Swallowing His Pride

by Serena Pettus

  After flinging the covers away, she stomped over to the door then yanked it open to find a panting Liam just outside. His sandy hair was a tangled mess about his head, and his eyes were a bit wild, almost as if he was near to panicking.

  Shit, they we’re not under attack again, are we?

  “We need you back at the clinic, now. They’re bringing Jag in, but he’s hurt, and there’s no way he’ll let Dr. Lewis near him.”

  “Why not? It’s not like I know enough about you guys to be of much help,” Lynn pointed out. Her mind whirled with questions. How badly was he hurt? Where had he been all this time?

  “No time to worry about it now. I’m pretty sure you’re the only one he won’t try to kill right now.”

  “Kill?” Lynn shrieked. Just what the hell was going on?

  “Listen, when we’re hurt, if it’s bad enough, the animal inside takes over, shielding us from the worst of the pain. From the reports I’m getting, it’s bad.”

  Lynn had heard enough. Shoving Liam out of the way, she took off down the hall, grateful her room was on the first floor. She burst through the front doors then sprinted down the street on her bare feet, heading straight for the clinic.

  She heard the snarls and crashes as soon as she opened the door. Liam was right on her heels. “He’s back here,” he said, sliding past her and leading the way.

  She watched as he pulled a gun from the back of his pants, and Lynn froze, icy fury rising within her. “You are not going to shoot him,” she growled.

  “Relax, it’s a tranquilizer gun, and yes, I will knock his ass out if I think he might hurt you. Don’t worry, I won’t let him see it, so he shouldn’t freak out from it. I have a hunch he likes you, a lot. I’m counting on that to help calm him down enough for you to patch him up.”

  “Uh, okay. If you say so.” With the way he stared at her, Lynn wasn’t certain if it was because he liked her, or whether it was because she was human.

  Liam just gave her a nod then turned to continue down the hall. Another loud crash and the combination of a roar and a hiss had Liam kicking the door in. They found Jag, still in his jaguar form, on one side of the table with Dr. Lewis on the other holding a wicked-looking needle in his hand.

  “Jag, come on, man. I’ve got Lynn here.”

  At Liam’s mention of her name, Jag’s big head swung around, his icy eyes pinning her to the spot.

  “Hi, Jag.” Lame, but she couldn’t think of anything else at the moment. “Um, why don’t you come over here, and let me take a look at you?”

  Inching into the room, Lynn noticed another big cat on an examining table against a wall. Its fur was matted with blood, but it looked as if it was a mountain lion or possibly a puma. Yeah, if Jag had done that much damage, she was completely okay with Liam’s tranq gun now.

  With Jag’s attention focused on her, Lynn noticed Dr. Lewis trying to creep up behind him, intent on injecting whatever was in that syringe of his. “I wouldn’t—”

  Too late. Jag swung around, his rear flank bumping into her and pushing as he backed up. Did he think he was protecting her from the doctor? Christ, he did!

  It all made sense now. He’d been trapped in that zoo for so many years in his animal form that, if his jaguar had taken over as Liam had said, Jag would view anybody in a lab coat as an enemy. To him, she wasn’t a threat in her pajama pants and tank.

  Once he had her neatly cornered, he paced in front of her, his tail dragging over her in a most distracting manner, the tip grazing over her breasts with every swipe. It was almost like a housecat rubbing itself against someone’s leg, only he was so damned big his body was against her stomach.

  “What are you doing?” She didn’t expect him to answer, with him being a cat and all, but when Liam explained, her knees almost buckled.

  “He’s scent marking you.” Liam’s eyes locked with hers. “It’s his way of telling others that you’re his.”

  “Oh, shit.”

  “Pretty much. I didn’t expect this. I just figured since he was used to you, he’d let you help him.”

  She saw the worry in his eyes, but when she glanced down at the large black feline before her, Lynn noted the blood now smeared all over her shirt and pants. Jag was hurt, but while there was a threat in the room, he wasn’t likely to allow her to treat him. “He’s bleeding pretty freely. Dr. Lewis, please lay out what I’ll need to get him sutured then I need you all to leave.”

  “But he’s dangerous,” the doctor argued, stepping forward again, only to stop when Jag crouched. “See? He’s ready to attack me already, and I’m a shifter. I can’t leave a human alone with him in this condition. He could kill you!”

  Lynn knew this. She wasn’t stupid though, and it was obvious he was more interested in protecting her than attacking. “I’ll be fine,” she replied, looking to Liam and hoping he saw the plea in her eyes.

  “We won’t go far,” Liam promised. “You call out, and we’ll be here in a heartbeat.”

  “Thank you.”

  Both men backed from the room, clearly not wanting to give Jag an opening to spring on them. The door closed, and they were alone. She edged forward slowly so as not to spook him in any way. To her surprise, he allowed it, and even followed by her side when she came to the empty examining table. He kept his attention divided between her and the shifter on the gurney, but the other cat appeared to be out cold at the moment.

  “Jag?” He looked up at her then, no hint of aggression present in his expression. She was relieved. “Can you please change back? You’re hurt, and I want to help you, but I don’t think I can do that with you as a cat.”

  She watched as he looked around the room again, his eyes lingering on the unconscious feline for a moment before he shook his head. The next thing she knew he was on the ground, the sound of bones snapping overly loud in the otherwise quiet room. Within moments, he was back in human form, and Lynn got her first look at the level of damage he’d sustained.

  “Oh, damn,” she gasped.

  Long angry gashes crossed his stomach where it appeared the other shifter had tried to gut him. More slashes marred his back, and there were deep punctures to his left leg where he’d been bitten.

  She’d seen how quickly these guys could heal, so she could only imagine what these wounds must have looked like hours ago. The thought was chilling.

  He lay there with his eyes closed, his breathing heavy and fists clenched. She was sure he was awake but gave him a minute to compose himself, knowing the level of pain he was experiencing was something she never wanted to feel herself.

  When his eyes opened, he looked her over before struggling to his feet using the gurney for support. He faced her again. “Please tell me I didn’t hurt you.”

  Confused, Lynn looked down. “This is your blood. You kept rubbing up against me when I first came in,” she explained. His eyes widened, and she hurried to fill him in, since it looked as though he didn’t really remember much. “You were freaking out when Dr. Lewis tried to give you a shot to calm you down.”

  “The last I remember, I was holding the rogue down while the doc sedated him,” he explained, nodding toward the feline across the room. “The doc came toward me with another syringe, and the jaguar took over from there.” Jag shook his head as if he was trying to clear it. “I’m sorry if I scared you.”

  “It’s fine. I didn’t know what to expect coming in here. Liam just told me you were hurt and in trouble. I ran straight over here to help.” She gestured to the side table. “Can I get you cleaned up and bandaged now? I’d hate for you to scar because they weren’t properly closed.”

  When he shrugged and hopped up onto the table, she took that as a “yes”. The doctor had left out some sutures, butterfly strips and enough gauze to wrap Jag like a mummy. Seeing the syringe he’d also left on the counter, Lynn slipped it into her pocket, lest Jag see it and panic on her. She had no intention of sedating him, ever.

  “Let me get some Lidocaine to numb around the worst of
these so I can stitch them up. I think he keeps it in the cabinet over there.”

  She’d only gone halfway when she heard Jag snarl behind her. Spinning to see what was the matter, she came face-to-face with the massive cat that had somehow come to and managed to launch itself at her.

  Lynn hit the floor with a painful thwack. Her head bouncing off the linoleum floor, as stars burst behind her lids. An immense pressure on her chest had her forcing her eyes open only to find the bloody feline had her pinned down with his giant paw.

  Jag was still in his human form, a scalpel in his hand as he growled. The shifter above her began to change, his paw shrinking down to a hand that slid up to grip her throat, even as his gaze stayed on the weapon held by the man that was her only hope at surviving.

  “You don’t want to be doing that, Jag,” the man sneered. “It would be a pity if I were to accidentally snap the neck of your weak human mate.”

  “She’s not my mate.”

  “Please, she’s covered in your scent.”

  “She was tending to my wounds, you idiot. That’s my blood all over her.”

  “Sorry, I’m not buying it. I think this little lady is about to be my ticket out of here,” he said, jerking her up and onto her shaky legs.

  The sudden movement had her vision blurring and the throbbing in her head doubled. Her hand bumped her side, and Lynn felt the syringe. It was a long shot, but a chance she was willing to take to avoid being kidnapped by this psychopath.

  He now had his hand wrapped around the upper part of her left arm, leaving her right free. I guess he’s not worried about the little human hurting him, she thought. Well, let’s see what he thinks about this.

  Flicking the cap of with her thumb, Lynn spun forward, putting her body right in front of his as she plunged the needle into his chest, depressing the plunger with one sharp thrust of her thumb.

  Enraged, the man screamed as he grabbed both her arms and threw her into the wall. The impact drove the air from her lungs, and Lynn sank to the floor in a heap, her vision dimming. Just before the lights went out, she saw Jag approach the now unconscious shifter and snap his neck before coming over to her.

  “Lynn?” He cradled her to him, and she couldn’t remember ever feeling so safe in all her life. It was the only reason she went willingly into the darkness that offered a reprieve from the pain.

  About the Author

  Hello everyone! As some of you may know, I am a mother of two who is married to her high school sweetheart. I work full-time as a medical secretary in a local hospital, and my dream is to be able to be a full-time writer, so that I can get more of these stories out of my head and onto your kindles. Trust me, it’s crazy in there!

  I’m currently writing paranormal romance, but hope to venture into contemporary soon. The paranormal element allows me to give reality a new depth by integrating these fascinating creatures into my everyday world. I mean, come on. Who wouldn’t want a little excitement added into their everyday life?

  I’m still new to the writing world, and who knows where it will all take me? But I’m having fun nevertheless, and if people enjoy reading my work, then it’s all been worth it.

  HAPPY READING!!

  Also Available from

  Resplendence Publishing

  To Tame His Mate by Serena Pettus

  Wolfe Brothers Series, Book One

  Sarah has spent the last six years running from some pretty determined wolves. A born Alpha, and a fierce fighter, she has managed to thwart the best efforts of the neighboring packs in their attempts to force a mating with their current Alphas. She is determined to live her life the way she wants—free—and has fought her way to freedom more times than she should have had to. All she’s ever wanted was the chance to find her one true mate and settle down outside of the hierarchy bullshit of Pack life. If that means she has to do so by staying one step ahead of her pursuers, until she finds that man, then that’s just what she’ll do. The only problem now is that her years of running have forced her to trust no one… until she meets Erik.

  Erik is a lone wolf himself, but offers his help when an injury befalls the lovely she-wolf he discovers on his property. Attraction sparks and he soon realizes—much to his own surprise—that she is his destined mate.

  Shortly after deciding to give the whole thing a trial run, their mutual attraction overwhelms them, but danger is still stalking her, and Erik is determined to find a way to keep her safe.

  Now, can Erik convince Sarah that they belong together and tame her wilder side enough to claim her as his own?

  Waking the Beast by Lacey Thorn

  Awakening Pride Series, Book One

  The legend of the Paka Watu...

  Ever since she was a young girl, Abby Lane can’t resist the allure of a catshifter tribe forced to repress their beasts. On a trip to Africa, she discovers a coveted piece of information—the name the pride leader assumed when he left his home—and she traces his lineage to his descendent.

  The sleeping lion...

  Utah Pearce can’t keep his gaze off the woman who slips into the bar every night. Though not his usual type, she brings out the possessive instinct in him, making him battle with himself as he tries to stay away.

  Mine...

  Abby’s research never prepared her for the reality in front of her. The beast is waking, and Utah is changing in ways both exciting and terrifying. He is possessive and dominant, and when he finally claims her, neither of them will ever be the same.

  Dragon’s Blood by Brynn Paulin

  Cruentus Dragons Series, Book One

  For centuries, there have been legends of Vampires—the fault of one careless dragon. But humans only know part of the story. Walking amongst us are Dragons—Shape-shifters who feed on blood.

  Reluctant Dragon Elder Janos Aventech’s vacation in New York is about to come to an abrupt end. Riding on the subway, he stumbles across a Dragon mate—one of the few human women with whom his people can unite and be truly happy. And his people’s enemies are out to get her. As his attraction to this woman grows, he knows he must find her mate and see her safely into that man’s arms. It’s destined. But as every minute passes in her company, Janos begins to see he’ll never willingly let her go, mate or not.

  If only she were his mate…

  On the subway, Scarlett couldn’t stop staring at him—then he turned crazy. When he essentially kidnaps her off the train, she knows she should be irate and terrified. Instead, she finds her initial attraction growing. But what’s all this stuff he’s spouting about mates and enemies? She only wants to return to her life, not get caught in the middle of a war. But it’s too late for that. She’s destined for a Dragon’s bed, and in Janos’ arms, she can only hope it’s his.

  Eternal Flame by Valerie Twombly

  Guardians Series, Book One

  A woman he cannot have, a man who is only a dream...

  When guardian Marcus Dagotto, discovers the gods have gifted him with a mate, he is pissed. He has no room for love and even less for a human who has no idea he exists.

  Cassandra Jensen, has a shattered heart and has given up on men. Only one man can set her body on fire, but he is a fantasy that haunts her sleep.

  Two worlds, one desire. When the two collide, fate will rip them apart and test their resolve. Will darkness and evil prevail? Or, will love conquer all?

  Rules of Darkness by Tia Fanning

  One special gift...Twelve rules to follow...There are some rules that should never be broken.

  They tell me that I am special, that my ability to heal is a “gift” that should be treasured and appreciated. As far as I’m concerned, I’m not gifted…I’m cursed. Nothing in this life is free, not even gifts. There is always a price to be paid somewhere, somehow.

  My healing gift came with twelve Rules of Darkness, rules that I must follow at all times, until the day I die. The rules are ingrained in who I am. They dictate how I live my life when I am awake, and they haunt me when I’m asl
eep. Don’t look into a graveyard, Katia. Don’t touch the dead, Katia. Never seek out the lost, Katia…It’s enough to drive a person mad.

  And perhaps that’s where I find myself now. A victim of a disease I can cure in others, but not in myself. It’s madness to break the rules, and yet, I don’t care anymore. I’m tired of living my life this way. I’m tired of the rules. I won’t do it anymore, and if that means I suffer the consequences, then so be it.

  Cougar’s Eve by KellyAnn Long

  Eve Dubois is a Sensitive—as in, she can hear and talk to ghosts. Nicknamed the town’s “spook-kook,” the six-foot tall shy redhead would rather stay hidden in the shadows but life doesn’t always cooperate.

  The first time Vale Arthur sees Eve, he knows she is his mate, but how can he tell her he is a were-cougar? Having been deeply raked over the emotional coals, Vale does not trust women easily. He wants to be with Eve more than anything in the world, but will he be able to put aside his painful past to give his heart to his mate?

  www.resplendencepublishing.com