TheTiger’sBride(NecklaceChroniclesThree)

ByR.E.Butler

TheTiger’sBride(NecklaceChroniclesThree)

ByR.E.Butler

LicenseNotes

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given

away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an

additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not

purchasedforyouruseonly,thenpleasepurchaseyourowncopy.Thankyouforrespectingthehardwork

oftheauthor.

CoverbyCTCoverDesigns

This ebook is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the

author’simaginationandnottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,

eventsorlocationsiscoincidental.

Disclaimer: The material in this book is for mature audiences only and contains graphic sexual

contentandisintendedforthoseolderthantheageof18only.

***

EditingbyAlexisArendt

***

MuchthankstothelovelyBryceEvansforinvitingmetotheoriginalboxedset.

HugstoJoyce&Shelleyforbeta-reading

MuchlovetoAuntB.L&myhusbandB.B.

TableofContents

OtherWorksbyR.E.Butler

TheTiger’sBride(TheNecklaceChroniclesBookThree)

ByR.E.Butler

As the last golden-furred tiger shifter in existence, Charisma Gains knows that his best chance to

findhissoulmateisontheAllHallows’Evefullmoon.Withanenchantedmedallioninhand,Charisma

caststhespellforhissoulmate,hopingagainsthopethatthenecklacewillfindtheonewomanmeanttobe

his.Unlesshefindshisotherhalf,he’llgoferal,hisbeastslowlytakingover.

WhenValerieWinterseesabeautifulnecklacewiththeimageofatigeronitatafleamarket,she’s

overcomewiththedesiretoownit.Withthecrypticwordsofthemerchantringinginherears,shetakes

thenecklacehomeandputsitonbeforethemoonrisesonAllHallows’Eve.Shepassesoutandwakesup

inthewoods,face-to-facewithabigcat.

Valerie is asked to believe the impossible: that shifters exist, that the man before her can change

intoatigeratwill,andthatshewasdestinedtoownthenecklacebecausethey’resoulmates.Charisma

knows it won’t be easy to convince Valerie of the truth in the span of a day, but if she refuses his

advances,thenecklacewillreturnhertoherhomeandhe’llloseherforever.Whathedoesn’texpectis

interferencefromtheverywiccanwhohelpedhim,andforValerie’slifetobeontheline.

Chapter1

ValerieWinterssettledontothepoolsideloungeatthehotel,here-readerinherhands.Thelatest

deliciousparanormalofferingfromherfavoriteauthorhadhitthevirtualbookshelvesearlythatmorning,

andshehadn’tbeenabletokeepfromdownloadingitimmediately.Thisbookcenteredonagroupoflion

shiftersastheylookedfortheirmates.Theherowasallalpha-maleanddemanding,andtheheroinewasa

pluckyyoungwomanwhotemptedmanandbeast.Itwasexactlythesortofbookthatsheadoredreading,

andshewasalreadyenviousoftheheroineinthestory,whowasseducedbythefiercelyhandsomealpha.

Ashadowcoveredher,andshelookeduptoseeherbestfriendandbride-to-beleaningoverthe

lounge.“Whatareyoureading,Val?”Bethanyasked,settlingintothevacantloungenexttoher.

“MyraJames’latest,ComeSweetLion.”

Bethanyrolledhereyes.“You’resosilly.”

“Maybe,butIlikebeingsillywhenIcanreadabouthot,sexymenwhoshiftintobigoldcats.”She

wiggledherbrows,andherbestfriendlaughedlightly.Wavingatoneoftheserverswhobustledaround

thehotelpool,Bethanyorderedmimosasandtheychattedaboutherweddingthatnight.

When their drinks were done, they headed to the hotel’s spa to get ready for the early evening

wedding,whichwastakingplaceinoneofthehotel’sgrandballrooms.

Valerie and Bethany had been friends since high school, when they both took Home Ec to escape

gym. Bethany was tall compared Valerie’s short stature, lean where Valerie had curves. Blonde to her

goldenbrown.Underneaththeirphysicaldifferences,though,weretwowomenwholovedshoppingfor

shoes,watchingLifetimemovies,anddancingontheweekends.

Butthatwasabouttostop,wasn’tit?Marriedwomendidn’tclub.

“Aw,youlookbummed,woman.What’sup?”Bethanyclosedhereyeswithayawnasthemasseuse

workedonhershoulders.

“I’m gonna miss the hell out of our kickass weekends,” Valerie grumbled, squeaking when her

masseusehitatenderspotinherback.

Onerobin’s-egg-blueeyeopened.“I’mgettingmarried,notdying.Geraldtravelsalot;we’llstill

gettohangout.”

Valeriebrightenedatthatthought.Shewasn’treadytoloseherbestfriendattwenty-three.

Thedaypassedquicklyastheywerepampered,plucked,andpolishedinpreparationforthesmall

wedding.Atsix-thirty,ValerieputherhandonthearmofGerald’snephewTroy,aganglyseventeen-year-

oldwhohadn’tbeenabletotakehiseyesoffhercleavagesincetherehearsaldinnerthenightbefore.He

escortedherclumsilydowntheaisle,takingtoo-longstridesandhavingtostoptowaitforhertocatchup.

Whentheypartedattheendoftheaisle,shehadtheurgetodunkherhandinalargetubofhandsanitizer,

becausethekidwasjustthatcreepy.

Turningherattentiontotheotherendoftheaisle,shewatchedasherbestiesteppedintoviewwith

herfather.Shewasavisioninivory,hergoldenhairshimmeringasshemoveddowntheaisle.Valerie

enviedBethanyhercloserelationshiptoherparents.Valerie’sownparentshaddivorcedwhenshewasa

teenager, and she’d stayed with her mother. Her father had remarried quickly and settled down with a

womanafewhours’driveaway.Theweeklyphonecallsfromhimbecamemonthlyones,andthendrifted

furtherandfurtherapart.

Hewasbusywithhisnewfamily,hiswife’schildrenfromapreviousmarriage,andthentheirown

children.Valeriebecameafootnoteinhislife,receivingabirthdaycardandaChristmasgift,butnothing

more. She’d become far closer to her mother, who was a combination best friend and super-mom

wrappedinonepetitepackage.Hermotherhadneverremarried.

She turned her attention to Bethany and Gerald. Gerald was a thirty-two-year-old marketing

executive who worked in the same office building in Philadelphia as Bethany and Valerie. Bethany

worked for a large cell phone company’s executive staff, and Valerie was an assistant at a collections

agency.

WhenBethanyhandedherroseandlilybouquettoValerie,hertearyfaceshowedjusthowhappy

she was she’d found Gerald, and Valerie was happy for her. Her own love life was pretty sparse. She

datedfrequently,butalwaysseemedtofindflawsinthemenshewentoutwith.Theyweretoolazy,ortoo

focusedontheircareers,ornotgoodinbed.Now,ifshecouldfindamanliketheonesinherparanormal

romancenovels,she’dbeinheaven.Itsoundedlikeatallorder,though;handsome,powerful,protective,

andshiftingintoafurrybeastonthefullmoon.Shethoughtshecouldgetusedtoamangoingfurryoncea

month,ifhewaseverythingelseshewanted.

ShewipedastraytearfromhercheekasBethanyandGeraldkissed,thenhandedthebouquetback

toherbestfriendandclappedwiththeguests.AsshetookTroy’sarmandheescortedherdowntheaisle,

shehopedthatherbestfriendwastrulyhappyandwouldhaveawonderfullife,andthatsomedaysoon

she’dmeetthemanofherdreamstoo.

Chapter2

Charisma Gains rubbed the back of his neck as his beast rolled inside him. He could feel fur

pricklingagainsthisskin,andthesharppainofhiscaninesandclawstryingtobreakfree.Everytimethe

sun rose, he was that much closer to losing himself completely to the beast. Cracking his knuckles, he

rolled his shoulders and snarled at the pacing tiger in his mind. The creature was slowly going crazy

becausethey’dbeenunabletofindtheirsoulmate,anditwastakingCharismastraightintotheabysswith

it.

Heclimbedoutofhistruckandshutthedoorfirmly,pushingbackthepacingcreatureinhismindas

he stared at the cottage that served as the hub for the local wiccan coven. He’d lived in Littlewood,

Pennsylvaniahisentirelife,andalthoughheknewofthesmallcoven,he’dneverhadtomeetwiththem

before.Thingsweredifferentnow;timewasrunningout.

Striding to the door with the homey welcome sign hanging from the knob, he pulled it open and

steppedinside.Immediatelyhissenseswereassaultedbytheheavyscentofherbsthatsaturatedtheair,

stinginghiseyesandmakinghisnoseitch.

“MayIbeofhelptoyoutoday?”ahigh,softvoicespoke.

A woman approached him with a friendly smile. Her blonde hair was tied in a long braid that

brushedthewoodfloorasshewalkedtowardhim.Hecouldfeelhowpowerfulshewasasshereached

outtohimsupernaturally,testinghimevenasheevaluatedherinturn.

“I’minneedofaspell,”hesaidafterintroducinghimself.

“I’mGretel,eldestinthecoven.Whatspelldoyouneed?”

“Aseekingspell,somysoulmatewillbebroughttome.”

Shemethisgazeforalongmomentandsaid,“ThiscomingfullmoonoccursonAllHallows’Eve.

Thatchangesthestrengthofthespell.”

Henodded.Ashiftercouldperformaseekingspellfortheirsoulmateduringanyfullmoon,butthe

All Hallows’ Eve full moon occurred only once every eighteen years. The spell would become much

morepowerfulduetotheriseinsupernaturalpoweronthatnight.

“I’mtwenty-five.I’mnotsureI’llmakeittoanotherfullmoon.Iunderstandthatthespellwillbe

exceptionallymorepowerful,butImustfindmysoulmate.”

“Thespellwilldrainyouphysically.You’llbeforcedintoyourshifttoprotectyourself.”

“I’lldowhateverittakes.AsidefromthesimplefactthatIdon’twanttobecomeferal,I’mthelast

golden-furredtigerinexistence.Ioweittomyfamilylinetohaveachild.”

It wasn’t just that he wanted a child – he wanted a family. His parents had died when he was a

teenager.Hefeltlikehe’dbeengrievingtheirlossforthelasttenyears,allbyhimself.He’dneverhad

anyonetosharetheburdenwith.He’djust…beenalone.

“Theseekingspellisn’taguarantee.Whilethenecklacewillgowhereyoursoulmateis,it’supto

fatewhethersheputsiton.”

“Iunderstand.”

“Followme,”Gretelsaid,turninggracefullyandwalkingthroughanopendooratthebackofthe

room.

Charisma followed. For the first time, he felt a stirring of hope. Countless times he’d traveled to

humancitiesinthehopethathe’dfindhissoulmate,buthiseffortshadbeenfruitless.Thiswashis“Hail

Mary”play.Iftheseekingspelldidn’twork,thenhewasdoomed.

Gretel stepped into a room and smiled at him. “Charisma, this is the coven. Ladies, we have a

guest,thelastgoldentigerinexistence.”

When Charisma stopped in the doorway, he found himself looking at a large circular table with

elevenwomenseatedaroundit.Theyvariedinageandstyleofdress,fromtheveryconservativehigh-

neckeddressthatGretelworetothemoremodern,gothicstylethatsomeoftheyoungerwomensported.

The women all greeted him as they closed the leather-bound books they were using. Gretel said,

“CharismahasaskedforaseekingspellforSundayevening.Louise,you’reveryadeptatenchantments.”

Louiseopenedhermouthandthenclosedit.

“Iseverythingwell,Louise?”Gretelasked,herbrowarched.

“Ofcourse.”Sheclearedherthroatasshestoodandsaid,“I’dbehappytohelp.”

ShesmiledatCharismaasshemovedtowardhim,stoppingandextendingherhand.Hetookit,and

hiscatchuffedinhishead.Therewassomethingoffaboutthewoman,buthecouldn’tplacewhatitwas.

“Youknowwherethesuppliesare,”Gretelsaid.“Ifyouhaveanyquestions,donotbeafraidtoask

forhelp.”

“Thisway,Charisma,”Louisesaid.

“Thankyou,”hesaidtoGretel,noddinghisheadtotheotherwiccans.HefollowedLouisedown

thehalltoanotherroom,whichlookedlikeacrossbetweenanoldlibraryandalaboratory.

Louise hummed as she walked along the bookcases that graced two of the walls from floor to

ceiling, the shelves stuffed with books. Pulling a thick book from a lower shelf, she laid it on a long

woodentableandopenedit,turningthepagesslowlyasshescannedthem.

“Doyouunderstandtheseekingspell?”sheasked.

“MyparentstoldmeaboutitwhenIwasacub.Afterthespelliscast,mysoulmatewillbebrought

tomewhenthemoonhasrisenonAllHallows’Eve.”

“Youknowaboutthetimeframealso?”Shemovedtotheothersideoftheroomandbegantopull

vials,boxes,andfabricsacksfromcabinetswithglassdoors.

“Ihavetwenty-fourhourstoconsummateourmating,orshe’llbereturnedtoherhome.”

Whatwasfarworse,inhismind,wasthatifhedidfailtoconvinceheroftheirbondassoulmates,

shewouldforgethimentirely.OncethemoonroseonMondaynight,iftheyhadn’tbeenintimate,thenshe

woulddisappearfromhislifeforeverandhe’dlosehimselftohisbeast.

“Right.”

HewatchedLouiseassheworked,usingamortarandpestletogrinddifferentingredientstogether.

Afterplacingthepowderedcontentsofthemortarintoaleatherpouch,sheusedaquillpenandaglass

jarofinktowritethewordsofthespellonastripofcottonfabric.

“Doyouhaveanecklace?”

“Yes.Itwasmymother’s.”

Shesmiled,butthistime,henoticedthatthesmiledidn’tquitereachhereyes.Therewasalookof

almostcontemptinhergaze.Certainhewasseeingthings,hepushedawayhisconcernandlistenedasshe

explainedhowtoperformthespell.Shegavehimthefabricandtheleatherpouchandsaid,“Iwishyou

well,Charisma,lastofthegoldentigers.”

“Iwon’tbethelastoneforlong,”hesaid.

Shehummednoncommittallyandwalkedwithhimoutoftheroom.Hethankedherandhurriedfrom

thecottage,anxioustocastthespellforhissoulmate.Shecouldn’tarrivefastenough.

***

AtdawnonAllHallows’Eve,Charismasteppedfromhiscabincarryingthefabric,pouch,andhis

mother’smedallion.Themedallionwasheavyinhishand,acomfortingweightthatheldthepromiseofa

new future. He stopped in the yard next to a fire pit, which he’d laid with oak he’d cut himself and

seasonedoverthelastyear.Kneelingnexttothepit,helitthefire.Asthewoodcaught,theflameslicking

andcurlingaroundthepieces,heclearedhismindofallbutfindinghissoulmate.Settingthemedallionin

thecenterofhispalm,heopenedthevialandsprinkledthepowderoverit.Themedallionheldthevisage

ofatiger,whichappearedsorealhe’dalwaysimagineditprowlingrightoffthecircleofgold.

Themedallionheatedinhishandasthelastofthepowdertrickledoutandcoveredit.Tossingthe

vial into the fire, he lifted the fabric and spoke the spell that would magically imbue the necklace,

allowing it to be placed in the path of his soulmate. When he’d spoken the last word of the spell, he

dropped the fabric in the fire and watched as it was swiftly consumed. The medallion heated, turning

molteninhispalm.Hedidn’tdropittoeasethepain,justwatchedasitshimmeredandthendisappeared.

Left behind in its wake was the imprint of the tiger on his skin. As a shifter he had accelerated

healing,soittookonlymomentsfortheburntohealanddisappear.Sittingbackonhisheels,hestaredat

thefire,wonderingifthespellwouldwork,andifhe’dbeunitedwithhissoulmatebeforehisbeastwent

feral.

Asayoungman,he’dhopedtofindhissoulmatenaturally,thewayhisparentshadmetandfallenin

love.Theseekingspellwasmeanttobeusedonlywhenasoulmatehadn’tbeenfoundandtheshifterwas

indangerofbecomingferal.Hisparentshadtoldhimaboutthespell,butthey’dneverthoughthe’dneed

it.

As his thoughts turned to his tiger, he felt an overwhelming urge to shift. Remembering that the

wiccanhadtoldhimthatwouldhappen,heletgo,hisclothesshreddingashetransformed.Shakinghis

headtoorienthimselfafterthequickshift,helookedtowardtherisingsunanddecidedhehadplentyof

timetohunt.

He’dbebackbeforethemoonrose,whenhehopedhe’dbegreetinghissoulmate.Thelastthinghe

wantedtodowasfrightenher.Althoughitwaspossiblethathissoulmatewouldbeanatural-bornshifter,

it was more likely that she would be a human and he would change her into a shifter after they were

mated.Hiscatpurred,anxioustohaveanothercattohuntwith.Teachinghertoshiftandhuntwouldbea

joy,andhelookedforwardtoit.Boundingoffintothewoods,hewaitedforthedaytowane.

Chapter3

After returning from the wedding, Valerie decided to spend Sunday with her mom. Her mother’s

favorite pastime was going to flea markets and digging around through other people’s junk. Although

Valeriehadfoundsomeinterestingthingsovertheyears,shereallyonlydiditbecauseitmadehermom

happy.Thiswastheir“girltime,”whentheycouldreconnect.

When she walked into her mom’s home, her mom called from the kitchen, “Let’s take my car,

sweetheart,sowecanhavethetrunkspace.”

Valeriejoinedhermominthekitchen.“Muffins,yum.Whatkind?”

“Lemon-blueberry.Ipackedabag.We’regoingtoLombard’sMarketfirst,andit’sanhourdrive.”

Valeriefilledupatravelmugwithcoffeeandclimbedintohermother’ssedan,grabbingamuffin

from the plastic container as soon as they were on their way. While they drove, Valerie shared all the

detailsabouttherehearsaldinner,thewedding,andthespa.

“You’llfindsomeonewhenthetimeisright,”hermomsaid,pattingherknee.

“IjustwishIknewwherehewassoIcouldfindhim.”.

“Therewardissweeterwhenyouhavetowaitforit.”

“Youshouldputthatonapillow,”shesaid,teasing.

“MaybeIwill,”hermomsaid,givingValerieawink.

Thefleamarketwasheldunderseverallargetents.Afterpayingforparking,theywalkedthrough

themaingateandintothefirsttent.Hermotherhadasixthsenseforfindingthings.Valerielikedtopick

upthe odd pieceof jewelry orkitschy home decor piece,but she reallydidn’t collect anything. Except

romancenovels.Andeversinceshe’dgottenhere-reader,shenolongerhadtofindaplacetostoreall

the books she bought. Although she loved her e-reader, she still enjoyed holding a real ink-and-paper

bookinherhandsfromtimetotime.Especiallythebookshergrandmotherhadgiventoherwhenshewas

little;olddog-earedcopiesofRayBradburyandIsaacAsimov.

Valerieturnedherattentiontohermother,whowashagglingwithanoldergentlemanovertheprice

ofaporcelainteapot.Hermothercollectedthem,eventhoughshedidn’tdrinktea,whichwasjustpartof

whatmadehermomfunandquirky.Leavinghermomarguingforalowerpriceduetoahairlinecrackin

thehandle,Valeriewalkeddownthemainaisle,sweepinghergazebackandforthoverthetables.

Somethingtickledherawarenessasshepassedbyonetable,andsheturnedtofaceawomansitting

behindaplasticfoldingtablecoveredwithcolorfulsilksandantiquejewelry.

“Seesomethingyalike,honey?”thewomanasked,acigarettedanglingbetweenherlips.Hervoice

wasrough,likeshe’dsmokedfartoomanycigarettesandchasedthemwithbottleafterbottleofwhiskey.

Valerieopenedhermouthtothatsayshewasn’tinterestedinbuyinganyjewelry,whenanecklace

caught her eye. For one moment, her vision narrowed and her heart stopped beating as she stared at a

medalliononagoldenchain.Themedallionhadtheimageofatigeronit,caughtmid-roar,fangsflashing.

She moved to the table and grazed the metal with her fingertips. Electricity shot up her arm, and she

sworeshecouldhearatigerroaring.

Glancingoverhershoulderbutfindingnothingoutoftheordinary,sheliftedthechainandlaidthe

medallioninthecenterofherpalm.Herhandstingled,thesensationintensifyingassherubbedthesurface

withherthumb.

“Howmuch?”sheasked,withoutliftinghereyesfromthenecklace.

Thewomandidn’tspeakforlongenoughthatValerieliftedherheadandstaredather.Thewoman’s

palegrayeyeswerenowbrightgold.Shetippedherheadtotheside,hercigarettefallingtotheground,

andsaidinaclear,highvoice,“Foryou,fiftywilldo.”

Valeriewasentirelyweirdedoutbythestrangewomanwiththecolor-changingeyesandoddvoice.

Glancing at the medallion, she thought she saw the tiger’s jaw move, and the roar sounded in her ear

again.Itwasn’tafuriousroar,butoneoflonging–sad,almost.Hopeful.

Herheartsqueezedsopainfullythatshethoughtitmightburst.Inhalingandexhaling,shereached

intoherpocketandpulledoutthemoneyshe’dbrought.Droppingitintothewoman’soutstretchedhand,

shewrappedherfingersaroundthemedallionandletoutasharpbreathasherpalmbegantoburn.

“Therearemanythingsthatcannotbeexplainedinthislife,anditisagoodthingtofollowyour

instinctsinallmatters.Thisnecklacewasmeantforyoualone.Youmustputitonbeforethemoonrises

tonight,orhewillbelosttoyouforever.”

“He?Hewho?”sheasked,takingastepbacktodistanceherselffromthestrangewoman.

“Yoursoulmate.Don’tforget…bymoonrisetonight.”

Thewoman’seyesflashedbrightlyforamomentandthenreturnedtogray.Sheexhaledloudlyand

slumpedinherchair.HerhandclutchedthemoneyValeriehadgivenher,andsheaskedwithherrough

voice,“Youpaidforthat?”

“Yes,”Valeriesaid,frowning.“YousaidfiftyandIagreed.”

Valerieopenedherhandenoughtoshowthewomanthemedallion.Herhandhadstoppedburning,

butitstilltingled.

“Idon’t…yougotthathere?”

Valerienodded,thinkingthewomanhadclearlylosthermarbles.“I’mgoingtogonow.Thankyou.”

Shefled,hurryingbackinthedirectionshe’dlefthermom.Herheartwashammeringinherchest,andher

mouthwasdry.

Shaking,sheclutchedthenecklaceandhelditagainstherchest.

“Youlookwhiteasasheet,”hermomsaidasshewatchedtheteapotshe’dsuccessfullybarteredfor

beingwrappedinbubblewrap.

“Therewasthestrangestwoman,”Valeriesaid.

“And?”

“Isawthisnecklace,andshe…”shepaused,lookingathermom.

“Andshewhat?”

Deciding her mom wouldn’t believe her anyway, she shook her head and opened her hand.

“Nothing.Iboughtthis.”

“Oh,pretty!”Hermomreachedforthenecklace,andValeriepulledherhandoutofreach.Forsome

reason,shedidn’twanthermom–oranyone–totouchit.

Chucklingtohidetheawkwardnessshesuddenlyfelt,shepushedthemedallionintoherpocketand

said,“Soyougottheteapot?”

Hermom’sfrowndisappearedasshewiggledherbrows.“Ofcourse.Iknowyoudidn’tdoubtmy

powersofpersuasion.”

Valerielaughed.“Ofcoursenot.”

“I hope you got a good price on the necklace,” she said as she accepted the package from the

vendor.

“Idid.”

“WhatdoIalwayssay?”

“Neveracceptthefirstprice.”

Valerieoptednottotellhermomthatshehadn’thaggled;shedidn’twanthertobedisappointed.It

actuallyhadn’toccurredtohertoaskforabetterprice.Thewomanhadaskedforfifty,andthathappened

tobetheexactamountthatshe’dhadinherpocket.Weirddidn’tevenbegintodescribehowshefelt,but

shealsowasextremelyhappytohavethebeautifulnecklace.

Theystoppedatasmallpicnictableinacommonarea,andhermomwenttobuyhotdogsfroma

vendor. She returned a few moments later with cold sodas and hotdogs topped with shredded cheese,

relish,andyellowmustard.Valeriepoppedthetopofhersodaandtookalongdrink.

“Whydon’tyouputthenecklaceon?”

Shefoundthatherhandwasrestingunconsciouslyoverthepocketthatheldthenecklace.Valerie

consideredhermother’ssuggestion,butshehadastrangefeelingsheshouldwaituntilshewasaloneto

putthenecklaceon.Hermomstaredatherforamoment,shrugged,andthenbegantosharedetailsofher

triumphant bartering with the teapot seller. Valerie didn’t share her mom’s interest in antiques, but she

enjoyedthewayhernavy-blueeyeslitupwhenshespokeaboutthingsshewantedtofind.

After discarding their empty plates, they wandered around the flea market for a while. Valerie

carriedhermom’spurchasesandwatchedwithbemusedprideasshehaggledovereverythingthatcaught

hereye.WhendinnertimeapproachedandValerie’sstomachbegantogrowl,hermomagreedithadbeen

afulldayandtheycouldleave.

Antsy for a reason she couldn’t explain, Valerie pulled the necklace from her pocket, holding the

medallioninherhandandwrappingthegoldenchainaroundherfingers.Shecouldthinkofnothingelse

butgettinghomeandputtingthenecklaceon.

“Doyouknowwhenthemoonrises?”Valerieasked.

“Can’t say that I do. Isn’t it one of those things that’s different every day, like the sunrise and

sunset?”

“Ithinkso.”Shepulledherphonefromherpocketandopenedthebrowser,typingin‘when does

themoonrisetoday’intothesearchbar.Shehummed.“Seventwenty-three.”

“Whydoyouwanttoknow?”

She opened her mouth to tell her what the strange woman had said about putting the necklace on

before the moon rose, but she decided against it. While Valerie had always loved science fiction and

fantasy,itwasalovethey’dnevershared.Hermombelievedinreality.WhenValeriewastwelve,she’d

wantedtostayuplatetowatchasciencefictionmoviemarathon.Hermotherhadsaidno.Itwasn’tthat

Valerie wasn’t old enough to stay up late; her mom hadn’t thought the movies were worth watching in

general,letaloneworthlosingsleepover.

Valerie had always liked supernatural things. Her interest had been piqued at a young age by a

neighborwhohadcreateda‘fairygarden’inherflowerbed.Thetinyhouseandfurniturehadcaptivated

Valerie.She’dspentmanyhoursjuststaringattheadorablysmallitemsinhopesofseeingtheflutterof

fairy wings. Her mom hadn’t wanted anything to do with the fantasy world that Valerie had spun in her

mind,whichinvolvedafairyfamilywholivedinthehouse.Valeriehadn’tbeendisappointedasmuchas

sadthathermomdidn’tbelieveinmagic.

“Doyoubelieveinfate?”Valerieasked.

“Notreally.Ithinkwemakeourownchoices,andthatmeansfateisn’treallyarealthing.”

“Soyoudon’tbelieveinloveatfirstsight,orfindingsomethinguniqueintheworldthat’smeant

justforyou?”

Shearchedabrow.“Isthissomethingfromoneofyouranimalromancestories?”

Wrinkling her nose, she said, “Mom, no, that’s not at all what they’re about. The characters can

changeintoanimals,butthey’restillhuman.”

“Whatever,” she said, chuckling. “You always liked books and movies that weren’t based in

reality.”

“Reality’sboring.”

“It’swhat’sreal.”

“Soyou’resayingifyouhadthechancetoshiftintoananimal,thatyouwouldn’twantto?”

“It’snotgoingtohappen,soIdon’treallyseethepointofwonderingaboutit.”

Sighing,Valeriesaid,“Iclearlygetmypracticalsidefromyou.WhodoIgetmyromanticfantasy

sidefrom?”

“Myaunt.Mary-Gracelovedtoreadromances.Shedevouredthem.”

When her mom had parked in the garage, Valerie leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Thanks for

lunch,Ihadagreattime.”

“Me,too.Ican’tbelieveyouonlyboughtonething.”

“Well,Ididn’thaveanythingspecificIwantedtolookfor.”

“Enjoyyournight.I’lltalktoyousoon.”

Assheheadedhome,allherthoughtswereofputtingthenecklaceonassoonaspossible.Insteadof

stoppingforsomethingtoeat,shesuddenlyfeltasifwearingitwasthemostimportantthingshecoulddo.

Beforethemoonrose.Glancingattheclock,shesawthatmoonrisewasameretwentyminutesaway.She

pressedherfoottothegaspedal,awarethatshe’dneverfeltsostrangelyconnectedtoanything.

Thisisabsurd, she thought, as she opened her front door and walked to the kitchen. She laid the

medalliononthecounter.It’sjustanecklace,forgoodness’sake.It’snotasifitcouldpossiblybemade

justforme.

Liftingthechain,sheletitslipthroughherfingersuntilthemedallionwasrestinginthecenterof

herpalm.Rubbingherfingeralongthetiger’shead,shepaused.Hadshejustheardaroar?Again?No,of

coursenot.Sheshookherheadatherselfwithalaughthatsoundedfartooforcedinherownears.She

had clearly been reading too many paranormal romance novels about shifters if she thought she was

hearingroaringbecauseshe’dstrokedanecklace.

ShereachedforhercelltocallBethanysoherbestfriendcouldtellherhowsillyshewasbeing,

whensherememberedshewasonherhoneymoon.

Peeringatthenecklace,andthenattheclocktoconfirmitwasstillbeforemoonrise,shesaidout

loudtonooneinparticular,“Noharmevercamefromputtingonanecklace,”andundidthesimpleclasp.

Fixingitaroundherneck,shetookasteptowardherbedroomtolookatherselfinthemirrorontheback

ofherdoor,whenherkneesturnedtojellyandhervisionblurred.

Stumbling,shecaughtherselfonthekitchencounter,barelystoppingbeforeshecrashedtothefloor.

Herearsrang,andherpulseracedasshegaspedforair.Thethickscentofwoodsfilledhernoseasher

visiontunneled.Adarkforestloomedbeforeher.Herhomefadedaroundherasshefellforward,landing

notonthefloor,butondrygrass.

Chapter4

Charisma padded through the trees, his belly full from a successful hunt and his mind set on his

soulmate. He wondered about her: if she came from a large family; if she wouldn’t mind living in the

middleofbutt-nowherewithhim;ifshelikedcats.

His whiskers twitched as he smiled at the thought. He doubted that his soulmate would be a dog

person.Thatwouldjustbetooweirdtocontemplate.

Apainedfemininegruntreachedhissensitiveears.Withoutthought,heturnedinthedirectionofthe

sound,whichwascomingfromnearhishome.Ashemovedswiftlythroughthetrees,heglancedupatthe

sky and saw the pale white orb of the moon. He hadn’t realized he’d been out running past moonrise.

Elationranthroughhim.Hadthespellworked?Hadthenecklacebroughthissoulmatetohim?

Aroarescapedhisthroatasanxietyandneedtwinedinsidehim.He’dneverrunsofastinhislife.

Heflewthroughthetrees,skiddingtoastopasawoman’sfearfulscreamcutrightthroughhim.

Thebrightlightofthefullmooncastapaleglowaroundherwhereshesatontheground,herbody

frozenandthescentofherfearfillingtheair.Sheroseunsteadilytoherfeet,hervoicehighwithfright.

“Shit.”

Hecouldhearherheartbeatingrapidly.Hewasafraidshe’drunintothewoodsandgetlost,sohe

letgoofhisholdonhisshiftandchangedintohishumanform.

Hermouthopenedandherbrowsfurrowed.

“Don’tbeafraid,”hesaid.

“You…just…what?” She spoke haltingly, as if her mind couldn’t quite make sense of what she’d

just seen. Then her eyes rolled back in her head and she tumbled to the ground. Charisma growled at

himselffornotrealizingshe’dbefrightenedatseeinghimshift.He’dbeensoconsumedwithgettingto

her that he hadn’t thought to shift in the woods before he reached her. He lifted her into his arms and

carriedherintohiscabin.

Kickingthefrontdoorclosed,hecarriedhertothemasterbedroomanddrewthecoversback.He

laidherdownandbrushedalockofgolden-brownhairfromherforehead.Turningonthesmalllampon

thenightstand,hesawaglintofgoldaroundherthroat.Themedalliontwinkledinthesoftlight,andhe

breathedoutasighofrelief.Justseeingitonherneckmadeeverythinginsidehimquiet.

Glancingattheclock,hemarkedthetimeinhismind.Hehadtwenty-fourhourstoconvinceherthat

theyweremeanttobetogether.Touchingherskin,henoticedshewaschilled,sohetuggedoffhershoes

andsetthemonthefloorandthenlaidhissoftestblanketoverher.Shedidn’tmoveatallasidefromthe

riseandfallofherchest.Hesteppedintotheclosetanddressed,thenheadedintothekitchentomakeher

somethingtoeatincaseshewashungrywhensheawoke.

Checking the fridge, he removed items to make her a sandwich. As he set the packages of sliced

hamandcolbycheeseonthecounter,asharppainlancedthroughhim.Grittinghisteeth,hepressedhis

palmtohisstomachandwaitedforthepaintopass.Wheniteasedafteralongmoment,heliftedhisshirt

toseeifhe’dgrazedhisskinduringhishunt,butfoundnooutwardsourceforthepain.

Afterhemadethesandwich,hecleanedupthekitchenandputapotofwateronthestovetoboilfor

tea. Turning his attention to the family room, he walked to the fireplace to add a few logs to the low-

burningflames.Thenhecarriedtheplatewiththesandwichbacktohisbedroomtowaitforhissoulmate

towakeup.

***

Valerie’sheadached.Shegroanedsoftlyassherubbedhereyes.Blinkingafewtimestoclearthe

haze, she stared at the ceiling, which looked nothing like her apartment ceiling. This one was made of

rough-hewnwood,notpaintedwallboard.Thelastthingsherememberedwas…atiger!Sittingupwitha

gasp,shefoundherselfinanunfamiliarbedroom,staringatahandsomemanwhowasleaningagainstthe

wallwithhisarmsfolded.

Helookedimmediatelyfamiliar.Hermindraced,flashingthroughimagesofthetigerchanginginto

aman.Thisman!

“I’m dead, right? I…this is not possible. Where the hell am I?” she asked, clutching the blanket

closetoherchest.

She couldn’t stop herself from noticing how gorgeous he was. Pale blond hair and piercing blue

eyes,fulllipsandasetofbroadshouldersthatledtoataperedwaist.Hesmiled,showingadimplein

onecheek,andsaid,“MynameisCharismaGains.You’reinmyhome,andyou’resafehere.”

Shecouldn’tplaceit,buttherewassomethingfamiliarabouthim,anditwasn’tjustthatshe’dseen

himbeforeshepassedout.Shefeltlikeshe’dknownhimherwholelife.Butthatwasinsane,sinceshe’d

nevermethimbefore.

Swallowinghard,sherippedhergazefromhiskissablemouthandsaid,“I’mValerieWinters.How

didIgethere?”

Hestraightenedandmovedslowlytothebed,stoppingwhenherknucklescrackedasshegripped

theblanketmoretightly.Keepinghisdistance,hesaid,“Wheredidyougetthenecklace?”

“Ifounditatafleamarket.ThewomanIboughtitfromtoldmetoputitonbeforethemoonroseon

AllHallows’Eve.Idid,andthenIheardatigerroarandIfell.”Shakingherhead,shepushedthestrange

imagesoutofhermind.Therewasnowaythatshe’dputonanecklaceandthenwokenupinastranger’s

bedroom.

“The medallion is mine. It belonged to my mother. I used a spell to send the necklace to my

soulmate.Whenyouputiton,itbroughtyouheretome.”

Shefrowned.“Nope.”

Hisbrowsrose.“What?”

“That’sabsurd.There’snowaythatthisnecklaceismagic.Magicisn’treal.”

“It’sveryreal.Comewithme,Valerie,”hesaid,holdingouthishand.

“Nothanks.I’djustliketogohomenow.IpromiseIwon’ttellanyonethatyoukidnappedme.”She

slipped from the bed slowly, realizing her shoes were on the floor and not on her feet. She liked those

shoes,butshedidn’twanttowasteanytimeputtingthemonwhensheshouldbeheadingforfreedom.

“Ineedyou,Valerie.You’remysoulmate.Thenecklacewasmadeforyouandbroughtyoutome.”

Fearspikedthroughher,butitdidn’tlinger.Hermindsuggestedsherunforthehills,butherheart

achedtotakehisofferedhand.

Hervoicewasnotasstrongwithconvictionthistime.“Idon’tbelieveinmagic.”

“Yousawmeshift.”

She shook her head. “An illusion. Or I’m dreaming, or I’m dead.” Glancing at her arm, she

considered pinching herself. Before she could, Charisma growled softly. The sound shivered over her

skinlikeacaress.

“Noneofthosethings.Letmeshowyouwhereyouare.Please.IpromiseIwon’thurtyou.”

“Ishouldn’ttrustyou.”

“Butyoudo,”hemurmured.

She rubbed the medallion absently and chewed on her bottom lip. The longer she spent in his

presence,thelessshewantedtogetaway.Partofherknewthatmustbeatrick,butthemajorityofher

wasn’twillingtowalkawayfromsuchasexymanwithoutatleasthearinghimout.Therehadtobean

explanation.Hermindflittedtothelastparanormalromancenovelshe’dread,wheretheheroinehadmet

ashifterandimmediatelyfallenforhim.Theywerecalled‘truemates’inthatstory.Butshiftersweren’t

real;that’swhythestorieswerelabeledasfiction.

“Ifshiftersarereal,whydoesn’tanyoneknowaboutthem?”

“Whatdoyouthinkwouldhappentoashifterifthehumangovernmentgotholdofthem?Itwouldbe

devastating,notonlytothatshifter,buttoothers.Ourkindkeepournaturessecret;otherwisewewould

behuntedtoextinction.”

Shedidn’thavetobeageniustoknowwhathesaidwastrue.Ifshifterswereknowntohumans,

they’dbestudiedorkilledorpossiblyboth.Althoughshedidn’tknowCharisma,shefeltastrongdesire

tokeephissecretandensurehissafety.

Sliding her hand into his, she felt something like electricity arc between them. Her skin

goosebumped,andherbreathcaughtinherlungsforabriefmoment.Sheheardpurring.Whenshelifted

hergazetohis,shesawthathiseyesweremoltengoldandmesmerizing.

“Youreyes,”shewhispered.

“Becauseyou’remine.Mycatrecognizeswhoyouaretous.Hewantstobeclosetoyou.”

Shedidn’tknowwhattosaytothat,soshedidn’trespond,lettinghimleadherfromthebedroom

down a hallway. At the end of the hallway, they entered a large family room, with high ceilings and a

beautifulstonefireplacethattookuphalfofonewall.“Thisismyhome.It’syoursnow,too.AllthatI

haveisyours.”

“Ihaveahome,”shepointedout.“Andfamilyandfriendswho’llbeworriedaboutme.I’dliketo

leavenow.”

Heshookhishead.“Ican’tletyougo.Ineedyou.”

Extractingherfingersfromhisgrasp,shetookastepawayfromhim,hergazedartingtothefront

door.

“Don’trun,”hecautioned,hisvoicetippinglowandasoftgrowlbubblingupinhischest.

Shehesitatedforonlyamomentthenracedforthedoor.Sheturnedthehandleandtugged,butthe

doorwouldn’topen.Bangingonit,sheyelled,“Letmeoutofhere!”

Aroarshooktheroom,andshespuntofaceCharismawithagasp.Therewerefangsinhismouth,

andagoldenhuetohisskin.Clawscurvedfromhisfingertips,andhislipcurledinasnarl.“Ifyourun,

I’llchaseyou.Iwon’tbeabletohelpmyself.”

Panicwelledinsidehersoquicklyshecouldhavechokedonit.Reachinghertremblinghandsfor

thenecklaceclasp,shetriedtoundoit,butitwouldn’trelease.“I’llgivethenecklacebacktoyou.Itwas

clearlyamistake,andI’msorry.”

“You can’t take it off. It will only come off after you agree to be mine and we consummate our

mating.”

Herspinestiffened.“Seriously?WhatkindofgirldoyouthinkIam?”

“It’smagic,Valerie.I’mnotgoingtohurtyou.Ineedyou.”Hisvoicechanged,fromagrowlingtone

tooneofpleading.Shefeltlikehewasreachinginsideherandsqueezingherheart.

“Whatareyoudoingtome?”shewhispered,pressingherpalmtoherchest.

Heopenedhismouth,butonlyananguishedgroancamefromhisthroat.Heclutchedhisstomach

andfelltothefloor.Shewantednothingmorethantogotohim,butsheignoredtheimpulseandturnedto

thedoor,rattlingtheknobseveraltimes.Movingtothewindow,sheshovedthecurtainsbackandgasped

atthesceneoutside.

A small yard was bordered by woods. Through the thick trees, she could see the amber glow of

dawnasthesunrose.Thedarkskyabovethetalltreeswasslowlybeingtakenoverbythemorninglight.

Shepressedherfingertipstotheglass,thecoolsurfacemakinghershiver.Sheknewasshewatchedthe

sun rise that she was no longer in her own home. She wasn’t sleeping, or dreaming, or dead. She had,

through some strange twist of fate or magic, put on a necklace and been transported into the home of a

tigershifter.

Hervisionswamanddarknessedgedinonher,butshefoughtitaway.Shewasnotgoingtopass

out again. She always hated reading about heroines who were such wusses that they fainted at anything

evenmildlyfrightening.

Charismagroanedagain,andherheartpanged.Turningtofacehim,shesawhewascurledintoa

ball,withhisarmsaroundhismiddle.Hishandsomefeaturesweretightenedinpain,andthefangsthat

hadterrifiedherinitiallysuddenlydidn’tseemsobad.Movingtohim,shewenttoherkneesandbrushed

herfingersthroughhishair.Thewhite-blondcolorhaddarkenedtoatawnyshade.

“What’shappening?”sheasked.“What’swrong?”

Hegroaned,grittinghisteethasifawaveofpainhadwashedoverhim.“It’spartofthespell.The

longerwe’rephysicallyapart,themorepainitcausesme.”

Shepressedthebackofherhandtohisforehead.“You’reburningup.”

Shemovedtostandupandgethimacool,dampcloth,buthegraspedherwrist.“Don’tgo.”

“I’mnot.Iwasgoingtogetyousomewaterandacloth.”

“IfyouleavemeI’llgoferal.”Heblinkedgoldeneyesather,beseeching.

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“You’remysoulmate,theonlyoneformeandmycat.”Hisvoiceraspedashegrittedhisteethin

pain.“Ifyouleavemebeforethemoonrisestonight,yourmemoryofmewilldisappearandmycatwill

takeover.I’llneverbeabletoshiftbackintomyhumanformagain.Theheartbreakwillbetoomuchfor

metobear.”

“I’llforgetyou?”

“Yes,”hehissed,theclawsofhisfreehanddiggingintothehardwoodfloor.

She twisted her wrist until he released her, and then lifted his hand to her cheek. His palm was

scorching hot, but she didn’t move it away. In all the romance novels she’d read over the years, she’d

alwayswonderedwhytheheroinesdidn’timmediatelyaccepttheirsexymates.She’dtoldBethanythatif

sheeverhadasexyguywhocouldshiftintoananimaltellherthattheyweredestinedtobetogether,she

wouldhappilyfollowalong.

Charisma groaned again, his mouth parting and revealing his fangs. She could feel how much he

wasaching.Overcomewiththedesiretohelphim,sheleanedover,keepinghispalmagainsthercheek

andbracingherselfonthefloor.“Whatdoyouneed?”

“You,”hesaid,hisvoiceadeepsnarlthatshivereddownherspine.

“Iknowthat,”shesaid,rollinghereyes.“HowamIsupposedtohelpyou?”

“Matewithme.Staywithme.”

Something clicked inside her. A deep, feral part of her that she hadn’t even realized was there

recognized the tiger inside Charisma. It seemed impossible – hell, it was impossible – but it was

happeningatthatmoment.Amagicalnecklacehadbroughthertothehomeofatigershifter,andheneeded

her.

She wasn’t really an impulsive person; buying the necklace had been the most spontaneous thing

she’ddoneinages.Tearsstunghereyesasshethoughtaboutreturningtoherhomewithouthim,aboutnot

rememberinghim.

“PromisemethatIcanstillseemyfamilyandfriends,”shesaid,grippinghiswristtightly.

“Iswear.”

“Whatwillourlifebelike?”

Hisgazefocusedonherashepulledhiswristdowntohismouthandbit.Darkredbloodwelledin

thepuncturewounds.“Drinkandseemytruth.”

Hernosewrinkledatthethoughtoftastinghisblood,butherstomachflippedandsomethingdeep

inside her encouraged her to do as he said. Lifting his wrist to her mouth, she sealed her lips over the

woundandsuckedlightly.Themetallictangofhisbloodwashedoverhertongueandchangedtoasweet

nectarunlikeanythingshe’devertastedbefore.Hervisiondimmedandthenasceneflashedbeforeher

eyes; her and Charisma in bed together, his fangs sinking into her neck as her body bowed back in

pleasure.Thescenechangedandwasreplacedwithtwobeautifulgoldentigersroamingthewoods,small

cubsrollingandplayingaroundthem.

Asthescenefaded,shereleasedherholdonhisfleshandlookeddownathim.“Ourkids?I’mnota

tiger.”

“Eventually you’ll change, and I promise I’ll take you to your family to visit, but our secret will

havetobekept.”

Thedesiretokeepthoselittlecubssafeatallcostfilledher.Protectivenessforchildrenshedidn’t

have yet rose so hot and fast inside her that she would have roared if she’d had the ability. Charisma

growled,andhisfangscuthislips,hisgazeintenseandfocusedonher.Shecouldhavetriedtoleavenow

that he was incapacitated, fought against the growing attraction, but the desire to leave him had

disappeared.

“I’myours,Charisma,”shesaid.“I’myours.”

Chapter5

Charisma saw the moment that Valerie realized he was telling the truth and accepted their life

together.Atearslippeddownhercheek.

“Would…someonehurtourbabies?”

Heroseontooneelbow,ignoringtheachethatstillgrippedhim.“Iwouldneverallowourchildren

–oryou–tobeharmed,mysweetsoulmate.”

Sheswallowedhardashebrushedthetearfromhercheek.“Whathappensnow?”

“Letmeloveyou.Bemine,andI’llbeyours.”

“WillI change rightaway?” The subtlescent of fear, atangy unpleasant scentto his cat’s senses,

punctuatedtheair.

“No,love.”Heleanedforwardandpressedhisforeheadagainsthers,slippinghishandfromher

cheektoherneckandmassagingitlightly.“I’llmarkyouwhilewemakelove.Eachtimewemakelove,

I’llsharesomeofmybloodwithyou.ItwillslowlyalteryourDNAuntilyou’reabletoshift.Itwilltake

weeks.Onceyou’reabletoshift,you’llbeabletobearmychildren.”

“Tigerscanshiftwhenthey’relittle?”

Thescentofherfearwasgone,andhekissedhergently,nippingatherbottomlip.“Whenthey’re

toddlers.Sometimeintheirsecondorthirdyear.”

“DidyouseewhatIsaw?”

Henodded.“Thescenesflashedthroughmymindtoo.Youcanthinkofitasagiftfromthespell,to

sharewithuswhatwecanbetogether.”

“Idon’treallyunderstandhowanecklacecouldbringmehere,butIdofeellikewe’remeanttobe

together.Ican’texplainit,butmaybeIdon’tneedto.”Shesmiledathim,herjadegreeneyesglittering.

The pain that had ebbed came back suddenly. It felt like hands were twisting him apart from the

inside.Hesnarled,hisfangsthrobbinginhismouth,gouginghisgumsasheclenchedhisteethtogetherto

keepfromgrabbingherandmarkingher.

Valerie moved closer, the sweet fragrance of her teasing his nose. He forced his eyes open and

foundherpullinghershirtoffanddroppingittothefloor.“IsaidI’dbeyours.Areyougoingtomakeme

wait?”sheaskedteasingly.Hecouldscentnofearinheratall,andhiscatprancedinjoytoknowshe

waswillingtomatewiththem.

Rollingtohisknees,hecuppedherfaceandgazedintoherluminouseyes.“Never.”Hepressedhis

lips to hers, pushing back the cat so he could take their precious first time together to show her that he

wouldalwaysputherfirst.

He ran his fingertips down her throat as he teased her lips apart with his tongue. She opened her

mouth with a sigh, touching her tongue to his and giving him his first exquisite taste. She tasted like

sunshine; like heat and woman rolled together. Sliding his tongue against hers, he deepened the kiss,

drawinghercloseashefedathermouth.

The soft material of her bra rubbed against his chest. He slid his fingers across her shoulders,

pushingthestrapsoffbeforeslidinghishandsaroundtotheclaspintheback.Hishandsweretrembling,

buthewilledhimselftobecalm,focusingonhersweetlipsandthewayhertongueeagerlychasedhis.

Undoingtheclasp,hetuggedthebraforward,andshebrokethekisstohelppullitoff.Herbreastsfilled

hishandsashecuppedthem,rubbinghisthumbsoverhernipplesastheyhardenedunderhistouch.Lifting

themup,hebentandkissedeachhardtip.Hedraggedhistonguearoundone,lovingthewaysheshivered

ashedrewitintohismouthandsucked.Herhandsspearedintohishairandshedrewclosertohim,asoft

sighescapingherlips.Herarousaldeepened,thesweetaromarisingtosaturatehissensesanddrivehis

catwild.Helickedherothernipple,plumpingthelushmoundandsuckingthetiplightly.

Liftingfromherbreasts,hegazeddownather,awaretheywereonthehardfloorandnotinthebed.

Pullingherclose,hekissedherbeforeheliftedherintohisarmsandstood.Shewrappedherarmsaround

his neck and nuzzled his throat. He walked swiftly to the bedroom, his body tight with need and desire

riding him hard, then shoved back the covers and laid her down. She undid her jeans and pushed them

downherhips.Hetuggedthemoffandtossedthemaside.Shestretchedoutonthemattress,herarmsover

herheadasshespreadherthighsandbitherbottomlip.

“Idon’tknowifIsaiditearlier,”shesaidinahuskyvoice,“butyou’regorgeous.”

Hechuckledashewrappedhisfingersaroundheranklesandrubbedhersoftskin,skimmingupher

calves.Herskingoosebumpedunderhistouch,hernippleshardeningfurther.

“You’rethegorgeousone.You’remydreamcometrue.”

Hereyesdarkenedandherlipsparted,wettedbyhertongue.“Careful.Complimentslikethatwill

onlygetyoupleasure.”

Things had changed so swiftly between them. Just a short time ago, she’d been terrified and

determinedtoleave,buttheirmysticalconnectionassoulmateshadchangedhermind.Shewasagift,and

hewasaluckymaletohaveherinhislife.Theirlifestartednow,withpleasureandhappiness.

Pushingherthighsapart,heclimbedontothebedandsettledbetweenherlegs.Shereachedforhim,

slidingahandthroughhishairandfistingitlightly.Wrappinghisarmsaroundherthighs,hebrushedhis

fingers through the soft curls covering her pussy and then spread her open slowly. He gazed at her, the

darkpinkofhercenter,glistening,beckoninghimtoexploreandtaste.

Casting his gaze up the length of her body, he flicked his tongue out and grazed her clit. Valerie

moanedsoftlyandpanted,herbreathgustingpastherpartedlips.Withapurr,heloweredhisheadand

laidhistongueonherclit.Herhipstiltedandhesmiledinwardly,movinghisheadtothesidesohecould

lickthelengthofherpussy.Withonehand,heexposedherclit,spreadingheropenasherubbedherwith

onefinger;withtheother,hecuppedherbottomandliftedher.Helickedherentranceandthenslidhis

tongueintoherslowly.Shetastedexquisite–thesweetheatofherwasintoxicating.Herubbedherclit

swiftly,wantinghistongueburiedtothehiltasshecame.Shebegantomoanloudly,herlegstremblingas

her grip in his hair tightened. He purred, and she mewled, her desire flooding his tongue as she drew

closertotheedge.

Liftingherslightlyhigher,hepushedhistonguedeeperintoherandquickenedhisfingeronherclit.

She cried out, her legs tensing against his shoulders as she came, her climax like molten candy as she

writhedagainsthim.Heheldherclose,feastingonheruntilhe’dwrungeverylastdropoutofherorgasm.

She slumped to the bed. He rose between her thighs, prowling up her body which was flushed from

pleasure,hereyesdilatedandherchestheaving.

Hewantedtosaysomethingromanticorsexy:Howhe’dnevertastedanyoneassweetasher.How

he hungered for her pleasure. How much he already cared for her even though they’d been virtual

strangersjustadayearlier.

Shewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaistandgrippedhisbiceps,liftingherheadtokisshisthroat.

“Fuck,Charisma.”

Hisdickkissedherpussy,thefatheadpushingthroughherslickfolds,thefeelingsointensethathis

eyesrolledback.Herfingernailsdugintohisarmsasshetiltedherhips,theirbodiespressingtogetheras

theirsoulmatebondstrengthened.Hecouldfaintlyfeelheremotions–thepleasurethathummedthrough

her,thepassionthatflareddeeply–andheknewthatshewouldbeabletofeelhisemotionstoo.

Pullingoutofherpussy,hepurredasshesettledbackonthebed,urginghimforwardwithatugof

her legs. He slid home slowly, loving how they fit together. He pulled out of her and plunged in again,

lettinghimselfgointothepleasureoftheirjoining.Sheurgedhimon,herhandsmovingonhisbodyasshe

tracedhismuscles,hernailsscoringhisskinashedroveherforwardtoanotherclimax.

Hecapturedherhandsandpressedthemintothebed,drivingintoherhardandfast.Herlegsfellto

theside,herfeetpressingintothebedassheliftedherselftomeethim.Theirbodiessangtogetherashe

fuckedherhard,desperatetoholdoffuntilshecameonemoretime.Shearchedunderhimwithagasp

andliftedoneleghighagainsthisside.Hereleasedherhandandgrabbedherknee,pullingituphigher

andspreadingherapart.

“Yes,rightthere,yes,”shegroaned.

“Comeforme,wannafeelyou,”hesaidwithagrowl.

Her pussy began to clutch him, and he knew she was close. Pushing her knee a little higher, he

droveintoherasfastashecould,thebedslammingagainstthewall.Hesnarled,hiscatridingcloseto

his skin. With a wail, she came, her pussy gripping him like a fist and dragging him into a wave of

pleasurethatsweptoverhimlikethetide.Hisdickthrobbedashecamewithher,hisspinetinglingand

hisfingertipsachingashisclawspushedfree.

Panting for breath, he released his hold on her and kissed her, nipping her lips with a purr. He

pushedhergentlytoherstomach,andsheroseontoherkneesashehelpedherupright,runninghishand

downthecenterofhersweat-slickedbelly.Herskinwasflusheddarkpink,andhernipplesweretight.

“Areyouready,sweetsoulmate?”hemurmuredintoherear.

“Yes,”shesaid,hissingtheword.

Pushingbackherhair,hewrappedhisarmaroundherupperbodyandletloosehisholdonhiscat.

Hisfangslengthenedandheliftedhisotherwristtohismouthandscoreditdeeply.Settingitagainsther

mouth,hewaiteduntilsheplacedherlipsoverthewoundandsuckedgentlyonitbeforehepressedhis

fangs into the place where her neck and shoulder met and bit down. She jerked at the pain, but didn’t

release her hold on his wrist. Her blood crested his tongue and his cat roared in bliss as their bond

becamepermanent.

Hepulledhisfangsfromherasslowlyashecouldtominimizethepain,andtuggedhiswristfree

fromhermouth.Shesigheddeeplyandleanedagainsthim.Shejoinedhiminstretchingoutonthebed,

layingherheadoverhisheart.Helovedthefeelofheragainsthim.Hisbedhadbeenemptyforsucha

longtime,andnowitwasfilledwithhisbeautifulsoulmate,theonewomanonearthmeanttobehis.

“IwishI’dmetyouyearsago,”hemurmured,strokingherback.

“Me,too.IfeellikeI’veknownyouforever,butwehaven’tevenbeentogetherforanentireday.”

“It’sourbondassoulmates.We’remeanttorecognizeeachotherimmediately.”

Sheliftedherheadandproppeditonherhand.“Soifwe’dmetinsomerandomplace,wewould

havebeendrawntoeachother?”

“Yes.”

“Ineveraskedwhereweare.”

“We’reinasmalltowninnorthwesternPennsylvaniacalledLittlewood.”

Sheglancedaroundtheroom.“Howdidyoucometobehere?Shouldn’tyoubelivinginajungle

somewheresoyourcatishappy?”Shegavehimasoftsmile,anditmadeeverythinginsidehimtinglein

happiness.

Hetuckedalockofhairbehindherearandsaid,“Funny.Thiswasmyparents’home.Iwasraised

here.Iconsideredmovingoutandmakingmyownway,butmycatlikestobewithapride,andmypride

was my parents. My dad helped me build a small house at the back of their property so I could have

privacy.Whentheydied,Iturnedthathouseintoaworkshopandmovedbackintothisone.”

“I’msorryyourparentsdied.Whathappenedtothem?”

“Mymomwasgravelyinjuredbyabuckwhiletheywerehunting.Shesuccumbedtoherinjuries

andmydaddiedafewdayslater.”

“Hewashurttoo?”

Charismashookhishead.“Soulmatescan’texistapart.Oncewe’vematedwithoursoulmate,our

livesaretwinedtogetherforever.”

“That’ssosweetandsadatthesametime.”

Restingherheadbackonhischest,shenuzzledhimwithasoftrumblingsoundandthengiggled.“I

purred!”

He joined in her laughter. “You’re already becoming like me, sweetheart. Soon we’ll be hunting

togetherandraisingourchildren.”

“I’mlookingforwardtoit.Justsoyouknow,Ilostabetwithmybestfriend,soIhavetonameour

firstgirlBethany.”

Hechuckled.“Whatwasthebet?”

“Whowouldgetmarriedfirst.IhadjustcomebackfromherweddingwhenIfoundyournecklace.”

“Ihopeyou’renotdisappointedthatyoulost.”

“Itturnsoutthatwaitingforyouwasoneofthebestthingsthateverhappenedtome.Ididn’tknowI

neededyou,andIsureasheckdidn’tbelieveinmagic,buthereweare.”

“Iwouldn’twanttobeanywhereelse.”

Chapter6

“Sotherearepurebloodshifters,likeme,andchangedshifters,whichiswhatyou’llbewhenyour

transformation is complete,” Charisma said as he laid steaks in a sizzling hot cast-iron skillet. Valerie

waswearingoneofhist-shirtsthatwaslongenoughtocoverherbits,andsippingonaglassofice-cold

lemonade. He’d made a sandwich for her while she was passed out, but by the time they got around to

eatingitthebreadwasdriedout.He’dofferedtocookforher,andshe’dbeenhappytoputhisskillsto

thetest.

“Dopurebloodsdislikechangedshifters?”

“Whywouldtheynotlikethem?”Heglancedatheroverhisshoulderwithafrown.“Ashifterisa

shifter.”

Sheshrugged.“Ireadabook–”

“Fiction,sweetheart,”hesaidwithasigh.

“I know they’re fiction, but my brain is filled with useless trivia about fictional shifters, so I’m

tryingtofigureoutwhat’srealandwhat’snot.”

He sprinkled seasoned salt over the steaks and then turned around to face her. He was wearing

wornjeansthatwerefrayedatthecuffs,andnoshirt.Itgaveheralovelyviewofhishappytrail,which

sheadored.“Tellmeaboutthebook.”

Shesetherglassdown.“Ithadbornshiftersandmadeshifters.Bornshifterswereconsideredhigh-

class,andmadeoneswerelikethetrailertrashofthesupernaturalworld.Thefirstbookwasaboutaborn

shifter female and a made shifter male and how her family hated him and disowned her. It was pretty

neat.”

“Beingdisownedbyyourfamilyisneat?”

“No,Imeanfightingforlove.Shewalkedawayfromherfamilyforhim,andhisso-calledlowlife

familymemberswelcomedthemwithopenarms.”

Hisbrowroseandheshookhishead.“Theonlywaythatahumancanbechangedisifthey’rethe

soulmateofapureblood.It’snotlikeIcangoaroundbitinghumansandchangingthemwheneverIplease.

It’smeanttobespecial.”

“Ilikethatyoudon’tgoaroundbitingrandompeople.”

Hewinked.“Justyou.”

“Okay,sono‘pureversuschanged’angst.Whatotherkindsofshiftersarethere?”

“Pretty much all your predator animals: lions, pumas, wolves, bears, and birds like owls and

falcons.”

Sherubbedherfingeraroundthelipoftheglassinthought.“Doallshiftersliveapartfromhumans?

Youliveinatown,butyou’reattheedgeofitinaveryprivatearea.”

Heturnedaroundlongenoughtoflipthesteaksandthenfacedheragain.“Someofthegroupsare

larger,likewolves.They’llliveincloseproximitytoeachother.Thelargerthegroup,themoreprivate

theyhavetobesothattheydon’tdrawunwantedattentiontothemselves.There’sawolfpackontheother

sideoftown.Thealphaisagoodmale,withaloyalpack.”

“Howmanypackmembersarethere?”

“Twelve.”

Shelookedpasthimtothekitchenwindowandthewoodsthatstretchedbeyond.“Doyoueversee

themwhenyougoouthunting?”

“Thisismysideoftown,andtheyhavetheirownwoodstohuntin.”

He turned back to the stove, and she took another drink of lemonade. It surprised her how

comfortable she was with him. Just days earlier she’d been semi-jealous of her bestie getting married,

andnowshewastechnicallymarriedtoatigershifter.

Charisma set a plate in front of her with a thick, steaming steak. Her stomach growled, and she

picked up the knife and fork and cut a piece. As her teeth sank into the tender steak, she could hardly

containhermoanofappreciation.Shewascertainshe’dnevertastedanythingsogood.

“Thisislikeheavenonaplate!”

Hesmiledatherashecutapieceofhisownsteak.“I’mgladyoulikeit.Incaseyoucouldn’ttell,

it’sprettymuchtheonlythingIcancook.Ieatalotofmeat.”

She’dseeninsidehisrefrigerator.Asidefromagallonoflemonadeandbottledwater,theshelves

werestockedwithcontainersofmeat.

“Isitbecauseyou’reashifter?Areyoujustinclinedtolikeonlymeat?”

“It’seasierforme.IofteneatwhileI’mhunting,butIdon’tgohuntingeveryday,soIkeepavariety

ofmeatintherefrigeratorandthechestfreezer.There’sabutcherintown,andalsoagrocery.Whatkinds

ofthingsdoyoulike?”

“I’mprettysureIcouldliveonthesesteaksforeverandbeperfectlyhappy.”

“You’regivingmequiteanegoboost,sweetheart.”

“Ilikeamanwhocancook,inandoutofthekitchen,”shesaid,winking.“ButIdolikefruitand

vegetables,andIhaveasweettooth,too.”

“Youcanhavewhateveryouwant.”

She finished her steak and carried both of their dishes to the sink. “I can do the dishes,” he said,

joiningher.

“It’sokay.Youcooked,Icanclean.”Itonlytookafewminutestocleanthedishes.Afterheinsisted

ondryingandputtingthemaway,theymovedtothecouchandhestokedthefireuntiltheroomwastoasty

warm.

“I’mworriedaboutmymomandmybestfriend,”shesaidashesettlednexttoherandslippedhis

armaroundhershoulders.Shechewedonherbottomlipforamoment.“Whencanyoutakemehome?”

“No,”hesnarledashiseyesflashed.

Shepressedherpalmtohischeektosoothehimandmurmured,“Ihavetotieuplooseends.Ineed

toquitmyjob,closemyaccounts,packupmyapartment,andohyeah–figureoutwhatI’mgoingtotell

mymomandbestfriendsotheydon’tthinkI’vebeenbrainwashedbyacult!”

He chuffed softly and kissed the center of her palm. “I’m sorry I reacted like that. Your question

caughtmeoff-guard.”

“It’sokay,Ishouldhavephraseditbetter.Idon’twanttoleaveyou,Ijusthavealottodo.”She

leanedagainsthisshoulderwithasighandclosedhereyes.

“I’lltakeyoutoyourapartmentTuesdaymorning,andwe’llfigureeverythingelseouttogether.”

“Thankyou.”

“You’remysoulmate.I’ddoanythingforyou.”

***

Charismacouldhavesatonthecouchandheldhismateforeverandbeenascontentasakittenwith

abowlofcream.Butherworriesforherfamily,friends,andlifebackhomewouldn’tallowhimtorelax.

Hewantedhertobehappy.Beingagoodmatemeantheneededtoputherneedsfirst.Whileshedozed

againsthim,hismindspunwiththedesiretohelpherineveryway.

Whenshewokeanhourlater,stretchingandsmilingathiminanentirelytoosexyway,shesaid,

“Didyourestorwasitjustme?”

“Iwastoobusythinkingtoreallyrest.”

“Aboutwhat?”

“Whatwecantellyourmomandyourfriendsotheydon’tworry.”

She hummed. Turning to face him, she leaned across his legs and said, “I don’t want to lie, but I

don’t know how we’ll be able to tell them anything without them thinking something is terribly wrong.

But,IwasconsideringtellingthemthatI’vedecidedtotakeavacationforafewweeksandfiguremylife

out.Icanquitmyjobandpackupmyplace,andinthemeantime,IcantellmymomandBethanythatI’ve

metyou.Inafewweeks,theywon’tbesurprisedthatIwanttobewithyou.”

Herubbedhisthumbalongherjaw.Herskinwassosoftandaperfectivorythatcontrastedwiththe

richgolden-brownshadeofherhair.Hewastheluckiestmaleontheplanet,andheknewthatforafact.

Shewantedtostaywithhim,waswillingtocomeupwitharusesoherfamilywasn’thurtbyherleaving.

Theymeantagreatdealtoher,andasaresulttheymeantagreatdealtohimtoo.

“Whateveryouthinkisbest.”Hepausedandstaredather,drinkinginherlovelyfeatures.“Thank

you.”

“Forwhat?”

“Forgivingupeverythingtostaywithme.”

She rubbed her fingers over her heart. “I don’t think I could bear to be apart from you. If things

weredifferentandyouneededtostaywithmesowecouldbetogether,wouldyougiveupeverything?”

“Inaheartbeat.”

Sheleanedforwardandkissedhim,pressinghermouthtohisgently.Hepartedhislipsashedrew

her closer, their matching purrs filling the air. Their first night together had ended beautifully, with her

acceptanceashismateandherlushcurvesagainsthis.Hecouldn’taskforanythingmore.

***

Valerietouchedthemedallionasshestaredupattheceilingofthecabin.Theroughwoodworkwas

interesting, and gave a homey touch to the interior. The décor was very masculine, but Charisma had

alreadyofferedtoletherdecorateitanywayshepleased.Sheenvisionedhergrandma’sblueafghanover

thecouch,andhermom’srockingchairinthecorner.

“Areyouhungry,sweetheart?”

Shewiggledaroundtofacehimandkissedhischinandthenhislips.Hepurred,wrappinghisarms

aroundher.“Notatthemoment.DoIgettokeepmymedallion?”

“Yes,ofcourse.Whywouldn’tyou?”

“Icouldn’ttakeitoffbefore.Ithoughtmaybeitwoulddisappearafterthemoonrisestonight.”

“Itwillbecomeunlockedaftermoonrise,soyoucantakeitoffifyouwantto,butit’syourstokeep.

Itbelongedtomymom.”

“I’mgladIgettokeepit.Ireallylikeit.”

“Youcanpassitontoourchildrentousesomeday.”

Wheneverhementionedhavingkids,herinsidesturnedwarm.She’dalwayswantedtohavekids,

andnowshewasgoingtohavethemwithhersoulmate.She’dneverhavetoworrythatshe’dchosenthe

wrongguyforherself.Charismawouldnevercheatonherorlietoher.Theirbondwasforthelengthof

theirlives.Andoneday,weeksfromnow,she’dwakeupandbeabletoturnintoatiger.

Shecouldn’twait.

***

“Icanfeelthemoon,”Valeriesaidasshewalkedtothewindowandpushedbackthecurtain.Itwas

stilllightoutside,buttwilightwasedgingintothedaylightandslowlypushingitaway.

Charisma joined her, sliding his hands around her waist. “It’s part of the change. You’ll become

moreawareofnature.Allofyoursenseswillbeheightened,eveninyourhumanform.”

Sheleanedherheadbackagainsthisshoulderandrestedherhandsontopofhis.“Asidefromthe

moonrising,whatelsewillIfeel?”

“You’llbeabletosensetheweather,likewhenastormiscoming.You’llbeabletoseeandsmell

better.Whenitcomestopeople,you’llhaveasenseoftheirintentions.”

“Liketellingwhensomeoneislying?”

“Yes.”

“IkindoffeellikeI’vegotatestcomingupthatIdidn’tknowanythingabout.”

“Howso?”

“I’llbechanging.ThecoreofwhatIamwon’tbemeanymore.Ididn’tgrowupknowingthatthis

wasrealandunderstandingwhattoexpect.”

“We’vegotmanyweeksaheadofustoprepareyouforit,sweetheart,”hesaid,turninghergently

awayfromthewindowtofacehim.Shecuddledintohisembrace,restingherearoverhishearttohear

thesteady,calmingbeat.“You’renotaloneinthis.I’mhere,andI’llalwaysbeheretohelpyou.”

Thelittlepartofherthatwasalreadychangingknewthathewastellingthetruth.Shehadnodoubt

thathewouldbeathersidethrougheverything.

“You’renotaloneanymoreeither,”shesaid.

Apurrrumbledinhischest.“I’mtheluckiesttigerinexistence.”

“You’retheonlyone,”shesaid,liftingherheadandsmiling.

“Just for now.” He kissed her and moved away with a soft groan. “I’m going to bring in another

loadofwoodforthefireplace.ThetemperatureissupposedtodroptonightandIdon’twantmysweet

kittentogetcold.”

“I’mnevercoldinyourarms.”

“Meeither.”

Hestaredather,hisgazefilledwithindecision,andshelaughed,givinghimalightshoveonhis

broadshoulder.“GobringinsomewoodandI’llrefillourdrinks.”

“Yesdear,”hesaid,givingherawinkandadevastatingsmile.

Whilehe tugged onhis work boots,she picked up theirglasses from thecoffee table and carried

themintothekitchen.Thebackdoor,whichledtoasmallporchwherehekeptwoodstackedhighagainst

thecabin,openedandclosed.Afterrefillingtheirglasseswithlemonade,shesetthemonthecoffeetable,

walkedtothefrontdoorandpulleditopen.Shestrodeontotheporchandrestedherhandsontherailing,

leaningforwardslightlyandclosinghereyes.Assheinhaleddeeply,shefocusedontheverysmallpartof

herthatfeltdifferent.Inhermind’seyeshecouldseethebeast,asmallerversionofCharisma’scat.

Abranchcracked.Valerie’seyespoppedopen,andawarningsnarlrumbledfromher.Awoman,

dressedallinblack,steppedfromthewoods.Piercingsglintedfromhernoseandeyebrow,andherhair

wasartificiallyred,ashockingmagentacolorthatlookedgarishagainstherpaleskin.

“Whoareyou?”Valeriedemanded.

“MynameisLouise.I’vecometowarnyouthatyourlifeisindanger.”

ValeriecouldfeeldeepinsidethatsomethingwasoffaboutLouise.Sheappearedharmlessenough,

but there was a strange odor coming from her. It smelled like burnt spices and something foul mixed

together.

“I’mnotindanger,butyou’reinourterritoryandshouldleaveimmediately.”

Louiseshookherhead.“Themoonisrising.There’sstilltimeforyoutogetawayfromtheshifter

beforehekillsyou.”

Herheartclenchedtightlyasfearcreptupherspine.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“It’smydutytotellyouthetruth.That…thatcreatureisnothingbutabloodthirstyanimalwhowill

youkillyouinthenameofmakingyoulikehim.”Shegruntedinfrustration.“Youdon’thavetostayhere!

Justleavewithmenow.I’llgetyoutosafetybeforeheconvincesyoutofuckhim.Trustme,youdon’t

wanttospreadyourlegsforthatmonster.You’lldieathishands.Youdon’twanttodie,doyou?”

Valerie’smindblankedforabriefmoment,andthenhertigerroaredinsideher.Shefeltbolstered

bytheroar.

Sheclutchedthemedallion.“I’mnotgoingtodie.Youneedtoleavenow.”

Louise’seyesnarrowed,andshebaredherteethindisgust.“Youfuckedhim?Already?Whatisthe

matterwithyou?Youwhore!”

Taking a step back, Valerie opened her mouth to scream for Charisma when the woman was

suddenlyinfrontofher,movingsoquicklythatshehadn’tbeenabletotrackthemovementwithhereyes.

ShewhisperedinalanguageValeriedidn’tknow,andtouchedhermiddlefingertothecenterofValerie’s

forehead.Everythinginsideherfrozeandshefelltotheporchinaheap,paralyzed.

“Youcouldhavewalkedawayandlivedaperfectlynormallife,”shesaid,leaningoverValerie.“I

triedtosaveyou,butnowyoubothhavetodie.”

Chapter7

Charisma stacked wood in the basket he used to carry logs into the house, anxious to get back to

Valerie.Hewantedtobewithherwhenthemoonroseandthenecklaceunlocked.

Hisheartclenchedsuddenly,apainsoabruptandpowerfulthatitsenthimtohisknees.Hecould

feelValerie’sfearthroughtheirsoulmatebond,andhistigerroaredinworry.He’dneverfeltanythingso

overwhelming.Hepushedtohisfeetandrushedthroughthehouse.

Ashereachedtheopenfrontdoor,hesawLouiseleaningoverValerie’sbody.Hisbeastexploded

withinhimandhetackledherbeforeshecouldflee.

Thebreathwhooshedfromherlungsasthefullweightofhisbodyslammedintohersandknocked

hertotheground.Hisclawsdugintoherfleshasheroared.Louisepressedherpalmstohischestand

whisperedastrangeword.Yellowflameseruptedoverherskin.Theysingedhisfurasherlipsspread

wideandhatredglitteredinthedarkdepthsofhereyes.

Hekepthisweightonherbody,ignoringtheburnofthemagicalflames.Heknewifhelethergo

she’ddisappear,andValeriewouldneverbesafe.Withaloudsnarl,helatchedhisjawsaroundherthroat

andclampeddown,twistingsharplyasshescreechedinrageandthenwentsilent.Theflamescovering

herskinsputteredandvanished.Hewrinkledhisnoseattheviletasteofherbloodthatmadehiscatwant

toretch.

Ignoringthepainfulburns,herushedtoValerie’sside.Sheseemedparalyzed,hereyesclosedand

herfeaturestightwithpain.Usinghisenhancedsenses,hemovedhisnoseupanddownherbody,tryingto

decipherwhathadbeendonetoher.Wherethewiccanhadtouchedherforehead,asmalldarkspotwas

slowlygrowing,littleblacktendrilssnakingacrossherskin.

Shiftingbacktohumanform,heliftedherintohisarmsandracedintothehouse.Herentirebody

was rigid, and although she made no sound, he could feel how scared she was through their soulmate

connection.Helaidheronthecouchandkissedherlipsgently,findingthemicecold.

“I’mgoingtocallthewolfpackforhelp.”

Hewasn’tsureifshewasactuallyconsciousorjustparalyzed,buthisdesiretogetherfreefrom

whateverspellhadbeencastmovedhimtodotheonlythinghecouldthinkof.Inhisnightstanddrawer

wasararelyusedcellphone.Outhereinthemiddleofnowhere,heoftencouldn’tevengetasignal,and

withhisfamilygone,hereallyhadnoonetocall.

When he’d met the alpha, they’d exchanged numbers, but this was the first time Charisma was

askingthewolfforhelp.Afterwaitingforthephonetoturnon,heopenedthecontactforthealphaand

pressedthebutton,prayingthattheweaksignalhehadwouldbeenoughtoconnecthim.

Thephonerang,soundingtinnyinhisear,andheheldhisbreathasthelineconnectedandcrackled

tolife.

“Solomon.”

“ThisisCharisma.Ineedyourhelp.”

Therewasabriefpause,andthenthealphasaid,“Thetiger,right?Whatdoyouneed?”

Charismaquicklyexplainedwhathe’dwitnessed.“Ididn’twanttocallthewiccansagain.Ithink

theonewhohurtmysoulmatewasagainstourbond.Ican’tthinkofanotherreasonforhercomingtohurt

Valerie.”

Solomon growled out a curse. “There have been rumblings that some wiccans are trying to help

shiftersshuffleoffthemortalcoilbyinterferingwiththebonding.Definitelyagoodcallnottogotothe

wiccansyet.I’msendingmypackdoctorandsomeguards.Whenyou’reready,I’dliketogowithyouto

payavisittothewiccans.Theyhavealotofexplainingtodo.”

Reliefroseupinsidehimquickly.“Thankyou.”

“Thankmewhenyourmateiswellagain.”

The call ended, and the phone tumbled from Charisma’s hand as his whole body shook. He had

trustedthewiccantohelphimfindValerie.He’dfeltthattherewassomethingoffaboutherwhenhemet

her,buthe’dbeensointentondoingthespellthathehadn’tcared.Heshouldhavebeenmorevigilantand

kepthismatesafe.

Hehurriedbacktotheroomandkneltnexttohismate,slidinghishandintohers.Herskinwascold

to the touch, and in the few minutes he’d been gone the black tendrils on her forehead had doubled,

stretchingacrossherskin.

Itseemedlikeaneternitybeforeheheardthesoundofavehiclecomingupthelong,twistingdrive

thatledtohishouse.He’dbeenbabblingtohismatenonstopinanefforttokeepinconnectionwithher.

Hecouldstillfeelherthroughtheirbond,butaseachminutepassedtheconnectionseemedtodim.

“Thepackdoctorwillhelpus,sweetheart,”hesaid,standingandmovingswiftlytothefrontdoor.

HeopeneditandwatchedasalargeblackSUVstoppedandthetwobackdoorsopened.Awomanand

twomenexitedthevehicle.Thewoman,carryingamedicalbag,steppedontotheporch.

“I’mZara,thepackdoctor.Tellmeeverything.”

***

Valerie was in hell. She could hear perfectly, but she couldn’t move. Her entire body seemed

frozen,hermusclestautandherskinaching.Shecouldbreathe,butshecouldn’topenhereyesormakea

sound.Charismawasnearher,butshecouldn’ttellifhewastouchingherornot.Shewasdesperateto

makeeventheslightestmovementorsoundtolethimknowshewasconscious,butnomatterhowhard

sheconcentrated,shecouldn’tdoanything.Herbeast,whichhadstartedtofeelsoreal,nowfeltnearly

gone,asifsomethingwereshovingitawayfromherandbreakingtheconnectionthattakingCharisma’s

bloodhadgivenher.

She didn’t know what a pack doctor was, but after the front door opened and a woman spoke,

Valeriefeltabitofreliefslipthroughher.Ifshewasadoctor,thenshecouldhelp.Hopefully.Shehadno

cluehowlongshe’dbeenstuckinthisstrangeparalyzedstate,butitfeltlikeaneternity.

Ifshecouldgobackintimeshewouldn’thavesteppedoutontotheporchatall,shewould’vekept

herselflockeduptightinthehouse.Charismawouldn’thaveletanythinghappentoherifshe’dbeenwith

him.Hefeltguilty,andshewishedshecouldtellhimthatshedidn’tblamehim.

Shewantedtocry.Shefeltlikeshewasgoingtoslowlyslipawayintounconsciousnessandnever

wakeup.IfshenevergottohearCharisma’svoice,lookintohisbeautifuleyes,ortouchhissilkyskin

again…itwasahellshedidn’twanttocontemplate.

“Valerie,I’mZara.I’mthepackdoctor.ThatmeansI’mnotonlyawolfshifterbutalsoatrained

medic.Trytomoveifyoucan.”

Withallherstrength,Valerietriedtomovesomething,anything,butherbodyfeltlikeitwasn’ther

own,thatshewasaghostinsomeoneelse’sbody.Hereyesstung,butiftearsfellshecouldn’tfeelthem.

“Howlonghasshebeenparalyzed?”Zaraasked.

“Fortwenty-threeminutes,”Charismaanswered.

Zarahummedandasnapsounded,followedbyatinklingsound.“LetmeseeifIcangetsomeofher

blood.IthinkIknowwhathappened,butIneedtoseetobesure.”

“Whatdidthewiccando?”

“Ibelievesheusedastonespell.Istudiedwithawiccancovenforasemesterincollegetolearn

aboutherbalremedies,andinoneoftheancienttextbooksIreadaboutthedarkmagicarts.Whenwiccans

gotobattle,theyrelyonothersbelievingthey’reweakbecausethey’refemales,andtheyusethattoget

closetotheirenemiesandtouchthemwithpoisonontheirhands.Ibelievethatthewiccanputpoisonon

herfingertip,andwhenshetouchedValerie,shemostlikelyrecitedthespell.”

“What’shappeningtoher?”

AlthoughZara’svoicedroppedconsiderablylower,Valeriestillheardher.“She’sturningtostone.

Eventuallyshewon’tbeabletobreatheanymoreandherheartwillstop.”

Charismasnarled.“Canitbereversed?”

“Awiccancouldreverseit,butifIwereyouIwouldn’ttrustanyofthem.Thewholecovenmaybe

taintedwiththedesiretowipeoutshifters.Theycoulddestroyyoutoo.Thereisawaytosaveher,Ithink

–butit’sdangerous.”

“She’ll die without help. I’ll do whatever I can to bring her back.” Charisma’s voice was edged

with steel. If she’d been able to, Valerie would have smiled at how much he wanted to save her. Her

goldentigerwasfierceandprotective.Ifshesurvived,she’dtellhimhowluckyshewastobehis.

“YouhavetodestroythepoisonbyoverwhelmingValerie’ssystemwithyourbloodandthevenom

inyourfangsandclaws.”

“Youmeanforcehertoshiftnow?”

“It’stheonlyway.Itmaynotwork.Thepoisoncouldbetoodeepinherbodyforyourbloodand

venomtohelp.Or,shecoulddiefrombeingforcedtoshiftsoquickly.Mybestguessisyouhavelessthan

twohoursbeforeshedies.Youneedtoactnoworitwillbetoolate.”

Charisma roared, the sound full of heartbreak and fury. It was so loud that she could hear the

windowsrattle.

“Willshebeinpain?”

“As the poison dissipates, yes. I can’t give her anything to counteract the pain because it could

interferewithyourvenomandblood.”

Charisma’s voice was low in Valerie’s ear when he whispered, “I’ll never let anyone hurt you

again,sweetheart.I’msorryforthis.I’msorryIhavetohurtyoutosaveyou.Pleaseforgiveme.”

Valerieheardfabricrustlingandseamsbeingtorn,followedbycrackingbones,andthensheheard

adeeppurr…justaheartbeatbeforesomethingslidthroughherneckthatfeltlikeburningacid.

Shewouldhavescreamedifshe’dhadtheability.Painflowedthroughherlikewildfire.Ifshe’d

thoughtshe’dbeeninhellbefore,shehadn’tknownthetruedefinitionofit.

Chapter8

Charisma stripped Valerie to her underwear, the seams tearing as he hurried. Then he stripped

himselfandshifted,awarethatwhathewasabouttodocouldverywellkillher.Butshewoulddefinitely

dieifhedidnothing.He’dalreadyfailedheroncebynotprotectingher;hewasn’tabouttofailagain.

Zaramovedtothecorneroftheroombuthadn’tleftthecabin.Hewantedprivacy,butheknewhe

mightneedher.FearrolledthroughhimasheprowledoverValerie’spronebody,buthepusheditaway

andconcentratedonsavingherlife.

Fittinghisjawsatthecruxofherneckandshoulder,hebitdownswiftlyandpiercedherskin.He

couldtastethedeathinherblood–thebitterrancidtasteburnedhistongueasitfilledhismouth.Lifting

his fangs from her flesh, he bit down on the other side of her throat, and then slowly moved down her

body.Heclosedhisjawsaroundherelbows,wrists,knees,andankles,andthensankhisclawsintoher

biceps, hips, and thighs. As the venom in his claws and fangs moved through her system, he could feel

theirconnectionstrengthen.Agonyrippedthroughhim,andheknewthatitwasherpainhewasfeeling.

Hisheartcrackedforthehurthewascausingher,butheknewhewouldloseherifhestopped.

Shifting back to his human form, he stretched out on top of her and slashed his wrist, forcing her

mouthopensohecouldfeedherhisblood.Rubbingherthroat,heblinkedbackthetearsandclosedhis

eyes.

“Comebacktome,sweetheart,please,”hewhispered.“Please.”

Theirconnectionsharpenedfurther,untilhecouldhearherscreaminginpaininhismind,hisbeast

roaringinworrythatitwouldbetoomuchforherfragilehumanbody.Theprocessofchangingahuman

toashifterwasmeanttotakeweeks,notminutes.Theshockofchangingcouldkillher,ifthepaindidn’t

becometoomuch.

Withhisfingersrubbingherthroat,hefeltherswallowsuddenly,andthenherbodyjerkedunder

his,herbackbowingandhereyesopening.Hereyesrolledbackinherheadandherheartbegantoslow.

“What’shappeningtoher?”heasked,watchingherskinflushdarklyandthenpale.

“Don’tstop.It’spartoftheforcefultransformation.Yourbloodistakingover,changingherswiftly

atacellularlevel,”Zarasaid.

Minutes passed as he shared blood with her. He began to feel lightheaded, but he ignored the

tinglinginhislimbs.HisconnectiontoValeriewaswholeagain,andalthoughhecouldfeelthatshewas

inpain,shewasn’tscared.Hecouldfeelhowmuchshecaredforhimandwantedtolive.

“Iwon’tsurvivewithoutyou,sweetheart,”hesaid.“Pleasecomebacktome.”

Her body jerked under him and her heart stopped completely. Panic rushed through him and he

lookedupatZaratofindherwatchingthemintently.

“Pullyourwristoutofhermouth,”Zarasaid.

“Isshe…what’shappening?”hedemanded,ashefreedhiswristfromhismate’smouth.Between

herpartedlipshecouldseethatherhumanteethhadelongatedslightly.Herfangsgrewashewatched,

lengtheningandsharpening.

“She’schanging.Thepoisonisentirelygone.Nowit’suptofatewhethershelivesordiesfromthe

shift.”

Charismaslippedoffherandleanedover,brushinghisfingersacrossherforehead.Herheartbegan

tobeatagain,andhebreathedoutasighofrelief.Theblacktendrilsofthepoisonweregonenow,her

skin smooth and unmarked. Happiness flowed through him, but it was tempered by the fact that Valerie

stillhadn’tmoved.

She seemed frozen, and although her chest moved as she breathed and he could hear her heart

beating,shehadn’tmovedafingeroropenedhereyes.Heheldhisbreath,willinghertobeabletohandle

theshift.Timeseemedtostandstill.

And then her eyes popped open and her bones cracked. Golden fur flowed over her skin as she

screamed, her body twisting and morphing. The shift took over, forcing her body to change shape from

human to tiger. Her spine bowed, each vertebrae cracking like a gunshot. Her human hair receded,

replacedbythesilkyfurofthetiger.Herhandscurled,herscreamsofpainslicingrightthroughhimas

clawsemergedthroughherfingertipsforthefirsttime,herknucklescrackingandtwisting.

He'dneverwitnessedafirst-timeshift.Hisownhadbeenpainful,buthe’dexpecteditandhadan

idea of what would come. His parents had been with him every step of the way, encouraging him.

Drawingonhismemories,hecoachedhissoulmatethroughhertransformation.

“Don’tfighttheshift,Valerie.Letitcome.Iknowithurts,sweetheart,”hesaidashelaidhishand

on her stomach, brushing his fingers through the soft golden fur that covered her abdomen. “Breathe

deeplyandtrytorelaxsoyourbodycanchange.Ican’twaittoseeyoushift.Mycatwantstorunandhunt

withyou.”

Herpain-filledcriesebbedashespoke,asifshewaslisteningtohisreassuranceandfollowinghis

directions.Theirgazeslockedasherfacechangedfromhumantotiger.Hisheartpoundedinhischest,

and everything went quiet for a long moment. She blinked molten-gold eyes at him, her lips parted to

revealhergleamingfangs,andthensherolledtoherstomachandshiftedcompletely.Fourpawssankinto

thehardwoodfloorandhertailswishedangrilyasshebellowedaroaratZara.

“She’sthepackdoctor,”Charismasaidsoothingly,wrappinganarmaroundherthickneckincase

shetriedtogoafterher.

“ShecantellI’mnotmated,”Zarasaid,smiling.“I’dsayshe’soutofthewoods.She’llprobably

sleepforthenight.Ifshe’sachywhenshewakesup,Ileftsometealeavesforyoutosteep,whichshould

help.”

“Thankyouforyourhelp,”Charismasaid.

“Ofcourse. We mightbe different beastsbut we’re all inthis together. Theguards will stay until

midday.Solomonwillbehereatsunsettonighttogowithyoutothewiccans.”

Nodding,CharismawaiteduntilZarahadleftandshutthedoorbehindher.Hemovedquicklytothe

doorandthrewthedeadbolt,glancingoutthewindowtoseeherandoneofthewolvesgetintotheSUV

andleave. The twoother wolves werein their shifts andwatched the SUVdepart before they resumed

theirwalkaroundthecabininoppositedirections.

Turningbacktohismate,hesawhergrimaceandknewshewasfightingexhaustionandlingering

pain.Hemovedtoherandknelt,pickingupthenecklace,whichhadbrokenwhensheshiftedcompletely.

Thebraandpantiesshe’dbeenwearinghadtornapartwiththechangeinherbody.He’dforgottenabout

thenecklace,orhewouldhaveremoveditbeforesheshifted.

Sheyowledsadly,nuzzlingthechainandmedallioninhishand.“Wecangetthechainfixed.The

importantthingisthatyou’resafe.”Shovingthejewelryintothefrontpocketofhisjeans,hecuppedher

head.“IthoughtIwasgoingtoloseyou.”

Shepurredandpressedhernosetohisthroat.Lickinghisskin,shegaveaquestioningrumble.He

knew what she wanted. Tilting his head, he closed his eyes and said, “Mark me, Valerie. I’m already

yours.”

Shestruckimmediately,herjawsclampingaroundthecruxofhisneckasherfangsbitintohisskin.

Thepainwasincredible,butitlastedonlyabriefmomentastheconnectionbetweenthemassoulmates

re-solidified. He’d planned to ask her to mark him after she recovered from her first shift, but her new

instinctsmusthavedemandedheweartheproofoftheirmating.

Sheworemanymarksnowbecausehe’dbeenforcedtochangeher,buthehopedshe’dwearthem

withpride.Withoutthemarks,shewould’vediedandthatdidn’tbearthinkingabout.

Lifting from his shoulder, Valerie roared and then collapsed, her breath gusting from her lungs as

hereyesclosed.Hepressedhiseartoherchesttolistentoherheartbeatanddecidinghismatemadea

wonderfullycomfortablepillow,hecurledaroundherandclosedhiseyes.

When he’d spelled for his soulmate, he’d expected to spend their first twenty-four hours together

convincingherthattheyweremeanttobetogether.Theirtimehadbeenmarredbyadangerouswiccan,

andthethreatwasn’toveryet.Theyweresecureforthemoment,though,knowingtheirhomewasbeing

watchedoverbythewolves.Hewoulddowhateverittooktoensurehersafety,andthesafetyofother

shiftersandtheirsoulmatesinthefuture.Fornow,hewouldrest.Revengecouldwaituntilsunset.

Chapter9

Opening her eyes, Valerie groaned. Everything inside her ached. She stretched, and realized she

wasonthefloor.Asshelookeddown,shecouldseethatherskinwascoveredwithgoldenfur,striped

with a darker shade of gold. She closed her eyes again for a brief moment, wondering if she was

dreaming,butwhenshereopenedthem,herskinhadn’tsuddenlymadeanappearance.Shewasstillfurry.

Veryfurry.

She curled her fingers, which were now tipped with black claws. She couldn’t believe what she

wasseeing.Somethingmoved,scrapingoverthefloorboards,andhersensitiveearstwitched.Sheswung

herheadaroundandfoundCharismasmiling,hiseyesshiningwithhappiness.

“Hisweetheart.You’reatigernow,butIthinkyoufiguredthatout.”

Sheopenedhermouthtoanswerhim,butallthatcameoutwasayowlofagreement.

Rememberinghowthestrangewomanhadattackedher,shelumberedtoherfeet,worrystreaking

throughher.Bumpingherheadagainsthermate’sshoulder,shepurredinquestionandnippedathisjaw.

Hewrappedanarmaroundherneckandexhaleddeeply.“Shewasawiccan,sweetheart.She’sthe

onewhohelpedmecastthespellforyou.She’sdead,butuntilIknowforsurethatthethreatagainstyou

isgone,weneedtobecareful.”

The cat, now part of her subconscious, wanted to go for a run in the woods and stretch her new

bodyout.ShewantedtopounceonCharismaandbitehimagain,tomakesureheworeenoughmarksthat

nofemalewouldeverlookathimagain.Liftingalargepaw,sheputitonhisshoulderandpushed.He

chuckledandwrappedhishandaroundherforearm.

“Wouldyouliketogoforawalk?Wecancirclearoundthecabinafewtimes.Youneedtogetback

intoyourhumanformsowecantalk.Sometimesbeingactiveintheshiftcanhelpmakeiteasiertochange

back.”

He rose to his knees and grabbed her head with his hands, pressing his forehead against hers. “I

thought I was going to lose you. I wasn’t sure you’d be able to survive the transition. But you did, and

now you’re a beautiful golden tiger and I’m not the last one anymore.” She could scent saltwater and

knewhewasstrugglingwithhisemotions.Hercatlikedthathecaredforhersomuch.Hell,Valerieliked

ittoo.

She purred, her chest vibrating with the sound. He chuckled. “You’re getting very good at that,

sweetheart.” He stood and ran his fingertips through the fur on the top of her head, scratching lightly,

whichmadeherpurrlouder.

Shefollowedhimtothedoor,andwatchedasheunlockedandopenedit.Shehesitated,wondering

ifthewomanhadfriendswhowouldcomeforrevenge.

“It’s okay,” Charisma said. “The wolves have been patrolling since you were attacked and they

haven’t seen anything. It’s possible the wiccan was acting alone, but if she wasn’t, her friends haven’t

madeanappearance.”

She stepped with him out onto the porch. Two wolves appeared, their fur a mixture of grays and

browns.Sheliftedhernoseandinhaled,sortingthroughthescents.Theysmelledlikeacombinationof

animalandhuman.

“I’mgoingtotakeherforawalkaroundthecabinafewtimestoletherexploreforabit.”

Thewolvesbothnoddedandtookoffinoppositedirections.Shecouldhearthemcirclearoundthe

house,theirpawsnearlysilentsaveforthescrapeoftheirclawsonthehardground.

Charismashovedhisjeansdownhislegsandsheyowledinquestion.

Helookedatherwithasmileashesteppedfromhispants.“I’mgoingtoshiftwithyou.Youdidn’t

thinkI’dletyoutakeyourfirstrunwithoutmejoininginthefun,didyou?”

Shesatonherhaunchesandwatchedhimashecrouchedandexhaled.Hewinkedather,thenclosed

hiseyes.Hisshiftflowedoverhimlikewater,goldenfursproutingfromhisskinashisbodytwistedand

reformed into a large tiger. She’d seen him shift into his human form, but she hadn’t witnessed the

opposite transformation. It was a stunning sight. One moment, the sexiest guy she’d ever seen was

standinginfrontofher,nakedandaroused,andthenextmomenthewasabigtigerwiththesamecoloring

ashernewfur.

He shook himself out and pressed his nose to her throat with a purr. Through their connection as

soulmatesshecouldfeelhowmuchhecaredforher,howhappyhewasthatshewasokayandthatthey

couldstarttheirlivestogether.Followinghismovements,shescentedhim,too,drawinghernoseslowly

uphisthroattohisear,whichshebitlightly.

Hechuffedather,jerkinghisheadtothesidetoencouragehertomove.Theybothleapeddownthe

steps.Beingsolowtothegroundwouldtakesomegettingusedto,butshecouldn’tbelievehowamazing

everything looked. Her eyesight was much sharper, and her hearing was off the charts. Her whiskers

twitchedassheinhaled,sortingthroughthesmells.Thesunwasshining,butitwasstilllowintheskyso

sheknewitwasearlymorning.

Theypaddedtotheedgeofthewoods,butCharismagrowledsoftlyandsheknewhedidn’twant

hertogofurther.Shecouldstillsmellthewoman.She’dneveractuallymetawiccanbefore,butherfirst

time hadn’t gone well. Like shifters, Valerie thought that witches and other supernatural beings weren’t

basedinreality.Itwashardtofathomthatanentireworldofparanormalcreatureswasoperatingunder

thenoseofhumans.

Sidebyside,theywalkedaroundthecabin.Sheinspectedeverything,hercatanxioustodiscover

thedetailsoftheirnewhome.Theypassedthewolveswitheverycircuit,butdidn’tacknowledgethem.

Theywerebusykeepinganeyeoutfordangerwhilesheandhersoulmatewalkedincircles.

Thebeastinsidehernowwasreadytotakeabackseattoherhumanside.Shefeltthemomentwhen

the cat had enough, secure in the knowledge that their sexy tiger mate would keep them safe. And she

happenedtobeabadasstigershifterherself,completewithfangsandclaws,soshecouldhelpkeephim

and their kids safe. Lifting her paw, she turned it over and inspected the deadly tips. With a flex, they

unsheathed,gleaminginthesunlight.Shewouldlearnhowtohuntandfightinhershift,soshe’dneverbe

vulnerableagain.

Climbingtheporchsteps,shewatchedasCharismashiftedintohishumanformaseasilyasifhe

were changing clothes, and opened the front door. She passed by him and walked to the center of the

familyroom.

Thedoorshutandlockedbehindherandsheturnedtofacehim.

“Damn,you’resopretty.Myparentswouldhavelovedyou.Iwishyoucouldhavemetthem.”

Sheletoutasadyowl,wishingshecouldhavemetthemtoo.

Hetuggedhisjeansonandshewrinkledhernose.Shelikedhimnaked.Hehadthesexiestbody.

Allhardmusclesandwarmskim.

“Your turn,” he said, falling to his knees in front of her. “Just relax and let your body go. Even

though it’s new to you, your instincts will help you do what needs to be done. Trust this new part of

yourself.Yourcatwillneversteeryouwrong.”

Nodding, she focused on the tiger in her mind and relaxed. The first time she’d shifted had been

painful.Everythinghadhappenedinslowmotion,andshecouldn’tspeeduptheprocess,untilCharisma

hadtoldhertostopfightingit.Thepainhadbeensogreatthatshecouldn’tthinkofanythingbutthepain.

Purposely embracing it had seemed like a terrible idea at the time, but once she’d let go of the fight to

shift,ithadhappenedquickly.

Theburstofagonyhadbeenfollowedbydeliciousrelief.

Nowherbodychangedagain,herhumanformreturningtotheforefrontasthecatsettledintoher

subconscious,readyforwheneverValerieneededher.

Hersensesfeltheightenedstill,eveninherhumanform.Hervoicecrackedwhenshetriedtosay

Charisma’s name. He pulled her onto his lap on the floor, and pressed his lips to hers. “You just went

fromtigertohuman,andyoumightneedsometimeforyourbodytoadjusttothechanges.I’msoproudof

you.You’reamazing.”

Shehuggedhim,gratefulforthesafetyofhisarms.

“Thankyouforsavingme,”shewhispered,herthroatachingwiththewords.

“Oh love, I’ll always come for you. I’ll never let anyone hurt you again.” His voice was full of

determination,apromiseandathreatrolledtogetherthatmadeherwanttopurr.Soshedid.

“Makelovetome,”shemurmuredinhisear.

Withoutaword,hestoodwithherinhisarmsandcarriedherbacktothebedroom.

***

Aftercelebratinghersafelychangingintoatiger,he’dofferedherhiscellphoneforhertocallher

momandfriend.She’doptednottocallthem,buthadleftamessageonherboss’svoicemailtoexplain

thatshe’dhadafamilyemergencyandbeenunabletocometowork,promisingtocallthefollowingday

withmoredetails.

What he wanted to do was take her to her apartment so she could pack up her life, but what he

neededtodoinsteadwasgowiththealphawolftovisitthewiccans.HiscatwashappythatValeriewas

oneofthemnow,butfuryrodeclosetothesurfacebecauseshe’dbeenforcedintotheshiftsopainfully.

What she’d suffered was cruel. Although the wiccan who had harmed her was dead, he wouldn’t relax

untilheknewforsureshewassafe.Hell,hemightneverrelax.

Shecameoutofthebedroomwearingherjeansandoneofhislong-sleevedshirts.Shejoinedhim

at the front window, sliding her arms around his waist and hugging him tightly. He wrapped his arms

aroundherandkissedthetopofherhead.

“Iwanttocomewithyou.”

Hiscatgrumbled,buthe’dbeenarguingbackandforthwiththebeastaboutwhetheritwasbetter

forhertobewithhimorinthecabin.

“Idon’tknow,”heanswered.

“Ifeellikeit’sbetterformetobewithyouthanforustobeapart.Mycatdoesn’twanttoletyou

outofoursight.”

Shetippedherheaduntilshewasgazingathim,herbrowsdrawninworryasshechewedonher

lowerlip.“Ilovehowyoutalkaboutyourcat,”hewhispered,brushinghislipsacrosshers.

“Areyoutryingtodistractme?”

“No.You’rejustverykissable.”

Shegiggledandkissedhimback,slidingherhandsuphisbackandgrippinghisshoulders.“You’re

tempting.”

Hegazeddownathergreeneyesastheyswirledwiththegoldofherbeast.“Ifyoucome,youhave

topromisetostaybymysideanddowhateverIsay.”

“Ipromise.Youkilledthewiccanwhohurtme,butIknowthattherecouldbeothers.Eventhough

we’ve only known each other for such a short time, I feel in my heart like we’ve known each other

forever.Itrustyou.”

He was humbled by her trust in him. The sound of gravel crunching under tires and an engine

revvingalertedhimtovisitors.Theywalkedtothefrontdoortogether,andasheopenedithesawthree

vehicles,onebeingdrivenbythealpha.

Charisma and Valerie stepped out on the porch, shutting the front door behind them. The alpha

rolleddownhiswindowastheyapproached.Charismasaid,“Thisismysoulmate,Valerie.Sweetheart,

thisisSolomon,alphaofthewolfpack.”

“It’snicetomeetyou,”shesaid.“Thankyouforyourhelp.”

“Shifters, regardless of their beasts, should stick together. I have several wolves who will be

comingintotheirtwenty-fifthyearinthenearfutureandIneedtobeassuredthatnoonewilltrytocome

betweenthemandtheirsoulmatesduringtheseekingspell.”

Valerie grimaced. She’d read a lot of fictional romances about wiccans, and they were almost

alwaysportrayedinafavorablelight.Charismawouldthinkshewassillyforrelyingonromancenovels

for her supernatural knowledge, but she was working with what she had at her disposal. “I thought

wiccansweresupposedtobegood.”

Solomon’s brow rose. “There’s balance to everything in nature – good and bad. Although most

wiccanswouldbecategorizedasgood,therearethosewhostudydarkartsorwhoareprejudicedagainst

others for one reason or another. Regardless, Littlewood is a shifter town, and the wiccans will not be

allowedtoharmanothersoulmateagain.”

Charismasaid,“Let’sgetontheway.”

***

ThewiccancovenwasoutsideofthesmalltownofLittlewood.Charismasaidtheyweregoingto

the wiccan coven headquarters, which turned out to be a modest cottage in the woods. It was hard to

believethatsomethingsosweetandinnocent-lookingcouldharboranindividualwhohatedshifters.

“Whatelseisoutthere?”sheaskedCharismaasheopenedherdoor.

“Outwhere?”

“Ididn’tknowthatshifterswerereal,ormagic.AndnowI’mgoingtomeetawiccan.Whatother

kindsofmagicalbeingsareoutthere?”

Solomonjoinedthem,hiswolvessurroundingtheminaloosecircle.Thereweresixwolveswith

them,andtheylookedreadytofight.

“Asidefromshiftersandwitches,therearefairies,andhumanswithsupernaturalpowerssuchas

clairvoyanceandtelekinesis.Allofusliveinsecretfromordinaryhumans,though.Foroneofustobe

exposedmeansthatallofusareatrisk.”

Shenodded.“Iunderstandwhatthatmeans.Iwantourfamilytobesafe,andIwantthatforothers,

too.”

“You’realuckymaletohavefoundsuchafiercesoulmate,”Solomonsaid.

Charisma grasped her hands in his and faced her. “Whatever happens, remember that we’re

completelybonded.Nothingcanchangethat.Noonecantakeyourcatfromyouoreraseourconnection

assoulmates.”

Shewentontohertoesandkissedhim.“Let’sgoprotectthefuture.”

The wolves followed them to the front door of the cottage. The rough wooden exterior made it

blend in well with the woods, but the cloying scent of strange herbs and flowers made the hairs on the

backofherneckstandup.Hercatwasatattention,waryforwhatmightcome.

Charismahadliftedhishandtoturnthedoorknob,whenitopened,andasmallwomanwithalong

braidofblondehairstoodinthedoorway.Shehadbeensmiling,butthenshetookinthegroupwiththem

andfrowned.

“Whatisthemeaningofthis?”

“Louisetriedtokillmysoulmatewithaspelllastnight,Gretel.Shehadplanstokillmeaswell.”

Gretel’s eyes flashed silver, her mouth falling open in shock. “Please come inside so we may

speak.”

They followed her in, and Valerie said, “Louise asked me to come with her. She said I was in

danger, that being with Charisma would kill me. I told her that I wasn’t going anywhere, and she cast

somekindofspellthatparalyzedme.”

Charismaputhisarmacrosshershouldersandhuggedher.“Shenearlydied.Ihadtoforcehershift

tosaveherlife.”

Solomonfoldedhisarmsangrilyoverhischest.“Ifitweren’tforourpackdoctor,you’dhavethe

blood of two dead shifters on your hands. I don’t know what kind of coven you’re running here, but

someoneunderyourauthoritytriedtoscrewwithamating.”

Gretelshookherhead.“Ididn’tknow.”

“It’snoexcuse,”Solomonsaid.

“You’reright.Iwillfindoutthetruthnow.”

She spun and moved with such speed that she was a blur as she raced to the back of the cottage.

Therewasaloudcrackingsoundfollowedbyseveralhigh-pitchedscreams.ValerielookedatCharisma,

andheshrugged.

“Sheseemspissed,”Valeriesaid.

Solomonsnorted.“Leadersneverlikeitwhentheirpeoplearedoingbadthingsbehindtheirbacks.

We’llleadtheway.”

HesteppedaroundCharismaandValerie,andtheyfollowedhimandthewolvesintothecottage.It

wasdeceptivelyspacious,withalargefrontroomthatseemedtofunctionasamarket,completewitha

counterandacashregister.Driedherbsandflowershunginbundlesfromshelvesthatwerecoveredwith

glasscontainers.Sheimmediatelypicturedthembeingfilledwithnewteyesandothergrossingredients.

Shivering,shefocusedonthewolvesastheyfollowedthemthroughthemainroomanddownahall.Many

ofthedoorswereclosed,butonewasopen.Astheydrewnear,Valeriecouldpickupthescentoffear

frominside.

SheandCharismastoppedinthedoorwayasthewolvesfannedoutinsidetheroom.Bookshelves

coveredthewallsfromfloortoceiling,andalargecirculartablesatontheruginthemiddleoftheroom.

Chairs had been tipped over, and a group of women were clutched together in fear as Gretel held one

womanbythethroat.

Gretel’s voice was low and dark when she spoke. “Tell me who helped Louise. It is against our

lawstopurposelyharmothers.ConfessandI’llshowmercy.”

“It’snotyourmercytogive,”Charismasaid.

“Itis.Thesearemycovenmembers,andtheywillbepunishedaccordingtoourlaws.”

“It’snotreallyuptoyou,”Solomonsaid.“IfCharisma’scatwantsvengeance,thenyouwillgiveit

tohimorI’llbringtheentirewolfpackhereforyourgoing-out-of-businesssale.”

Gretelloweredthewomantothegroundandreleasedherholdonherneck.“IbelieveLouisewas

theringleader,butthereareotherswhohelpedher.IfeltLucy’sguilt,andsheknowstheidentityofthe

others.”

Charismacrackedhisknucklesandrolledhisshoulders.“Shewilltalkorshewilldie.Eventually.”

Valerie’s cat growled softly and she tilted her head, listening carefully. Outside of the room, she

heardascrapingsound.Itwassosoftthatshealmostdismissedit.AsCharismamovedtothecowering

woman, Valerie turned to face the open door. Opening her senses to her cat, she let her beast through

enoughsothatheralreadyheightenedsenseswouldbeevenmoreso.Beforesheevenrealizedthatshe

wasmoving,shehadshiftedintoherbeastandracedfromtheroom.Herclotheshadtorn,butclungtoher

bodyassheran.

She had scented the same strange bitter odor she’d smelled on Louise, and she knew that an

accomplice was trying to get away. Charisma shouted her name, but Valerie didn’t stop, catching a

glimpseofawomanwithinkyblackhairasshefledfromthecottage.

Asherpawscrossedthethreshold,Valeriesawthewomanthrowablueorbatthegroundandshout

inastrangelanguage.Thewomanchangedintoahugeblackraven,wingsflappingasshefuriouslybeat

theminanefforttogetaway.Valerieleapedintheair,stretchingoutherpawsandflexingherclaws.The

soft body of the raven was no match for the razor sharp tips, and she brought the bird to the ground,

landingwithherentireweightonit.Thebird’sbonescrunchedanditsquawkedloudly,thesoundslipping

totheshrillwailofawomanassheattemptedtoshifttohumanform.

Beforethewomancouldreturntoherfullform,Valerieliftedherfromthegroundwithherpaws

and brought her back to the ground again. More bones cracked, and the odd patches of human skin

showing through the feathers turned gray. Listening intently, she could hear nothing from the bird. No

heartbeat,nosoundofbreath.

Charismachuckledashejoinedher.“Ithoughtitwouldtakeyouyearstomasteryourshiftandyour

huntingabilities.Ithinkyoucouldteachmeathingortwo.”Hepressedhisheadtohersandwhispered,

“Youscaredtheshitoutofmewhenyouranoutoftheroom.Howaboutwedon’tdothatanymore.”

Shelickedhischeekwithagruffpurr,herwayofpromisingthatshe’dtrytonotdoitagain.

“Bringthebird,sweetheart.We’vegotsomewiccanstotorment.”

Fitting the bird between her jaws, she carried her like a prized catch as she padded next to her

soulmate.Pridemadeherwhiskerstwitch.She’dfollowedherinstinctsandtakenoutsomeonewhohad

beenpartofLouise’splot,apersonwhohadthoughtnothingofturningValerietostonesothatCharisma’s

catwoulddiefromgrief.

Theotherswouldtalk.Howevermanyofthemtherewere,theywouldspilltheirguts,figuratively.

Orliterally.

Chapter10

ThewomanthatCharismahadbeenthreateninghadclammeduptightlywhenValerieracedfromthe

room. He was so proud of her for protecting them both. When she came into the room with the dead

wiccan, killed mid-shift like a macabre sideshow attraction, two more wiccans from the group fell to

theirkneesandbeggedformercy.

“Don’tletherkillus!”onesaid.

“Louise’sfamilywasrippedapartbyshifters.Sheaskedustostandbyherashersisters,”saidthe

other.

Gretelmovedtooneoftheshelvesandremovedaleatherpouchtiedwithredribbon.Shereturned

to the women and opened the pouch, shoving her hand inside and removing what looked like sand.

Sprinklingitoverthewomen,sheintoned,“Seliesbismar,seliesbismay.”

Thewiccansshudderedasthesandhittheirheadsandcascadeddowntheirbodies.Thenallthree

liftedtheirheads.Theireyeshadbecomeentirelyblack.Asone,theyopenedtheirmouthsandspokeinan

eerie,high-pitchedvoice.“Wewoulddestroyallshifters.Theirkindareanabomination,bothmanand

beast.Thetwotogethershouldnotmix.Preventingthesoulmatefrombondingwiththetigerwouldhave

madehimferalandhewouldhavebeenkilled.Thatwasthewayitwassupposedtohappen.”

“WhydidLouisehelpmewiththespellifshewantedmetogoferal?”

Thewiccansturnedtheirheadstothesidetolookathimandhefoughttheurgetoshudder.They

looked like robots. “It would have looked suspicious. Louise attempted to visit your chosen female as

soonasshearrivedonAllHallows’Eve,butthewolfpackwashuntingandshefearedbeingcaughtin

thewoods.”

GretellookedatValerieandsaid,“Bringthedeadhere,please.”

ShepaddedforwardanddroppedthebirdatGretel’sfeet.

“Thisisdarkmagic.Whobroughtdarkmagictothecoven?”

Thethreewiccanssaid,“Louise.Shefoundatomeinthearchivesandtappedintothedarkarts.”

“Whydoesshehateshifters?”Solomonasked.“Whykillinnocentsbecausewe’redual-natured?So

arewiccans–you’rehumanandwitch.”

Gretelexhaledwithagroan.“Herbrotherwaskilledduringhischange.Hehadmatedwithashe-

wolf.Shewasyoung,anddidn’tknowhowtospreadouttheprocesssothathisbodywouldadjustwith

time. She forced the change on him, and he died. He was Louise’s twin, and they were inseparable.

Louise was told the she-wolf would be punished by her alpha and unable to mate with another for the

spanofherlife,butafewmonthslaterLouisewenttoherparents’hometovisitandsawtheshe-wolf,

andshewasmatedandpregnant.

“Iknewshewasupsetbyit,butshepromisedmesheheldnoillwilltowardshifters.Ifshewas

lookingfordarkmagicspells,thenshewasalsoabletohidehertruefeelingsfromme.”

Charisma said, “I thought something was off about her when we first met, but I only cared about

gettingthespell.”

“I’membarrassedthatIdidn’tseewhatwasgoingon.I’msorry,trulysorry,thatyoubothsuffered

becauseofmyfailure.Iwouldbindthewiccansandsendthemtoourhighcouncilforpunishment.Our

kindhaveapactwithallshifterstonevercauseharm.Theirpowerswillbestripped,andtheywillbe

imprisonedfortheremainderoftheirdays.”

ValerielookedupatCharismaandrubbedhercheekonhisknee.Herubbedherheadthoughtfully

andlookedatSolomon.“IkilledtheringleaderandValeriekilledtheonewhoescaped.Mycatfeelsasif

we’vegottenourrevenge,aslongastheoffendingwiccansaretrulydealtwithandwillcausenofurther

harmtoourkind.”

Solomonnodded.“Someofmywolveswillcomealongonthetriptotakethemtothehighcouncil,

andreportback.”

Greteldidn’tobject.Charismasuspectedsheknewthatprotestingwoulddohernogood.

“I’mgoingtotakemymatehome,”Charismasaid.

“I’m truly sorry for what happened. I’ve been the head of this coven for forty years. I got

complacent,andbecauseofthatthetwoofyoualmostdied.Icannevermakeupforwhathappened,butI

swear on my life and the lives of my coven that no harm will ever come to you, your mate, or any

membersofyourfamilyforaslongasthesunandmoonshine.”Shescratchedalongfingernaildownher

wrist, and a drop of blood welled to the surface. The remaining wiccans, who were still cowering

together in fright at what had occurred, scratched themselves too. As their blood dripped to the floor,

Gretelsaid,“Thisisourbloodvow.Unbreakableforalltime.”

Henoddedandturned,leavingtheroomwithValerieathisside,stoppingtopickuphershredded

clothesalongtheway.Afterhehadopenedthepassengerdoorforherandshe’djumpedupontotheseat,

Solomonjoinedthem.

“I’llletyouknowhowthingsgowiththecouncil.Abloodvowisaseriousthingforwiccans,andI

believethatGretelwouldrathergotohergravethanbetrayashifter.”

“Thankyouforyourhelp,”Charismasaid.

“Youhardlyneededus.Youhaveaveryfiercemate.”Solomonpaused,lookedatValerieforalong

momentandthensaid,“I’dliketoinviteyoutojoinusontheNovemberfullmoonforahunt.Ithinkit’s

wellpasttimeourtwogroupsgettogether.Itshouldn’thavetakenanear-tragedyforustobeincontact.”

“We’llbethere,”hepromised.Theyshookhands,andCharismashutthedoorandwalkedaroundto

his side, pulling open the creaking door and sitting behind the wheel. As the engine roared to life, he

rubbedValerie’ssleek,furryneck.“Readytogohome,love?”

She purred, her lips parting into the tiger’s version of a smile. Although things had gone horribly

sideways in a way he had never anticipated, he had his soulmate, she was a fully changed shifter, and

theirfuturewaswideopen.

Hecouldn’twaittogetherhometoshowherhowthankfulhewasthatshewasinhislife.Fora

tigerwho’dbeenthelastofhiskind,thingswerelookingup.

Chapter11

Wednesdayafternoon,ValerieliftedastackofpackingboxesfromthebackofCharisma’struckand

carried them into her apartment. Her sexy mate was already boxing up the kitchen, carefully tucking

bubblewraparoundthedishesthathadbeenagiftfromhergrandmaandplacingtheminalargebox.

“Ilikethispattern,”hesaidasshejoinedhiminthekitchen.Theplateswerepaleblue,withtiny

whiteflowersaroundtheedge.

“WhenImovedoutofmymom’shouseateighteen,Icalledmygrandmaandaskedifshehadany

old dishes for me. She gave me this whole set, which is older than I am. So far, I’ve only broken one

bowl,andIcriedwhenithappenedbecausethecompanythatmakesthedishesdiscontinuedthepattern

abouttenyearsago.”

Hewrappedtheplateandsetitinsidethebox.“Whereisyourgrandma?”

“She died two years later. I miss her, but I have very fond memories of sitting in her kitchen and

watchinghercookherbigSundaydinnersforthefamily.”

He set another plate in the box and said, “Why did your parents split up? I don’t understand

divorce.”

She thought it was an amazing thing that shifters didn’t have divorce. Soulmates were perfect for

each other, and that meant that they would fight for their relationship and never give in. Living without

each other wasn’t an option, when their lives were tied together so tightly through the soulmate

connection.Sheknewinherheartthathercatwouldclawherfromtheinsideoutifshehadanyplansto

leaveCharisma.

“Idon’treallyknowwhathappened,andmymomneverreallysaid.ButIthinkthatbecauseshegot

pregnantwithmewhiletheyweredating,mydadfeltobligatedtomarryherandresentedher;andme,to

anextent.Itwouldbehardtobeinarelationshipwhenonepersonfeelslikethey’retrapped.”

“Itwouldbeeasierifhumanshadtruesoulmates.”

“Imightnothavebeenborninthatcase,”shepointedout.“Ifmyparentsknewwhentheymetthat

theyweren’tsoulmates,thenlittleoldmemightneverhavecometobe.”

Hehuffedoutasnarl.“Ihadn’tthoughtofthat.”

“It’sokay.Humanshavetheirissues,butshiftersdotoo.Neitherofourkindareperfect,andthat’s

notaterriblething.”

He threaded his finger through the belt loop of her jeans and tugged her close. “I think you’re

perfect.”Hekissedherneck,inhalingslowlyagainstherskin.“Yousmellperfect,andyoufeelperfect.”

Hetouchedthespaceoverhisheart,andshecouldhearthepurrthatrumbledinhischest.Liftingfromher

neck,hegazeddownather.“Youfeelperfectinmyheart,likeIwasn’twholeuntilyoucameintomylife.

IthinkIwasonlyhalflivingbeforeyouwerebroughttomethroughtheseekingspell.”

Therewasasignificantpause,andshestaredupathim,watchingastheblueofhiseyesswirled

slowly with gold. She’d never believed in soulmates before, but the strong connection she felt to

Charismawasundeniable.Noonehadevertouchedherthewaythathedid.Noonehadevermadeher

feelsospecialorsocherished.

“Iloveyou,Valerie,”hesaidreverently,hisvoicethickwithemotion.

Hereyesstungwithtears,andsheblinkedthemaway.“Iloveyoutoo.”

He pulled her closer with a soft purr and kissed her. She felt like she always melted when he

touchedher.Hercatpurred,rubbingaroundinhermind,wantingtotakehimtobedrightnow.

Hechuckledasheliftedfromhermouth.“Ilovekissingyou.Ilovewhenyoupurr.”

Shegrinned.“Ikindofcan’thelpit.Mycatissmitten,andsoamI.”

Hiseyescrinkledatthecorners,thegolddisappearingslowly.“Mysmittenkitten.”

She slapped his shoulder with a laugh. “You’re too adorable for your own good. Let’s finish the

kitchensowecangomeetmymomforlunch.”

Hekissedherbrieflyandreleasedhisholdonherwithanexaggeratedsigh.“I’malittlenervous.”

“Youshouldn’tbe.She’llloveyoubecauseIdo.”

Heglancedatherbeforeturningbacktothedishesandwrappinganotherplate.“Idon’tlikelyingto

her.”

“Meeither,butwhatchoicedowehave?”

Originally,Valeriehadthoughtshe’dgotohermom’saloneandtellherthatshewastakingabreak

fromworkforavacation,andthen,later,she’dtellherthatshemetCharismaandhadfalleninlove.But

afterhernear-deathexperienceandbeingforcedtochangeintoashiftersoquickly,sheknewthatbeing

awayfromhimevenforafewhourswasn’tgoingtowork.Shewantedtobebyhissideallthetime,and

hefeltthesameway.Eventhoughitwould’vebeenhardforhim,he’dbeenwillingtostayhomewhile

shevisitedhermom.Shehadn’twantedhimtobetorturedbyherabsence,ortoworryforhersafety,so

hewascomingalong.

“It’ll be fine. My mom respects my decisions, plus I already told her this morning that you were

comingwithmeandshe’slookingforwardtomeetingyou.”

“SoIshouldn’tworry?”Heasked,raisingabrow.

“Nope. You should only worry that all I can think about right now is pulling off your clothes and

hidingthemsoyou’renakedallthetime.”Shewaggledherbrowsathim,andhelaughed.

“Nowthat’sanideaIcanwholeheartedlyendorse.”

***

“Yes,ofcourse,Iunderstand,”Valeriesaidintoherphoneasshestaredoutthebedroomwindow

thatoverlookedtheparkinglot.She’dcalledherbosstofollowuponthevoicemailshe’dleft.Claiminga

familyemergencywasthesimplestexplanationshe’dbeenabletocomeupwith.

“I’llhaveyourdeskpackedup,andI’llhavesomeonetakeittothecellphonecompany’sofficesso

yourfriendcanbringittoyou.Unlessyouneedanythingrightaway?”herbosssaid.

The only things on her desk were a few framed photos and a bottom drawer full of romance

paperbacks. “Nothing I can’t live without until she comes back from her honeymoon. I’m sorry for the

shortnotice.Thankyouforbeingsounderstanding.”

“Well, life gets in the way of the best laid plans. I hope your mom is okay, and please do let me

knowifIcandoanythingtohelp.”

Endingthecall,shecurledherfingersaroundthephoneandresteditagainstherchin.Theparking

lot had never been a pretty view. She’d always wanted to look out her bedroom window and see

somethinglovely,likegreengrass,andflowersinthespring.Notbirdspickingthroughthetrashthatlay

scatteredbetweenthevehicles.

“Iwon’tmissthis,”shesaidasCharismacameintotheroomandstoodbehindher,hispresencea

soothingbalmtohersoul.

“It’saniceplace.”

“Notasniceasyours,though.”Sheleanedagainsthimashethreadedhisarmsaroundherwaistand

restedhischeekonthetopofherhead.

“ItmakesmehappytoknowthatourkidswillberaisedinthehomeIgrewupin.”

“They’llalsoneverknowaboutdivorce.”

Hekissedherearwithachuckle.“AsifI’dletyougo.”

“Apackofgrizzliescouldn’tdragmeawayfromyou.”

“I’mthatirresistible?”heteased.

“Youbet.”Sheturnedinhisarmsandrestedherearoverhisheart.

“Areyoureadytogotoyourmom’s?”

“Definitely.Thesoonerwegetthere,thesoonerwecangethome.”

Hecuppedhercheekandsmiled.“Ilovethatwhenyousayhomeyoumeanthecabin.”

“Homeiswhereveryouare.”

SinceCharisma’struckwaspackedwithallherclothes,toiletries,andkitchenitems,theyoptedto

takeValerie’scar.Asshenavigatedthefamiliarroute,shesaid,“MymomlivesinthehouseIgrewupin.

Thehousewaspaidfor,andmymomdidn’twanttomovesomewhereelseeventhoughitwasprettybig

forjustthetwoofus.”

“Hassheeverdated?”

“Ifshedid,shenevertoldme.”

“Whydoyousupposeshedidn’tdate?”

“Idon’tknow.She’shappywithherlifethewayitis.IthoughtthatafterImovedoutshemightget

outthereinthedatingworldagain,butasfarasIknowshedidn’t.Shehasfriendssheplaysginwithonce

aweek,andshegoestoeveryfleamarketandgaragesalewithinafifty-mileradius.Sherecentlystarted

volunteering at a women’s homeless shelter and looks for furniture and clothing for the shelter and

women.”

“She sounds like her life is pretty fulfilling. Maybe she doesn’t need to date because she’s so

busy?”

Sheshruggedassheparkedinhermom’sdriveway.“Maybeshejustnevermethersoulmate.Ifshe

knewhowwonderfulitwas,Ithinkshe’dbelookingformedallionsandstrangeoldladiesatfleamarkets

fromnowon.”

Helaughedandkissedher.“Ithankmyluckystarseverydaythatyouboughtmynecklace.”

“I’mgladIdid,too.”

“Whatdoyouwanttodoaboutyourcar?”

“It’spaidoff.IthinkI’lltakeittoacarbrokerandhavethemsellitforme.Mightbegoodfora

littlebitofmoney.”Hercarcouldn’thandletherough,bumpyroaduptothecabin,soitwasbettertojust

getridofit.

Charisma didn’t have a traditional job, but he was a talented hunter and craftsman. He used his

skills to hunt for game like rabbit and fox, and then he treated the hides and meat in the storage shed

behindthecabin.Shedidn’treallywanttoseehimskinadeadanimal,butshelovedwhathecoulddo

withhishands.Atthemoment,therewasadeerhidebeingtannedbehindtheshed,andthemeathadbeen

slicedanddriedforjerky,whichhesoldtothelocalmarket.

“Youshouldusethemoneytobuysomethingforyourself.”

“Iwasthinkingwecouldbuysomenewfurniture.”

“Whatkind?”

“Babyfurniture.”

Hepurred,andsheanswereditwithasoftrumble.Hiseyesflashedtogold,andsheknewthathers

hadchangedtoo.

“Beforewehavechildren,I’dliketodosomethingfirst,”hesaid.

“What?”

“Getmarried.”

Surprised,shesaid,“Ididn’tthinkyoucaredaboutmarriage.”

“Our soulmate bond is far stronger than a piece of paper issued by the human government. But I

wantyoutohavemylastname,andIwanttobelongtoyouandforyoutobelongtomeineveryway.Not

justassoulmates,butashusbandandwife.”

“That’ssosweet.I’dlovetobeyourbride.”

He moved out of the car quickly and came around to her side in time to catch her door as she

openedit.Heofferedherhishandandtheymovedupthesidewalktogether.Hermomopenedthedoor

beforetheyreachedit.ShehuggedValerietightlyandthenlookedatCharisma.Heextendedhishandto

her,andshedroppedhergazetoit,thensteppedforwardandgavehimaquickhug.“It’snicetomeetyou.

CallmeIna.Ihopeyou’rehungry–Imadeyourfavorite,honey.”

“Brownsugarhamandtwice-bakedpotatoes.Yum!”

Astheyfollowedhermomintothehouse,Valeriewinkedathim.Hebreathedanearlysilentsighof

relief,andshechuckled.

Themealwasamazing,asalways.Hermom’sbrownsugarglazewassogoodthatValeriehadtold

hermanytimesovertheyearsthatshecouldsellitandmakeafortune.Ittookalmostnotimeforhermom

tobegintogrillCharisma.

“Whereareyoufrom?”

“AsmalltowncalledLittlewood.”

“Andyourfamily?”

“MyparentsdiedwhenIwasateenager,andIdon’thaveanyothersurvivingfamily.”

“I’msorrytohearthat.”

“Thankyou.Valeriehasfilledupthepartofmyheartthatwasemptyforalongtime.”

Valeriesmiledsoftlyathermate.

“Whatareyourintentionswithmyonlydaughter?”

Withoutmissingabeat,Charismasaid,“I’mplanningtomarryValerieandspendtherestofmylife

makingherhappy.Whatevercomesourway,Iknowwecanweatheranystorms.”

“Okay,”hermomsaid.“Whydon’tyouheadintothefamilyroomandwe’llbringcoffeein?”

He kissed Valerie’s cheek and disappeared. She helped her mom clear the table, and when she

deliveredthelastloadofdishestothekitchencounter,hermomsaid,“Areyoupregnant?”

Hermouthfellopen.“What?”

“I’mnotjudging,I’mjustasking.AmIgoingtobeagrandma?”

“Eventually,”Valeriesaidwithalaugh.“I’mnotpregnant,though.Ijustmethim,andIreallylike

him.I’mtakingabreakfrommyjob,butI’mnotmakingarashdecision.”

Hermom’sbrowarched,andthenshesighed.“Ilikehim.He’scharming,andhedotesonyou.He

staresatyoulikethesunrisesandsetswithyourpermission.”

Blushing,sheshookherhead.“No,hedoesn’t.”

“Oh,hedoes.”Shelookedthoughtfulforamomentandthensaid,“WhenIwasyoungIwantedto

meet a guy who would sweep me off my feet. Your father did, but then he wished he hadn’t. I never

wantedtobesomeoneelse’sregretagain.”

“Whydidhechangehismind?”Valeriewhispered,thewordshardtosay.Shedidn’twanttohurt

hermom’sfeelings,butshewascurious,andherconversationwithCharismaearlierhadgottenstuckin

hermind.

“Hewasagrass-is-always-greenersortoffellow.HemarriedmebecauseIwaspregnantwithyou,

butI’mnotsureheeverreallylovedme.Hesaidittome,Ithinkbecausehethoughthewassupposedto.

But he always had one eye on greener pastures, and he found one. He’s happy now, I guess, but I’m

happieralone.”

“You’renotreallyalone.Youhavefriendsandactivities,andyouhaveme.”

“AndmaybeI’llhaveagrandsonorgranddaughtertospoilsomedaysoon.”

“I wondered if you’d disapprove of me quitting my job and moving a few hours North.” She

chewedherlip,stillfeelinglikethelittlegirlwhowantedapprovalfromherparents.

“You’reanadult.You’reallowedtomakeyourownchoices.Icanpromiseyouthatifyouneedme

foranything,I’mhereforyou.Ifwhatfeelsrighttoyouisquittingyourjobandfollowingyourheart,then

whoamItotellyouthatit’swrong?Idon’tknowmuchaboutlove,andmyonlyrealrelationshipfailed.

Areyouhappy?”

“Deliriously.”

“ThenI’mhappyforyou.Justpromisethatwe’llstillseeeachotherregularly.”

“Ipromise.”

“Andyoucouldnameyourfirstdaughterafterme.”

“IalreadypromisedBethanybecauseofthatbetIlost.Butyoucouldhavethemiddlename?”

Hernosewrinkled.“TellBethanythatI’llarmwrestleherforthenamingrights.”

Valerielaughed.“Ihavealottotellheraboutwhenshegetsbackfromherhoneymoon.Butasfar

asbabynaminggoes,I’llleaveituptoyoutwotoworkout.”

SheandhermomjoinedCharismainthefamilyroom,wherehermompromptlypulledoutthephoto

albumsfromValerie’schildhoodandsharedthem.Astheylaughedandtalkedforthenextfewhours,she

knewthatshewassofortunatetohavesuchanunderstandingandsupportivewomanforhermother.Her

mother knew her well enough to see through the thin veil of the lie about why she was quitting and

moving,andValeriewasthankfulshedidn’thavetodeceivehermomaboutherplansforthefuture.

“Loveyou,Mom,”Valeriesaidasshehuggedhergoodbye.

“Loveyoutoo,honey.Takegoodcareofmydaughter,Charisma,”sheinstructedhimasshehugged

himbriefly.

“Iwill.Thankyouforlunch.”

Asshepulledoutofthedriveway,Valeriewavedathermom,whostoodinthedoorway,cardigan

pulledtightlyaroundherbodytowardoffthefallchillintheair.

“Youwereright;yourmomisawonderfullady.”

“Thanks.IwishIcouldhavemetyourparents.”

“Theywouldhavelovedyou.”

“I’msureIwould’velovedthem.”

“Soisthereanyoneelseweneedtonameourbabiesafter?”heasked,rubbingthebackofherneck

lightlyashechuckled.

“Whatwereyourparents’names?”

“EzraandOpal.”

Sheglancedathimandsmiled.“Sowehavetohaveaminimumoffourbabies,andthreeofthem

needtobegirls.”

“Iguesswe’llbebusy,”hesaid,accentuatinghiswordswithapurr.

Her happy rumble blended with his as she accelerated toward her apartment so she could finish

closingthatchapterofherlife.Thenextchapter,oneshewassurewouldbefilledwithalotofloveand

laughter,waitedjustahead.

Chapter12

TheNovemberfullmooncamequickly.Charismafeltasthoughthedayswereflyingby.He’dnever

thought he’d find joy in simple activities like cooking meals together and teaching her to hunt in the

woods, but every day he found something new that he loved about his soulmate. He wished he hadn’t

waiteduntiltheAllHallows’Evefullmoontospellforher.

Valerieleanedagainsthimslightly,rubbinghercheekonhisshoulder.“Whatareyouthinkingabout

soseriously?”

“ThatIwishIhadspelledforyouyearsago.”

Shehummed.“Iwishyouhad,too.”

He turned from the workbench in the shed, where he was constructing a frame for a greenhouse.

When she’d mentioned that she liked fresh vegetables and would love to garden in the spring, he’d

pointed out that the land around the cabin was very rocky and not suitable for farming. At her

disappointedsigh,he’dimmediatelybegunplanningagreenhouse.

Heturnedtofaceher,cuppinghercheeksandkissingherlightly.

Shesmiledandsaid,“I’mconvincedthatthespellhappenedwhenitwassupposedto.Weshouldn’t

spendourtimewonderingwhatiforharboringregretsfortimelost.We’restillyoungandhaveourwhole

livesaheadofus.”

“Mybrilliantkitten.”Kissingheroncemore,heasked,“Areyoureadytogo?”

“I’mkindofnervous,butexcited.”

“Whatmakesyounervous?”

“BeingaroundsomanyothershifterswhenI’veonlybeenoneforamonth.”

“You’llbebymysidethewholetime.Thereisn’tanythingtoworryabout.Solomonandhispack

aregoodpeople.Plus,you’reanexcellenthunter.Yourinstinctsareamazing.”

Shenodded,risingontohertoestokisshim.“I’mreadytogowheneveryouare.”

Turningofftheoverheadlight,hebrushedhishandsoffonhisjeansandfollowedherfromtheshed.

“I can’t wait until the greenhouse is built,” she said as they walked toward the house. “Are you sure I

can’thelp?”

“It’smygifttoyou,sweetheart.”

“Youalreadygivemesomuch.”

Hetouchedhershoulderasshepulledopenthebackdoor.Sheturnedtofacehim.“Yousavedme

from becoming feral. Your presence in my life is the greatest gift in the world, and I could make you

somethingeverydayfortherestofourlivesandstillneverthankyouenough.You’remineandI’myours.

Makingyouagreenhousesoyoucangardenthrillsmeonacellularlevel.”

“Well,farbeitfrommetointerferewithyourcellsbeinghappy,”shesaid,smilingenoughtoreveal

ahiddendimpleinhercheek.Helovedthatsmile;theonethatwassohonestlyhappythatitmadehim

feelwarmfromtheinsideout.

“Ifyoukeeplookingatmelikethat,we’regoingtobelate,”hesaid,hisvoicegruffwithhiscat.

Shemadeanattempttostopsmiling,butdidn’tseemableto.Withalaugh,shesaid,“Let’sgeton

ourwaybeforeourcatsdecidestayinghomeisbetter.”

TenminuteslatertheywereontheirwaytotheothersideofLittlewood,wherethewolfpackwas

gatheringattheiralpha’shometocelebratethefullmoon.“Doyouthinkanyoneinthepackspelledfora

soulmatethismonth?”

“Idon’tthinkso.Solomonsaidthatsomeofhiswolvesweredrawingclosetothetimewhenthey

wouldneedto,though.”

Shehummed,undoingherseatbeltasheshiftedthetruckintopark.“Iwanttotellthemtodoitas

soonaspossibleandnotwaitforfuturefullmoons.”

“But the seeking spell isn’t supposed to be the first choice, because it lends itself to certain

complications.”

Shefrowned.“Likewhat?”

“If a shifter finds his soulmate on his or her own, then they have an unlimited amount of time to

convincethemtobecometheirmate.Justbeinginthepresenceofasoulmatekeepsthebeastincheck,and

the risk of going feral decreases greatly. But if a shifter spells for his or her soulmate, they only have

twenty-fourhourstoconsummatethemating,orelsethesoulmatewilldisappearandforgettheyevermet

theshifter.”

“DidyouevercometoPhiladelphia?”

“Notanywherenearwhereyouwere.Ifeltaimless,likeIwasjustwanderingaroundlookingfor

someonewhoselocationIhadnoclueof.”

“Toobadyoucan’thavepropheticdreams.”

Hesnorted.“Isthatsomethingfromoneofyourparanormalromances?”

Shewiggledherbrows.“Maybe.”

Leaningovertokissher,hesaid,“Youdrivemewildintheverybestofways.”

“MyfavoriteauthorhasanewbookcomingoutinJanuary.It’ssupposedtobeaboutshifterbabies

beingborntohumans.JustwaituntilItellyoueverythingIlearnfromit.”

Hegroaned.“Sweetheart.”

“I’mkidding.Kindof.”

Shegavehimapeckonthelipsasshelaughedandclimbedoutofthetruck.Hiscathurriedhim,so

herushedfromthetrucktowraphisarmsaroundherasherlovelycurveswerehighlightedbythesetting

sun.

“Ican’twaittohuntwithyou,”shesaid.

“Me,too.DidItellyoutodayhowluckyIamtohavefoundyou?”

“Youmayhavementioneditonceortwice,butagirlnevertiresofbeingtoldhowawesomesheis.

Especiallybyhersexysoulmate.”

“Later,”hewhispered,“I’llshowyouhowgratefulIamtohaveyou.”

Hereyesglistened,swirlingwiththegoldofhercat.“OnlyifIcanreturnthefavor.”

Hands clasped and identical purrs rumbling from their chests, they walked around the side of

Solomon’shometowherehispackwasgatheredforthefullmoon.Theairwaselectricwithanticipation,

as pack members milled around. He’d been shifting for so long that he never gave a thought to what a

specialexperienceitwas.SeeingitthroughValerie’seyesmadehimappreciatehowwonderfulitwasto

beashifter.Theywereuniqueintheworld…thelastgolden-furredtigersinexistence.Atleastfornow.

Someday, hopefully soon, their young would join them, and their pride would grow. They had a

chancetobetheparentsofanewgenerationofgoldentigers,andhecouldn’twaittogetstarted.

AftergreetingSolomon,Valeriesaid,“Thankyousomuchforinvitingustoyourcelebration.”

“Thefullmoonisforallshifters,”hesaid,“andwe’rehappytosharethetimewithyou.”

He and Valerie followed Solomon as he introduced them to his pack who welcomed them both

eagerly.

“I love this place,” she said, leaning against him. “Littlewood is perfect. Our home is here, our

familyisgettingitsstarthere,andthere’sanamazingpackwhoarereachingouttous.Iwouldn’twantto

beanywhereelse.”

“Meeither.”

Oncethesunhadsetandthemoonroseentirely,heandValerieslippedintothewoodsinprivateto

stripandshift.She’dshiftedafewtimesoverthelastmonth,andwasstillgettingusedtotheprocess.As

sheshookoutherbeautifultigerbody,hergoldenfurglitteredinthemoonlight.Hechuffedandbumped

hershoulder,encouraginghertoleadthewayintheirhunt.Followingherintothedarkwoods,heknewhe

couldneverbethankfulenoughthatshe’dboughthismedallionandputiton.Fromthatmomenton,they

weredestinedtobetogether.

Atigerandhisbride.

TheEnd

ContacttheAuthor

SignUpforRE’sNewsletterbyClicking

HERE

Website:

http://www.rebutlerauthor.com

Email:

rebutlerauthor@gmail.com

Twitter:@rebutlerauthor

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/R.E.ButlerAuthorPage

***

AlsofromR.E.Butler

Wiccan-Were-BearNovellaSeries

ACurveofClaw

AFlashofFang

APriceforaPrincess

ABondofBrothers

ABeadofBlood

ATwitchofTail

APromiseonWhiteWings

ASlashofSavagery

AwakenaWolf

Daeton’sJourney

ADragonforDecember

AMuseforMishka

TheWiccan-Were-BearSeriesVolumeOne

TheWolf’sMateSeries

TheWolf’sMateBook1:Jason&Cadence

TheWolf’sMateBook2:Linus&TheAngel

TheWolf’sMateBook3:Callie&TheCats

TheWolf’sMateBook4:Michael&Shyne

TheWolf’sMateBook5:Bo&Reika

TheWolf’sMateBook6:Logan&Jenna

TheWolf’sMateBook7:Lindy&TheWulfen

TheNecklaceChronicles

TheTribe’sBride

TheGigolo’sBride

TheTiger’sBride

AshlandPrideSeries

SeducingSamantha(AshlandPrideOne)

LovingLachlyn(AshlandPrideTwo)

MarkingMelody(AshlandPrideThree)

RedeemingRue(AshlandPrideFour)

SavingScarlett(AshlandPrideFive)

ChasingCristabel(AshlandPrideSix)

HyenaHeatSeries

EveryNightForever(HyenaHeatOne)

EveryDawnForever(HyenaHeatTwo)

EverySunsetForever(HyenaHeatThree)

EveryBlissfulMoment(HyenaHeatFour)

EveryHeavenlyMoment(HyenaHeatFive)Comingin2017

WildeCreekSeries

MateofHerHeart(BookOne)

TheAlpha’sHeart(BookTwo)

TheProtector’sHeart(BookThree)

TheOmega’sHeart(BookFour)

TheScarredHeart(BookFive)

Dancer’sHeart(BookSix)

SaberChroniclesSeries

Alaric’sPerfectMate(BookOne)

Slade’sFeistyMate(BookTwo)

Caleb’sTemptingMate(BookThree)

Galen’sLovelyMate(BookFour)

SaberChroniclesVolumeOne(BooksOne–Four)

NorlanianBridesSeries

Paoli’sBride(BookOne)

Warrick’sBride(BookTwo)

Dex’sBride(BookThree)

NorlanianBridesVolumeOne

WereZooSeries

Zane

Jupiter

Win-Comingin2017

ArcticShifters

Blitzen’sFatedMate(BookOne)

Dasher’sFatedMate(BookTwo)

Prancer’sFatedMate(BookThree)

UncontrollableShift

TheAlpha’sChristmasMate(BookOne)

***

Document Outline

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Contact the Author
Other Works by R. E. Butler

Wyszukiwarka

Podobne podstrony:
Janet?rguson The Midwife Bride [HMED 50, MMED 1032] (v0 9) (docx)
Butler, Octavia Parable of the Sower
Kay Thorpe The Billion Dollar Bride
Lost Souls The Bride of Baron Samedi
The White Flower Necklace, ozdoby szydełkowe, biżuteria szydełkowa
Janet?rguson The Midwife Bride [HMED 50, MMED 1032] (v0 9) (docx)
Em Ashcroft [The Tigers of Texas 01] On the Prowl [Siren Menage Everlasting] (pdf)
The Rebaldis 2 Kidnapping His Bride
Tigers and Devils 3 Countdown until the End of the World
Leslie Charteris The Saint 45 The Saint & the Hapsburg Necklace
The Tempted Bride
Tigers of the Sea Robert E Howard
The Bride Wore Black Montgomery Shunta epub
the turquoise necklace
The Scarecrow s Bride Marina Fitch
Gardner, Craig Shaw Cineverse 2 Bride of the Slime Monster
Angela Carter The Tiger s Bride
the runaway bride
The Abducted Bride

więcej podobnych podstron

The Tigers Bride The Necklace R E Butler

Document Outline