by V. Vaughn
"You'll pay for this," Max said.
Sam hoisted her over his shoulder, keeping his gun trained on Max the whole time. Stephanie groaned and kicked at the man, elbowing him and trying to make as big a fuss as she could. He grunted, trying to keep ahold of her.
Then her inner lion burst out from inside her, snapping the ropes around her wrists. Her claws sprang from her fingertips, and she scratched her captor all the way down his back, over his shoulder, and across his chest as she fell to the sand on four fast feline feet.
The pirates didn't know what had hit them as she sprinted away and disappeared into the darkness of the forest. Max ducked behind a downed tree trunk and shot at the pirates, hitting one in the shoulder. Stephanie heard the shot and spun to see what had happened from the safety of a treetop. She clung to the limbs, her heart racing as she worried for Max.
Sam was the one Max had hit. He dropped his gun and screamed, gripping the wound with his free hand. Wang Li and Carlos shot at Max as Sam dropped to his knees and bled into the sand.
The men ran toward Max, firing a spray of bullets from their handguns. Max shot at them, carefully blasting the men in the legs. They fell to the sand with screams and grunts. All three were incapacitated.
"We need to get out of here," Carlos said.
He and Wang Li began to crawl back toward the boat. Sam had already climbed inside, leaving a trail of blood over the yellow rubber. He was already rowing away when the other two made it back.
"Don't leave without us!" Carlos shouted.
Carlos and Wang Li pulled themselves inside, dripping water and blood. The boat had a motor on it, and the men propelled it quickly over the water. Max stood in the shadows and retrieved the weapons they’d dropped in the sand. As the pirates made it past the reef into the deep area where the sharks had patrolled, Max lifted his gun, aimed it, and shot once. There was a great pop as the inflatable rubber boat burst and began to sink. The wounded men screamed.
Sharks smelled the blood from miles around and circled them. Stephanie turned away, not wanting to see what happened next. She scrambled down the tree and hid in the forest. She didn't want to hear the screams or see the blood in the water.
She just wanted to go home to her friends and celebrate Christmas in the peace and happiness of the comfortable life she’d once known. She could have kicked herself for needing an adventure and feeling as if her life weren’t good enough. How naïve she'd been. What she wouldn't give to go back and spend an afternoon with her friends, drinking tea, eating cake, cooing at the babies, and gossiping about their mates.
"There you are," Max said, finding her hiding under the fronds of a giant fern. He knelt down and gazed into her eyes.
Then she remembered what had been missing. Him.
He handed her the dress that had fallen off her when she'd run away from the pirates. "I'll let you get dressed." He turned away, and she slipped into her maxi dress and flip-flops.
She was so grateful he’d been there for her when she needed him. He had saved her from the pirates, he had saved her from the sea, and he had saved her from the shark. But when it had counted, she'd been able to save herself. She’d shifted at exactly the right moment, giving Max an opening to take out the pirates.
She touched his back to let him know she was dressed, and he turned, offering her his hand. She placed her hand in his, and they walked together back to the camp.
8
Max stared down at the busted satellite. He could fix it but not in time to get Stephanie off the island for Christmas. She sat on the other side of the fire, holding a fish over the flames. She looked tired and worried. His inner grizzly grumbled. He still hadn't told her she was his mate.
"Can you fix it?" she asked in a scratchy whisper.
His eyes widened in surprise. It was the first time he’d heard her speak. "You can talk."
"I think shifting healed my vocal cords." Her voice was still rough and soft, but it was coming back to life.
"That's excellent news," he said.
But at the same time, he knew that being able to communicate fully meant that they would inevitably have to talk. Their eyes locked as the fire flickered between them. The sun was setting over the ocean, casting a warm glow on her hair.
"You know what tomorrow is?" he asked.
"It's Christmas," she said. She let out a long sigh and leaned against the trunk of a palm tree. She seemed sad. He didn't ever want her to be sad. Her life should be filled with happiness and joy.
"I'm sorry you're stuck here on Christmas Eve.”
She laughed softly and smiled. "There's nothing to be sorry about."
"I'm sure you'd rather be back at home with your friends and family instead of on this island with me.”
"I wouldn't say that," she said. “You’ve saved me three times."
"It's all in a day’s work." His tone was dismissive, and he hated that it sounded as if she didn't matter to him, as if she were just some random cruise-ship guest. She was so much more. She was everything. He had to find a way to tell her. But he knew that it was the last thing he should do. What he should really do was leave her alone. He should let her go home to the loving arms of the people who cared about her, people who were healthy and stable and could give her the love she deserved. That wasn't him. It never would be.
"I have to ask you something," she said.
He looked up at her over the firelight. His heart galloped in his chest. He knew what was coming. The sunset shone around her shoulders. The hazy orange glow of the golden light hung thick around them. For that instant, they were transported to another world. A world where anything was possible. A world where a heartsick veteran like him could make a beautiful, sweet woman like Stephanie happy. A world where he could do anything but hurt her.
She fidgeted as she looked at him. "My inner mountain lion has been yelling at me from the first moment we met. And you haven't said anything about it this whole time. So I don't know if I'm completely out of line or not. But I have to just come out and say it."
"You don't."
Their eyes locked.
She looked confused, and her shoulders slumped. "Why not?"
"Because no good can come of it."
"What are you talking about?"
"I know what you're going to say."
"Do you? If you do, then why shouldn't I say it?" Her voice trembled with anger and desperation.
It broke his heart. He felt like such a fool. He was already hurting her. He couldn't lie to her. He couldn't hold back a minute longer. As he opened his mouth to speak, the words tumbled out of her.
"I think we’re mates." They both said it at exactly the same time. They stared at each other, the connection vibrating between them like a taut wire quivering in the still air.
His inner grizzly reared up on its back legs inside his mind, growling and snarling before pounding back down on all fours. It scratched and bit at the backs of Max’s eyes, demanding, insistent, and unrelenting. Mate, mate, mate.
"You feel it too," she whispered.
"From the very start."
"Why didn't you say anything?”
"I'm not who you think I am."
"Well, that's obvious," she said with a snort.
"I'm not a good man."
She looked at him, searching his face as the last rays of sunlight sank behind her on the horizon. Her face was illuminated by the soft flicker of the small campfire.
"Yes, you are." Her voice was confident and sure. "I know that for a fact."
"I've done things. I've seen things. I can never be the man you need me to be."
"Just exactly who are you, Max Johnson?" She stabbed her stick with the fish on it into the sand then leaned back and crossed her arms.
"I’m ex-military. I'm now working with an elite squadron called the Justice Squad. This is my first mission.”
"So you are military.”
"Ex-military. The Justice Squad is a clandestine operation. We’re not officially on
the books. I shouldn't even be telling you this, but I believe you deserve an explanation. You're a good woman. I can feel it to the core of my being. You deserve much better than me. I’m broken. I can't give you the life that you need."
She huffed. "Don't you think that I deserve to decide that myself?"
"Of course you do. But I'm warning you. With me, all you will ever get is pain."
"So far, all you've given me is protection and care." Her voice was confused and insistent.
She had a point. All she knew was him as her protector and savior, the man who’d fed her fish and filtered water. She didn't know him or what he really was. She didn’t know the nightmares and the violence, the deep need in his soul to always be moving, or his inability to get close to anyone. But with her, he wanted to change that. He wanted to try. But he knew it was not possible.
Their eyes locked, but he looked away, unable to face her. "I am here to protect you. I can make sure that you have food and water, that you don't get injured. But there is no universe in which I’m a good husband and mate. I just can't see it. I haven't had a normal relationship since my parents died fifteen years ago. My whole life has been secrets and lies and death. You’re a sweet girl from a small town somewhere. I can tell by your trust and your innocence. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into."
"Maybe not. But fate does."
"I'll give you that much, Stephanie Plume. You’re a brave woman if you would still want to give me a chance after everything I’ve told you.”
"I don't know what could possibly be so wrong with you."
He sighed. "You haven't seen it yet. But you will."
"Maybe I should decide then."
"I just don't want you to ever have to witness it. I don't want to ever have to hurt you. I don't ever want to see the disappointment in your eyes when I can't give you the love and connection you deserve. I think we should just spare ourselves the pain.” He dug his foot into the sand. “I can fix the satellite and send a signal to my men. When they arrive, they'll take you back to America. We never have to see each other again."
"Is that supposed to be comforting?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"I know you've been waiting a long time for a mate, but you can still find love. You can find a human man or another shifter who hasn't been able to find his mate, either. You could settle down, start a family. You're better off that way."
"I have never in all my life known a shifter who has ever chosen anyone but their mate."
"It happens all the time. Mates die, or men can't find theirs. It's better than being alone."
"I'd rather be alone. I'm used to being alone. What is the point of being with someone if they aren't the one? If they aren't your mate? It would be more painful than dealing with whatever demons you have inside."
"I don't think that's true, Stephanie."
"Well, Merry Christmas to you too." She stood and stormed toward the tent. She slipped inside and zipped the door closed, leaving him alone in the darkness.
He was a damn fool. He was hurting her, and he would hurt her no matter what he did. His inner grizzly bellowed with absolute anger.
Max set down the satellite and peeled off his clothes. Then he grabbed his knife and made his way to the water. He knew he would not be able to sleep. His heart was pounding, and his mind was reeling. At least he could find some food for the morning, something to bring a smile to Stephanie’s lips, or at least something to fill her belly.
He dove deep, holding his breath until his lungs burned. With only the moonlight glinting through the inky water, he threw clam after clam onto the shore. When he was done with his haul, he brought them back to the camp and peeled them open. He placed the meat on a pan, and during his hours of shucking in the darkness, he found several pearls—beautiful, glistening, perfect pearls. Then he knew exactly what he could do to make Stephanie happy, to wish her a Merry Christmas. He could give her something beautiful, even if all she wanted was his fractured heart.
9
Stephanie woke to the sound of a deep baritone voice singing “White Christmas.” She blinked and opened her eyes. Her lips spread into a big smile. She couldn't help but laugh. She opened the tent door, immediately forgiving Max for everything he'd said the night before. He was obviously holding on to some deep wounds. She had to understand and give him space. Finding her on his mission must have come as a surprise to him. It had come as a surprise to them both. They both needed time to adjust.
She stepped out of the tent and found the campsite covered in tropical flowers. Max had fashioned a stocking out of army-green fabric. She giggled as she looked around the campsite. Clams were frying on a pan with coconut milk.
"Open your stocking," he said with a smile on his lips.
"Did you do all this last night?" she asked.
"I couldn't let Christmas happen without celebrating it. You've already been through enough. It's the least I could do.”
She reached into the stocking and pulled out a string of woven vine. Interlaced between the intricate weave were five perfect, round pearls. They were arranged in ascending size with the largest one in the center. Her eyes widened, and she looked at Max. Shaking her head, she could barely comprehend what he had done.
"Where did you find this?"
"In the clams." He rose and took the necklace from her then tied it around her neck.
She touched the jewelry with her fingertips. Her heart fluttered as she looked up at him with longing. He was so sweet, thoughtful, and kind, yet he didn’t think he was beyond redemption. It didn't make any sense.
"I didn't get anything for you," she said.
"All I want is for you to be safe and happy, to see a smile on those beautiful lips.”
She fingered the necklace. "This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me."
"I seriously doubt that."
"It is. It's not like you could just go out to the mall and buy it. Here we are, stranded on this island. You’re in the middle of an important mission. You must have stayed up all night putting this together just so I wouldn't be sad that I’d missed the holiday.” She looked down at the satellite and saw that it had already been fixed. "Aren't you tired?"
"Maybe. I can sleep later. Right now, I just want you to have a merry Christmas. Here, sit down. Breakfast is ready."
He dished up her clams onto a shell plate, and she ate the savory meat and coconut. It was so delicious and created warmth that filled not just her stomach but also her heart. When they had finished breakfast, he smiled and began singing “Deck the Halls.”
She laughed hysterically at his perfect pitch and serious face as he bellowed out the song. She couldn't help but join in. They sang together, their voices rising and falling as the waves crashed against the shore. They sang every Christmas carol either of them could remember. By late morning, her voice felt hoarse, and she shook her head. “No more. I need to save my voice."
The sun was getting hot, and she felt sticky and sweaty. She wanted more than anything to take a bath. Without another thought, she strode down the beach, dropped her maxi dress to the sand, and waded into the crystal-blue water. It was shallow near the shore, too shallow for sharks. And the water was calm and glassy. She walked in until the ocean was up to her waist and dipped down, splashing the water over her face and hair. It felt warm and glorious. It might not have been as refreshing as a freshwater bath, but it washed away the sweat, sand, and dirt from their days on the island.
There was a splash behind her, and she looked up to see that Max had joined her in the lagoon. She turned to him, smiling and gleeful. It was the best Christmas ever. He looked down at her with his hooded dark eyes. His expression was serious and blank, but the fire of lust burned so brightly in his eyes that she felt it might scorch her if she couldn't quench it. She placed her hand on his bare chest, and he covered it with his. She let out a deep breath and cupped his cheek with her other hand. Sliding her fingers through his hair, she pulled him down toward her.
He relented and bent to reach her mouth.
Both of them trembled as their lips met. Their breaths caught as the spark of connection exploded between them. From the first brush of their lips, Stephanie knew that neither of them could relent. He pulled her hard against him, his tongue thrusting into her mouth. She groaned as she felt his manhood rise, hard and massive, throbbing with pent-up need. Her breaths came in sharp gasps as her body flooded with desire. The intensity of their kiss grew hotter and deeper as his big, strong hands roamed her body, feeling every dip and curve, kneading her flesh.
She threw her arms around his neck. He picked her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Suspended in the water, she felt weightless, as if floating in space. The hot sun beamed down, and she slid her wet, hungry core over his hardness. He growled into her neck, smelling her scent as her body opened to him.
He held her in his trembling embrace but seemed to be holding himself back as his hard, sharp teeth brushed over her neck. "We shouldn't do this," he growled, his voice animalistic and almost unrecognizable.
"Yes, we should." She slid over him.
“Stephanie. Oh, Stephanie. My Little Puma."
"What did you say?"
“Little Puma from mate-dot-com. I knew I'd found you the moment I took off from the Denver airport. And then here you were.”
"You found me on mate-dot-com?" she asked and kissed his neck.
"Yes.”
"And this was the week I decided to turn it off." She laughed, the sound echoing over the soft waves. "Don't you see? It's fate, Max. There’s nothing for us to do but to give in to it, to accept it, to be enveloped by it.”
He growled, loud and deep in his throat, pulling her down over his shaft, hard and fast. He sank deep inside her, splitting her open until he’d buried himself to the hilt.
She felt so tiny in his huge, brutal arms. She threw her head back, groaning up into the sun. He held her still, and she felt weightless as he penetrated her. His hand slid over her chest, cupping her breasts as she took him inside her. She looked at him, her eyes wide with new awareness, kissing him deeply as she moved her hips up and down on his massive manhood.
