Secret Jaguar Read online

  “Finally getting tired?” he teased.

  I tried to hold back a grin. “Maybe.”

  “Good. I was getting worried that you wouldn’t sleep at all for the next week.”

  “That wouldn’t be so bad, given how much time I’m going to need to study.”

  We turned down another hallway. It looked exactly like the one we’d just checked.

  “You sure you want to keep going?” I asked.

  “This is fun.” He looked like he meant it.

  “Okay. Then I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that snuggling offer.”

  “That sounds fun, too.” He tapped his finger on the wall.

  I went to the other side of the hallway and checked everything along the way. Again, there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. “You ready to head back?”

  He turned to me. “I think I found something.”

  My stomach dropped to the ground. “What?”

  “Yeah. Listen to this.” He pressed his ear to the wall near some peeling wallpaper and tapped.

  I rushed over and did the same. There was a slight echo.

  We stared at each other wide-eyed.

  “Your lucky night?”

  “Maybe.” I tapped again. There was definitely an echo.

  At once, we both moved to check the molding. Carter checked the molding up at the top, near the ceiling and I checked the one near the floor.

  His phone rang.

  “Ignore it.” My finger ran over a barely-noticeable bump on the molding.

  “It’s Che.”

  “I think I found a button!”

  Our gazes locked.

  “Let me just see what he needs. He wouldn’t call at this hour if it wasn’t important.”

  “That’s true.”

  “Che,” Carter answered. “What’s going on? I have you on speaker.”

  “I need you to come down to the lobby right away.” His voice sounded off. Edgy. Shaky. Completely unlike him.

  “What’s happening?” Carter demanded.

  “Ow. Just hurry.”

  The call ended.

  Carter held my gaze. “We’d better go.”

  I nodded, but snapped a couple pictures of the hallway so I wouldn’t forget where we’d found the hollow spot with the hidden button. Given that I was hopped up on some magical concoction, I wasn’t taking any chances.

  We hurried through the maze of nearly identical creepy hallways until we came to the main part of the hotel and finally, down to the lobby.

  Four men had guns on Che.

  I cried out. Carter put an arm around me, and we rushed over.

  “Put those down,” Carter ordered. “Don’t make me call the cops.”

  “You think cops stand a chance against a bunch of shifters?” He turned the gun toward Carter and me. “Where’s Katya?”

  I froze. They wanted me now?

  So much for my lucky night.

  Carter stood taller and did something with his phone behind his back. “You can’t have her. She wants to stay here.”

  The guy laughed cruelly. “You think we care about that? She’s part of our family. That woman is going to be my daughter-in-law and give me lots of grandsons to carry on my name.”

  I swallowed, trying not to shake. How dare they act as if they owned me? Anger tore through me. Even if they did manage to get me, I’d find a way to escape. No way would I live the life they had planned for me.

  It was out of the question.

  Footsteps sounded behind us. Jet and Sal, the two werewolves Toby had sent over, stepped beside me.

  “It’s time to leave.” Sal’s voice sounded like a growl.

  “Sure. Hand over Katya.”

  My heart jumped into my throat.

  Carter got in his face. “You can’t have her. Ever. Get the idea out of your head and go back home.”

  “Where is she?”

  Carter tilted his head. “What?”

  The man stepped past him and glared at me. “You. Where is she?”

  My mouth gaped. No words would come.

  “You’re all useless.” He turned to Jet. “Where is she?”

  Carter mouthed, “The potion. They don’t recognize you.”

  Relief washed through me as I realized that was what was happening.

  “Why don’t you tell me?” Jet countered. “Where is Katya?”

  The man scowled. “She can’t be far. This is her father’s hotel. He gifted it to her mother in his will. The stupid idiot mated with a human. A human!”

  Anger tore through me. How dare he talk about my parents like that. I stepped up to him. “Why do you want Katya, then? She’s just a stupid idiot half-human, right?”

  “Stop.” Carter begged me with his eyes.

  I turned my attention back to the man. What was he going to do to me? He didn’t even recognize me. “Isn’t Katya tainted or something? Half-human and raised by humans. What an idiot.”

  “You’re the idiot, girl! There’s no half-human. Katya got the jaguar gene from Kevin. Her sister is just human. One jaguar, one human. Simple math. Move aside.”

  I stood my ground. “Katya doesn’t want anything to do with you people. She likes the enlightened way of life the world offers her. Not your backward, woman-hating ways.”

  His brows came together and he struck me across the face so hard I flew backward several feet and stumbled against a wall.

  In a blur, Carter attacked him, throwing him to the ground. The others all piled on top. Before my eyes, clothes flew off all the men as they turned into jaguars and werewolves.

  Growls and howls echoed around the lobby. Teeth dug into fur. Blood sprayed out onto the walls and floor. Furniture knocked over.

  After my shock faded, I pulled off my clothes and tried to shift. Nothing happened. I was just standing in the hotel lobby with no clothes on.

  My face flamed for the twentieth time that day. I ducked behind a potted tree and closed my eyes, focusing on my jaguar self. I thought of Carter fighting for me. Bones popped, muscles burned, and finally fur sliced through my skin. I cried out and when I opened my eyes, everything was bright and all my senses were heightened.

  I growled and joined the fighting. It was easy to tell the other jaguars from Che and Carter. They had a completely different scent. It was actually nearly the same as mine.

  They really were my family—but only by genetics.

  I leaped on top of one of them and dug my teeth into his back. The jaguar yelped and howled, but then threw me off. I skidded into the plant that had offered me privacy, knocking it over and shattering the pot.

  One of the opposing jaguars stood tall and roared. Somehow, I had the sense he was calling an end to the chaos.

  The other jaguars formed into human and redressed.

  I ran back over to my clothes and picked them up with my mouth. Then I headed over to the counter to turn back and get dressed out of view of the others.

  While I got dressed, Che and Carter argued with the others about me.

  “We’re not giving up until she’s in our possession.”

  Like I was a piece of meat. Fury churned in my stomach as I slid on my clothes.

  Ding-dong.

  The front door slammed shut. I rose and walked over to the guys, who were all back to human form and fully dressed.

  A breeze rustled my top and chilled my skin. I looked down to find my shirt torn from sternum to bellybutton, exposing half my bra and my stomach. Apparently my jaguar teeth were sharper than I’d thought.

  Embarrassed, I covered up with my arms.

  “They’re not going to give up.” Che scowled.

  “At least they can’t recognize me.” I tightened my arms over my top.

  “For how long?” Che crossed his arms.

  “A week.”

  “They’ve waited in town quietly for two weeks, maybe longer. One week isn’t going to deter them.”

  Che turned to Carter. “Take her up to her room and make sure nobody gets close
to her. I’ve got to clean this mess before Jennifer or any of the other staff gets down here.” He swore. “And I have to do something about the security footage. We can’t have anyone seeing that.”

  “I’ll help.” I stood taller.

  He stared at my midsection. “How? If you move your arms, your dress will expose you to everyone.”

  My face heated. “I can change, you know.”

  Che shook his head. “Just get some sleep. You need it. I didn’t expect Carter to bring you down here when I called him.”

  I glared at him. “I’m perfectly capable of doing everything you can do. Even shift and fight those jerks.”

  He stared me down. “Just get some rest. I said I’ll take care of everything.”

  Sal stepped between us and looked at me. “Jet and I will help him clean this mess. It won’t take long.”

  I looked around him and glared at Che. “I’m not helpless.”

  He glared back at me. “I realize that, but you have a lot to learn. You could’ve gotten hurt jumping in the middle of that.”

  “But I didn’t. And if you think I’m going to sit back and let you fight for me while I do nothing, you’re as chauvinistic as they are.”

  Che looked like I’d slapped him. Guilt stung at me because I knew he wasn’t like them at all, but I spun around and stormed toward the stairs regardless.

  Carter caught up with me. “Are you okay?”

  “Ugh. I wish you’d stop asking that.”

  “I just care.”

  More guilt. I ignored it and rushed up to my room. He followed me inside but I went into my closet and closed the door between us.

  Why did everyone think I was so helpless? I was new to all this, but not weak or stupid. There were my relatives who thought they could stake their claim on me, then there were Carter and Che who should’ve been on my side, but they were too busy trying to protect me, thinking I was too helpless to do anything for myself.

  They were all wrong.

  Chapter 20

  Carter

  I tapped the armrest as I waited for Katya to come out of her closet. She was taking so long, I couldn’t help but wonder if she’d fallen asleep in there.

  I wanted to ask her if she was okay, but that had annoyed her so much downstairs, I wasn’t going to make that mistake again.

  Pat, pat.

  Someone was outside the door.

  Pat, pat, pat.

  Nerves on edge, I jumped up and pressed my ear to the door.

  More of the same noise. It was soft, barely noticeable, but someone was there.

  I closed one eye and peeked out the peephole. Nothing appeared in the rounded glass.

  Yet the sounds continued.

  With one quick motion, I flung open the door.

  Skittering noises sounded toward the stairs. Nobody was in the hall, but at least I’d scared off whoever had been pacing near Katya’s door.

  “You leaving?”

  I spun around. Katya stood behind me in a long purple nightshirt. It was perfectly modest, but at the same time… just wow. I let go of the door and it closed on its own.

  “Are you?” she asked.

  “Am I what?” I couldn’t stop looking at her.

  “Never mind.” She spun around and climbed under the covers.

  I couldn’t get my feet to move.

  “Are you sleeping there or something?”

  “Well, no. I could take the chair.”

  “Or you could join me.” She turned out the lamp, surrounding us in darkness.

  Even though she didn’t seem to want my company, I climbed under the covers and wrapped my arm around her. Katya stiffened, but then eventually relaxed and scooted closer to me. She smelled like flowers. It was intoxicating.

  I pressed my face against her hair and breathed in deeply. All my stress and worries melted away with her right there. Whether she was actually mad at me or if it was the potion, I couldn’t be sure, but the fact that she at least tolerated me being with her sent a warmth through me.

  Her breathing deepened, and before I knew it, I was drifting off to sleep, too.

  The next morning, I woke to her gazing at me. She smiled and ran the back of her fingers along my cheek.

  “I should probably shave.”

  She shook her head. “No, I like it.”

  “You do?”

  “Immensely.” She snuggled up to me and we lay in silence until her stomach grumbled. Her cheeks turned pink as they always seemed to.

  “I love that you’re so feisty, yet you embarrass easier than anyone I know.”

  She looked away. “Stop.”

  “Nothing to be embarrassed about. We all have to eat. I’m pretty hungry myself. We should also check on Che and make sure he got everything done last night.”

  Katya groaned. “And I’d better apologize. I acted like a spoiled brat.”

  I kissed her forehead. “I’m sure he understands.”

  “And I owe you an apology, too. I should probably just say sorry to everyone I know to be safe.”

  “No need to with me.” I pressed our palms together and laced my fingers through hers.

  “You must think I’m a bear.” She shook her head and buried her face against my chest. “I’ve been awful the whole time you’ve known me. I don’t know what you see in me.”

  I slid my finger under her chin and guided her to look at me. “What I see is a wonderfully strong woman who has more on her plate than anyone could be expected to handle. And I’m more than happy to help with that load—if you’ll let me.”

  “You really are perfect.”

  “No more than you.”

  Katya rolled her eyes at me and climbed out of bed. That nightshirt was going to be the death of me.

  An hour later, we were both showered and dressed. We strolled down to the lobby, hand-in-hand.

  Everything in the lobby looked as good as new. If I hadn’t known better, I’d have never guessed what had taken place the night before.

  Jennifer came around from the reception desk, smiling. “Oh, good. You two are ready for lunch.” She stared me down. “I didn’t see you come in.”

  Che appeared around the corner. “I did. He arrived while you were making copies in the back.”

  Katya’s mom relaxed. “Well, it’s good to see you again. I enjoyed getting to know you better last night during the game.” She turned to Katya. “Will you text your sister? I thought she’d be down here already.”

  “Sure, Mom.” Katya pulled out her phone and slid her finger around the screen.

  Jennifer chatted excitedly about having gotten reservations at a popular restaurant outside of town.

  Alley bounded into the lobby and gave Katya a big hug. “I’m so proud of you, Miss MVP!”

  We piled into the taxi when it arrived, and everything went by in a blur. The others gave Katya gifts at lunch. I’d have too, if I hadn’t spent every moment with her since the game, but she didn’t seem to mind.

  As we ate, I kept looking around for the jaguars. Che did the same. But they weren’t anywhere near the restaurant. There wasn’t even a whiff of them in the air. I relaxed, figuring they were taking the day to lick their wounds.

  After lunch, Jennifer insisted on taking the twins out for a girls’ only afternoon of shopping and pampering.

  I pulled Che aside. “Is that a good idea?”

  “I’ll tail them and make sure they stay safe. They’ll have no idea I’m watching—they never do.”

  “All right. I’ve got some calls to make, anyway. I need to follow up with Tap and Gessilyn.”

  Che’s eyes widened. “Tap and Gessilyn are working on this? As in the former troll king and the high witch?”

  “Yeah. I’m also going to see who else will help us. Toby can probably convince the vampires, who hold weight with the dragons.”

  “Wow. Those jaguars have no idea what they’re up against.”

  “No, they certainly don’t.”

  “The taxis are here,
” Jennifer said. “I called one to take you two back to the hotel.” Her gaze landed on me. “I want to thank you.”

  “Me?”

  “Yes. Katya has been so much happier these last two weeks since you’ve been in her life. You’re really special to her. I just want to make sure you know that.” She stared me down, clearly sending an unspoken message.

  I cleared my throat. “She’s really special to me, too. I just want what’s best for her.”

  Che stepped a little closer to me. “Don’t worry, Jen. I’ve already given him ‘the talk.’ He’s got my seal of approval.”

  Jennifer smiled and turned back to me. “You seem like a really great guy, but you have to understand why I’m so protective of her. The girls are all I have of my Kevin.”

  “I do, and I would never treat her as less than the treasure she is.”

  She threw her arms around me, then turned to pay the bill.

  “Wait,” I said. “I’ve got that.”

  Her eyes widened. “What?”

  I pulled out my card and handed it to the server before turning back to Jennifer. “My treat.”

  “But… why?”

  My mind raced. I didn’t want to hurt her pride by saying that I knew she didn’t have a lot of money and that I had plenty to spare. “It’s my gift to Katya for the win.”

  “I don’t know what to say. Thank you. You really do seem to be as great as Katya thinks.”

  “It looks like the taxis are here,” Che said.

  We gathered our things, and I signed the receipt as everyone headed for the door.

  Once outside, Katya wrapped me in a hug. “Thank you for paying for the meal. I know it was more than Mom could afford, and she planned a spa day on top of lunch.”

  “She just wants you to feel as special as you are.” I gave her a quick kiss.

  “Come on, Katya!”

  She brushed her lips across mine. “I’ll be back to the hotel as soon as I can.”

  “Have fun.” Our gazes lingered as she climbed into the taxi with her mom and sister.

  Che turned to me. “You take the taxi. I’m going to hail another one and keep an eye on them.”

  “Sounds good. Give me a call if you need anything.”

  He nodded, and we waved as the ladies’ taxi pulled away. “And you tell me if you hear any good news from Tap or Gessilyn. I still can’t believe that. And you mentioned the dragons?”