by Lia Davis
“So…this must be Caleb?”
With confidence, Caleb reached out and offered his hand. Before introductions could be made, Luna ran up the stairs and sniffed her father’s leg.
“Daddy, this is Caleb Marsh. Caleb this is my father, Paul Baker. And that’s Luna, Caleb’s recently rescued dog.”
Her father met his handshake and held his gaze for a brief moment before he let out a hearty laugh. He crouched down and greeted the dog.
“Elaine, Harper, Emma, come on out. Come meet Caleb and Luna.” As if they’d been standing on the other side of the door, they came pouring out. The predictability of her family amused Jess and she let out a soft chuckle. After all the introductions were made, they went into the house. Luna followed and once she sniffed every possible corner, she curled up under the kitchen table by her father’s feet, which resulted in him using his foot to pet her.
Jess’s mind remained on the run, but she understood Caleb wanted to make a good impression. Her mother offered them coffee and cookies, which Caleb accepted with a grin.
“So, Jess gave me a short rundown about why you’re in town.” He leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands together over his stomach. “I want you to know if you need something, don’t hesitate to get a hold of me. If there is anything I can do, I’m always just a phone call away.”
“I appreciate it.” Caleb grinned.
Jess cleared her throat.
Her father glanced over at her and smirked. “Well, we’d better let you two go for your run or Jess will have all of our hides.”
She shook her head and pushed her chair back, then grabbed their coffee mugs and plates before putting them in the sink.
“It’s just been so long since I went for a run. We’ll come in and say goodbye when we’re finished.”
She stood on her tiptoes, gave her father a kiss, then headed toward the door. Caleb gave her father another firm handshake and received a clap on the back, which brought him in close so her father could whisper something into his ear. This wasn’t the first time Jess’s dad had given her dates words of wisdom and she could guarantee it wouldn’t be the last either. A deep flush began to creep up her neck and spread to her cheeks. For a single moment, she fought the temptation to eavesdrop but decided against it. Better to be oblivious to the horror of the whole situation.
Caleb nodded and laughed, then followed her to the front door.
“Also, thanks for watching Luna while we run. I’m still not sure how she will react to my cat.” Caleb explained.
“She’s a sweetie, and she’s welcome anytime,” Daddy offered.
Jess and Caleb walked outside into the darkness, then gave one final wave to her family, who now stood at the large living room window. The musty scent of the forest teased her nose as a light breeze encompassed them. She let her eyes flutter shut and allowed herself to enjoy the crickets and frogs singing in tune. The familiar scents and sounds amped up her need to change and her desire to run.
Once they found a good spot in the trees where they could change without being seen by her family, Caleb turned to gaze at her. “Your family is great.”
“Thanks, we’re a tight-knit group.” He began to remove his jacket and hang it on a branch. Her gaze remained riveted on the sight of him. Everything he did was smooth and sexy. He grabbed the bottom of his shirt and yanked it over his head. She lost all thought process as she drank in his form. His wide shoulders rippled with every movement, making her itch to run her claws along them. Hard, lean muscle covered every inch of his body. She was sure she could wash clothes on his six pack. A throaty laugh brought her back to the present. He’d caught her ogling his body and she wasn’t even a little ashamed to admit it. She’d stopped mid-strip and held the bottom of her shirt while she fixated on him. Her claws had extended and ripped holes into the hem, but she didn’t care. He was fascinating.
“Are you gonna just stand there and stare all night, or do you want to run?”
His tone came out in a playful growl and she smiled. She’d been caught gawking at one of the finest men she’d ever laid eyes on. He was the epitome of perfection and she couldn’t wait to see the rest of him. Jess yanked her shirt over her head, then threw the ball of fabric to the ground. The smirk plastered on his face disappeared. Now it was her turn to laugh. His gaze was glued to her breasts. She couldn’t help but admit they were her best asset. Men always seemed to appreciate them, she’d been told on numerous occasions. She stood there long enough for him to get a good look. The fact that she wore her favorite leopard print bra and panties tonight made her feel frisky. Her pulse sped as he stared. She thought it would be funny, but now she felt a bit like the prey.
She cleared her throat. “Are you gonna just stand there and stare all night or do you want to run?” She mocked. His sexy smirk returned to his full lips. They both reached for their buttons at the same time and pulled their jeans off. She tossed hers into a pile with her shirt, and Caleb hung his on the same branch as his jacket and shirt. Again they assessed each other. He wore black boxer briefs and she sucked in a breath when she saw the outline of his arousal. The growl that erupted from his chest sent a shiver right through her body that landed between her legs, making her wet. He stalked forward, his nostrils flaring as if he were scenting her desire. She tried to take a step back, but her legs didn’t want to work. It was almost as if they didn’t want to get away from him. They wanted to be wrapped around his waist and nothing she did could convince them otherwise. Traitors.
He stopped right in front of her and waited for her to make a move. His actions, slow and deliberate, gave Jess enough time to flee if she wanted to. His body tensed, ready to jump into action if given the chance. The muscles in his strong chest quivered with strain; his body tensed to pounce. She clenched her hands so hard her fingernails were digging into her palms. The urge to touch him won out. She reached forward and dragged her nails down his chest, the desire to feel him against her bare skin driving her on.
A low growl rumbled from him as he took a final step forward and pressed his chest flush against hers. He nestled his nose to her neck and inhaled deeply.
She answered with her own growl, then wrapped her arms around his neck and met his lips. He backed her up to a tree and slanted his mouth against hers. His tongue teased her lips. She met his movements with just as much intensity. She couldn’t catch her breath, but didn’t want to stop either. His hands moved to the clasp of her bra and with agile hands he unhooked it with ease.
A shiver of desire coursed through her. She removed the straps from her shoulders and threw the bra aimlessly. The damp night air hit her warm breasts and her nipples hardened. A growl rumbled from his chest in approval. His hand covered her right breast and he palmed her firmly while his left moved to her lower back. She started to pant under his direction. He moved his hands away, slid them down to her ass, and lifted her until she wrapped her legs around his waist. She wanted all of him. He kissed her jaw and neck, laving her with his tongue between each kiss. The pulsing between her legs intensified and she tilted her head to allow better access.
He worked his way down toward her breasts, stopping long enough for her to whimper over the loss of contact. When he latched onto her left breast and sucked she couldn’t help but cry out, arching her back in pleasure. She grabbed the back of his head and pressed him closer. He began to roll her nipple with his tongue, each flick sending her closer to the edge. When he moved to her other breast, she was completely delirious with desire. She started to rock against him, in time with each roll of his tongue. She’d never felt this kind of connection.
He reached behind her and pushed her harder into him, giving her more friction as she rubbed against his arousal. She cried out as her release ripped through her.
Her strength came back a little at a time. She stroked his back, her fingers feathering over the raised welts from where she’d raked her nails across it. Guilt rushed through her, making her cringe at what she had done in the heat
of the moment.
“You’re making me crazy; your scent is intoxicating.” He lowered her until her feet landed on solid ground, then pressed his forehead against hers. “You don’t know how bad I want to take you on the ground right now.” His rapid breaths brushed against her face.
“Why stop?” Her skin snapped with electricity, every touch intensified.
He gazed at her for a long moment. “I want to do it right. I don’t want you to regret anything.”
Disappointment shot through her at the words. She begrudgingly agreed with a nod.
Jess ran her hands over his back, finding the claw marks, touching them apologetically. “Don’t worry about them. Those are the kind of scars a man wears with pride.” She laughed, then leaned back to meet his gaze. “So, if we aren’t going to expend energy one way”—she put her hand on her hip—“do you still want to go for a run?” She watched as the pulsing vein in his neck began to slow.
He took a step away from her. “Definitely.”
She studied him as he slipped the remainder of his clothes off. The glimpse gave Jess an enticing preview of what she hoped would be the fun to come. She bit her lip, gazing at him through hooded eyes.
“I swear to God, woman, if you keep looking at me like that, I won’t hesitate to take you,” he growled.
She shrugged. “You’re the one who stopped.” He shook his head and glanced up at the sky.
Chapter 6
Caleb stared as Jess sauntered ahead of him, stretching her arms above her head. The way she sashayed away drew his eyes to her rounded hips and firm ass. This woman would be the death of him. He stood back, observed as she crouched to the ground and prepared for the shift. Power rippled around her as she arched her back toward the sky. A gorgeous gold coat with black rosettes soon covered her back. Her coat worked its way down her arms and legs. With a final shake, she finished shifting. She turned toward him, gave a full view of her appearance.
As she approached, her tail swished in a playful manner and she rubbed her whole body along his. Her cat was powerfully built; short lean legs were amazingly strong and could propel her into the trees without much effort. He reached down and scratched her behind her black-tipped ears. She nudged him with her large head impatiently, then sauntered away and gave a chuff over her shoulder, calling him out.
He took a running start, leapt into the air, and shifted. The change rushed through him like electricity. It started in his fingers and spread throughout his whole body. When his feet hit the ground the shift was complete. His jaguar had a purely black coat with even darker rosettes across his back and sides. Heavy muscle covered his long body. He was made for the hunt and kill. His legs were short and stocky, which gave him the power to climb quickly and swim just as fast. An aura of lethal energy flowed from every pore. A purr radiated from Jess, filling his ears.
Just as he turned to find her, she tackled and pinned him to the ground. Friskiness emanated from her and he didn’t mind playing along. He twisted his body out from underneath her and leapt backwards. With a chuff, he spun and ran into the bushes. A branch snapped behind him; she was hot on his tail. He slowed and let her catch up. She sidled up beside him and he gave her a quick roar. She returned the call, then signaled for him to follow her. When he caught up she stood beside a fast-moving stream.
She waded into the water and found a shallow enough spot to lounge in. Without a moment’s hesitation he followed her. The cool water rushed over his warm body. He studied her as she dipped her head beneath the surface of the water, then popped back up before she gave her head a quick shake. He lapped at the water, allowing the liquid to cool him from the inside. His eyes drifted shut; the peace and quiet washed over him. A branch snapped in the distance, the sound echoing off the hard shore of the creek. His predatory instinct kicked in, muscles tensed in anticipation, bringing him from his stupor. He glanced at her. She stared in the direction of the prey. Her body crouched low as she watched the target move through the brush unaware of their presence. She eased out of the stream and stalked to where the sound had come from and he followed suit. He recalled what her father had said just before they left. “She won’t share; it doesn’t matter who you are. She will rip you apart if you try to take her kill. Just don’t want ya to get hurt, kid.”
He didn’t like to share either, but he didn’t want to ruin a perfect night. The loss of the prey didn’t matter to him. He would be content as long as he got to be with her. There would be more prey. He hung back and watched her in action.
Her body tensed, she moved toward where the sound had come from. She lifted her head enough to open her mouth and test the air for a scent. He did the same and caught the musky odor of a buck on the other side of the brush. She eased forward and stopped within mere feet of the grazing deer. Her body became preternaturally still; not a single muscle moved or twitched. He saw the moment right before she attacked. The muscles in her legs bunched and prepared to strike. Within seconds she burst through the bushes and leapt onto the buck’s back. She seized the deer by its throat and swung her large body until the momentum threw the animal off balance. They landed with a thud. She grabbed the struggling prey with her claws, held it still, and waited for the animal to stop fighting. He watched the deer gasp for breath as she suffocated it. The precision with which she killed impressed him, flawless and lethal. From the moment she latched onto her prey, she took full control of the situation. He didn’t doubt for a moment she could take care of herself if need be.
Even as the buck drew its final breath, she continued to hold it in her jaws. After a long moment the animal stopped moving for good. She maintained her grip on the buck’s neck and turned to look at him. With a nod, she launched herself into the nearest tree and settled her kill. He’d been content to watch her, but to his surprise she gave a short roar and motioned him up into the tree. The offer was more than he could have expected. Leopards were notorious for being fiercely protective over their kill, as her father mentioned, although they were known to share their meal with a mate.
He trotted over to the tree and jumped onto the branch. Before he went to the buck, he stopped in front of her and licked her face, cleaning her of the blood from the attack. When he finished he leapt over the carcass and waited. She could have the first bite. It was a privilege just to be sharing with her. He would have done the exact same thing if he’d killed first.
Jess jumped down from the tree once she was full, and waited for Caleb to follow before she headed back to the stream. She stopped just beside the riverbank and glanced over her shoulder at him. He sidled up beside her and began to lick her face. The fact that she had offered her kill to him signified a deeper connection than he might be willing to accept, but she’d come to the conclusion she couldn’t fight the urge any longer. Once she had cleaned the last of her kill from her body she headed back to her pile of clothes. He ambled along next to her and they shared an occasional glance. After she shifted back, she stood at her full height and stretched, enjoying how sore her muscles were. He rubbed up against her with affection, and she ran her hands over the length of his back, reveling in the silky feel.
In a moment’s time, he’d also shifted back. He stepped in front of her and grabbed the back of her neck. With a tug, he pulled her to him, meeting her mouth with force. She matched him with each stroke of his tongue. He pressed his body flush with hers, allowing her to feel his hard length against her belly. When he left her mouth, she panted with excitement and reached for him. “We need to get out of here.” He grabbed her pile of clothes and handed them to her. “Seriously, I don’t know how much longer I can wait.” The gravelly rumble of his voice sent chills down her spine.
She stepped into her panties and slipped on her bra. He never took his eyes off her. He thrust his legs into his jeans with urgency before he zipped them with a slow movement, which brought her attention to his straining arousal. She had to bite her lip to keep from moaning in anticipation. “Race ya back.”
“You be
t. Beat you there.” He grinned just before he broke into a full run.
She set off, determined to reach the house first.
In minutes, they’d already covered enough ground to reach the house’s front yard. She came to a stop beside him. The porch light shone in the darkness, a stark contrast to the night sky. “Wait here. I’ll go see if anyone’s awake.” She ran up the porch stairs and found a note taped to the screen door.
Jess,
Went to bed, you can come pick
Luna up tomorrow.
Hope you had a good run! “wink”
Love Mom
She shook her head and snickered as she made her way back to the truck. He sat in the running vehicle and tapped his thumbs on the steering wheel as he waited. She opened the door before sliding in. “They headed to bed, said we can come pick Luna up tomorrow.” She chose to omit the last part. His look of pure relief made Jess laugh out loud. When he failed to put the truck into gear she said, “Well, what are you waiting for?”
A laugh erupted from his chest. “You’re sure bossy.” He shifted the truck into drive before gunning it down the laneway. They were back in town in record time. He glanced at her. “Uh, what’s the plan, boss?”
“My place. It’s closer.” With a nod, he raced down Main Street and pulled up in front of her apartment building. She scrambled from the truck and he followed as she rushed up the front steps to unlock the door. He shoved the door closed behind them, then grabbed her hand and ushered her up the stairs. She tried to find the right key to open her apartment, but fumbled and dropped the ring.
He came to a halt in front of her door and waited. The way he began to shift back and forth on his feet let her know that he was impatient. Without a word, he snatched them from her hand, figured out the right one, and shoved it into the lock. He reached his hand out to her and opened the door. But before she could grab it, he tensed and sniffed the air.
