him. “Let’s just say your words were the last thing I expected to hear.” Although knowing the Sancerres planned on holding out with their only cub for the highest bidder, so to speak, he now understood why Olivia was asked to remain inside her den. “You must understand it isn’t personal. Both of us think you’re an incredible male. We only have Olivia though.” There was pain in the male’s eyes but he sounded sincere. “You aren’t going to lose your daughter.” Ran could barely maintain his anger. “But I’m not going to tolerate other males howling after her,” he snapped. “If you had this conversation with David Hunter today, he already knew Olivia is mine. I’ve made that very clear to him.” Ran wouldn’t go as far as to suggest someone lied during this visit the Sancerres had with the Hunters. If there were lies, it came from David Hunter. It wouldn’t surprise Ran a bit if the male possessed the skills to keep his lies from smelling. “There won’t be males, Ran. Only this one other male has impressed my mate.” It was all Ran could do not to challenge Fred and demand if this were both his and his mate’s idea. “Olivia carries my scent. Her scent is embedded in me. Hunter isn’t running with an ounce of honor and I doubt your mate would overlook that.” Fred shook his head adamantly, causing a fine spray of rainwater to fly from his hair. It was coming down in a steady downpour now, soaking both of them as they continued with their foul-smelling discussion. The storm held the moisture in the air, trapping the stench of their emotions and holding them still around them, as if they were a solid wall, growing stronger with each frustrated thought. “That isn’t how it is at all,” Fred said, raising his voice when the rain increased in speed, racing to hit the earth and slapping all the leaves around them until the dull roar
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made it harder to hear each other. “David Hunter hasn’t run with Olivia. He doesn’t know her scent. He spotted her in the gathering den and brought his interest up to us the moment he could, which is what an honorable male would do.” Ran knew David, knew him very well. The male hadn’t succeeded in taking Raul’s mate from him and he sure as hell wouldn’t pull off stealing Ran’s female either. “He’s noticed Olivia on several occasions now and has already tried getting too close while we were preparing to attack the humans.” Ran had no choice but to explain the truth to Fred. Regardless of what the male said, he and Olivia were mated. They’d honored the Sancerre litter by formally requesting a blessing. But their mating would be strong and built on a foundation of love with or without Fred Sancerre’s blessing. “My littermate and I jumped in front of Olivia, preventing Hunter from pouncing on top of her. We held on to her honor. Hunter didn’t give a damn about it. Nor does he give a damn whether a female is mated or not. I grew up with his litter. The male you’re howling about has never smelled of honor.” Soon, very soon, Ran would go after David Hunter. If the male had an ounce of pride in him, he’d back down quickly. If he didn’t hold pride and was as warped and despicable as he’d been before Ran and his litter left Colony, then David would die the most incredulous dishonorable death imaginable. No one sniffed after Ran’s female and lived to howl about it later. Ran met the older jaguar’s stare as a level of lethal outrage coursed through his veins. Fred obviously got wind of the severity of Ran’s temper because he sighed, deflating his chest somewhat as he took a step backward. Fred looked past Ran at the same moment Ran heard footsteps behind him. He was wired tight, primed and ready to tear into flesh, release the anger brought on by an injustice that couldn’t go unpunished. The Sancerre litter wouldn’t deprive him of what was rightfully his. Hell, Bonnie Sancerre had pranced around his brand-new den less than a week ago, howling as loud as she could how Ran would mate with Olivia. When Ran spun around, meeting Miguel’s dark gaze, both males hesitated for a moment. Ran didn’t smell Miguel approaching but now that he was next to him, the smell of his worry, almost panic, was so strong Ran almost gagged on it. At the same time Miguel inhaled then covered his mouth, trying to hide a cough as he wrinkled his nose and shifted his attention from Ran to Fred then back to Ran, trying to assess the situation he’d just run into. “You two taking a shower together?” Miguel smirked but there wasn’t an ounce of humor in his words. Apparently he’d decided whatever their problem was it was a better topic to howl about than whatever had him bugged. Ran shifted the conversation, in spite of not holding the same rank as either male standing near him in this community. At the moment he didn’t care. He wouldn’t howl about his mating with Olivia. They were mated. End of story.
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“Is something wrong?” he said, searching Miguel’s face then making a show of sniffing the soaked air between them. “Why are you racing into this storm? Who are you hunting?” “Actually, you,” Miguel answered without hesitating. Instead of elaborating, he looked past Ran to Fred, nodding in his direction as he did. “It appears your entire litter enjoys their showers outside.” Again there was little humor in his words. Ran barely had time to look over his shoulder toward Fred when Olivia rushed into him, wrapping her arms around Ran. Her thick black hair was twisted in tight, long curls that spun away from her head and face. She was breathing hard and raindrops clung to her thick eyelashes when she nuzzled into Ran but stared up at Miguel. “There you are,” she said softly, wrapping her arms around Ran’s waist. Anyone not paying attention might believe Olivia simply caught up with Ran and was right where she was supposed to be. Miguel and Fred were paying attention though, very close attention, as was Bonnie Sancerre when she came bounding up behind her mate and damn near bulldozed him over, panting heavily as she reached for her daughter. She possibly would have filleted her daughter’s flesh too, her long, slender fingers with her fingernails extended, were within an inch of Olivia when Ran shifted his weight, adjusting Olivia out of her mother’s reach. “We were handling a private matter,” Fred began, taking his mate and pulling her back against him. Ran was surprised to see the act and even more impressed when Fred appeared to have the strength to restrain his mate when she appeared ready to buck against him. When she opened her mouth to howl whatever obscenities she would, Fred tightened his grip, lowered his head and whispered something in her ear. All Ran heard was a soft hissing, which was completely inaudible. Bonnie straightened, appearing even more furious than she had a moment ago, but clamped her mouth shut. No one would have made him believe Fred Sancerre could control his mate if Ran hadn’t witnessed it for himself. Miguel stared at the mated couple for only a moment before returning his attention to Ran. The worry creating lines around his dark green eyes was still there. “We have a situation. Some of our scouts smelled humans. I was heading to your den to see what you could find on your computer.” Miguel’s words were serious enough the pungent stench of concern and worry drowned out the other unpleasant emotions in the air. Ran put the problem of securing his mating out of his head. Which was what he needed to do since the matter was handled. He’d honored the Sancerre den. If they didn’t wish that honor, it was their problem. He didn’t let go of Olivia. Instead, speaking as he did an about-face, he led the small party through the trees toward his den. “How long ago were they sniffed out?” he asked, moving Olivia to his side and taking her hand as they started across center ground. 122
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Miguel hurried alongside Ran, stepping in on the other side as he explained. “I was at my den with my litter, my mate was just putting our kill on the table for our cubs when we were interrupted. The anger and panic smelled worse than the lot of you,” he added. “We’re going to be attacked again, and I fear it will be very soon.” “What?” Bonnie snapped, digging in her heels as she grabbed her mate’s arm and lunged forward, this time successfully wrapping her fingers around Olivia’s slender arm. “Then we should prepare ourselves, right? Now isn’t the time to go parading into the woods.” “We’re not on an idle run,” Ran said, stopping and turning to face her. At the same time he used enough force to free Olivia from her mother then stepped in front of her so he faced Bonnie. “But you are right. Return to your den. I’ll make sure you’re protected, but I need to get a good visual on this. In this rain the humidity will hold on to the smell of emotions probably longer than they would linger otherwise. My computer can physically locate them. If we run into the woods and sniff them out, we might run to a location where they were but aren’t any longer.” “The rain is against us,” Miguel consented, and nodded at the Sancerres. “Probably would be a good idea to return to your den. We’ll make sure you’re kept informed. But right now we have to act on how to keep everyone safe.” Bonnie had that look on her face. She opened her mouth to berate, insult and redirect, appearing ready to shout orders and insist whatever madness she was about to profess would be the smarter move. Fortunately, her tirade was interrupted when several jaguars, at least five and both male and female, bounded toward them from the other side of center ground. “They’re right on us,” several of them announced at once. “Their stench is too strong and the cold, metallic smell with them isn’t blood.” Joshua Perez was definitely the youngest of the group. The outrage glowing in his eyes didn’t consume him though. “This attack is going to be quick and fierce,” he announced as if he had inside knowledge on humans. “Everyone needs to return to their dens and protect what is theirs, or join us and be ready to fight.” “Run through the dens and announce to all the litters,” Miguel told Joshua. “All able males and females should prepare to attack. All others must barricade themselves in their dens, protect all they own and stay alert.” Joshua straightened, puffing out his narrow chest as his expression sobered. He nodded once, gestured for the group around him to follow and turned, running back in the direction they came from. It wouldn’t be long, if the young male lived through this ordeal, that he would be a proud, honorable male and one to be reckoned with. Ran didn’t wait for orders but started in the other direction, damn near breaking into a run as he held on to Olivia, ignoring the wails of her mother, even when they turned into harsh howls. Bonnie no longer possessed the right to say what her daughter would and wouldn’t do. There was trouble hanging thick in the steady rainfall and it was a time for litters to stick together. Olivia would remain by his side. As the two of
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them broke into a hard run, Ran knew beyond doubt Olivia had no intention of doing what her sire and mother had suggested. She was where she wanted to be, with him, which was also where she belonged. The rain came down harder, pelting Ran’s arms and making it damn hard to see. By the time Ran reached the door to his den, he was as soaked as he would have been if he’d walked under a waterfall with his clothes on. “We should take our shoes off,” Olivia decided when Ran let her into his dark, oneroom den. “We’re so soaked we’ll turn the floor into a mud pit if we aren’t careful.” Ran kicked his shoes off and pushed them against the wall next to the still-open door. The rain had made it turn dark earlier than usual and very little light came in from outside. It was enough for Ran to see his shelves against the opposite wall. “There should be dry socks over there,” he said, pointing to his shelves as he hurried to his computer. The generator was working fine. His lamp turned on without so much as a flicker and his computer booted up easily. “I’m very sorry for what my litter did to you,” Olivia offered as she handed Ran dry socks. “We’ll discuss that later.” Already he was sitting and facing his computer screen, watching as it slowly connected itself to the internet. The rain pounded his roof and a wind had picked up, making his walls shake. Ran pulled his attention from his computer and glanced around the small den. Shadows stretched across the room, and it was hard to see his roof well. He wouldn’t be able to do much if the storm turned bad enough to destroy his den. All that would matter is saving his computer. They would change to their fur, but protecting all his equipment in here was paramount. “There should be some tarps over in that corner. If this storm turns, our first priority is protecting the computer.” Olivia nodded, standing in the middle of his den, facing him, looking much like a drowned cub. “Pay attention to that computer,” she said, wagging her finger at his monitor. “I’ll make sure you’re the first to know if your den starts to go.” He didn’t look at his computer right away but slowly raised his attention to Olivia’s face. “Our den,” he said. Olivia’s eyes widened as if she just realized her slip. Then walking behind him, she pressed her cool hands on either side of his face and turned his head to face the monitor. Her hands then moved to his shoulders. “How much of your stuff is here?” she asked, pressing her fingers into his muscles as she began massaging him. “Not all of it.” He began entering the necessary data to conduct a search on the perimeters surrounding Guarida. “When your possessions are here and mine are too, then it will be our den,” she said, sounding rather proud of herself as her fingers continued to magically work the kinks out of his muscles.
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“A den is made up of things we own?” he challenged, glancing over his shoulder at her face but quickly dropping his attention to how her shirt clung to her perfectly shaped breasts. “It at least has to have a way for me to prepare our kill,” she retorted, laughing as she grabbed his head. Before he could look away from her breasts, she pressed them into his face. “And for the record, jaguar,” she whispered, her voice suddenly husky. “You don’t have to steal looks at any part of my body ever again.” Race spun around in his chair, intent on capturing her before she could pull away from him. Olivia squealed when he wrapped his arms around her and dragged her over his lap. At the same time he captured her mouth his computer began beeping. “Crap,” he sighed, moving again, but this time bringing Olivia with him. They were both soaked from rain and clung to each other as he situated her on his lap so he could keep her there and see the monitor screen. “Oh boy.” “What? What does it say?” “We’re surrounded.”
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Chapter Eleven Olivia didn’t question Ran when he alerted his littermates first. They hauled ass through the forest back into Guarida. She remained at his side, keeping pace with him, and remained quiet and pensive. Ran might have been able to run faster without his petite female running with him. But Olivia was his mate. He’d gone through all proper steps to ensure her running by his side. “How could so many of them be on our tails this quickly?” Raul asked, pacing the length of his living room. Angela had immediately brought Ran and Olivia towels when they arrived at the den dripping wet. Ran rubbed the towel over his hair and stared at the hallway where Angela had promptly dragged Olivia to find her clean clothes. “It doesn’t smell right,” Ran agreed. He tensed and noticed Raul turned quickly when someone bounded up the stairs. The rain pounded the roof and shook the walls. This was a bad storm. He wasn’t sure if that meant the humans would attack now, hoping the storm would leave the jaguars handicapped and unable to sniff them out. The humans might be handicapped trying to fight under such weather conditions. Rafe burst through the door to his littermate’s den without bothering to knock. “Son of a bitch,” he complained, immediately shaking his body free of raindrops as if he were a cub. Angela flew out from the back of the den so fast it was almost comical. “You soak my den, jaguar, and I swear I’ll have your hide.” She was a petite female, not even as tall as Olivia, who appeared in the door to the hallway, following Angela, and watched the exchange with interest. Angela’s size never bothered her as she marched up to Rafe and threw a towel at him then immediately stuck her claws in his face. “Don’t think I won’t either,” she added. “You think I wanted to soak my hide running over here in this downpour?” Rafe complained, and dutifully began using the towel to dry himself. Raul was a smart-enough male not to come to his littermate’s defense. Ran watched as Raul remained quiet in spite of Rafe glaring at him. When he glanced over his shoulder at Olivia, her head was tilted and she watched Angela with something akin to admiration on her face. “No one wants to be out in this weather,” Angela stated, her tone soft, almost motherly, but her sternness not missed. Ran watched her as well. When had the hot little female his older littermate mated with turned into such a controlling, commanding
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jaguar? Finally satisfied Rafe would obey her and dry himself without destroying her den, she continued. “And if you ask me,” Angela turned her attention to her mate, “if these humans decided to attack in this storm, thinking it would put us at a disadvantage, they don’t know a thing about us. Which means if they’re trying to capture us and force us to be their mercenaries, they’re doing so based on what they’ve heard howled from the States.” “You don’t think Natasha has personally inspired these attacks,” Raul suggested, immediately in track with his mate and walked over to her as he spoke. “We don’t know yet exactly how these humans learned of our location, especially if they aren’t attacking after some type of communication with Natasha. At the moment that isn’t our top concern. The primary smell is they are attacking. We know they want to capture as many of us alive as possible. And if they are motivated by howlings from the States they might simply be afraid we might attack them so they’ll do our dirty work.” “I thought it was the other way around,” Ran grumbled. “We left Colony so we wouldn’t have to submit to humans telling us who to kill. When did it become jaguars telling humans who to kill?” “Might have been their plan all along,” Rafe said, rolling the towel Angela had thrown at him into a wad and dropping it on the floor by her front door. Noting the shoes everyone else had taken off, he did the same. “We have no idea what was running around in Natasha’s head when she conspired with the humans.” “I don’t think her plan was that thought through,” Angela said, cuddling against her mate but turning to face the others. She’d always held her head high and walked with pride in spite of being whelped from the Kalusian den. She didn’t agree with her littermate’s debauchery and her scent had always proved as much. “She saw power, control over all jaguars, and that was what smelled so good to her.” Olivia watched Angela carefully, hanging on her every word. Ran could tell she was dying to know how Angela would know so much about the female who turned Colony upside down and would succeed in ruining jaguars’ reputations around the world if she weren’t stopped. She must have sensed him studying her because she turned to look at him. Ran extended his hand and she hurried to his side. He hoped she smelled how easily his litter accepted her, as Ran knew they would. The answers to her questions he saw in her eyes would have to wait until later though. “What female doesn’t enjoy the smell of control?” Rafe said then eyed the two females in the room warily when the pungent odor of hostility filled the space. Raul laughed off his comment, petting the side of his mate’s head as he led the two of them to the couch. “Tell us what you saw on your computer, Ran. Isn’t Miguel on his way over here too?” “I howled for him,” Ran offered, pulling his cell out of his damp pocket and staring at the time. The last thing he could afford right now was his phone malfunctioning from water damage. He guided Olivia over to one of the large chairs facing the couch that Rafe had made for their den. After pulling her down on his lap and situating her where
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her soft ass wouldn’t torment his dick, he placed his phone on the table next to them. “If there were a decent breeze and this rain wasn’t pounding the forest right now, I’d bet we could smell the humans sitting right here in your den. They are surrounding Guarida, and from what my monitoring devices show, there are quite a few of them.” “We need to send out a fresh group of scouts.” Rafe started to the other large chair facing the couch when again someone bounded up the stairs. Instead of sitting, he played host and moved to the door, sniffing. “It’s Miguel,” he announced at the same time Ran smelled the soaked odor of the male jaguar. Raul nodded and Rafe opened the door, stepping to the side to let Miguel and two other males, Terry Rodriguez and John Ramos, enter. Angela jumped up and made quick work of providing towels and pointing to where the males should remove their shoes. It took a bit of effort to close the door behind the males. The wind had picked up drastically outside, which would indeed make an attack difficult. Ran wasn’t sure how much these humans knew about the jaguar species. But if they understood how their kind fought, relying on all their senses to lead them into battle, this incredible storm would indeed be a serious handicap against them. He wanted to believe their knowledge of jaguars was limited, that the incredible storm and their attack weren’t planned to happen at the same time. Because if these humans knew the way a jaguar ran, they would turn out to be an enemy who quite possibly could do irreversible damage. The thought left him tense and edgy at the same time. He prayed Olivia would be more focused on the new arrivals and interaction in the room, and not pick up on his new concerns. The males were seated and the conversation resumed, all playing and snarling gone from their exchange. Instead, the group focused on how best to handle the ambush waiting for them. “I need to find out what kind of equipment these humans have on them,” Ran said, adjusting Olivia when she’d once again managed to plant her rear end directly on top of his dick. Even his hot, sultry female wouldn’t distract him from the life-threatening attack pending, but he would avoid any distractions. He slid her so her weight was on his thigh. Olivia didn’t complain or question him, but instead slid her arm around the back of his neck and snuggled against him. “What difference would that make?” John Ramos asked. He leaned against the far wall since he was the youngest male and there weren’t enough chairs. But his question smelled of sincerity and Ran believed he was here out of concern for his brand-new mate. Ran agreed with all his reasons for fighting. “Because if they’re out there with earth-destroying equipment, they are definitely not Costa Rican humans. Those humans will fight to preserve their rain forest. Not to mention I don’t think they have any large weapons anymore since they don’t have an army.”
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“I think we can rule out them being Costa Ricans,” Rafe said. “Why do you care where these humans came from? All we need to do is run them off or kill them and end this tonight. The sooner we show those humans they can’t prance in here and put us in cages the happier everyone will be.” “Not all humans are the same.” Ran believed his littermate knew this already but would point it out when Rafe appeared more concerned with making Guarida happy again. It wouldn’t surprise him a bit if Rafe’s translation of that meant so available females wouldn’t be scared out of their fur and would once again belly-up when he came sniffing around them. “Costa Rican humans wouldn’t do this. However, Nicaragua’s government is of a very different philosophy. Panama might also have motivation to invade this area, in spite of how humans who live in Costa Rica feel, if they believe jaguars are suddenly the latest and greatest weapon.” “Can your equipment tell you who is out there?” Miguel asked, sitting at the other end of the couch from Raul and Angela. He ran his fingers through his black hair, revealing a few streaks of silver as he studied Ran. He looked tired and worried. “There are programs that can give us that kind of information but unfortunately I don’t have them. Something to think of if we’re going to need to protect Guarida from future attacks. But no, for now, we’re going to have to send out scouts and sniff out the situation.”
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Chapter Twelve Olivia didn’t like being left at Ran’s littermate’s den. Angela seemed nice enough and was going out of her way to see to Olivia’s comfort. She wanted to be with Ran though, and all the niceness she smelled from his litter only made her feel worse about how her sire and mother had treated Ran. “Our males have endured worse than scouting out humans.” Angela was pretty and didn’t smell worried as she reassured Olivia. Olivia sat on a barstool that faced the open counter separating the kitchen from the living room. She sipped some incredibly good sweet iced tea and watched the walls when they noticeably shook from the horrendous wind outside. Weather like this would make it difficult as hell to sniff out accurately the direction of smells or how close or far away they were. She didn’t doubt for a moment Angela was as nervous as she was that her mate was out there. “That isn’t necessarily reassuring,” Olivia said, grinning at the pretty female. Angela faced her on another stool, jiggling her ice in her glass and staring at it. “VicMoran males are hard-headed and when they set their mind into doing something, it’s as if all three hold the same scent and you’re fighting three times the strength of your own male.” “You seem to be handling it okay.” Angela nodded but didn’t smile. She took the praise as factual and not something to boast about. Olivia decided she liked the female who moved with such grace and was distractingly pretty but held an air of humility that smelled really good along with her pride. “They won’t be bullied. No matter how hard you try you’ll never control your mate.” Olivia really liked hearing Angela refer to Ran as her mate. And they were mated. No matter how the traditions might be worded, both of them did everything they said to do. If her litter wouldn’t bless the mating, it was their problem to live with, not hers. She honored her sire and mother. They were the ones who refused to be honored. They’d already consummated their mating in their flesh and their fur. She had no idea if there were a tradition or law that covered their particular situation, but didn’t really care. Ran was her mate. She also could smell the warning Angela was politely trying to give her. “You think I’ll be like my mother,” Olivia said, not making it a question. Angela shot her a quick look. “No. Not at all.” She didn’t smell of a lie.
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Olivia held her hand up to silence Angela before she could continue stammering over her words in an effort to show Olivia she meant no harm. “It’s okay. I would probably guess the same thing. We do tend to run the way our litter shows us to run.” Olivia sipped her tea and stared at the walls again. “I honestly detest how my mother can be. Trust me, if you’ve ever seen her in action, she’s even worse in the privacy of our den and especially when she’s trying to control me.” “I’m sure it’s because she loves you,” Angela said soothingly. “It is,” Olivia said without hesitating. “She loves me very much. But I won’t ever try to manipulate the direction anyone runs, especially Ran. His decisions are almost always right anyway. Besides, if I did manage to control his actions, how would I know if he’s happy? How would I know anything about him at all? He would be running when I said run, sniffing when I say sniff, where would that get us?” “Nowhere,” Angela mused. “Castrating a male isn’t pretty. Males need to be free, to provide and care for their den. If they feel enslaved, inevitably they will start sniffing for better hunting ground. I’ve never seen a mating like that go well.” Olivia imagined her sire and mother, pulling up images in her mind of them interacting. Her mother was a bossy bitch, continually nagging at her sire, telling him how to think, how to howl. Her sire was either really good at controlling the smell of his emotions or he was happy. She stared at the window, which had thick curtains covering it. They moved slightly, the wind so strong even this well-insulated den couldn’t keep the weather out. As she watched, she noticed a trail of water stream down the wall under the window. Olivia jumped up, all too aware with how these storms could damage the best-built dens. “Angela,” she said, remaining calm but pointing as she moved around the counter. Angela turned as well and saw what Olivia pointed at. “Oh hell,” she cried out, hurrying over to the leaking window. When she moved the thick curtain and stared at the water seeping through the bottom of the window, Olivia guessed she didn’t have the experience with these storms that Olivia had. Angela smelled incredibly grateful and willingly hurried through her den, grabbing whatever supplies Olivia requested as the two of them began better securing every window in the den. “Ideally, you should have shutters outside your den that you can close and secure when these storms come through,” Olivia offered, hearing her mother boast how so few in Guarida these days had their den properly prepared for the storms that would come through this badly at least several times a year. “We didn’t know,” Angela muttered, straightening and staring at their work when they’d finished the last window in their bedroom. “But we do now,” she said, beaming at Olivia. “Thank you. I’m sure you probably saved our den,” she announced then gave Olivia a hug. 131
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“We should let new jaguars in Guarida know how to properly build their dens,” Olivia said out loud. She made a mental note to write a reminder in her ledger for the next community meeting in the gathering den. It might help make them stronger if a den was designated the welcoming den. Any new den entering Guarida, and there’d been a lot in the past year, would be greeted and taught how to survive the rain forest. Angela didn’t understand Olivia was proclaiming her freedom. No longer did she answer to her mother. Olivia was her own female, with her own den. If something needed done to make their community better, stronger, she would see to it with all claws and teeth that it got done. No more pouting behind her mother when Bonnie Sancerre refused to assist any other den, commenting only how it would make their den appear better, and all of them smarter when the Sancerre den didn’t suffer as the rest of the community. “If there are any of us left,” Angela said, sounding unsure of herself for the first time since Olivia had entered her den. “Greed is incredibly addictive and an insane motivator,” she added, lowering her voice as if she mumbled more to herself than trying to make conversation with Olivia. “I’ll never understand it.” Olivia followed her out of the bedroom after doing what they could to secure each window and returned to the open living room, kitchen area. Angela stared at her walls, at her windows as her scent turned. Olivia didn’t blame her a bit for worrying. Another thing her mother never would have done, and Olivia eagerly did now, was slide her arm around Angela’s back, giving her a quick hug. “We need to be strong,” she whispered. “None of us are motivated by greed and you know fighting with honor always helps lead any jaguar to victory.” She’d never been an advocate of quoting traditions or laws, especially since she never knew for sure if she was saying them right, but she knew she’d heard someone howl it in her past and the words were encouraging now. “I guess I haven’t smelled the outcome of any of this yet, so you might be right.” Angela backed out of the hug but her smile smelled sincere. “And we definitely have the best males fighting on our side,” she added, her grin broadening and contagious. The storm continued blowing and thrashing tree branches and streams of pounding rain against the den into the night. No one came to the door, although it would be difficult to travel outside. Olivia worried about Ran, pacing more than once as she and Angela fell into a comfortable silence. Their scents mingled, both of them experiencing the same emotions, wondering where their mates were. “Raul has been gone too long,” Angela finally cried out, dragging her hands through her hair as she scowled at the kitchen. “They left several hours ago and all they were supposed to do was learn what types of weapons the humans are using. You’d think by now they would have smelled the humans out well enough to learn the best way to counterattack and end this ordeal.” Olivia wanted to know the same thing and didn’t have a good answer. She knew she would go crazy penned up in this den much longer. “They’re going to be back
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soon,” she decided, and ignored Angela’s frustrated stare. “So, we should ready ourselves for them. Can we make food? Have towels ready?” Angela growled and again Olivia agreed with her. She didn’t want to prepare for her mate’s possible needs when he returned from a dangerous hunt. She wanted to be out there with him, suffering the elements and doing what was necessary to protect all their dens. “There are more towels in the linen closet outside the bathroom.” Angela gestured with her hand as she headed around the counter. A moment later the rich smell of coffee filled the air. There wasn’t a lot to do and Olivia found herself standing at the front door, moving a curtain from an exposed window. As if worrying about Ran weren’t enough, her thoughts drifted to her mother and sire. They would have the shutters pulled over the windows, preventing them from seeing outside. She imagined them either sitting in the living room, quiet and perspective, or fighting and arguing over whatever fit their mood at the moment. Which would be her. Olivia sighed. She didn’t like the thought of her litter upset with her. Unfortunately, she didn’t have a clue how to bridge the damage done. She didn’t feel too forgiving and that was what it would take on both their parts. “Angela,” she said, her voice cracking as she pulled herself out of her meandering thoughts and focused outside into the storm. “I swear there are jaguars moving around in center ground.” Angela hurried to the window, yanking the other curtain out of her way and holding it high as she squinted into the terrible storm outside. Two black jaguars bounded up the stairs, coming straight to the door as she and Angela watched. Olivia jumped back, hissing. Angela growled but didn’t jump out of the way. She would protect her den to the death. Olivia didn’t have that connection to this hut built in the tree, but she thought of Ran. He cared for this female and loved his littermates. She didn’t need to have littermates of her own to know how strong that bond would be. She braced herself, feeling sparks ignite in her spine as she prepared for an attack. There wasn’t time to tell Angela she was there for her. The next moment the two jaguars were at the door. Olivia breathed in the smell of their soaked coats. There was something else, but she didn’t have time to register what it was until Angela opened the door, snarling and yelling at both males as she grabbed towels. “Get this den dirty, Raul VicMoran, and I swear I’ll tear your throat out,” she snarled, stepping in between both deadly, large cats as she opened a towel. They were quickly soaked by rain as the door flew all the way open. Olivia squinted against the spray and cold, torturous wind as she stared into intense green eyes that looked ready to devour her. She wasn’t scared, nor did she smell fear from any of them. Raul and Ran’s outrage and adrenaline were dominating, but their overwhelming emotions weren’t directed at Olivia or Angela. 133
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Not that Olivia suspected that for a moment. “What happened?” she whispered, although with the high-pitched wind and the commotion the two males were making as their claws clicked against the floorboards, she doubted anyone heard her. She reacted quickly when Angela tossed her a towel. It was obvious what its use was for when both men began straightening until they stood on two feet. The smell of wet fur continued to linger around them even when Raul reached for the door and used more than a bit of force to close it against the wind. He held the towel his mate had given him around his waist as he stood, dripping water on the floor. Olivia handed Ran his towel the moment he had hands and immediately grabbed another one to try drying him. Neither male seemed too worried about the huge puddles they were leaving in the entrance to the den. “I’ll bring you a pair of sweats to the bathroom,” Raul told Ran. His voice was raspy as if he’d been screaming and yelling the entire time he’d been gone. Ran nodded and followed Raul, with Angela hurrying at his heels. When the two turned to the bedroom, Ran turned the opposite way down the small hallway to the bathroom. Olivia wasn’t going to stand in the living room alone, breathing in so many disturbing emotions and not having a clue what was going on. She hurried after Ran and was relieved to see he held the bathroom door open, waiting for her. “What happened?” she asked again. Ran yanked the towel free from around his waist and began rubbing his hair dry. It wasn’t in its ponytail holder and fell wildly around him. Olivia used the towel she still had in her hands and began rubbing his back, aware of his rippling muscles moving and flexing under her touch. “We were setup. There’s no other logical explanation for so many humans surrounding Guarida.” Ran peered out from under his towel, his eyes still wild and the color of the forest. “Obviously humans learn faster than some of us give them credit. With the amount of humans surrounding us right now, they are hell-bent and determined to put each one of us in a cage.” “How many?” she asked as a sinking feeling knotted in her gut. There were stories told to each generation of how jaguars were destroyed, forced to run from their dens, either burned out, killed or attacked so ruthlessly out of fear or jealousy from humans. Olivia wasn’t sure why she’d always been so sure nothing like that would ever happen to her. “What’s going on out there?” she demanded, although she lowered her voice to a raspy whisper. Ran faced her, dropping his towel and studying her, his hair tousled and falling in thick black strands to his shoulders. Another time Olivia wouldn’t have been able to stand in such a confined space with Ran naked and close enough he almost touched her. “There were hundreds of humans lying in the forest. On either side of Guarida.” Ran’s tone was so serious it wasn’t hard to imagine how critical their situation was. “They know exactly where we are. Those first human soldiers didn’t have a clue. This
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group of humans doesn’t appear intent on starting more fires but then running at the first sign of tooth and claw.” Olivia swallowed and straightened. No one would ever say she cowered at the first sign of life-threatening danger. “What are we going to do?” She didn’t smile when Ran’s expression softened for the first time. He ran his fingers down the side of her face. “We have one hell of a battle to fight,” he whispered. There was a soft tapping on the door and Olivia turned, opening it far enough to stare into Ran’s littermate’s hard expression. He was a dangerous-looking male, so much more serious and brooding than Ran. His expression didn’t change when he handed her a pair of sweatpants. Olivia accepted them, nodding once and lowering her gaze as she backed up against Ran’s chest. “My litter likes you,” he growled into her ear, wrapping his arm around her waist and keeping her pinned against him after closing the bathroom door. “Even Rafe?” she asked, and turned in his arms, trying for a humorous smell in spite of how serious matters were. Ran offered a small smile as he rubbed her arms. “No one cares what he thinks.” Olivia’s chuckle was dry. Ran teased about his littermate. He would fight to the death to protect all of his litter. His honor never wavered. She sobered as she stared into Ran’s haunted-looking eyes. “I need to hear all the details, Ran,” she urged. He’d said there was one hell of a battle ahead of them and there wasn’t anything worse than going into a fight blindly. “What did you do while you were out there? You were gone awhile.” “We ran south of here and didn’t go far before we sniffed out the humans. There were so many the rain couldn’t wash away their stale stench.” Ran took the sweats from her and shook them out then pulled them up his still-damp legs. “When we circled around the edge of our community two things became clear.” “What was that?” Ran faced the small mirror over the sink after he put on the sweatpants and made a feeble attempt to straighten his hair. When he faced her, Olivia didn’t move to let them out of the bathroom but instead began combing out his hair with her fingers. “We’re surrounded by humans who are heavily armed, complete with human military trucks that appear to be filled with empty cages and are trampling down and destroying everything in their path as they move in closer around us.” “Okay,” she said slowly, digesting what he was telling her. “Which, as we suspected, confirms the Costa Rican government has nothing to do with this.” “Right,” she said, staring at him and silently encouraging him to continue. “What else did you find out?” “Someone here in Guarida had to tip them off as to where we were and when to attack.” 135
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Chapter Thirteen Ran paced the length of his littermate’s living room. Raul had a computer but it wasn’t half as extensive as what Ran had at his own den. He didn’t have the same programs loaded. Although Ran had planned on adding them, he’d never gotten around to it. And in this storm, it would be difficult at best to track down signals and gain more information without the proper programs and settings. “If they’re going to keep lying out there in this storm, I think we should attack them,” Rafe announced, scowling at no one in particular as he hunched over the end of the counter. “Maybe you could learn more at your den.” Raul gripped his mug just under his nose so the steam from his coffee rose in front of his face. “Think you could break into their transmissions and figure out their method of attack?” “It’s worth a shot.” Ran stared at Olivia’s ass as she stood with her back to all of them and peered out the window on the door. “It would take time we might not have though. We’re better off trying to sniff out what the humans are planning.” “You were out there,” Rafe argued. “You couldn’t smell crap if it wasn’t right in front of you.” “Our senses aren’t doing us any good staying in this den,” Olivia said as she turned and faced all of them. Rafe straightened, glaring at Olivia. She either didn’t notice or ignored him. Olivia started across the living area, focusing on Ran, as if they were the only two in the room. “The high winds and rain make it hard to smell anything, let alone what direction it’s coming from. That’s a serious handicap for us. Yet the humans don’t attack.” She began grinning as she moved closer until she stood in front of Ran, staring up at him, her eyes glowing and her cheeks full of color. “Don’t you wonder why they are just sitting out there getting soaked?” “Maybe they are waiting for us to come to them,” Angela suggested. “If I were waiting to attack, I would guess my enemy would send all of their best males and females to attack first, leaving those not as strong or too young to guard the dens.” “Exactly!” Olivia spun around, pointing at Angela. She just as quickly returned her attention to Ran. “Do you believe the humans out there can beat us?” “Some might die honorably but we’ll be triumphant,” Raul answered before Ran could, his tone serious. She didn’t notice the focused looks his litter gave her. Ran noticed. He stared into his new mate’s eyes, seeing them radiate with pent-up energy, the desire to fight and
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defend what was hers. Olivia’s honor and loyalty to all that was rightfully theirs was commendable and a surge of pride hit him. “What do you suggest we do?” he asked. “Pretend we’re human.”
***** Ran wasn’t smiling, not anymore. Not that anyone noticed. Olivia’s incredibly satisfied smell had clung to her clear up until they’d all left his littermate’s den after she’d shared her idea of mingling among the humans. His litter had approved and their opinion of her rose. Even Rafe thought better of her, not that he’d tell her or Ran. He was a stubborn pain in the ass, but not someone Ran could worry about right now. Standing under the large-leafed tree only made the rain drops noisier when they splattered over leaves and branches. Ran squinted as a cold splash hit his cheek bone. Tucking Olivia in next to him, he grabbed Raul’s attention. They didn’t try to speak to each other. Hand gestures worked better in the dark with the storm raging around them. Raul nodded when Ran pointed in the direction he and Olivia would head. Raul, Rafe and Miguel gestured the directions they would take. Their plan was to circle around the large human campground and learn what they could before attacking. Ran gave his littermates a sharp wave before turning the two of them deeper into the forest. Olivia’s hood hid her face, but when he tucked his arm through her armhole, and wrapped his hand around her waist, the soft sashay of her hips managed to make the nasty storm not so bad. Not to mention, she wasn’t shivering. Olivia walked tall with pride, the top of her head reaching his chin. Her eyes glowed and were alert as she darted her attention from tree to tree, then on the human camp when the direction they walked brought them in closer. The hood over her head sagged, soaked with water, and he had more of a view of her face. She was focused on her surroundings, watching for anything out of the ordinary, but there was also a pinched, determined look on her face. His little cat was ready to attack and defend their den, and all the dens in Guarida. Ran’s heart swelled and he cupped his palm around her slender hip on the opposite side of her from the one pressed against him. She was soft, warm, attentive and wound tight for attack. Ran couldn’t have chosen a better mate for himself if he’d actually made the conscious decision to do so and had systematically gone through each available female. He would have chosen Olivia. She was the best, and she was his. Her free hand came out of her poncho and she wiped her face then glanced up at him. Her hard, focused expression softened. When she blinked, large droplets of water spilled off her clumped lashes. Ran fought the urge to reach up and wipe more water from her face. Allowing her to distract him could cost them their lives though. He gave her a slight squeeze, feeling her hip bone and fighting the urge to run his hand down her side.
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Forcing his attention from her face, he guided them through thick undergrowth around large trees. He had half a mind to shed the ponchos but they did make both of them appear more human. The ponchos had been among their supplies and Ran had noticed a lot of the humans wearing them when he’d spotted them earlier. Now, moving closer to where they’d seen the troops lying in wait earlier, before returning to Raul’s den, his heart started pounding and adrenaline began pumping inside him. Olivia grabbed his wrist at the same time he saw the movement ahead of them. He wasn’t sure if the rain was finally letting up or if the denseness of the forest was finally offering some cover, but the large splashes of water weren’t pestering them quite as much. It was getting so dark their human eyes were almost useless, one of the worst things about the rain forest. At least for anyone walking on two legs. The flashes of light ahead of them might as well have been beacons, announcing beyond doubt they’d found whom they were looking for. Ran took a few more steps then stopped them, pulling Olivia closer to him and edging both of them up against a thick trunk, which cast them deeper into black shadows. “You think we’re best off waiting for early dawn?” a male ahead of them said. Olivia’s fingernails damn near sliced into his flesh. She didn’t move though and Ran remained frozen where he was. He hadn’t noticed the handful of male humans standing not too far through the trees. If both parties had continued walking without speaking, Ran and Olivia might very well have walked right into the human males before they smelled them. The rich, overly sweet smell of drenched flowers hanging from the trees and the pungent aroma of soaked earth beneath them were such rich odors. Not to mention the hard, slicing raindrops successfully washed all smells away before they could be sniffed out. “Do you want an even fight? Jaguars can see in the night as if it were day. Waiting for daylight will even the odds.” “What about taking them by surprise? Wouldn’t that benefit us? We have ways of lighting up the night.” There was a thick accent to the male’s English. “Trust me on this. Don’t you think I would know best?” A third voice spoke, the chilling authority in his tone suggested he might be in charge. There was something else about his voice, something Ran couldn’t put his claw on. “Attack at dawn. If you attack now, you’ll capture only a few jaguars and more of your men will die. You’ll gain a better profit by waiting for daylight.” “I guess you would know,” the first voice said. At the same time something flashed in the night. It flashed a few more times as if it were an oversized firefly. But then the small flame from a lighter raged to life and the disgusting smell of burning tobacco trickled through the damp air. Ran caught sight of four males, two with their backs to him and two facing his direction. One had a thick face, with kinky black hair cut close around his head. The other male stood facing Ran but stared toward the ground. Ran didn’t need to see his
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face though to know who he was. The VicMoran litter had run with the Hunter litter since they had all been cubs. Olivia might not realize David Hunter stood among the humans ahead of them, but it wouldn’t take her long to figure out. Ran raised his hand, putting it to her mouth just in time. She almost gasped. Her moist lips pressed against his fingers, her mouth open and her eyes even wider when she stared up at Ran. He nodded slowly and moved his hand, although took a moment to trace a line over her full, red lips. The disgust that transformed her expression in the next moment didn’t bother him. He agreed with Olivia. Any jaguar who would turn on their own kind and run with humans couldn’t die a painful enough death. “Would you put that out?” David hissed. The lighter was extinguished but the human took a long drag on the cigarette, adding to the stench and making it clear where they stood even after they were all engulfed in darkness. “Head back to your camp. If you want this to be successful, follow my advice.” “You haven’t steered me wrong yet,” the human with the deepest voice said. “I don’t quite understand what you have against these jaguars though. Aren’t you one of them?” “Truth be told I don’t have a thing against these jaguars,” David answered, keeping his voice soft and low although the coldness in his words was easy to hear. “They just happened to choose the wrong part of the world to call their home. And yes, I am one of them, which is something all of you would be smart not to forget. We’re on the same side, right now. But screw me in any way on this…” “Threats aren’t necessary,” the human said, almost sounding more bored than worried. “As long as we’re clear.” “You want the jaguars off this land; we want to train them to work for us. Although those we don’t take are your problem. If you still don’t want them on this land, you can deal with the local government.” The man wasn’t the only one to laugh at his last comment. “I think our arrangement will work out fine. Doesn’t sound to me as if working together will be a problem.” “Excellent. Head back to your camp. I’ll come see you in the morning and you’ll start your attack,” David instructed. “There’s just one thing I don’t get,” the human said, ignoring David once again and not heading out anywhere. “I don’t understand what you think is so important in this part of the rain forest. If there were anything of value, we would have found it years ago. Not to mention, you know digging up the rain forest will cause you more headaches than it’s worth.” “I’ll hardly be digging up the rain forest,” David said, sounding good-natured. “You’re doing a hell of a lot more damage with the trucks you plan on using to haul the males and females you capture out of here.” 139
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The human chuckled. Ran held Olivia close, listening as bile rose in his throat. He would take pride in ripping Hunter’s throat to shreds. His spine prickled with the urge to change and his fingers tingled, anxious to release his deadly claws and attack the traitor in front of him. “We’ll be out of here before the local government even knows we were here,” the human drawled. “If all goes as it should, we attack, capture and head out.” “Then return home and collect your money,” David added. All the humans laughed at this comment. There was a bit of back-slapping before they parted ways. David took only a minute to say goodbye to the humans. While they trudged back in the direction of their camp, David Hunter lingered, as if he suspected them watching him. Ran waited, holding Olivia, daring the asshole to successfully sniff him out. He’d kill him right here, before any more plans were made. Another long moment passed before Hunter turned away from Ran and Olivia, heading toward Guarida. He’d just successfully turned his own kind over to the humans and now thought he’d go have a good night’s sleep in his den. Olivia was apparently as charged as Ran was. The moment they were alone, she lunged ahead of him, ready to take off after David Hunter. Ran managed to grab her, but not without sensing her instant reaction to turn and attack. He saw the fire in her eyes when she turned on him, the flash of brilliant green, glowing in spite of the pitchblack forest around them. Her inner passion, her craving to see justice prevail was all it took to cause every inch of her to damn near radiate with the burning need to destroy. They followed him, keeping a steady and torturously slow pace while working their way through the dark forest and back toward everyone’s dens. It had stopped raining but the thick, inky blackness that enveloped the forest every night could prove deadly if not given its respect. Ran had met this forest for the first time in this incredible darkness. That night seemed another lifetime ago when he and his brothers, along with Angela, had spent their first night here. Now he was with his mate, holding her close and moving with the forest instead of fighting it. The forest ended and they stared out at the clearing. Guarida was within view, center ground filled with small groups of males and females who’d left their dens after the storm ended. Ran scanned each group, making note who was with whom. He didn’t see his litter, but he did see David Hunter. “Oh crap,” Olivia whispered, more than likely noticing him at the same moment Ran did. “The asshole is talking with my sire and mother.” “Let’s get out of these,” Ran suggested, tugging on his poncho. “Carefully,” he added. With lights surrounding center ground they’d be easier spotted in the ponchos. Olivia followed suit, making sure not to let the wet plastic make too much noise as she slid it over her head. Her thick black hair tumbled as if it were a twisted rope unrolling down her back. The ponchos did help keep them dry but nonetheless the clothes Angela had given Olivia clung to her slender body. Her nipples pinged against
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the sweatshirt and the full, round curves of her breasts were apparent from how the material hung on her. Ran managed to take his off as well but damn near shredded the plastic by doing so. He didn’t want his view of his adorable female hindered for even a moment. They still had one hell of a night ahead of them. From what he’d seen so far, lines would be crossed and too much bloodshed before he was able to take his brand-new mate to his bed. There wouldn’t be a problem staying focused. Too much was at risk. That didn’t mean at moments such as this he wouldn’t take every opportunity to adore Olivia’s sensual body and imagine what he would do with her later. After balling her poncho up, Olivia took Ran’s from him and did the same, creating a small pillow-sized roll of plastic that she dropped to the ground in front of them then squatted in front of it. Ran bent down next to her, letting the thick bushes serve as a shield as he sniffed the air and occasionally checked over his shoulder. “What did he mean when he said all we’d done is make the mistake of building our dens in the wrong spot?” Olivia asked. “I’m not sure but we’re going to find out.” He spotted Raul and Rafe at the other side of center ground, more than likely returning from exploring that side of the forest. “Let’s go meet my litter.” “Don’t you mean our litter?” she asked, a glint of humor returning to her eyes. “I do mean that,” he told her, planting a quick kiss on her lips and pulling away in time to watch her lashes flutter over her eyes. The many different plants and trees in the rain forest created a medley of smells. Even though it wasn’t pouring anymore, picking out specific smells would still be difficult until the forest dried a bit. But when he placed his lips over Olivia’s, for a moment, all he breathed was their combined scents. They had created an aroma so rich, so intoxicating and perfect, Ran could inhale it all day and still crave more. Olivia, along with her scent, was a drug he would never be able to run without. “It better not be something you ever forget,” Olivia whispered, and brought her mouth to his for another kiss. She nipped his lower lip instead and hummed, although it sounded like a low growl too. Ran would have been harder than steel at that moment if he didn’t force himself to focus on the danger surrounding them. Instead of throwing her to the ground, and he wouldn’t deny the thought did pop into his head, Ran grabbed her by the neck, holding her face inches from his, and let his vision blur for just a second on her incredible beauty. Letting her know how much power she held over him would be his demise though. Ran already knew the females in her litter would carry a leash with pride if not properly tamed. “Not only will I never forget,” he whispered, watching her eyes as she studied him. “But, my sweet little cat, no one else will ever forget either.”
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Olivia’s mouth closed. She moistened her lips and a small smile appeared. Ran didn’t doubt she’d have something to say, but this time, she would hear him and do as he said. “You’re going to remain by my side. If your name is called, I will address whoever howls for you and will approach them with you by my side. If we can’t go to whomever wishes to see you at that moment, I will tell them so, and you’ll say nothing. No matter what you smell, your place is with me now.” “Yes,” she murmured. Ran’s heart exploded in his chest. He’d always guessed at some point in his life he would take a mate, but he never imagined it would feel like this. It had to be love. No other emotion he knew of would hurt so deeply and make him feel so damn good at the same time. “Good.” It was all he could mutter, but as he pulled her up next to him, he noticed the change in his scent. Olivia still looked at him as he focused on center ground, but there wasn’t any missing how strong and appealing the aroma was. Their love smelled amazing. Olivia grabbed their ponchos and tucked them under her arm. Ran took her free hand and they walked out of the forest. David Hunter turned his attention to both of them the moment they appeared. “Don’t look at him,” Ran said under his breath. “You have nothing to worry about.” “Good to hear, but I don’t want him to think we’re giving him any more attention than we would any other time. He can’t smell our anger or suspicions, not yet.” “I want to rip his throat out,” she growled, keeping her voice low. Ran fought a smile. That would be one hell of a show. “Not yet, my feisty cat,” he whispered, and led her across center ground, past her sire and mother and Hunter and straight to his litter. “We’ve got serious trouble,” he told Raul as soon as he stood next to him. “You’re right, we do,” Raul said, his face pinched with anger. “I take it you found humans?” “More than humans.” Raul looked at him, giving him his full attention. Rafe closed in as well, creating a huddle. Ran shook his head. “Not here,” he murmured. Both of them nodded, understanding. Rafe had rounded up every available jaguar who was capable of fighting. Miguel stood at the entrance of the large hut used for their gatherings. The items they’d confiscated from the humans were still stacked on a row of tables. Jaguars entered, sober and wary, glancing at the human weapons then choosing seats on the opposite side of the hut. Even after the storm the weapons still possessed the stench of humans. 142
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Olivia’s arm brushed against Ran’s when they entered the gathering den. Already a fair amount of the dens were inside. It made Ran nervous. They were vulnerable huddled together in the large hut. He put his arm around Olivia, preventing her from heading down the middle row with chairs and tables on either side. Instead, he guided her along the back wall, making eye contact with Rafe as they approached him. “You don’t look good.” Rafe wasn’t making jokes. He might not be thrilled by Ran’s choice in mates, but he honored the female at Ran’s side, nodding once, his expression hard as stone. “What did you find?” “A traitor,” Ran hissed under his breath, looking around the room and spotting the Hunter den, David with his brother and sister, at the opposite side of the hut. They were talking to a few other dens. “This meeting needs to be short and vague,” he added. “This traitor is here?” Rafe asked, his lip curling as his anger began spicing up the air around them. “Keep your emotions in check,” Ran hissed, but then leaned into his littermate and whispered what they’d heard and seen in the forest. “I wanted to rip his throat out so bad I swear I already tasted his blood in my mouth.” Rafe wasn’t able to hold back a low, menacing growl. He did manage to keep his outrage from creating more of a stink. Granted, enough of the jaguars in the hut were upset over the howlings they’d caught bits and pieces of since leaving their dens after the rain stopped. The gathering den was a mixture of vile and pungent odors. The dens were mainly sitting at the tables when Ran, Olivia and Rafe worked their way around the edge of the large room. Most of them had finished with whatever howling they might have exchanged and began glancing around. The anxiousness in the air made it even tighter with the mugginess after the storm adding a sticky thickness that caused everyone’s emotions to hang heavily around them. “Ran,” Olivia nudged, running her hand up his arm. She’d done an outstanding job of honoring her den with nods and even taking a moment to hug her sire before they’d entered the gathering den, but remained close to Ran. Now she gripped his arm, tugging slightly. “I think your littermate is trying to get your attention.” Ran glanced toward Raul and so did Rafe. Their littermate gestured for both of them to join him and his mate at the other side of the hut. “Are you going to tell him?” Rafe asked, glancing over his shoulder, but then turned and led the way around the edge of the large room. “We aren’t starting any howlings until he knows everything.” “What’s wrong?” Raul asked, barely moving his mouth and not making eye contact with Ran or Rafe. Instead, he continued moving his gaze slowly across the room, as if making a mental inventory of everyone present. Ran paused at Raul’s side, but Rafe moved in next to him with his back to the room. His body served as somewhat of a shield when Ran began whispering. As well, very few jaguars around them would be able to see Ran’s mouth moving. Olivia’s hand slid 143
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down his arm and into his hand. Her soft, warm grip added to his resolve to plot out their attack carefully. They would have one chance. Ran wasn’t worried about being captured by humans, even with all their weapons. He was more concerned with how many jaguars were helping the humans, and unfortunately there wouldn’t be time to sniff out the stench of traitors among them. “We found the group of humans all of us found earlier,” Ran began. Rafe shifted from side to side. He wouldn’t interrupt his littermate but his peaking adrenaline added to the urgency of the moment. Raul didn’t have all the details and already a turbulence of violent emotions made his green eyes darker. “This time, though, we spotted David Hunter out there too.” “Hunter?” Raul never had liked that litter but disliked David even more after the male tried to take Angela a couple of years ago. He said his last name as if it were profane. “The jaguar has no fucking honor,” he grumbled under his breath although Raul wasn’t trying to be too quiet. “I told Miguel as much, but what could the male do when he wanted Guarida to grow, and all I had on the wasted piece of flesh was his lack of scruples and honor.” Ran knew it would take little to spur his littermate into attacking David. The other dens wouldn’t understand, and the last thing they needed was a bloodbath. Ran straightened, facing Raul and forcing Rafe to step to the side so he could see Raul too. “His lack of honor has reached new lows.” Apparently Ran stood too close to Raul, drawing attention to them. Angela and Olivia were suddenly hovering around the males, their concern smelling strong enough to almost block out everyone else’s scents. Ran kept talking, keeping his voice low. It was hard not being distracted by the sounds around them. He wanted to know who might be watching them or trying to overhear. Turning to look at the males and females around him though, would make him appear suspicious. “Hunter told the humans to attack in the morning,” he said. “But the strange thing that makes no sense was his comment about not having anything against any of us other than we chose the wrong part of the world to build our dens,” Olivia broke in. Raul shifted his attention from Ran to Olivia, and for a moment, he looked so pissed he might strike out at her for interrupting. Olivia remained relaxed, returning his stare, with her scent as refreshing as it had been when she repeated what David said. “What did he say?” Raul demanded with a low, menacing tone after a mere moment passed. Olivia started to tell him. Ran wrapped his arm around her, pulling her against him. “He made a comment about this part of the world,” Ran told his littermate. Angela and Rafe watched him closely, neither one blinking or appearing to even take a breath. “The humans with him asked what he meant about it. They said if there were anything of value in this part of the rain forest their kind would have found it ages ago.”
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Raul nodded. “Unless it’s something that isn’t worth anything to humans.” “You have an idea what Hunter meant?” It hadn’t crossed Ran’s mind that Hunter’s confusing words might make sense to one of his littermates. He stared at Raul until his brother’s features relaxed some. For the first time since their conversation began, Raul broke contact with his littermates and glanced around the room. He was a tall jaguar, taller than many and did a quick sweep over everyone’s head before shifting his attention from Ran to Rafe. “I say we don’t let on we know any of this for now,” he suggested. “We need to put Hunter in a cage,” Rafe growled. Ran shook his head. “If we do that we’ll never know what Hunter thinks is so damn important that he’d lead humans to us and help them capture us.” “He told the humans to attack in the morning?” Raul asked. When Ran nodded, an almost cruel smile appeared on Raul’s face. “I’m announcing we’re attacking now, as soon as we’re ready to head out.” Raul broke up their little circle first, walked into his mate and put his arms around her. Ran continued to hold on to Olivia when he looked around the room. David Hunter wasn’t staring at him, but at Raul. And he didn’t look pleased. “We’ll stand over here,” Ran told Olivia as he started moving her to the wall where they’d be close to Raul if he needed Ran’s input but far enough away he could observe every jaguar’s reaction to anything Raul would say. Rafe moved past him and Olivia, working his way down the side of the gathering den. He stopped at the middle of the far pathway they had walked around to get to the front of the gathering. There were jaguars leaning against the wall and Ran leaned forward just a bit to see who Rafe decided to stand by. “Very interesting,” he mumbled softly enough he doubted anyone heard him. “What?” Olivia had leaned her backside against his front. She shifted slightly, turning and looking over her shoulder, her scent turning curious as she glanced up at him. Ran took a moment to glide his knuckles down the side of her cheek. “My littermate has decided to make company of the enemy,” he told her. Olivia wrinkled her brow and raised an eyebrow, her expression enough to show she needed more of an explanation. He couldn’t keep his hands off her. If her scent wasn’t enough to completely captivate him, Olivia’s soft, warm flesh intrigued him just as much. He would never tire of stroking her, caressing every inch of her body and watching patiently as every emotion came into view on her pretty face. Ran stared into her eyes but instead of continuing to move his hand down her face, he gripped her shoulders, adjusting her so she faced forward and no longer looked at him. He would have drowned in her beautiful green eyes, but lowering his face and nuzzling into her hair wasn’t so bad either.
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“Rafe moved a few jaguars down from us,” he explained, his mouth close to her ear as he stared at the floor in front of her. However, his entire body was alert to all movement around them. “He is standing with Anna Hunter, David’s littermate.” “Oh,” Olivia breathed, and turned her head, appearing as if she might move her face to steal a kiss from him. Ran knew she couldn’t sheath her curiosity fast enough and was focused past the jaguars next to them and checking out the female with Rafe. “I haven’t met her,” she added. Raul bellowed for everyone to be silent and Olivia jumped in Ran’s arms, startled by the sudden outburst. She then growled, obviously upset his littermate could get such a reaction out of her. After a moment, as the room settled and all eyes shifted to the front of the gathering den, Olivia relaxed, leaning back against him. “This will be a short meeting,” Raul announced, not bothering with any formal introductions. “Rafe has already organized a militia. If you’re willing to fight, when we’re done here in a few minutes, join him. I hope to see all jaguars of age joining to protect what is ours.” Raul looked over toward Rafe, and the angered expression already on his face twisted some more. Obviously he wasn’t pleased with whom Rafe chose to stand with during the meeting. “We’re surrounded by humans and they plan to attack us. Already scouts have run around the outer boundary of Guarida to learn how the humans wait. Obviously the storm makes it a lot harder for them to attack, but we also have to our advantage that humans aren’t nocturnal. More than likely most of them have been awake since before the sun came over the horizon this morning.” Ran glanced at David Hunter. The male stood next to John, his other littermate. The entire Hunter litter was whelped about a year after Ran and his litter were born. Although they’d grown up together, more than likely rolled and attacked each other as young cubs, Ran and his littermates had never spent a lot of time with the litter as they grew older. David and John Hunter were always part of group runs in Colony and it was common to see them howling in the bars along with the rest in their age group. Anna Hunter was hardly ever around. Ran hadn’t ever given her much thought, but now that he did, he imagined her litter kept her under lock and key. She was a very pretty female. Ran didn’t see anything in her that was all that exceptional though. “Why are they attacking us?” someone asked. Ran pulled himself from his thoughts and focused on the jaguars sitting at the tables and those around them, leaning against walls. “And so soon after the last attack,” Joshua Perez announced, puffing out his slender chest as he stood next to his mother. “Do they believe this will make us run?” “I’m not sure what they believe,” Raul said honestly. “Our scouts overheard a few conversations.”
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David was leaning into his littermate, whispering something to him, but at Raul’s words straightened and stared at him. Raul returned the stare and Ran swore he was witnessing a standoff. David knew he’d lost Angela to Raul, but that wouldn’t mean the two of them couldn’t find something else to fight over. Although, David being with those humans and the conversation Ran heard was enough to order David’s death. Ran didn’t doubt that would happen soon enough. He switched his attention to Raul, curious what he would say about the overheard conversations. “The humans have driven large trucks into the rain forest filled with cages they plan to use once they’ve captured us. Apparently enough howling has gone on about Natasha arranging humans to buy jaguars to do mercenary work, other governments want in on the action.” Raul barely took a breath as he spoke. Not that anyone would interrupt him. Even when he pulled his attention from Hunter and looked at the other jaguars, all of whom were giving him their undivided attention, David Hunter never looked away from Raul, nor did he try to whisper anything to anyone as some of the other jaguars did. “I think we can all smell this doesn’t have anything to do with the Costa Rican government. We’ve lived here peacefully alongside these humans for too many years for them to try to stir up trouble. Not to mention, the trucks plowing through the forest with an army of males and females marching along either side are tearing up the land around us. That alone will outrage the local human government. They do not want the rain forest disturbed in any way.” Raul’s growl grew louder as he continued. “These humans not only don’t care about another’s life or freedom, they also couldn’t care less about destroying perfectly good hunting ground.” “If they fight with no honor they’ll be an easy target to eliminate,” Miguel announced from where he stood at the opposite wall from Ran. His mate and their cubs were all around him. “They’re humans,” someone yelled from the back of the room. “That makes them an easy target right there.” The comments created an outburst as suddenly everyone had a comment to add. Raul raised his hands, ready to yell again for silence. Before he could speak, David Hunter spoke. “What are their orders?” he asked, his deep baritone sharp and commanding. The males and females around him looked at David. Then almost in unison everyone switched their attention to Raul, waiting for his response. Raul looked at David, the two males actually fairly close to each other with only one table and a few jaguars in between them. “To capture as many males, females and cubs alive as possible, take them and train them to run as mercenaries.” Raul didn’t raise his voice. His expression had relaxed and his calm tone, as well as his alarming answer kept the room silent. “I’m using the word government loosely because we aren’t sure where the humans are from, who are lining our borders. They wear no insignia indicating any one particular country. It’s very possible they are also mercenaries, willing to capture as many of us as possible to do
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their work for them.” He paused again, although it wasn’t necessary. No one in the room said a word. Raul had every one of their complete attentions. “We also believe the humans are here because someone has made them aware of our location. This individual wishes as many jaguars out of the way because they believe some incredible treasure is buried in or around Guarida and they want it for themselves.” David Hunter didn’t appear to notice Raul focused on him as he spoke. Instead, the male glanced at those around him. When he spotted Ran, he looked at him for a long moment until Olivia shifted uncomfortably in his arms. David looked away before Ran decided to wrap his arms tighter around her, a protective and definitely a possessive action. Any other time his little female would have hissed and scratched over him treating her like this. Ran kept his arms securely around her when Olivia leaned back, her soft, round ass pressing against his upper thighs. Ran doubted a situation could be grave enough for her hot, sexy body not to distract him. The room buzzed as once again every jaguar began speculating and offering suggestions as to what might be on their land of any value. “I’ve sniffed out every inch of the forest,” Joshua said, raising his voice and making it crack when he fought to be heard over the growing grumbles around him. “Our den moved here when I was a little cub. If there were anything buried around here I would have found it, or someone would have,” he added, shooting a furtive glance at his mother. “Humans only care about precious minerals or oil, stuff they can strip out of the earth,” he pointed out. “VicMoran just pointed out the humans are simply following orders,” David reminded the young male, although his voice wasn’t condescending. Instead he almost sounded humored. It was impossible to sniff him out with so many in the room though. “You must have a clue who is giving all these humans their commands.” Raul stared at Hunter, and Ran studied both of them. Miguel had been helping his mate keep their cubs from getting restless but stopped what he was doing, still keeping his young male cub in his grasp but looking from Raul to Hunter, his expression turning wary. Ran swore Raul snarled at David. His fury would easily be interpreted as outrage from learning others would try to capture and enslave them. David, however, appeared even more amused. If anything, the corner of his mouth twitched, as if he were not doing a very good job at hiding a smile. The damnable jaguar looked proud of his role in all of this and his look seemed to dare Raul to announce him the one responsible, as if he ached for the fame it would bring him. What it would bring him would be a swift death. His throat would be torn open and his skull smashed by the lucky jaguar who managed to get to him first. David didn’t appear the least bit worried. Ran wondered if he’d intentionally chosen to sit in the middle of the room, with an equal amount of jaguars on either side of him as well as in front and in back.
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Right now wasn’t the time to wait it out and learn from either of them what the source of their deeply embedded loathing might be. He let go of Olivia and stepped around her then almost lifted and placed her where he’d been standing. Ran left her to move next to his brother. “The one who has guided the humans, instructed them how to best attack us will very soon be in a cage,” he announced, raising his voice as he howled at the many males and females, as well as cubs, who shot their attention to him, almost shocked at Ran’s abrupt announcement. Once again the gathering den grew quiet. The tension in the room was thick enough to gag a male. He did his best not to let his own growing frustration smell too strong. “What we do know we’ll use to our advantage,” Ran said, raising his voice, although no one interrupted him. “These humans hovering around us, anxious to carry out their mission, will soon learn how grossly they were misled. If only they could detect the stench of a lie, more than likely they wouldn’t be out there believing they can enter our community and put us all in cages.” “But they are out there!” John Ramos brushed shoulders with his mate as he stuck his fist in the air and looked as if he fought the change. His teeth pressed against his lips more so than usual when he continued howling fiercely. “The humans waiting to capture us hold as little honor as the one who told them to come here. If they had an ounce of decency in them they wouldn’t be trying to force someone else to do their work for them.” His declaration created another round of howling and hissing. This time it sounded as if every jaguar in the large thatched hut roared as the smell of aggressive determination flooded the air until it was hard to breathe. John Ramos and his mate Margie stood in a row toward the edge. John Hunter, David’s littermate, was on the other side of Ramos’ mate. Ramos looked at Hunter, nodding as if he believed Hunter would readily agree with his howling. Ran tilted his head, studying the male. John’s expression was definitely guarded. He didn’t howl with the rest of them. But was there a look of sadness or possibly bitterness on John Hunter’s face? Ran wasn’t able to continue watching him when the jaguars around him began swaying as they howled. A few even leapt around the chairs, moving to the aisles. Adrenaline ran too fiercely through every jaguar in the gathering den for most of them to remain seated. Everyone began roaring a chant, “Jaguars will survive”, announcing their victory as if they’d already killed the humans. If Raul didn’t organize them soon and send them out to hunt down the humans, fights would break out among them. Even the air was charged with energy that seemed to spark around Ran as he turned his attention to his littermate. “If you’re fighting, meet outside and we’ll prepare our attack,” Rafe yelled into the crowd of jaguars. Everyone began moving. Rafe’s instruction was enough of an announcement that the meeting was over. Ran couldn’t think of any reason to keep everyone in there a moment longer. No jaguar liked a situation where their senses were handicapped. And 149
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with all of them so close, anger, hatred and fear rolled over each other, creating a stench Ran would be glad to have out of his system. He would have loved to run outside into the fresh air. Ran needed to return to Olivia, and as well, needed to know Raul was level-headed and good to fight. The anger in his expression a few minutes ago was stronger than Ran had ever seen on his littermate before. “Your mother and sire raised your litter on our traditions and laws, right?” Anita Perez asked as she approached the two of them. Joshua walked alongside his mother, easily moving chairs out of her way to clear a path until she paused in front of Ran and Raul. “Of course,” Raul said, his voice once again soft, relaxed and calm. There wasn’t a bit of negative emotion on him anywhere when he nodded once, giving the older female respect with his silent greeting. “So you can recite the law on going to war against another species?” She pinned Raul with her shrewd stare. Anita Perez was honored and respected by every litter in Guarida. Her widow status put her in a unique position. She wasn’t outranked by anyone, but at the same time, didn’t have the authority to give anyone orders. Raul laughed easily. The sound seemed foreign in the still-hostile-smelling environment. “No, Anita,” he said. “I doubt anyone can recite the laws you mention.” “Don’t you dare howl as if they don’t exist.” Anita pointed at Raul, narrowing her gaze on him. “Always fight with honor, whether it be for first blood or death.” She straightened to just over five feet and lowered her voice, sounding reverent as she spoke. “If the attack is planned, pay heed to whom you shall attack. The oldest of dens survive by knowing what is worth death and what will wound the pride.” Ran had no idea if the older female quoted words she’d made up or heard howled from some authority. Raul wouldn’t know either but he wouldn’t insult Anita. “Good words to live by,” he told her seriously. “That is exactly what they are.” Once again she sounded stern. “If you don’t live by them, you die by them.” She pulled her gaze from Raul for the first time and bore her penetrating gaze into Ran when she continued her recitation. “No jaguar will ever enter into battle with anyone who isn’t an even match. Attack and draw blood with a dishonorable army and taste their tainted blood on your lips. Stay true to blood already spilled and follow the wisdom of your ancestors. They have brought you here and from here you shall watch your litter grow. Not once shall you turn your back on your enemy. But to the one who has betrayed all and strives to say the laws are his own, he must be destroyed before the sparks in his spine ignite.”
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Chapter Fourteen Olivia allowed the change to take over. Her human adrenaline changed into an animalistic need, hunger, blood lust. The moist air suddenly was heavier, as if her flesh felt every droplet of air captured in the humidity after a storm. She heard the tiny water droplets stream down leaves overhead. As she dropped to all fours and her fur evened out over her body, Olivia glanced around, immediately seeing Ran next to her and breathing in his rich all-male scent. Her male. Rafe ran the length of the jaguars, his long tail slicing through the air. He kept them herded in center ground, although they were quickly running out of room. Males and females had dropped to all fours and snarled at each other, some rising on their hind legs. At this point, a wrong look might start a fight. The energy coursing through the air was almost as strong as the fire burning inside her veins. If there were an equal amount of humans on both sides of Guarida, then they were grossly outnumbered. That possibility made the craving to stalk them down and annihilate as many as she could even stronger. It would be a good, honest fight, and one to the death. In spite of her human mind not being able to rationalize her feelings at the moment, in her fur, Olivia saw this as the makings of a wonderful night. Ran rubbed his body against hers, his size and weight almost making her stumble. He didn’t seem to care though, so when he tried it a second time, she jumped out of his way. Ran snarled, lowering his head and forcing his shoulder blades to move slowly as he came at her. Olivia looked past him for a mere moment but then froze. Ran got a mouthful of teeth and her anger for his efforts at stalking his new mate. His natural instincts prevailed at the moment, and bullying his mate into submission might appear a great way to pass the time until they headed out, but Ran was still human too. The lust-filled glaze over his eyes faded as he searched his face and began smelling concerned. Olivia doubted there was time to make him understand. She bounded around him, heading straight toward her mother, who stood at the edge of the large group. Like hell her mother would fight this battle and risk death. Ran was quick in assessing the situation. He leapt on her, forcing more than several jaguars to snarl and swipe their deadly claws at him when he insisted they make a path and allow him to his female. Olivia ignored him and the grumpy males and females. She pranced to her mother, her upper lip already curled. Bonnie Sancerre might be one of the most stubborn, ill-tempered females in the rain forest, but Olivia wasn’t her cub anymore. In truth, as a mated female in her prime,
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Olivia now outranked her mother. She didn’t think for a moment her mother would abide by that ancient tradition. Even as she picked up her pace, a harsh snarl rising in her throat, she could hear her mother’s voice in her head announcing something was ridiculous, preposterous if it was announced as a tradition or law and didn’t suit her needs. Olivia didn’t care what she thought. She did care that her mother remain alive. Back down, Olivia snarled as she moved in on her mother. Bonnie raised her head, giving a full, all-out effort to look down on her daughter. Olivia stood taller than she did. Not this time, Mother. Olivia bulldozed into her, not knocking her over but definitely making her lose her balance. Bonnie’s growl was loud and very offended. Ran leapt on Olivia, preventing her from pushing her mother farther out of center ground. With a lot more speed than she’d used on her mother, Olivia turned quickly and lunged at Ran, releasing all the profanities she could think of, although they came out sounding more like fierce howls and hissing. Ran backed up, narrowing his gaze on her, although stunned by her harsh, unleashed reprimand. She didn’t have time to wait for him to understand. Flinging herself on her mother again, this time both females rolled over each other, and well off of the hard-packed dirt of center ground. Though it was more muddy than dirty after the storm, and the sharp blades of grass they landed on were soaked. Olivia jumped to her feet, shifting her weight and managing to maintain her desire to leap again and push her mother all the way back to her den. Instead, she waited for her mother to stand on her own. Which she did, but with a long stream of growls and whining as she shook out her now-soaked coat. They’d garnered an audience, but that wasn’t Olivia’s concern. Ran tried to step between her and her mother, still not grasping her intense fear her mother would die if she partook in this battle. Olivia had say now, and she had every intention of utilizing it. At the same time, she now faced her mate, with more than a few jaguars watching them. If she attacked him again, the community would simply see her as a secondgeneration Sancerre. Olivia had too much respect for her mate for that. She’s not going with us. Olivia stood tall, although she lowered her head as a sign of honoring her mate. She locked her gaze with his, willing him to pick up on her message quickly. She didn’t want her efforts to prevent her mother from fighting to slow up their departure. With Ran between Olivia and Bonnie, her mother found her strength and resumed her usual haughty air. She began a tirade of snarling and growling, making it clear to Olivia and anyone else who would listen that she wouldn’t be treated this way. When Olivia leapt around Ran, her heart swelled with happiness when he made no effort to stop her. 152
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Return to your den now, Olivia ordered, entering her mother’s space. She faced her, their faces inches from each other. Turn around and walk with dignity to your den. If you don’t, you better endure your humiliation because I will drag you there like a cub. Her hissing was met with clear understanding. Once, the anger that crossed her mother’s face would have made Olivia tremble until she could barely stand. Now she didn’t even feel a quiver. Remaining where she was, not moving or blinking, she waited out the anger until finally Bonnie backed down. Olivia didn’t return to Ran’s side until her mother was climbing the stairs to their den. Within minutes, Ran let out a few fierce roars. He and a few other chosen jaguars began herding everyone into two groups. One would head south and the other north. The older jaguars and those who were barely fully grown remained behind in Guarida. They would lounge in the trees, there to protect all the dens if the humans were to get wise and attack after all jaguars in their prime had left the area. Olivia again looked around her at the males and females she would fight beside tonight. Ran caught her focus straying and brushed into her. If she could smile at him, she would have. Ripe, raw energy burned her alive inside and once the fighting was over, there would be more energy, a craving probably stronger than what she felt now to make love to her mate. Ran began licking the side of her face, straightening her coat. She purred, briefly letting her gaze blur as she enjoyed his attention. He began stroking the length of her neck with his skilled tongue, creating sensations inside her that mixed beautifully with the already charged energy tingling from her head to tail. She wasn’t sure whether to curse Rafe or thank him when he let out two quick, short roars. It was time to run. If Ran had continued for another moment, her legs would have been as useful as wet noodles. Olivia regained her wits when she bounded into the forest alongside Ran. The flame he’d ignited inside her didn’t extinguish as they raced into the black night. His scent wrapped around her, acting as a magnet and pulling her in close. She heard his breathing increase, caught glimpses of his muscles stretching and flexing under his black fur, and felt his weight as each of his paws hit the earth in a rhythmic pattern. Ran kept to the outside and close to Olivia. Angela ran on the other side of Olivia with Raul keeping pace next to his mate. There were thirty-some jaguars running through the forest behind and around them. Each of them in prime condition, mature and healthy. She knew most, at least by name. None of them were males or females she’d ever run with before. Nor had she ever wanted to run with any of them. Right now, tonight with the blackness thick around them, she was happy as hell to have each one of them with her. The charged power rushing under her skin ignited inside her, fueling her strength and enabling her to keep her pace. This time they weren’t running to where they spotted the humans before. They were circling around them, learning their size, how spread out they were and how equipped the humans were for battle. Pride washed over Olivia as they circled around, staying deep enough in the forest not to be noticed by any of the humans. There were thick groves of trees, fallen branches and undergrowth crowding the ground and threatening to tangle around her 153
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paws as she ran. The ground wasn’t even. In places large holes could easily break a bone. None of these obstacles interfered with their pace. They didn’t slow down. And none of them made a sound. They were powerful, aggressive, willful and incredibly deadly creatures of the night. Nothing in the inky-black surroundings scared her, and all who would sniff her out would run in fear. She wasn’t hunting for kill tonight. The little creatures scurrying away terrified barely caught her attention. Olivia and the rest of her community were fighting for the right to exist. It was odd timing but the words of Anita Perez came to mind. No jaguar will ever enter into battle with another who isn’t an even match. She stared to her left, looking through the trees, and caught glimpses of tents set up in rows. Some humans slept wrapped tightly in blankets on the ground. Most were in their cloth-made portable dens, comfortable in the false illusion of protection it offered. But all of them slept. Could she justify viewing any of those humans as an equal match in battle? It wasn’t as if she didn’t understand the meaning of what Anita told them. Whether they were words of wisdom passed down from parent to cub or possibly actually real traditions, it probably didn’t matter. Her sire and mother had never been much into howling traditions. For some reason the words had hit her when Anita purred them out so eloquently. Humans were definitely no match for her jaguar skills. When they came up toward the end of the human camp, returning to where they started, the sudden spark from paced energy suddenly igniting into fuel for fire seemed to make the air sizzle. Olivia slowed and rubbed against Ran and static electricity flowed from each of them into the other. He stopped, and for a moment took his eyes off the quiet camp before them and looked over his shoulder at Olivia. His green eyes were slits with his smooth, black coat covering his muscular face. He was ripe for the fight, every inch of him tense with anticipation. Ran was a fair and honest male. He didn’t strut around with too much of an attitude like so many single males. He wasn’t always pumped up and riled for a fight. Ran was more intelligent than any other male she’d ever known. He was the community’s brain, keeping them alert and informed. She saw now he was also their brawn. Ran was the perfect male, filled with strength of mind and body. He was her perfect match. She pressed her body against his, purring as she moved slowly until their faces touched. His scent was her scent, flowing with the rich, erotic aroma of domination and aggression. When he licked her face, moistening her fur with his thick, warm tongue, the sparks they shared ignited. Olivia focused on Ran, swearing he sensed it too. Every inch of her tightened, throbbing with need as strong as sexual desires. She was ready to pounce, to devour and to lay claim to their right to command this earth without threat or fear of any interference. Ran purred into her ear, the sound raw, unleashed and hungry. With such a slight action he was capable of churning her insides until they were wound so tight the slightest movement would allow her to leap and devour.
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She curled her lip, licking him then nipping at his cheek. The rumble rising in his throat would have been enough for her to leap on him, attacking viciously until they began making love. Her thoughts barely managed to drift that way when something triggered her attention. Olivia couldn’t say if it was a howl, or if one of the males or females around them leapt into action. But her thoughts shifted from sexually torturing her brand-new mate to fighting for their right to live and hunt on this land without persecution. It was an easy shift. Ran turned his head, looking away from her, at the same time she stretched her neck, her ears perking to attention as she focused in on the actions around her. The jaguars moved quickly, blending in with the night as they crouched low to the ground. To those with eyes not quite so adept to the darkness of night, they would never see the jaguars until the battle began. They were a species with enough power to decide how much their prey would suffer. Olivia didn’t know many who would cause their conquest to suffer much before breathing their last breath. Fresh kill was always better when the creature didn’t panic and cry in the last moments of life. It hit her at that moment that somewhere in her past she’d heard someone tell her one of their laws was about how to kill. She remembered what Anita Perez said in the gathering den. No jaguar will ever enter into battle with anyone who isn’t an even match. When Anita spoke her words to Ran and his littermate, Olivia hadn’t given the older female any more thought than someone simply wanting to howl her input in a battle she wouldn’t be fighting. The words repeated themselves in her head, their meaning growing stronger until an overwhelming sense of trepidation almost had her stumbling over her own paws. Olivia wasn’t sure why, but she was almost positive Anita shared a very important message with them. Did the older female actually know the ancient laws of jaguars? There wasn’t time to dwell on whether some ancient jaguar approved of her methods of attack or not. Olivia tore across the ground, moving in a straight line to the tent closest to them. Ran moved alongside her. Both of them matched a high-speed pace, no longer concerned about how quiet they were being. If the humans heard them at this point there wasn’t enough time for them to do anything about it. Years of practice enabled both of them to remain quiet even when they weren’t trying. Olivia didn’t look at Ran. She felt his muscles bulge and press against her as she remained focused on the long slit that was the opening of their first tent. No humans popped out from hiding. She heard the jaguars around her tear into the clearing surrounded by forest. They’d circled around this land and now they would conquer all within. The humans wouldn’t have a chance to even move their trucks with cages inside them before they were defeated. Did that make the humans an uneven match? Or were jaguars simply smarter? If they didn’t attack the humans, at sunrise the humans would invade Guarida, possibly harming many of them if not killing males, females and cubs. Her fight was honorable. Olivia was defending her litter as well as the many other litters who had a right to continue living, breeding and hunting peacefully. 155
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If a human approached jaguars and told them how to defeat other humans, would she believe them? Ran slowed along with her then pressed against her when they slid into the first tent. Two males slept inside the zipped bags they always slept in when they didn’t have a roof over their heads. Olivia pounced on the human, ready for him to lunge at her and try to defend himself. He didn’t fight her though. Nor did she attack without premeditated thought. She went for a quick kill, landing on him and reaching for his neck. Human blood spilled over her fur as she found the jugular and punctured it. Both of them were going to be soaked from head to tail in moments and carry human stench on them for way too long. Ran backed out of the tent first and she followed. He sniffed her then curled his lip, turning his attention to their next tent before she could snarl at him and point out he didn’t smell any better. This time she followed him in through the unzipped slit. When she saw there were three humans, she put even more urgency into it. One wrong move and either of them would end up injured or worse. Rafe was ahead of them with a group of males all a few years older than him. He’d leapt from one human to another, attacking the ones sleeping outside. When he paused from his task, shaking his coat with brutal energy, Olivia swore she saw red droplets fly away from him. It was a bloodbath, jaguars everywhere, leaping and pouncing, their fierce growls stripping the silence from the forest. She wasn’t sure what made her pause. Ran was already bounding to the next tent, panting hard, when he glanced over his shoulder then spun around. He moved with lightning speed and agility. Before she could give him any indication she was fine, Ran was sniffing her everywhere and consoling her with soft whining sounds from deep in his throat. I’m fine, she purred, licking the side of his face. Ran was so eager to discover why she’d stopped he almost knocked her over. Olivia leapt back, barely managing to avoid his large, muscular body from sending her tumbling to the ground. Look around you. Look, she stressed, her words nothing more than a rough meow mixed with a growl. More than likely it was her scent that made her message clear. There were howlings about couples mated long enough they were able to communicate easily in their fur with each other. Right now, if she just grabbed his attention, and without him trying to smother and knock her over, she’d be satisfied. Olivia pulled her attention from him first. She looked around the human campsite, raising her head and sniffing the air. It was all she could do not to gag and puke from the nauseous smell surrounding them. Ran cocked his head, giving her an odd look, then approached quickly. She raised her paw, gently batting at him as she tried again.
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They aren’t fighting back. Don’t you find that a bit odd? Her meow was more aggressive this time. She intentionally snarled and swapped at him again when he kept coming closer. Ran answered her, his rumbling meow tense and concerned. She wasn’t getting through to him. Now she’d made the mistake of asking him to give her all his attention. The blood lust burned in her veins and she imagined it seared Ran’s insides alive, burning with an intensity that might make it hard to communicate with him right now. He was on the warpath, focused only on the kill. When that task was done, he would then focus on his next prey—her. Olivia’s insides quivered, anticipation a painful, nerve-racking sensation at times. Somehow she had to make Ran understand. There were jaguars all around them, racing from one tent to another, attacking and shaking humans on the ground until they flopped around in their mouths like limp ragdolls. Seconds passed and the stench in the air intensified as more lives were taken. Granted they were only humans, but nonetheless, something upsetting twisted in Olivia’s gut. No jaguar will ever enter into battle with another who isn’t an even match. What’s going on here? Olivia didn’t try to be quiet this time. The smell of death was incredibly strong, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t smell a rat if there was one. Olivia raced past Ran but then stopped, digging her paws into the earth, which brought her up short directly in front of him. Ran didn’t stop as quickly, not prepared for her to stop so fast. He bulldozed into her, knocking the wind out of her and landing directly on top of her. Olivia howled, her shriek loud and deadly. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at her and Ran, which was her intention. Ran had landed on her in front of the next tent, with both of them facing the entrance, which was unzipped as the other tents had been. The slit in this entrance was larger than the first few tents they’d entered. Her mouth had been inches from the tent when she’d yelled as loud as she could. No one came out. They didn’t wake up. She was stunned, already knowing the truth but finding out for sure still made it hard to understand. Olivia crawled out from under Ran, who stood up slowly next to her, staring at the tent. He then stuffed his head inside, only to pull it out a moment later. Ran rubbed the side of his face along hers then gave her a toothy grin before turning toward his littermates. She’d finally got her meaning through his thick hide. Raul and Rafe were already close when Ran left her side. She stared at his littermates, both of their coats soaked and looking very sticky in places. They could use a good rainstorm now just to get all the blood off their coats. Something else Anita Perez said came to mind. Attack and draw blood from a dishonored army and taste their tainted blood on your lips. What the hell did that mean?
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***** “What do you know about our laws and traditions?” Olivia asked as she followed Ran into his—their—den a few hours later. Her muscles were sore. Her hair was a tangled mess. But the dried blood all over her body was driving her nuts. She couldn’t wait to scrub it off. Ran glanced over her shoulder, giving her an odd look. “Not much. Maybe as much as any jaguar. Why?” He sounded and looked tired. The smoldering need she’d seen in his eyes when they’d been in their fur hadn’t gone away though. Olivia stepped past him when he held the den door open for her. His scent was raw, musky, rich with the smell of the outdoors but tainted with the morbid stench of so much blood. She shivered in spite of herself then turned and faced him inside the den. “Do you think what Anita Perez recited to us earlier in the gathering den was actually our laws?” Ran dropped the things in his pockets on his desk and booted up his computer. At first she thought he might not answer her question. “I believe she thinks they are our laws.” When he looked at her, something in her expression must have affected him somehow. His facial muscles relaxed. His long hair was a tousled mess around his face, assurance she had to look ten times as bad. The old saying about love being blind obviously had some truth to it. His eyes glowed with something akin to admiration as he closed the distance between them and cupped her face in his hands. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice suddenly a lot softer. It was a deep, rough baritone that created tingling sensations running up and down her spine. “Why is my adorable little cat looking so troubled?” Ran was a scientist, closer to numbers and programs than he was to history and fables buried deep in their past. Olivia would argue she was the same type of jaguar. Hadn’t she told him she preferred numbers over the shallow behavior of single males and females? “I don’t look adorable.” She pointed her finger at him when he opened his mouth to protest. “Don’t start lying to me this early in our mating,” she hissed, doing her best to look stern. “I need to bathe and I’ll be fine.” “Then let’s go clean my little female so she won’t scratch at my eyes when I howl her praises.” He looked very amused and ran his hand down her back, cupping her ass as he grabbed clean clothes. “You can wear one of my sweatshirts and sweatpants until we can bring more of your clothes here.” “Anything that isn’t stained with all this blood would be great.” Ran led her through the dark to the waterfall not too far from his den. It didn’t surprise her to come here since right now there wasn’t any plumbing in his den. Fixing the small hut up and turning it into a beautiful den would take time and was a project she couldn’t wait to take on. No one had ever worked with the small wooden structure
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to make it a loving, cozy den. Olivia would be creating from a blank sheet and the thought excited her. The time to make the hut a den would come soon, but there were still the matters of securing their territory. “We’ll get cleaned up then head back to Guarida,” Ran began. Olivia nodded, already knowing the game plan since she’d been with him when they’d made plans and parted ways from his littermates. “David Hunter had something to do with drugging all those humans.” “We don’t know they were drugged,” he reminded her. Ran was behind her on a large, flat rock at the edge of the round pond that rippled as if it were a Jacuzzi from the eight-foot-long or so waterfall tumbling down the rocks not too far from them. She knew he was undressing without looking and made quick work of shedding out of her clothes. She didn’t even want to wash them but simply burn them and cleanse her body until she was positive not one drop of human blood was anywhere on her body. “Humans don’t sleep that soundly,” she grunted, although there was no urge to fight with him, especially when his large, competent hands gripped her bare hips and he pressed his naked body against her backside. His long, thick cock throbbed at the tip of her spine, creating sensations inside her that made it suddenly seem a hell of a lot warmer outside. Considering they still had a few hours before daylight, the chill of the night should be making her shiver. Instead she arched her back, raised her arms and rested her head on his shoulder while running her fingers through the hair on the back of his head. “We definitely have a situation to seriously sniff out.” “There’s a situation all right,” he growled, lowering his mouth to her nape while cupping both her breasts. “And we’ll figure it out and have the matter solved in just a bit.” He dragged his teeth just above her collarbone and ran his fingers up her breasts. When he pinched her nipples, Olivia arched even farther, offering every inch of her body to him to pleasure, and cried out into the inky blackness surrounding them. Ran sent shivers rushing over her flesh. At the same time fire ignited deep in her womb and spread with a pressure she could barely tolerate. “I’ve decided my mate doesn’t know what she’s talking about.” “What?” She turned her head farther, twisting her torso and enduring the sweet pain when he pinched her nipples even harder. “There must be something wrong with your decision-making process.” As she shifted against him, his cock poked at her hip, warning her it would only tolerate so much teasing. But Olivia also got a whiff of her hair and breathed in the disgusting human blood smell. “You are adorable right now, as you are.” “And you need a good scrubbing so you can smell things correctly again.” She grabbed him by the waist, and as she suspected, Ran moved his arms and held her against him. He couldn’t stop her when she leapt backward into the water. She was laughing when both of them splashed into the rather chilled, clean water. 159
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They’d brought soap and shampoo and conditioner and made quick work of helping each other clean and rinse under the waterfall. Come summertime it might be a wonderful experience bathing in this waterfall. Right now, Olivia’s body temperature cooled off quickly. She focused on meticulously scrubbing both of them until she was satisfied the blood was gone. Rubbing her body and Ran’s helped warm her up a bit, although she would have preferred sunshine bringing up the water temperature. She almost smiled at her reaction when she considered what water might be like in Colorado right now, if they could even find a pond not frozen solid. “I never knew my beautiful cat was such a meticulous cleaner,” Ran said, smiling as he helped wrap her in a thick towel then made quick work of drying himself. “I needed that tainted blood off us.” “Tainted?” He stopped scrubbing his head and looked down at her with the towel covering half his face. Ran stood naked on the flat rock, his muscles so perfectly fine-tuned. Tiny, dark hairs on his leg, around his cock and on his chest were clinging to his flesh, bits of moisture clinging to many of them. Her mouth watered as she slowly raised her gaze. The pressure inside her swelled clear to her brain, and for a moment she didn’t remember their conversation. “Yeah,” she murmured, no longer wishing to talk. They could do that in a bit. She let her towel drape off her shoulders and moved to her knees, the humidity in the air after the rain warming her body and creating tiny, tight curls in her unbrushed, wet hair. When she raised her hands, the towel fell forward and her nipples hardened so painfully, the heaviness of her breasts was a gross distraction. “Tainted,” she whispered, repeating herself, then gripped the base of his shaft with one hand and ran her index finger up its length, loving how it jerked with appreciation. The air around them exploded with the ripe, incredibly wonderful aroma of Ran’s sexual desires. She loved how her body reacted, spilling her scent over his. For a moment, she was so captivated she simply stared at his perfectly shaped dick, stroking its satiny smoothness with her finger while drowning on the erotic smell in the air. Ran groaned and grabbed the side of her head. He pulled her head back and the pinch she felt against her scalp ignited the passion inside her. It went from simmering to a full scalding boil in rapid time. She hissed, staring up at him with a hooded gaze. “I’m not done,” she whispered, her soft words sounding like a threat. Ran’s smile had lost its compassionate concern. Instead he looked primal, ready to dominate her thoughts and actions. His grip on her hair tightened, causing her to hiss again. “There isn’t much time before we’re going to be needed in Guarida. But there will be enough time to fuck that hot, tight pussy of yours and watch you come in my arms. Stand, my hot little female. Now,” he finished, his final command a rough growl that sent shivers rushing over her flesh.
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Part of her wanted to submit. But another part, which was already on fire and loving the hell out of playing with his dick, decided she would call the shots. “You’re right,” she said, putting a purr into her voice. “There isn’t much time. If you become difficult, you might not get what you want, my demanding male.” Ran’s eyes turned the most brilliant shade of green she’d ever seen in her life. His expression turned to stone, pure domination appearing in his expression. It rendered her speechless and made it impossible for her to look away. Before she regained her senses, Ran moved his hands, sliding them under her arms, and lifted her naked, stilldamp body into the air. “Olivia,” he rumbled, his voice raw from the need inside him turning every inch of his already perfect body harder than steel. For a moment she was high in the air. Ran held her with her head above his and her feet dangling above the ground. “Do as I say,” he informed her then captured her nipple in his mouth. If this were some kind of erotic training session, she had a few lessons of her own to dish out. “You forget you’re no longer a single male.” Ran released her nipple and stared up at her, his confused expression almost comical. Olivia wouldn’t lose the moment though and drove her point into the den. “You’re no longer a wild rogue, eager to capture any willing female and have your way with her.” His face hardened and he brought her breasts back to his face, moving her body in the air as if her weight were inconsequential and easy for him to place where he wished. “You are the one who forgets,” he whispered then latched on to her nipple, using his teeth this time. Flashes of electricity ignited in her breast and shot down her middle, zapping her clit so her body jerked. She grabbed his wet, tangled hair, tugging to make him release her. Ran latched on harder and she squealed, hating the sound the moment it escaped her mouth. She’d be damned if he would turn her into some squirming female, tormented to the point she’d do anything for him to relieve the pent-up need building inside her. Ran released her nipple and pulled her close, allowing her body to slowly slide down his until their faces were inches from each other. “You’re not any willing female,” he snarled, his eyes dark and his expression serious. “You’re my female, and I swear right now I will do whatever it takes to always smell the clean, fresh scent of your happiness draped around you. And if that isn’t what I smell, then it will be your thick, intoxicating aroma after I’ve fulfilled every one of your sexual needs.” He spoke so gravely, as if making some solemn oath, that she relaxed, spreading her legs and wrapping them around his torso as she continued staring into his eyes. He never broke contact with her and didn’t pull her closer for a kiss. Instead, he lifted her a few inches then allowed her body to ease down once again. This time, his hard cock was ready and waiting.
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Ran pressed the swollen head of his dick against her entrance. Thick cream flowed out of her, providing instant and natural lubrication. Its rich, pungent smell mixed perfectly with their erotic, lustful aromas. Olivia sucked in a breath, forgetting she wanted to play or attack and build the sexual tension before making love. He might have her where he wanted her but he was also right where she wanted him. Or he almost was. Their positioning made it slightly difficult to take over their actions and help ease him inside her. Again, her urge to control him had faded, especially after his sobering words. She wanted to give him an oath too. They were entering this mating equally, both of them strong, competent and willing to build their relationship on an honorable, love-filled foundation. “You’re my male,” she began, searching for the perfect words. The glaze over Ran’s eyes disappeared and his focus cleared as he studied her, remaining silent and continuing to hold her in place. Possibly, he anxiously sniffed out the moment, needing to hear what she would say. “I promise and swear to fulfill all of your sexual needs and always leave you satisfied,” she continued, and leaned into him, nipping at the tip of his nose. “That is, if you slide that dick of yours inside me right now.” Ran chuckled but obliged, filling her with one hard thrust. It was a damn good thing he appeared to have no problem holding her against him. Olivia dug her nails into his shoulders, feeling roped muscle harden under her grasp. She arched into him, aiding him in sliding deeper into her heat. When she let her head fall back and felt her long, unbrushed damp hair tickle her back, Ran pushed one last time, filling and stretching her, giving her every inch of him. “That’s it! Yes!” she cried out, closing her eyes as she relaxed, her head falling backward, her face toward the black abyss above her. “You’re so incredibly tight,” he growled, holding her firmly at her waist. “Hold on, my adorable mate, you’re in for one hell of a ride.” Instinctively, Olivia tightened her thighs around his waist. She held on to his shoulders but kept the rest of her relaxed. She didn’t care about fighting for control right now. Olivia decided she would let him run this show. She still maintained control, which was what gave her the power to put it in Ran’s competent paws. And damn, were they competent. Ran held her in just the right position to allow his dick to travel deep inside her and stroke her into paradise each time he receded. She kept her eyes closed, drowning in the blissful sensations he filled her with as her back remained arched and her head fallen backward. It could have been seconds or hours, she wasn’t sure. But Ran didn’t hold on to the sensual, easy rhythm he’d begun with for long. “Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked, his soft baritone raspy. There was something else. Olivia didn’t catch how his scent had changed. Ran leaned forward, giving her the immediate sensation she was falling head first to the 162
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ground, and latched on to her breast. His tongue did a wicked set of lashes to her already-sensitive nipple. She cried out, recognizing how amused he smelled too late to keep her dignity. She reached for him, frantic for a second before sheer determination took over. “You’re pleasuring me very nicely,” she purred, keeping her voice soft and seductive. Ran’s chuckle was pure male satisfaction. They weren’t even done yet and already Olivia longed for the next time when hopefully they wouldn’t have to end their sexual play as soon. She sensed immediately he would be an honorable opponent, willing to take her on with all he had as they fought and argued until they were fucking each other with all the strength they possessed. There was little to complain about with how he was making love to her right now though. His hands shifted around her waist and she opened her eyes, lifting her head and again adjusting her positioning so when he plunged inside her, the swollen tip of his dick hit incredibly sensitive, satiny inner walls that hadn’t been given enough attention lately. “Ran,” she begged, although she wasn’t sure what she begged for. It would be glorious to come yet she didn’t want him to change anything he was doing. Wave after wave of intense pleasure washed over her. “That feels…” Olivia didn’t have time or ability to finish her sentence. Ran cupped her ass in his hands, spreading her flesh, stretching her skin and making her feel incredibly exposed and vulnerable. Her brain had no desire to contemplate and justify why any other time being held like this would make her incredibly uncomfortable. Right now, however, everything Ran did to her was beyond perfect. “Hold on, my love,” he grunted, staring deep into her eyes and not looking away once as the momentum suddenly burst to life. Ran moved faster, burying himself deeper and hitting more spots she never knew would send her into such a frenzy. She did hold on. Olivia wrapped her arms around him, feeling her breasts smash against his hard, well-defined muscular chest. His heart pounded against her chest and his breath came hard and hot against the side of her neck. He plowed deeper, pushing harder, grunting with each thrust as he held her with strong, muscular arms. Olivia had never felt better. Not only was she in the safest place in the world—wrapped in Ran’s arms, her naked body pressed against his—but she was also in the most perfect place. Any moment she would topple over the edge, explode and shatter through her wall of resistance. “I feel you swelling inside me,” Olivia whispered, lowering her lips to his bare shoulder and pressing her lips against his warm, virile skin. “Damn, female,” he groaned, his fingers pressing into her rear end as he tightened his grip. “You’re so damn hot, so perfect. Every bit of you. Every inch.”
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She wasn’t sure any male had ever sung her praises for so long. Most males grunted a word or two at most, got themselves off then complained of hunger and wanted her fresh kill. Olivia didn’t care what Ran might want when they were done making love. Whatever it was, she’d get it for him. But the pressure was building, swelling and burning her alive. She was so close to the edge. “Don’t stop what you’re doing,” she ordered. “Don’t stop.” “This will make me come.” His words were choppy, broken. “Then come,” she uttered on a breath. “Give me everything you have. We made an oath. Do it now.” The tidal wave was clear in her mind, growing, swelling, spreading and moving closer until she knew in the next second it would erupt, soaking her and wiping out her ability to move or even fathom a thought. When Ran’s cock swelled to the point where her soaked, smooth flesh was quivering out of control around it, Ran moved his face, nipping at her ear, her cheek, then pressed his mouth against her feverish skin. “Now.” He managed the one word. His short command took them both over the edge, that large tidal wave exploding. Olivia tried opening her eyes, wanting to know how her mate looked when he came as hard as he was now. That knowledge would come to her another time. Instead, her head went limp as she cried out, howling into the blackness as wave after satisfying wave of pure ecstasy drove her hard and heavy into the most beautiful state of bliss she’d ever known.
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Chapter Fifteen “Are the howlings really true?” It was the main question Ran kept hearing being repeated as he held on to Olivia and worked his way across center ground. He ignored the answers. None of them had been the same. Those who’d been in the human camp were remaining quiet about what they’d seen. Ran would have been pissed if they had. None of them had expected the campsite they’d raced into, ready to attack and kill, to be full of humans who were already dead, leaving all of them with blood lust burning through their veins and no way to release it. Olivia had referred to the blood as tainted. No one in Guarida had ever performed an autopsy. They burned their dead, and the dead were dead. Determining cause of death wasn’t necessary. Yet many of them had bitten into the humans who obviously didn’t die honorable deaths. Ran had little hope of getting answers as to how they died this morning. None of them had witnessed the humans dying. From what they had seen though, it appeared the humans died sleeping. Ran’s concern grew though the more he thought about this tainted blood. If David couldn’t supply answers about the humans’ death, he would have to figure out a way to sniff out the truth on his own. No way would he risk losing Olivia or any of the others who’d partaken in the attack against the humans. The more he thought about it, the harder it was to hide the smell of his concern. A group of young females, some of whom he’d seen with Olivia before, huddled close to the edge of center ground, whispering over each other as they sipped hot coffee and stood in a large circle of sunshine, which flowed down from a gaping hole in the branches and leaves above them. Olivia held her head high, her slow, relaxed pace alongside him giving a show she was proud to be by his side and wouldn’t tolerate anyone howling something cruel about either of them. It was deep flattery sensing his hot female would bare her claws for him. One of the females muttered something and Olivia stiffened. It crossed his mind to tighten his grip on her and haul her past the group of females. Olivia stopped, tightening her grip on him and making him stop with her. Not that Ran would have left her side. It wouldn’t surprise him a bit that in spite of how exhausted she’d been in his arms after they’d made love by the waterfall, Olivia would attack quickly and with a direct aim at the jugular if he didn’t remain very close. “What did you say?” she demanded.
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Maria Perez puffed out her almost flat chest. Olivia stared her down, apparently already clear on which female had spoken. The others in their tight circle stepped to the side, ready to leave Olivia to her audience with the Perez female. “I said you’re not really mated.” Maria was either an incredibly brave young female or she was an idiot. Olivia stood a good inch taller and moved with an air that left little doubt she was a female very comfortable with her skills. “Since apparently you’ve lost your ability to smell, I’ll help rid all false howlings right now. We’re very much mated.” “Not according to my mother. She says it’s very clear in our laws about mating.” Ran did pull her back to him when Olivia lunged at the young female. Finally, Maria had the good sense to smell nervous as her large eyes remained pinned on Olivia. “If your mother wishes to howl about me, you tell her to do it to my face. I will not tolerate anyone stinking the air up with lies behind my back.” Olivia relaxed in his arms but then wasn’t able to walk out of his grasp before he tightened his grip on her with more strength than she’d figure he would. “I’m sure your mother can sniff me out. If she doesn’t and I hear any more howling about me, I will personally hold your litter responsible.” None of the females said a word as Olivia turned, nestling into him for a moment before resuming their walk and heading to Miguel’s den. The few other jaguars already out of their dens that morning didn’t say anything to either of them. Hardly any of the litters had slept the night before. The excitement buzzing in the air was incredibly contagious. He felt it humming off Olivia and knew even after fighting during the night, making love after that, she was still primed to take on anyone who might give her reason. Ran held her hand as they climbed the stairs to Miguel’s den. Part of him was proud of her determination to hold on to her honor. But he was even more proud of how she spoke to that spiteful little bitch. Olivia was right and they were words he’d always lived by. No one would create lies about his litter. He lifted his fist to knock on the door when they reached the top of the stairs but it was pulled open before he could rap on it. “There you are,” Raul said, mischief beaming in his eyes as he glanced from Olivia to Ran. Miguel rocked up on his heels, grinning as if they’d just been howling about the two of them. This wasn’t a hostile situation though and any banter exchanged, Ran would easily handle. “All of you have waited for us?” he asked, noting how damp Raul and Angela’s hair was. Miguel laughed and Raul shot him a narrowed gaze. Miguel ignored it and swooped one of his cubs into his arms when the young male bounded into the room. “You’re not late for anything,” he offered good-naturedly as he handed his cub over to
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his mate. “Your littermate Rafe isn’t here yet, but we were just discussing some howlings you might be interested in hearing.” Ran gave Olivia’s hand a hard squeeze when a low rumble escaped her throat. She stifled it and managed to keep her expression placid as he guided her farther into the room. The den was cluttered with toys on the floor and blankets tossed over the couch and two side chairs. Another cub, a slightly older female who definitely had her sire’s eyes, peered around the corner curiously, her face still lined with sleep. In spite of the wary anticipation all of them smelled of while preparing to discuss what they’d do next and all they’d learned during the night, Ran definitely picked up on the strong smell of happiness. Odd how many times he’d been in this den since moving here from Colorado, but this was the first time he craved having this solid of a den of his own. He grew more anxious to learn exactly how the humans died and to confirm without any smell of doubt that it wasn’t something any of them could contract after having bit into their bodies. “Anita Perez’s words bothered me after we left the gathering den last night,” Raul began. Ran couldn’t help looking down at Olivia. She grinned up at him triumphantly, which was why it surprised the shit out of him when she remained quiet and by his side. Ran had no problem rewarding his mate for honoring him in another’s den. “Olivia was also bothered by those words. In fact, those words are what made her stop killing and make a scene as she stopped in front of me and caused me to trip over her.” Raul and Miguel glanced at her, approval in their eyes. Olivia didn’t see it. She stared at Ran as something that could only be described as admiration made her cheeks flush. “As soon as this business is over, I say we pay a visit to Anita Perez. If she actually has the laws and traditions memorized, I know I would like to hear them,” Raul said. “They should be written down,” Ran suggested. “Where is Rafe?” he asked, scowling as he turned and looked expectantly at the door. He wanted this unpleasantsmelling business over with. There were other pending matters of equal importance, if not more important than David Hunter, who needed to be killed slowly and with no honor if he were the one who poisoned all those humans after sending them here to capture every male, female and cub in Guarida. “He will just have to catch up with us,” Miguel decided. “We’re going to go talk to David Hunter before it gets much lighter. I don’t want half of Guarida howling outside the cage while we question him. The noise will be a distraction and their strong emotions will make it harder to sniff out his.” “Maybe we should sit this one out.” Angela had been so quiet it hadn’t been obvious she was there. She stepped around Raul, gripping his forearm with her small hand as she spoke.
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“Why don’t you want to?” Apparently Olivia didn’t plan on being Ran’s quiet, demure mate all the time. Not that he wanted her to walk alongside him numbly. But he’d been so impressed and floored when she didn’t immediately jump into the conversation when the laws and traditions were mentioned. That was what her mother would have done. “There’s history,” Ran began. Raul interrupted Ran. “The waste of fur once…” Angela interrupted her mate. “The Hunter litter grew up with us,” she announced, nodding at Raul and Ran. She indicated who she meant but also made it clear as she stared at each of them for barely a moment that they wouldn’t interrupt her. “We all fought together as cubs and ran together when we grew older,” she continued, focusing on Olivia. “And Ran is right. There is history. Needless to say, my mate is right,” she added, wrapping her arm around his and nuzzling up next to him. “I don’t know all three of them really well, but David chased me pretty hard when we were entering into adulthood.” “Oh.” Olivia formed a perfectly adorable circle with her mouth as she nodded understandably. Raul wouldn’t let the topic die without howling what he thought of the subject. “Pretty hard is putting it mildly,” he grumbled, his words spicy with his anger. There was silence for a moment, although none of them felt awkward. Ran wouldn’t have a problem informing Raul he would have to back down from any decision-making concerning David Hunter. Raul wanted the male dead, but not for anything concerning Guarida. “The forum can be determined later,” Miguel said, breaking the silence. “During the night, I arranged for a few males to sniff out David Hunter. When he wasn’t at his den, a search was started, which didn’t take as long as I worried it would before he was sniffed out. At first they thought he was leaving Guarida. He was detained with a traveling bag over his shoulder, but he also had a shovel,” Miguel explained, his expression serious. “When the male wouldn’t explain his actions, he was brought to me, and I don’t have a problem letting you know a bit of force was used to haul him back. I decided, after listening to the male ramble for a few minutes, declaring his innocence, to put him in the cage. We’ll go talk to him now and see what he has to say for himself although I’m sure we’ll smell the truth the moment we’re with him. As all of you know, a forum of five is required to determine his fate.” Miguel focused on Raul, and everyone around the two males remained quiet. The two males stared at each other. Raul stood proudly, having had no problem admitting how he felt about David Hunter, but at the same time respecting Miguel. He would honor whatever decision the male made. “You may accompany us to the cage,” Miguel announced. “But I want your word you won’t focus on the past, Raul.” He stood facing Raul and gave him a hard look as he sniffed the air. Miguel would handle the matter fairly. He wouldn’t just go on any
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promise Raul might mouth but on the unwavering honesty always detected by the smell of emotions. “We have serious charges on the table right now, which is why the male is in the cage. He’s accused of conspiring with humans to harm jaguars. That is all we will consider when determining if he lives or dies. The dishonorable death of so many humans is a despicable crime but not one we would charge a jaguar with. All we need to sniff out is whether or not he brought them here to capture all of us. Once we know that truth I’ll form the forum.” “Of course.” Raul nodded once. “What about his littermates?” Ran asked. Miguel nodded as if he’d anticipated the question. “We don’t charge a litter for a crime only one littermate has committed. John and Anna Hunter are being watched closely though. If either of their scents change or their actions turn suspicious, they will be brought before a forum as well.” Ran wrapped his arm around Olivia’s waist as they followed the others around the base of the large tree that housed the gathering den. Behind the massive old tree, several storage sheds had been built. Ran guessed these were among the oldest structures built in Guarida and possibly the first standing. They weren’t in a tree but instead elevated off the ground with bamboo propped up under the foundation. Several steps led up to the main door of each storage den. Miguel led the small group. Long, dark shadows stretched out around them. Not much sunshine crept back behind the gathering den. The trees were too thick. They didn’t use flashlights and there were no flood lights in this part of Guarida. Ran continued hugging Olivia next to him and allowed the change to come forth just far enough so he could see better through the shadows. Miguel pulled out a keychain loaded down with a fair amount of keys, shook them out then managed to single out the one he wanted. There was little ceremony as he grabbed a padlock, unlocked it then pushed the door open. Ran followed the others into the dark storage den, taking a moment to let his eyes adjust before entering farther and letting Raul come in behind him. Olivia moved her hand up and down his arm. He glanced down and saw her attention shift around the den. Olivia was nervous. Her expression went placid the moment Miguel found the light and turned it on. David Hunter was sitting in the corner of his cage and pushed himself to his feet, a sly smile appearing on his face. “So you didn’t forget about me,” he said, the humor in his voice enough to make all of them leery. Ran instinctively moved Olivia to his other side, putting his body between her and the cage. He followed Miguel, who continued walking along the wall of the storage shed until he was at the opposite wall of the door. Instead of answering David, Miguel focused on Raul and gestured with his hand. “Close the door behind you,” he instructed Raul.
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“Hell of a view,” David said, stepping forward and gripping the closely set bars that confined him to about half of the storage den. There wasn’t any mistaking his meaning though. David walked toward Raul and grabbed the bars, making a show of drooling over Angela. “Fucking bastard!” Raul snarled, leaping at the bars. David jumped back and laughed. “What do I owe for the honor of the VicMoran litter paying a visit?” he asked, still smelling amused. David pulled his attention from Angela and gave Olivia a careful once-over. “Got yourself a good-looking female, Ran. Good for you. Is Rafe still out prowling after any female who will lift her tail for him?” Ran stiffened, knowing if he responded he would simply be opening himself up to bantering that had nothing to do with why they were there. It was on the tip of his tongue to suggest Rafe might be sniffing after David’s littermate Anna. He also could mention how Rafe was an amateur compared to how David chased down female after female, never caring if they were mated or not, or if they gave their permission. Ran kept his mouth shut and held his arm out, blocking Olivia when she started forward. He didn’t doubt she’d give David a good thrashing for being so lewd. “What were you doing with the humans last night?” he asked. Ran almost said earlier that night but realized they’d now been up all night. It was early morning. “Since when did talking to humans land a jaguar in a cage?” David’s tone changed as he demanded an answer. He crossed his arms and stood in the center of the cage, his green eyes steely and his tall, muscular body hardening. His black, straight hair fell almost to his shoulders and a few days’ growth gave his chin a very dark shadow. Overall, he looked dangerous and smelled weird. He wasn’t angry, more like determined. “Right now when those humans were outside our community and preparing an attack on us,” Miguel snarled. Ran maintained eye contact with the male, reminding himself they’d been cubs together and David was only as dangerous as Ran allowed him to be. At the moment, Ran was too pissed to think of the male as anything other than a waste of flesh. He fought to control his emotions, telling himself he had to hear the male’s responses and weigh them accordingly to what they knew smelled of truth. A forum’s responsibility was paramount and the closest thing jaguars had to any kind of government. Whether or not he would be asked to be part of that forum, he would act as he knew their laws required. “There are witnesses. You told the humans to attack at dawn. You stood with them, smelling amiable and giving the strong impression it wasn’t the first conversation you’d had with them. You brought them to Guarida, didn’t you? You showed them where we were and led them to believe we could be captured and trained to do mercenary work for them. Try to deny any of this,” Ran sneered, his growl more vicious than he’d intended. It was hard to hide his anger as he listed the charges, hearing them as he accused David of them.
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“And when you told those humans our only mistake was deciding to live in the wrong place,” Olivia added. Ran needed to talk to Olivia about times when it was better to let him do the howling, especially when the male didn’t need to be given any extra opportunities to drool over his mate. In spite of David cocking an eyebrow when she spoke out, Ran wouldn’t let the asshole get to him and manage to change the subject. “What’s on this land that means so much to you?” Ran asked, his voice quiet this time. “Did you really think you would stumble upon something that hadn’t already been sniffed out?” It was his second question that grabbed David’s attention. Ran was aware of his littermates watching him but kept his attention on David, his scent, and his actions. There was definitely something of interest here to the male. It was apparent in his body language. When his scent turned suspicious, Ran’s curiosity was piqued. He fought not to let his thoughts be given away by his scent. Suddenly David laughed. “Why doesn’t it surprise me that computer geek Ran wouldn’t have already discovered the prize of all jaguars? Think you can make yourself rich, do you, VicMoran?” Ran took his time answering and knew no one else in the room would say a word. He didn’t have a clue what David was howling about, but apparently something of value was buried nearby, or at least the male believed there was. And after what he’d heard from the humans, it was something that didn’t matter at all to them. “I’m already rich,” Ran announced, hoping to play out his bluff. He shifted his weight, taking his attention from David long enough to focus on Olivia as he stroked her still-damp hair. But he shot a side look at David, pleased to see he had the male’s full attention. “I have everything I could possibly want in the world right here.” David’s sudden rage surprised him. He caught his reaction just in time when he leaped at the bars on the cage, grabbing them and shaking them ruthlessly as he let out a fierce growl. “You’re an idiot, VicMoran!” he roared, ignoring Ran’s littermates when they closed in around him. “Do you seriously think anyone is going to pay attention to a word of those ancient words? Hell, I bet you think you’ve got them translated too. I have the knowledge to translate them accurately. And they’re power, jaguar. Power you obviously don’t have the teeth to comprehend!” His voice rose as his fury grew. “Let me out of this fucking cage,” he roared, shaking the bars hard enough the entire storage den shook. “I haven’t done anything wrong. You are all alive. Where is the crime?” Raul reached for David, grabbing his arm through the bars and intercepting his blow when David tried to strike out at Ran. “Let him go, Raul,” Ran said calmly. “He isn’t worth breaking a sweat over.” Raul dragged David closer to the bars, his teeth pushing against his lips as he glared at David and ignored Ran.
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“Raul,” Ran said, lowering his voice and touching his littermate’s arm. “Release him.” Raul had always been there for Ran and Rafe when they were cubs. He’d hunted for the three of them after their parents died. In many ways he helped Ran and Rafe into adulthood. Raul looked at Ran, his eyes burning a passionate, dark green and his scent so incredibly spicy, Ran’s eyes almost watered. He didn’t break eye contact though and finally Raul shoved David backward, releasing him then turning his back on all of them as he paced to the far wall. “Tell me one thing,” David said, rubbing his arm as his scent noticeably changed. He suddenly seemed placid, less determined, as if he accepted his fate. His green eyes seemed to go blank as if he were already dead. All emotion drained from the jaguar. “Satisfy my curiosity, Ran,” he added, speaking as if they were long-lasting friends. “What do you want to know?” Ran asked, holding his hand up when Raul began growling, obviously unwilling to offer David a thing. “Did the Kalusian betray her littermate?” “You will not mention my mate in any way!” Raul roared, leaping at the cage and shaking the bars as ruthlessly as David had a moment ago. “You have no right to even think about her,” he continued, his face red and a long, thick vein bulging in his neck, indication his fury was ready to explode out of his body. “Back down,” Miguel whispered under his breath. He didn’t touch Raul but simply moved in next to him, focusing on Raul’s profile and no one else. “I would be honored to have you stay and really don’t want you to leave us while we sniff out the accused.” Raul stepped back stiffly, yanking his t-shirt over his thick torso as he continued growling under his breath. Ran looked away from his littermate when Angela grabbed him, tugging him backward farther until he was several paces from the bars. He returned his attention to David, who was watching everyone curiously. He looked at Ran. “Will you answer my question?” David asked, speaking almost as softly as Miguel had to Raul. “I don’t know the answer,” Ran said truthfully. David tilted his head, studying Ran, then nodded once, accepting Ran spoke honestly. “Then, if you will, tell me how you found them.” Ran didn’t know what David was talking about. He could speculate on what would matter to jaguars, need translated and offer power, but at the moment, he saw how the male had angled the conversation away from his charges. “I think it’s best if we discuss what happened last night.” David simply stared at him. “Did you bring the humans here?” Once again the den was quiet. The sound of branches barely brushing over the thatched roof created a sweeping sound. Otherwise, no one moved. Ran barely heard
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any of them breathe. He knew without looking all stared at David, waiting for him to seal his own fate. “I would prefer to have a few answers before giving you what you want to hear.” David smiled, a bit of life returning to his eyes. “Tell me at least if they’re intact. Have you made moves to control the Kalusians yet? I have it on good faith and smelled the truth myself. The VicMorans will triumph.” His grin broadened and he looked away from Ran, shifting his attention to each of them as they stared at him. “Come on, jaguars,” he insisted, his tone a bit more urgent. “We all know I will die very soon. At least satisfy my curiosity and let me know it was worth it.” “Did you bring the humans here?” Miguel pressed, his voice a lethal growl. “Yes!” David hissed. “And I instructed the idiots on what to do. You have no idea how challenging it is to stand among ignorance and remain calm. But I knew they wouldn’t listen to me. They didn’t trust me and it was imperative the attack take place. None of you get it! Quit focusing on things that don’t matter and try smelling the simple truth. If I hadn’t done this, someone else would have. You aren’t so buried in this damnable forest to not smell what is going on in the world. Jaguars are selling themselves to the highest bidder, and they’re selling each other. You can’t stop it and you can’t prevent it from happening to you. If all of you would quit smelling so outraged you’d see the tremendous favor I’ve done all of you.” “I’ve heard enough. I say he dies.” Ran looked away from David, beyond disgusted. He started toward the door, pushing past his littermates as he held Olivia’s wrist firmly in his grasp. Ignoring the questions that followed, he hurried down the stairs. As much as he needed to know how the humans died, standing and facing David Hunter for one more moment and he might have attacked with more aggression than Raul had. The male had no respect for his own kind. “What was that all about?” Olivia asked, hurrying after him. “Why are we leaving?” “I want to get back to our den,” he told her, turning in time to see her wide eyes and her confusion. “I need to get online and do some research.”
***** “Better get used to this,” Raul said when he entered the small den with Olivia later that week. “Once he gets started he forgets about the world until he has his answer.” “Where are you going to put all of this?” Angela laughed, pushing her way around her mate with a box full of stuff. Ran turned from his computer, unwilling to let his littermate howl such an inaccurate picture of him to his new mate. “We’ll make room,” he informed Angela as he stood and took the heavy-looking box from Olivia. She looked hot, her hair curled in tight little ringlets at her temple, and the long pile of it flowing down her back. Her shirt
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stuck to her body and the view of her breasts made him want to drag her off somewhere and dive inside her then fuck her until that sated look he loved so much appeared on her face. “We’ll have plenty of time to organize everything,” Ran said, focusing only on Olivia. He still worried something would happen to steal her away from him. She was so perfect, so gorgeous and smelled so wonderful whenever she was near. “You might want to make this your last trip though.” “Sounds good to me,” Olivia said, leaning in and nipping him on the lower lip. “And don’t think for a moment I’m going to be too tired not to ride you until you howl,” she whispered into his ear. Ran grabbed her by the neck, dragging her closer when she tried to back up. After everything he’d found online, and cursing himself for never having looked before, he was wound tight. Taking on his feisty female would definitely help curb his energy rush. “You two can play later,” Raul said. “My mate informs me it is tradition to help all littermates set up their new den.” “It is tradition,” Angela stressed, arching and lifting her hair off the back of her neck. “I know it is.” Olivia let out a low growl as she traced a fingernail down the side of his face. She smelled as if she would much rather make love to him and put her den together later, which made his heart swell. “Go do female’s work,” he teased, and was thrilled when she howled and leapt at him. “Works every time,” Raul grinned, giving his own mate a serious once-over. “And they look so damn hot on their hands and knees scrubbing the floor.” “If you think I’m going to fall for that and lunge at you after you’ve admitted you insult my gender on purpose just to get me in your arms, you can find your own kill tonight.” Angela spun around, putting her hands on her hips as she stared at the handful of boxes they’d helped Olivia bring from her parents’ den. Ran didn’t care when Raul leapt on Angela, growling fiercely. Instead he gripped Olivia tighter when she tried to twist in his arms. He loved her laughter and vowed to always give her reasons to be happy. The scent on her was fresher than a blossoming field in spring. It had been almost a week since they’d attacked the human campsite and several days since they had discovered the humans had been poisoned with arsenic. He’d researched side effects, although from what he’d sniffed out initially about the drug, fairly large amounts of it had to be ingested to kill. Poisoned meat was found throughout the campsite but those involved in the attack would have actually swallowed very little blood. Apparently being covered with tainted blood, as some of them were, wouldn’t harm them as if they’d ingested it.
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Olivia settled into his arms, brushing her full breasts against his chest and purring. “I’m surprised you don’t have your kill ready for me, my mate,” she said, her tone seductive but her eyes glowing with mischief. “I’ve been running, working hard and my mate should have my meal laid out on the table. I’m positive that is a tradition or probably a law.” “I say we toss them over our shoulders and take them out to the waterfall,” Raul suggested. “I think it’s time to remind them what good females do.” “We’re good only when our males are,” Angela retorted, and laughed when he grabbed her, making a show of putting her on his shoulder. “I say we make it a date,” Ran said, grinning when Olivia stiffened, as if ready to fight with tooth and claw if he tried tossing her over his shoulder. He didn’t doubt for a moment it would be worth the fight. “I have been waiting for you to return, but not to lay my kill at your feet or anywhere else,” he added, releasing Olivia, but then tweaking her nipple before she could dodge out of his grasp. “I want to show you something.” “Oh no,” Angela gasped, her grin fading. “Not more bad news.” Ran shook his head. “Not this time.” He reached for Olivia, finally relaxing after a couple days of watching her and fighting panic she would show signs of having been poisoned. For a while it had been impossible to get the image of her with so much human blood covering her coat. She’d sniffed the blood out as tainted, even if she had referred to the entire scenario and not the blood itself. Seeing her laugh and happy made his heart swell and he vowed he would do whatever it took to keep her happy and by his side for the rest of their lives. “This is exciting and if it’s real, we’ll finally have something smelling good out of the nightmare all of us have endured.” Raul and Angela moved in behind him when he sat at his computer with Olivia on his lap and began showing them page after page of the evidence he’d found. Ran explained, glancing over his shoulder at their sober expressions, until he reached the last page. “I wish Rafe were here so I wouldn’t have to explain all of this again.” Ran leaned forward in his chair when he finished and gathered the pages he’d printed from his printer. Olivia stood as he leaned forward and moved in behind him, standing in front of Raul and Angela. She placed her hands on his shoulders and began kneading his muscles. He placed one hand over hers, wishing she’d never stop. “I don’t know where he is,” Raul offered, his arms crossed as he scowled at Ran’s computer screen. “He’s been pulling off quite a few disappearing acts lately.” “He’s probably finally found some willing female,” Angela offered lightly. “You’re going to have to explain all of this again anyway, Ran. All of Guarida needs to know this.” “If it’s true,” Ran said, returning his attention to the map on his screen. “It will change how jaguars live.” 175
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“If we’re strong enough to go back to the ways of our ancestors.” Ran glanced up at his littermate. “We’re down here because jaguars are falling apart. We’re turning on each other and doing despicable acts. If we truly have found these,” he said, tapping his screen, “it will definitely change who we are. I think most jaguars are ready for that change.”
***** “In a way I’m sorry David Hunter isn’t here to see his dream come to be true,” Miguel said as he stood next to Ran in the clearing not too far from the gathering den. “Not that I pay a lot of attention to any howlings,” Ran said, and wiped dirt and sweat from his forehead, “but I heard his litter isn’t going through the mourning ritual. It sounds as if they also knew how bad he really was. You didn’t kill him based on my decision, did you?” Miguel shook his head. “I couldn’t. Even if I’ve never seen it in writing, as long as I’ve been alive I’ve known our laws state a forum has to consist of five members, and I do believe they cannot be from the same litter. I couldn’t let either of your littermates vote. No one will accuse me of having a male killed without just cause. David Hunter died from his crimes and the forum was fair with the decision made from five jaguars who were all from different litters.” Ran nodded and turned his attention back to the section of ground they’d narrowed it down to according to the map he’d printed. He wondered if the tall silk cotton trees surrounding the clearing were the same ones described in the old writing he’d found. Glancing up at them, he decided they could all easily be over seventy years old. “So is this true?” Bonnie Sancerre marched up to Ran, looking at him as if the last time she’d howled at him it wasn’t to disgrace him. “You’ve found the map that leads us to our original laws and traditions?” “We’ll know here soon,” he told her. “Well, I refuse to abide by them until I see what they say,” Bonnie said, a bit too loudly as she pushed her fists into her narrow hips and turned her attention to the young males who were in a circle with shovels and digging into the ground. Ran didn’t like the smell of her hostility and could only imagine what had her upset now. It wasn’t his problem. He turned, moving with Olivia to the other side of the digging sight. If she guessed he tried to create distance between him and her angrysmelling mother, she didn’t say anything. Rafe and Raul both had shovels. Terry Rodriguez and Rick Ramos were also digging. Olivia cuddled into Ran and wrapped her arms around his. They stood there, with every jaguar in Guarida also standing around the hole, as the four males made decent time making it deeper and larger. “Do you realize this is very near to where we first fucked?” Olivia whispered in his ear.
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He looked into her glowing green eyes. “I knew it was sacred ground.” They’d had to wait another week before announcing to every jaguar in Guarida what Ran found online after hearing David Hunter’s rant in the cage. Ran believed Hunter brought his litter down here because he thought he’d found where the ancient laws and traditions were buried. John Hunter had denied knowing anything about it. Since he didn’t smell like a lie, he was allowed to live. Ran wasn’t surprised no one was allowed to speak with the female Hunter littermate. She’d always been kept hidden from the world. There were times when Ran wondered if something were wrong with her. She’d always smelled normal any time he had seen her though. Nonetheless, when John Hunter was asked to present his one remaining littermate for questioning by the forum, he calmly requested she be left out of the morbid affair. John had told them Anna had been devastated to hear what David had done and was far too upset by all of it to endure any line of questioning. Once again he smelled of the truth and Anna had been left alone. Ran and his littermates, along with the forum members, all agreed Anna was so seldom seen or sniffed out it was very unlikely she had anything to do with trying to find lost laws and traditions. Ran also found it curious that David Hunter was able to find the information leading to the buried traditions and laws. Assuming they were still buried where the map said they were. He’d found the information by accident when he’d clicked on a link, which was broken. Instead of it taking him to a newspaper article from seventy years ago, the map to the hidden traditions and laws had appeared. During the following week, there was one hell of an ordeal trying to get all the dead humans out of their campsite surrounding Guarida. It took several days but they’d managed to burn all the human bodies and drive the trucks, loaded with empty cages, to the edge of the rain forest. They’d put many of the weapons the humans had with them inside the cages. They’d driven the trucks north along the paths the large tires had created when entering the rain forest, doing their best not to create more damage to the foliage with the large vehicles. It had taken three days of driving and a couple more for the drivers to return to Guarida in their fur. But the trucks were left on the side of a human highway, which, from what Ran had heard howled, was very close to the Nicaraguan border. Olivia used her hand to keep the sun out of her eyes and stared into the large hole in front of them. The smell of fresh dirt was strong. Ran squinted, aware of Olivia and those around them staring intently into the ground as several males continued using shovels and digging deeper into the earth. “I hit something!” Terry yelled. The forest around all of them was suddenly as silent as if a living creature didn’t exist for miles. All of them stepped closer as the diggers froze, staring at where Terry pointed. “Careful,” Raul announced, breaking the silence. “If this is our real book of laws and traditions, it is thousands of years old.”
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“It’s probably nothing but dust,” someone muttered. All the litters had been a mixture of cynics and hopefuls ever since they’d announced the digging would begin. David had somehow stumbled onto the location the ancient books had been hidden, which was where Guarida was today. It made sense jaguars would have buried what meant so much to them after having fled a world of so much turmoil and destruction. At the time, every male and female knew all the laws and traditions by heart. Burying the original writings was a smart and safe thing to do. As generations passed, jaguars didn’t remember every law and tradition by heart. They passed what they knew on to their cubs the best they could. Ran hoped someday he would learn why the ancient writings were never dug up. He prayed it wouldn’t always be a mystery why their grandsires and greatgrandsires forgot they were buried where they were. “It wasn’t dust seventy years ago when it disappeared,” Ran pointed out. Raul and Rafe glanced up at him, their shovels poised. Ran left Olivia standing behind him and walked to the edge of the hole. All four males were in the hole up to their chests. They were dirty and sweaty, but the smell of excitement, which also sizzled in the air, was strong enough to drown out any stench. “I’d like to think it’s buried in some kind of chest or case,” Ran said, keeping his voice low as he squatted next to the edge of the hole. Rafe looked down, his hair covered with dirt, and swept away some of the dirt from whatever he’d uncovered. Then taking his fist, he tapped at it. It made a hard, clanking sound, like metal. A chill rushed up Ran’s spine and he wasn’t the only one who felt it. When Raul then Rafe glanced at each other then up at him, the look on their faces reminded him of when they were cubs and about to embark on some terribly secretive adventure. “We’re making history today,” Raul said under his breath. “I can feel it.” “Go at it carefully. Don’t get your claws in the way,” Ran said, his eyes pivoted on the small, bare, flat surface barely visible where dirt had been cleared. A few others were also squatting around him, as close to the edge of the hole as they dared without causing dirt to collapse on what they’d accomplished so far. “Agreed, let’s get rid of these shovels,” Raul decided, and set his shovel on the ground by the hole then knelt down to where Terry had hit something. He began moving dirt with his fingers. “We need to find out how big this thing is we’re digging out.” Time passed as the males began moving dirt with their hands, gently freeing whatever was buried so far under the ground with their fingers. Males and females around them began huddling in small circles, howling among themselves and occasionally glancing at the big hole. When it grew dark, they continued to huddle. No one left, not even when cubs grew grouchy and hungry. A designated male or female would run to their den, returning with whatever kill they had there, and spread it out to as many as they could. 178
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Which meant all of them ate. Angela and Olivia left long enough to go to Raul and Angela’s den. They returned just a bit later with a stack of meat sandwiches. The females passed them out to all four males in the hole then Olivia gave one to Ran. “The excitement still smells so fresh,” Olivia said, speaking quietly when she leaned into Ran and took a bite out of her sandwich. “I think we’ve needed something like this for a long time,” he said, speculating out loud and enjoying his female cuddled into him. “Jaguars have lost their path. My litter was meant to come down here.” “We would never have known this was here,” she said, nodding to the hole. “Not without you here to find it.” “And you and I never would have met.” “We’ve got it!” Raul’s excited yell stole the romantic moment. Not that Ran or Olivia would remember, even a few minutes later. Ran stuffed the remainder of his sandwich in his mouth as he scurried as close to the edge of the hole as he could without joining the other four down in it. Raul and Terry grabbed the edges of a metal-looking chest and lifted it out of the hole. Howls and hisses, cubs yelping and chasing each other around, and everyone hugging everyone made getting it out of the hole challenging for just a minute. Olivia helped Ran take it from the two males in the hole and carried it over to a blanket with lights surrounding it where Miguel stood, eyeing the box with something akin to reverence. In fact, as Ran let his end go and stared at the small chest, which ironically almost looked like a buried treasure chest, a silence fell around all of them. Raul, Rafe and the other two males pushed themselves out of the hole. His littermates joined Ran, both smelling of dirt, and stood silently, staring at the box while Miguel, his mate and another older lady Ran didn’t know began lovingly brushing the lid of the box with their fingers, cleaning it. “It’s just a simple, old-fashioned padlock,” Miguel told them, glancing up at Ran and the others as he knelt on the opposite side of the chest. Ran wanted to leap around the chest, be the first to see the contents when it was opened. It would mean knocking over half of Guarida, which he was almost willing to do. Instead, he remained planted where he was, wrapped his arm around Olivia’s shoulders, and watched, along with everyone else, as Miguel allowed just enough of the change to take over to extend his nails into claws. In the next second, the lock on the chest clattered to the ground. Miguel lifted the top of the chest and the females assisted until it was resting on the other side. The lid opened far enough it didn’t block Ran’s view. He and his littermates, along with Olivia, all stepped forward, everyone looking into the dirty, old chest at the same time. Several smaller boxes and what looked like more dirt were nestled neatly inside. “One at a time,” Ran announced, ending the reverent silence. “We don’t know how old they are and after being in the earth all these years.” 179
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“Right. We don’t want them crumbling to nothing before we even know what they are.” Rafe knelt next to the box, obviously unable to hold back his excitement any longer. Miguel lifted the largest of the three boxes so all could see them, and his mate quickly began brushing dirt off its lid. “Look!” she said, her voice cracking. Too many emotions were tumbling over each other to tell what her reaction was. “It says Laws and Traditions.” “It’s in English?” Ran asked, tilting his head to read the words upside down. Apparently his damper wasn’t appreciated by anyone. His speculation earlier had been right. All of them had already willed this discovery to be their ancient laws and traditions. Even with jaguars like Bonnie Sancerre, who howled she wouldn’t follow any of them until she was convinced they were real, they all had lost focus on what it truly meant to be such a powerful and honorable creature. None of them wanted to believe this wasn’t their salvation. “I’m sure the box isn’t as old as the laws and traditions,” Olivia said, giving him a slight punch as she made a face at him. Males and females around him immediately muttered their agreement. He stared at her for only a minute but it was long enough to see she understood the energy in the air as well as he did. “We need to get all of this out of the moist air,” Ran decided, taking his time pulling his gaze from Olivia’s. “Once we have the chest safely inside, we can then proceed in reading all of its contents.” Ran wasn’t sure a group of jaguars ever moved faster. He wasn’t even positive who decided the chest would be taken to the gathering den. But within minutes lights were moved, the chest was reloaded and several of them carried it up the stairs, with all of Guarida following into the large hut. This time Ran sat at the table, Olivia on one side, Raul, Angela and Rafe on the other, and Miguel pacing behind them. So many males and females crammed together on the other side of the table, he was grateful for the small amount of space between all of them and him. The large box, with its letters burned into the almost-petrified wood, was opened and stacks of papers, none of them in English, were lifted out. Ran sifted through the printed stack of papers he’d brought from his den. “Here it is,” he announced, holding up the paper he’d been searching for then placing it next to the first paper on the thick stack in front of him. “And it’s a match.” “Damn, it is,” Olivia whispered next to him. “You have the translation?” Raul asked. “It’s just the first paragraph, but I printed this off the website that supposedly displays what is remembered about our laws. I printed this paragraph because it says if the laws and traditions don’t start with this, they aren’t legitimate,” Ran explained then sucked in a breath as he glanced at his littermates then over at Olivia.
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“Read it,” she urged, almost jumping in her chair. All those around him began snapping that he do the same. Ran grinned, the excitement and sizzling energy all of them had smelled and endured for almost the entire night had hit its climax. He held the paper with the translation and ran his fingers over the words on the old, parched paper as he read aloud. “So that it is known for every jaguar, male, female, unmated and mated, these are our laws. We shall run by them, hunt by them, kill by them and love by them.” He paused, taking a breath, and realized he hadn’t been reading alone. Glancing down at the end of the table, he stared at Anita Perez, as did many of the others. Her eyes had been closed but she opened them when Ran quit reading. “I remember,” she whispered, grinning. Ran kept reading as Anita said the ancient words aloud along with him. “With the birth of each jaguar, until his or her death, these laws shall be honored, followed and never altered or death shall follow swiftly and without hesitation. There are no amendments. No jaguar shall question the meaning. For all is clearly howled, as it shall always be. Teach your cubs, do not ever forget or all will perish.” He stared at the words underneath the opening declaration. They weren’t legible. The printout he held in his hand had a commentary at the bottom. Ran didn’t read it aloud but stared at the sentence. Although the signatures at the bottom of the declaration aren’t legible, many believe they say VicMoran and Kalusian. Ran quickly shuffled through his pages, his fingers damp as he hurried to find the next paragraph he’d found a translation for. His heart skipped a beat as adrenaline pumped through his veins, making it damn hard to continue speaking. The change threatened to rise inside him. As he stared at the two paragraphs, once again confirming his printed version matched the original, warmth flooded his system. It was a calming sensation, one he couldn’t identify but knew it was supposed to feel this way. Picking up the printed paper, he again pressed his finger to the original words and kept reading. “There are two solid lines, all shall breed out of them, which will make the jaguar strong and honored. If the two lines build barriers, attack each other with tooth and claw, the end of the jaguar is near. For it is the VicMorans and the Kalusians who first bred, and only they can destroy us all.”
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Chapter Sixteen Olivia stood at the bottom of the stairs to the gathering den and stared in the direction of where she and Ran had first had sex. It was just a patch of ground, not even ground any different from other splotches of earth around it. She’d never forget that spot though. Staring at it now brought a quickening to her gut. Pressure built inside her and the thought of hauling her mate to their den and making love to him for the rest of the afternoon sounded like the perfect way to spend the rest of the day. “And I’d be breaking the law,” she mumbled, the heaviness she’d barely managed to clear out of her system once again attacking her full force. After glancing up the stairs, knowing Ran would probably be a few more minutes, if not longer, she glanced in the direction of her parents’ den. Then she turned her attention to the forest. Life was so much easier when she could change, enjoy the raw, untamed power flowing through her and race through the rain forest until her problems simply couldn’t keep up with her anymore. Hadn’t it just been a month or so when she’d last done that? When her mother had humiliated her by loudly howling how Ran would have to mate with her, she’d taken off, determined to run until none of it mattered. Something had changed. She glanced again at her parents’ den. It wasn’t just learning the laws and traditions her kind had followed for several thousand years and had only forgotten within the last few generations. Olivia didn’t want to run until none of this mattered anymore. Her life was perfect, or it had been until they had read the law about no mating being honorable until both sire and mother gave their blessing. Ran’s parents were dead, which made him exempt from that part of the law. Hers weren’t though. They were right across center ground and she and Ran needed to have their blessing. “There you are.” Ran bounded down the stairs and stopped when he reached her, immediately stroking her hair. He was always touching her. Their scent was so identical and strong. Every time he came near, Olivia drowned in his aroma, her insides immediately swelling, aching, anxious to learn if she would have time alone with him. She couldn’t get enough of Ran. “I got almost the entire first page of the history of jaguars translated. You wouldn’t believe how far back our line goes.” He was grinning, his eyes flashing with enthusiasm and his black hair lifting slightly from the breeze blowing through center ground. His expression didn’t change as he continued staring at her, but his tone softened. “What is it?” he asked. Olivia shook her head, smiling and brushing the loose strand that had fallen free from his ponytail behind his ear. “Nothing new.” She dropped her attention to the scuff of hair peeking out from under the collar of his shirt. Tight, small black curls looked so 182
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enticing she could almost believe nothing was wrong. After all, she’d run all her life not knowing about these laws or traditions. Why should she turn her life upside down now that they’d suddenly unearthed them? “I’m tormented the same as I have been since you translated the law about mating,” she admitted, bringing her fingers down from his ear and stroking the visible tight curl from his chest. “We’re probably going to run across more laws and traditions we haven’t followed as more are translated,” he said, and rubbed her cheek with his thumb. “Everyone has agreed no one will be accused of breaking any laws, nor should anyone feel dishonored if we learn we’ve broken a law. They’ve just now come into our lives. That’s why we’re meeting once a week and reading the laws. It’s the best way for all to grow familiar with them.” Ran was truly amazing. He was the only one translating the laws. Once a week every jaguar in Guarida met in the gathering den and listened as everything Ran had translated since the previous week was read aloud. Miguel read them. There was always discussion and during their very first meeting it was quickly decided no jaguar would be killed for any law broken prior to knowing about the law. Ran was doing all the translating, calling all the shots, and refusing to take any credit for any of it. “Come on,” he said, taking her arm and starting across center ground. “What?” He snapped her out of her thoughts too fast for her to figure out his meaning. “Where? What are we doing?” “You’re bothered by this. We know about the law now so we’ll honor it.” As she began to understand, Olivia slowed her pace but didn’t try to stop them. Ran guided her to her parents’ den and didn’t pause when they reached the stairs. Instead he bound up them, continuing to hold her hand. He knocked firmly on the door and stared straight ahead, giving no indication any of this bothered him at all. It had been almost a month since she’d last spoken to her sire or mother. Neither of them had denied her any of her personal belongings when she’d shown up at their den with Angela and Raul to gather clothes and cooking utensils. That was right before they’d found the laws and traditions. Since then, she and Ran had been busy working to decipher the old jaguar language. Olivia had come up with the idea of preserving it. At some point she thought it a good idea they learn how to howl as their ancestors did. She’d worked alongside Ran creating a dictionary of sorts with the translations of the ancient words. So when they weren’t running, hunting, having incredible sex, sleeping or eating, they were sitting side by side, working at Ran’s computer. She straightened, sucking in a deep breath and shoving images of her perfect life with Ran to the side when her sire opened the door. “Good hunting,” Ran said seriously without hesitating. He was all business. “Olivia and I have come to speak with you and your mate if you’d honor us by letting us into your den.”
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Olivia couldn’t tell if her sire looked amused or concerned. He nodded, backed up while holding the door and allowed them to enter. Ran walked past her sire, and Olivia followed. He didn’t hesitate but moved straight into her living area. Olivia glanced at her sire as she started past him to follow Ran. Her sire stared into her eyes, his expression softening. She couldn’t pull off this formality her mate had decided to use. These were her parents. Her sire stared into her eyes. Moisture welled in her eyes and she didn’t stop herself from throwing her arms around him. Fred Sancerre didn’t hesitate in pulling his only cub into his arms. “There’s my beautiful daughter,” he grumbled, the words soft and raspy as he whispered in her ear. “Your mother wondered how seriously you two would take these laws you’ve found.” Olivia pulled back, stunned for only a moment. Of course her mother would use the laws only as they suited her. She probably pounced on the law about mating the moment she heard it, and Olivia imagined it had been repeated to her sire enough times he possibly mumbled it in his sleep. “We take them very seriously,” she informed him, partially grateful he’d guessed why they were here but also feeling her nerves twist more in her gut. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask if her mother would give her blessing, but she wouldn’t put her sire on the spot. “They truly will make us the most powerful species on earth if everyone takes them seriously.” “I agree.” He turned them, closing the door, and led his daughter farther into the living room. “Bonnie, we have company,” he called out then grinned for the first time. “We have a batch of fresh sweet tea. You know your mother makes the best in all Guarida,” he added. “Have a seat. I’ll pour us a glass.” Bonnie looked as if she’d been asleep when she appeared at the end of the hallway. Instead of joining Olivia and Ran in the living room, she walked into the kitchen with her mate. Ran slipped his arm around her, pulling her close when the two of them started whispering. It was hard to pick up on everything they said. Their whispers tickled her ears though, and Olivia tried harder to understand. They were definitely discussing her and Ran’s mating, but that was all she could tell. Her sire handed Bonnie two glasses then took two himself and nodded for her to enter the living room. Olivia’s mother’s lips were pursed when she was forced to hand one of the glasses to Olivia. Bonnie hated it when Olivia’s sire made her wait on guests. Olivia wondered why he made her do it. The moment she handed Olivia her glass, Fred gave Ran’s tea to him then took his mate’s hand and drew her back to the small couch on the other side of the living room and pulled her down next to him. “It is truly an honor to have you visit, Olivia,” he began. “We’ve both missed you greatly.” Bonnie cleared her voice, a strong sign for her sire to be quiet. Olivia couldn’t remember when he’d last ignored her subtle commands. “Tell us why you’re here.” If he guessed Ran might be as nervous as she was, her sire made it easy for him to jump right into their request.
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She didn’t smell nervousness, fear or any negative emotion on her mate, or technically, on the male she loved. He wouldn’t officially be her mate until her parents gave their blessing. “It appears both of you understand the meaning of our visit.” Ran didn’t straighten or even move a muscle. He remained relaxed next to her, one arm draped over her shoulders and the other balancing his tea on his jeans. “We’ve translated several pages of our laws now, but the moment the law on matings needed approval of the parents was translated, Olivia hasn’t been able to put it out of her mind. We’re here to ask for your blessing. We would like to be mated honorably.” A moment of silence passed then several moments. Olivia’s mouth grew so dry she wasn’t sure she would be able to swallow any of the tea if she tried. If her parents wouldn’t honor their mating, she wasn’t sure what she would do. Would she truly be able to follow the law and return to live here? Already, sitting in the living room with Ran and her parents, she felt like a guest and not as if this were her den. “Olivia is bothered by this law,” Bonnie began, breaking the silence. She sipped at her tea, shifting her attention from one of them to the other over the glass as she drank. “Does knowing you’re breaking this law not bother you, Ran?” she asked, her tone sweet enough to fill the air with her gloating attitude. Olivia broke down and gulped at her tea. It was delicious but immediately felt too cold in her gut and only made the knot there twist more. “The law matters a lot to me. All of them do. Olivia and I have already agreed we will run and howl with these laws, obeying each one of them without question as it is ordained.” He paused, possibly aware he hadn’t answered her question yet and knew, therefore, no one would cut in until he spoke again. “My sire and mother died when I was still a cub. The law, as written, doesn’t affect me. But Olivia is my mate. There is nothing I won’t do to see her happy. The law affects her and therefore matters to me. I wouldn’t be here, requesting your blessing on a mating you’ve already made clear you didn’t want, otherwise.” Olivia worried for a moment Ran would add because her mother had wanted her to mate with David Hunter. It would be in his right. He could humiliate Bonnie before she had the chance to do the same to them. Ran didn’t add anything about David but grew quiet, reaching to place his tea on the side table next to him then resting his hand on her leg. The moment he looked at her, Olivia felt his warm concern wrap around her. She glanced his way and found so much reassurance in his eyes. He was so sure of himself. She would be the same. If her mother disapproved, Olivia wouldn’t leave until she’d changed her mind. She returned her attention to her parents, her new conviction making the tension in her gut slowly fade. “That is good enough for us,” Bonnie said. “You have our blessing.” She said the words so simply, not being theatrical about it or howling on and on before telling them what they wanted to hear. Instead, she stood, handed her glass to
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Fred and walked out of the living room, not giving either of them a glance as she disappeared to her bedroom. “Give her time,” her sire said, also standing and grinning as he put his tea down and spread his arms for a hug. “She wouldn’t have denied your happiness, Olivia. If she’s put out at all, it’s that she smelled your fear that she would.” Olivia gawked, but then jumped up for another hug. She would be an old female before she ever understood her mother. Her sire pulled her in to another of his wonderful hugs. In spite of trying to convince herself how strong she would be facing her mother, the fear and apprehension she’d balled up inside flowed out of her, leaving her dizzy for a moment. Ran would never have to worry about her becoming her mother. She didn’t have the balls for it. “Welcome to the den,” her sire said, holding her still with one arm while reaching out to Ran with the other. “I hope you don’t live to regret it,” he added with a chuckle. “Hey,” Olivia retorted, usually loving one of her sire’s hugs, especially when he laughed. “Ran will never regret being with me,” she argued, and turned from her sire and into Ran’s arms when he touched her. “I believe you’re right.” For a moment she thought she smelled sadness on her sire. “You aren’t losing me, Sire,” she assured him. “Why don’t you come to our den tomorrow? We’ve fixed it up and soon we’re going to expand.” “I would be honored.” If it was sadness she’d smelled, it disappeared when he grinned. Then glancing past her toward their bedroom, his grin dimmed slightly. “You know Mother is always welcome in my den too.” “Give her time.” “Should I go talk to her?” “No.” He shook his head and returned his attention to her. “Your mother enjoys moments like these. Give her time. She will show you how proud she is of you with time.” Olivia didn’t question her sire, although she almost wished she had. It seemed her sire had offered insight into her mother’s nature and if she’d only asked, so much would have been clear to her. “I thought you’d be happier,” Ran said, sliding his hand into hers as they walked through the trees to their den. She pulled herself out of her thoughts and looked up into Ran’s sexy green eyes. The sun glimpsed through the trees and for a moment reflected off his black hair. Her heart swelled and once again her tummy twisted, but not with the same emotions as before. “We’re mated,” she breathed, and immediately felt foolish for saying it. “Yup.” He yanked her up against his virile body and continued walking as she almost tripped and was forced to hang on as he practically dragged her. “My female,” he growled. 186
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“Drag me by my tail and I’ll show you your female,” she growled. Ran laughed then swept her off her feet, tossing her over his shoulder before she could stop him. Olivia kicked, struggling to be put down but laughing too hard to manage it. “Ran VicMoran,” she yelled, trying to make his name into an order. There was another feat her mother had down well and Olivia doubted she’d ever accomplish. Too much love flowed through her. He let her slide down his body when they reached their den. Every inch of her tingled and swelled as she reached the ground. His hard body, lean and muscular, solid and in his prime, would always sweep her off her paws. “How about a run?” she suggested, reaching around him and tugging on his ponytail. Ran’s eyes darkened and his scent turned thick, compelling as he stared into her eyes. “Good idea. I plan on laying my kill at your feet tonight, precious cat.” Olivia pulled his hair free then grabbed his shirt, tugging it up until she stared at roped muscle, hard and solid and all hers. He let her undress him, and when he stood there naked, his hair tousled and wild around his face, and his cock erect, thick and long, it was all she could do to fumble out of her own clothes. The moment she dropped her jeans on top of his clothes then slid her underwear down her legs, Ran grabbed her. His solid grip on her cool flesh ignited her need inside her for him until it erupted in flames. Instead of tossing her over his shoulder again, Ran lifted her into his arms, holding her as a mother would her newborn cub, and began walking. “Am I supposed to change like this?” she asked, straightening her legs so her toes were in the air. “If you want,” he muttered, his voice calm and not winded as he easily moved through the trees with her in her arms. The sound of the waterfall hit her before she saw it. Instinctively she clung to Ran. “You aren’t throwing me in the pond,” she snapped. “Unless you plan on getting wet too.” “I have no doubts.” He didn’t slow and moved stealthily around the water until they reached the large flat rock where they so often sat these days while drying off or preparing to bathe. As much as Olivia looked forward to the day when her den had a real bathroom, she would miss their intimate moments of bathing here. His muscles flexed against her bare skin as he stepped onto the rock and sat, still holding her. Every inch of him was as hard as the rock they cuddled on, except Ran was so incredibly alive. Her male was calm, slow to show a temper and the most passionate lover she had ever imagined a male would be. “Change your mind?” she asked, relaxing on his lap although very aware of his thick, long cock throbbing against her rear end.
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“No. We’ll take that run. Hunting with my cat sounds like the perfect way to end the day.” He brushed her hair from her face, leaned her back against the rock and began kissing her. Olivia immediately wrapped her arms around him, feeling the warmth of the sun hit parts of her flesh as it managed its way through the dense tree limbs overhead. She decided wherever their den was throughout their lives it would always be away from others. Having the outdoors at her disposal, using the pond as their bathing area and the hard, flat rock as their lovemaking spot had already spoiled her. Maybe at one time she might have thought living without all the amenities she’d grown up with would be beneath her standards. Now she saw she was truly living. They were jaguars, pure bred, powerful and deadly. Being one with the world they owned simply added to their invincibility. “Spread your legs for me,” Ran grunted, moving his mouth and beginning a moist trail to her neck. “Only if you promise to fuck me hard and fast,” she instructed, shifting so her back was flat on the smooth, cool rock. It was an incredible sensation, so much heat above her and a chill beneath her. She spread her legs and Ran immediately positioned himself over her. Olivia wrapped herself around him, pulling him closer until he easily slid inside her. “So wet,” he hissed, his thick black lashes closing over his green eyes. Ran growled when he entered her, filling her and stretching her so she was forced to arch into him to take all he could offer. Sparks ignited up her spine and her thigh muscles quivered. She dragged her nails lazily down his back and moaned with pleasure over how good he made her feel. “I love you,” she told him, speaking clearly and saying the words as if it were the most natural thing to say. Ran’s lashes fluttered only for a moment before he pierced her with such an intense stare it stole her breath. “I never imagined it would feel this good,” he muttered, and his entire body tightened when he almost eased out of her. “What? Love?” She dragged her hands over his taut muscles, feeling him recede and lifting herself, anxious to have him deep inside her again. Ran impaled her, his jaw hardening and his determined expression intoxicating. “Our love,” he said, his words as rough and raw as his lovemaking. She’d asked for it hard and fast and Ran didn’t let her down. There wasn’t any way she could utter another word. But she didn’t look away. They held each other’s gazes, staring deep into their souls, and breathed their united scent as he fucked her hard, creating so much pressure it exploded without her control, over and over again. The smell of their fucking was thick, strong and so overwhelming it carried Olivia away. The hard, solid rock underneath her seemed to have disappeared. She didn’t feel the sun warming patches of her skin anymore. Her world was warm skin, arms and limbs tangled around each other, and the moist sheen covering their bodies making it 188
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easy to slide against each other. His mouth found hers as he continued burying himself deep inside her, only to retract then do it again. They could be rolling, twirling in the air for all she knew. His strong body pressed against hers. Her nipples were hard, and brushed against the tight curls on his chest. Every inch of her was overly aware of his perfect body touching her, brushing over her and pressing into her. They were one, united and bonded, branded together for life, soul mates, hunting partners, creatures of the night and humans by day, sharing their thoughts until their minds were united. It didn’t matter to her if this was how a mating should be. Whether others experienced this level of connecting wasn’t her problem. No law or tradition controlled how her heart exploded every time he looked at her. Olivia had her male. Ran had her. Together they were one and that was how it was supposed to be for them. “Olivia,” he said into her mouth. Ran made her name sound somehow sacred. She tried focusing on him but relied on her other senses to know her mate was ready to come. “Now, my beautiful cat,” she whispered. “All you have. Give it to me.” “I’ve already done that,” he managed before a low, raspy growl erupted from deep inside him. His cock twitched inside her, sending her world toppling to the side yet again. Olivia drowned in him, feeling wave after wave flow through her. They came together, proving they were truly united as one.
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About the Author All my life, I’ve wondered at how people fall into the routines of life. The paths we travel seem to be well-trodden by society. We go to school, fall in love, find a line of work (and hope and pray it is one we like), have children and do our best to mold them into good people who will travel the same path. This is the path so commonly referred to as the “real world”. The characters in my books are destined to stray down a different path than the one society suggests. Each story leads the reader into a world altered slightly from the one they know. For me, this is what good fiction is about, an opportunity to escape from the daily grind and wander down someone else’s path. Lorie O’Clare lives in Kansas with her three sons. Lorie welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
Tell Us What You Think We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at
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Also by Lorie O’Clare Black Jag 1: Black Seduction Blue Moon Cariboo Lunewulf 1: Taming Heather Cariboo Lunewulf 2: Pursuit Cariboo Lunewulf 3: Challenged Dead World Fallen Gods 1: Tainted Purity Fallen Gods 2: Jaded Prey Fallen Gods 3: Lotus Blooming Fallen Gods 4: Embracing Temptation Raptors Revealed 1: Feather Down Raptors Revealed 2: Feather Possessed Raptors Revealed 3: Feather Adored Raptors Revealed 4: Feather Torn Issue of Trust Leopard Visions 1: Vision Captured Leopard Visions 2: Vision Fulfilled Leopard Visions 3: Vision Controller Leopard Visions 4: Vision Lust Leopard Visions 5: Vision Revealed Lunewulf 1: Lunewulf Law Lunewulf 2: In Her Blood Lunewulf 3: In Her Dreams Lunewulf 4: In Her Nature Lunewulf 5: In Her Soul Lunewulf: Full Moon Rising Lunewulf: Wicked Penance Sex Slaves 1: Sex Traders Sex Slaves 2: Waiting for Yesterday Sex Slaves 3: Waiting for Dawn
Shara’s Challenge Sure Thing Taking it All Torrid Love 1: The First Time Torrid Love 2: Caught Torrid Love 3: After Dusk Werewolves of Malta 1: Elements Unbound Werewolves of Malta 2: Living Extinct Werewolves of Malta 3: Far from Innocent Werewolves of Malta 4: Forbidden Attraction Werewolves of Malta 5: For Life Werewolves of Malta 6: ’Til Death
Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.
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