No. He placed his mouth along her throat, and the light scrape of his teeth revealed his dominance over her. You want me as much as I want you.
Fear shivered along her spine, and lust rushed through her veins, demanding obedience.
Admit it. His teeth scored her skin, and he plunged his cock deeper. The strong force of his thoughts pushed her to comply with his will. Desire wrestled with her mind, and passion ruled her senses.
Unwilling to fall into the same game of letting a man dictate her destiny, her anger flared and images of all she endured under the governor’s rule sped through her mind. No one will ever control me again.
Her legs circled his hips to tug him closer and drew him deeper into her famished cunt. Only my needs matter.
His mouth slipped to her chin, and he lifted his head to stare into her eyes. “Wrong, it’s my cock you want.” The blue-black fire in his glare branded her as his. “You need me.”
Inflamed by the truth of his words, she fought the hot frenzy of his tongue when it invaded her mouth. The hard pounding of his cock fed the savage beast in her soul, but she refused to surrender to his will. Instead, her tongue warred with his, the muscles of her pussy gripped his sturdy rod, and her mind threw light on the dark shadows fluttering through his head.
Jack broke his hold on her mouth and gasped for breath. The intense passion firing through his blood exposed the change in power. She tightened her hold and absorbed the heavy quake of his explosion into sexual delirium.
A hot burst of semen flooded her womb, and energy raced to the tips of her fingers and toes. Euphoria engulfed her mind, body, and soul. The low purr in her throat turned into a scream as he continued to slam deep. The passion building between them lifted her to new heights.
On a free fall, the soft haven of Jack’s arms cushioned the return to the primitive world around them. Satisfied by her victory over him, she drifted to sleep and rested in the blissful knowledge that he would never forget the pleasure he’d found in her arms.
****
“Kitty, transform.” The whisper at her ear drew Kitty from her sleep, and the caress of a hand promised pleasure.
She arched her back to relieve the ache in her sore muscles and blinked open her eyes.
“All right, Jack. We know you’re in there. Come on out.” Elmer’s deep voice echoed through the cave.
Kitty stared at Jack. “What’s going on?”
“Transform and escape through that small opening.” Jack pointed at a hole near the back of the cave. “I’ll hold them off.”
She grabbed his arms as he rose to his feet. “But—”
“We don’t have time to argue.” He tugged free and stepped back. “Now move.”
Chapter Nine
“Hey, blokes, what are you doing here?” Jack stepped out of the cave and saw the two men standing by the small creek.
Elmer laughed and bent over to slap his knee. “What happened? She stole your clothes?”
“No, I bet Kitty is hiding in the cave?” Rosco waved a pistol through the air. “Tell her to come out.”
“Sorry, she kicked my sorry ass out of the carriage at that small tavern a ways back and rode on without me.” Jack stepped out of the entrance and pointed inside the cave. “Check for yourselves. No one here but me.”
Elmer climbed over the rocks and tossed Jack his coat. “Here, use this to cover yourself until we arrive back at the governor’s place.”
“Oh, come on mates. Why would you want to cart me back there?” Jack whipped Elmer’s cloak around his shoulders. “I provided the man plenty of money to let Kitty go.”
“Yes, we couldn’t believe you paid such a price for the fucking wench, but then I guess you thought she loved you.” Rosco motioned for Jack to climb off the rocks. “But the governor is paying us to find you and return you to him.”
“For what reason?” Jack observed the casual manner in which Rosco handled the gun. “And how did you find me?”
“No one is in there.” Elmer exited the cave and brushed his hands on his pants. “She must have taken off before we arrived, or she’s lurking somewhere around here.” He turned and studied the rock wall behind the cave. “But I can’t imagine where she could hide.”
“Well, we’ll get her to come out.” Rosco grabbed Jack’s arm, and the metal barrel of a gun hit his ribs. “Tell her to come out or I’ll shoot.”
Jack struggled in the man’s grip. “But I told you she dumped me back at the tavern.”
“Not according to the story we heard.” Elmer jumped down from the rocks and stepped closer. “Several men from the tavern said you walked into the tavern with Kitty. After eating, you two went upstairs.”
Elmer poked his finger in the middle of Jack’s chest. “Our bet is you had her riding your cock for a spell. Then you decided to hit the road.” Another quick jab, then he continued. “You knew the governor wouldn’t let you keep her. Not after the threat you made on his life.”
Jack clenched his hands into fists. “What are you talking about? I never threatened Sloan.”
Elmer huffed out a putrid breath. “Funny, he said you’d say that.”
“Because it’s true,” Jack argued.
Rosco rammed his gun deeper into Jack’s ribs. “I don’t care. Just tell Kitty to come out.”
Jack shook his head. “I—”
A shrill scream, a panther’s call, rang through the forest. Both men turned, and Rosco shifted his aim to the cat on the rock above them. Jack grabbed Rosco’s wrist and twisted his hand.
Elmer ran down the path.
Rosco swung his fist at Jack.
Taking the blow, pain seared through his side. Jack danced backwards but didn’t release his hold on the weapon.
“Let go, Jack, or I’ll shoot.” Rosco wrestled for control.
Unwilling to surrender, Jack slid his hand over Rosco’s fingers and realigned the angle of the gun.
A shot exploded.
Another scream sounded.
Rosco’s eyes widened in shock, and the gurgling gasp of the man’s last breath swept against Jack’s face. He clutched the man’s arms and lowered him to the ground. Blood streamed down the front of Rosco’s body staining his cloths and sticking to Jack’s skin.
“Oh, sweet mother of nature, please tell me you’re not hurt.” Frantic hands grabbed at Elmer’s coat, and Jack turned. Kitty fell into his arms.
****
The beat of Kitty’s heart pounded against her skull and matched the rhythm of her feet. In panther form, she’d experienced the rich scent of blood and had relished the kill.
But...
The vision of a man, lying dead on the ground, plagued her. Did the governor send Rosco to kill her? If not, why else bring a gun?
Or was his intention to murder Jack?
Thoughts warred inside her head. Jack had told her to run and then confronted the men. Why? Was it because he cared? Or did he still hope to secure his reward by returning her to Ardenia?
She stopped and let her gaze run over his sleek panther frame. The rich black of his coat hugged his rippling muscles, and his pointed ear twitched in the wind.
Did you hear that? he whispered.
Instantly on alert, she caught the sound of footsteps tromping through the woods. Human voices fluttered through the air.
“Noelani, is that you?” A familiar voice rang through Kitty’s head. Yet, she couldn’t identify the soft female voice.
Jack ducked under a bush, and Kitty could smell the rich scent of his transformation and turned to see three humans striding toward her.
“It looks like he found her.” Again, the woman’s voice played through her head. How could she understand the lady’s comment? Were they connected in some way?
“Kesia, Havyn, we’re over here.” Jack rose, and Kitty took the opportunity to crawl under the bush and shift into her human form. “Who’s that with you?”
Aware of her lack of clothing, Kitty stayed hidden and studied the group. Two men a
nd a very pregnant woman stopped beside Jack. The woman appeared vaguely familiar, with long brown hair and a petite frame. The tall man closest to her had a strong warrior’s body and towered above the group. The other thin man faded into the background.
Bits and pieces of their conversation floated across the space.
“Did you have any trouble getting Noelani away from Sloan?” the woman questioned Jack.
“No, but we ran into trouble a while back.” Jack motioned Kitty forward. “Come here. I want to introduce you to your sister, her husband, and a royal representative from Ardenia.”
Everyone’s head turned.
She shook hers in denial. “I’m not moving, Jack. Not until I find something to wear.”
“But these people want to meet you. They’re shape-shifters. They won’t even notice your nudity.”
The woman stepped forward and unbuttoned her cloak from around her shoulders. “It’s okay, Noelani. I know exactly how you feel. Every time I travel to Ardenia, I have to remind myself that the people there are used to viewing others in the nude.”
Kitty accepted the woman’s offering and slipped the wrap around her body before rising. “Thank you. I’m still trying to get use to the idea of traveling to the place.”
“You’ll learn to love it.” The woman’s brown eyes sparkled with greeting. “I can’t believe how beautiful you’ve become.”
Jack stepped beside the woman. “Kitty, I’d like you to meet your sister, Kesia.” Then he pointed at the large man behind them. “And her husband, Havyn.”
Jack moved to her side and addressed the other man. “Tate, this is the second daughter of the queen of Ardenia.”
“What?” Kitty balked at this last piece of information. “You never said my mother is the queen.”
There’s no way I could be royalty.
Kesia laughed and laid her hand on Kitty’s arm. “It looks like Jack’s deleted an important part as to why he’s returning you to Ardenia.” She turned and glared at her husband. “Just like someone else did.”
Red stained the man’s face before Kitty turned to Jack. “Now, I can see why I’m just a piece of property to you. The reward a queen can offer is more than I could ever compete with.”
Jack frowned and turned to Kesia’s husband. “Havyn, did you bring any provisions with you? Kitty and I haven’t eaten since yesterday evening.”
“Certainly.” Tate retrieved a large basket hiding near the undergrowth of the forest floor. “Why don’t we set up camp here for a while and eat a bite? You don’t have that much further until you’ll reach the portal into Ardenia.”
****
A short time later, Kitty sat on a log next to the woman who claimed to be her sister. The men, a short distance away, sat talking while they finished the light snack Tate had provided.
Kitty absorbed the warm glow of the sun and noticed the bright foliage blooming around her. Only a short time ago, the chill of winter had caressed her fur. “Why is the temperature different here?”
“Because we’re near the portal to Ardenia, and some of its magic has seeped through the gateway.” Kesia picked up the box next to her and opened it. “How would you like to get dressed?”
Kitty blinked and stared at the contents of the container. Leaves of different colors, shapes, and sizes lay inside. “Is that what people in Ardenia wear?”
“Believe it or not most don’t bother. I always carry some with me so I’m prepared to go through the portal as soon as we reach Ardenia. If you don’t mind,” Kesia shoved the box a little closer, “I need my coat where I’m going.”
“How does it work?” Kitty turned her back to the men.
“Just press the leaf to your skin, and it’ll stay where you place it.” Her sister selected a small leaf from the box and laid it over the back of her hand. The foliage stayed in place when she dropped her arm.
Unconvinced, Kitty selected a light peach-colored one and pressed it against her breast. She released her grip. It adhered to her skin.
Pleased with the alternative wear, she continued to apply the light barrier to her body before slipping off the cloak. She stood and turned in a circle. “Is that enough? Or do I need more?”
Kesia laid her hand on her arm and drew her back to the log where she sat. “You look great. Now tell me, what’s going on between you and Jack?”
Kitty hesitated. Even though this woman said they were sisters, did she really want to confide in a complete stranger? “What do you mean?”
“Well, I can see the way he looks at you.” Kesia glanced at the men. “But after your earlier comment, I suspect he hasn’t been totally honest with you.”
“Now, that’s the understatement of the year.” Kitty studied Jack’s rugged face, and a dull ache throbbed through her chest. How could she love such a lying scoundrel?
“But you know he loves you, right?”
“What?” Kitty drew a line on the ground with her toe. “The man only wants to take me back to Ardenia, so the queen...our mother will let him live there.”
“And so he can also be near you.” Kesia patted Kitty’s arm and worked the round curve of her belly out in front of her, which hampered her efforts to rise. Once on her feet, she retrieved her coat and slid it around her shoulders. “Don’t judge him too harshly. Sometimes a man doesn’t know what he needs until he finds a woman to show him what he truly desires.”
“But...” Kitty snuck another peek at Jack.
“Kesia.” Havyn walked toward them. “We better get moving. I want to procure a carriage tonight so we can travel the rest of the way home tomorrow.”
Smiling lovingly at her husband, Kesia turned and hugged Kitty good-bye. “Tell mother, I’ll let her know as soon as the baby is born.”
Kitty nodded and watched as the couple waved to the men and walked away.
She turned and caught sight of Jack’s semi-naked form. A red leaf covered one butt cheek, with a green one on the other. The desire to tug the colorful foliage from his body sped through her system, and she peeked at the other man. Why had he stayed behind?
Jack turned around sporting a gold leaf on his crotch. “Tate has decided to escort us back to the gate before he continues on his way.”
“Just want to make sure you make it there in one piece.” Tate showed her his gun before stashing it back inside the basket.
A knot formed in Kitty’s throat. “Are you expecting trouble?”
“You never know. Elmer is still out there.” Jack drew her to his side, and his hand slid along the edge of the leaf covering her left breast. “You look incredibly sexy in only leaves.”
Kitty glimpsed quickly at the other man. His back was to them so she laid her hand over Jack’s crotch. “I like where yours are positioned, too.”
A groan escaped his lips, and he stepped back. “Too bad only the person who placed them against your skin can remove them.”
“There’s a clothing tree next to the portal if you decide you want to have a little fun before returning home.” Tate’s lecherous gaze scanned Kitty’s body. “Or if you want, I’m even willing to join in on the fun.”
Jack grinned and directed Kitty to follow the man. “We’ll consider the idea, after we make it to the portal.”
Chapter Ten
Jack studied the small man leading the way to the portal. Most of Tate’s male attributes were hidden under the thick clothing he wore, but the bulge in his pants when he’d mentioned a threesome warned Jack just how much he wanted Kitty.
But did Jack want to share?
His gaze scanned her elegant form as she wove her way through the forest. Would she agree?
Covered only in an assortment of colorful leaves, she’d tempt any man. Each step rocked her full breasts back and forth in an alluring invitation to touch, kiss, and suck her peaking nipples. Was she imagining what it would be like to have two men at once?
Or had she done that before?
Jack’s gaze swept down the curve of her spine. A row of le
aves bridged the crack in her ass. Need coursed through his blood, and he licked his suddenly dry lips. What would it be like to bury his cock deep inside her cunt while Tate found his release in her ass? Jack widened his stride to ease the ache in his growing erection.
He glanced again at Tate and imagined Kitty taking the man’s cock in her mouth. Her sweet lips around—
Jack’s gut twisted into a painful knot. The erotic pictured in his head vanished. He didn’t know this man and what he’d seen so far wasn’t admirable. His disrespectful manner toward Kitty alone proved he wasn’t good enough for her.
What position did he actually hold in the government? He hadn’t said or revealed his mission in the human world either? And why was the man carrying a gun?
The lack of answers sparked thoughts of Jack’s uncle. As the head of the people’s council, he would have been informed of Jack’s mission. With no love lost between them, would he send someone to stop him from returning Kitty to her mother?
His mind full of questions, Jack past Kitty before he noticed she had stopped. “What’s wrong?”
She grabbed his arm. “I thought I heard something.”
Listening for any unusual movement, Jack charted the path through the trees and realized Tate wasn’t leading them in a straight line to the gate. Otherwise, they’d be in the clearing near the portal by now. Was he trying to throw off whoever might be following them, or was he leading them into a trap?
Again, doubts about the man plagued Jack. “Hey, Tate? You want to wait up there a moment.”
“Sure thing.” Tate turned around.
“Kitty stepped on a thorn, and I want to make sure it didn’t break the skin.” Jack turned his back to the man and squatted down in front of her. “Listen carefully.” He slid his hand down her leg and whispered, “Pretend you can’t walk.”
Kitty lifted her foot and leaned down to place her hand on his shoulder. “Why?”
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