Secret Jaguar Page 13

  “They’re a maybe. Toby has sway with the vampire queen, who is mother-in-law to a dragon king.”

  “Well, I’m glad to hear that. Blown away, but glad.” Che waved to a taxi.

  A breeze blew by, and with it, the scent of jaguar shifters tickled my nose.

  Che and I exchanged a worried glance.

  I shuddered. “You keep an eye on her, and I’ll find out what I can about who can help us.”

  He sniffed the air. “Make sure they know it’s urgent.”

  “Believe me, I will.”

  Chapter 21

  Katya

  I set the pen down on the desk and took a deep breath. My last final was complete. Summer vacation would start as soon as I walked out the door of the classroom.

  Yet instead of freedom, doom pressed on all sides.

  It had been a full week since I drank Tap’s potion. I’d run into my relatives a couple times over the week, but not once did they recognize me. I wasn’t sure who they thought I was, but it clearly wasn’t me.

  That was about to change, and I wasn’t sure when. Would the potion last exactly one week? Down to the hour? Or in general, like it might fade, making me safe for another day?

  At least now I had time to worry about it. It would be another three months before I needed to think about studying again. With any luck, by then all these troubles would be long forgotten.

  Or would I be a slave wife to a dictator-like husband who wouldn’t give me enough freedom to attempt an escape?

  I shook my head. No, I couldn’t let myself think like that. That wouldn’t happen. It wasn’t even in the realm of possibility.

  Except it was.

  “Time’s up.” The professor’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Turn in your papers and have a nice summer.”

  Nice summer. Right.

  I stuffed my pen into my bag and took my exam to the front desk along with everyone else, who were just as eager to get out the door.

  As soon as I made it to the hallway, Carter smiled at me. I relaxed just seeing him. He’d been my constant companion all week, never leaving my side. Each night, I slept snuggled against him, and we really only parted to use the bathroom or get dressed.

  He pulled a bouquet of colorful tulips from behind his back. “Congratulations! You made it through finals.”

  I ignored the flowers and kissed him deeply, releasing all my pent-up emotions into his minty-sweet mouth.

  Someone whistled behind us. Another person shouted for us to get a room.

  Carter grinned and handed me the bouquet. “They’re just jealous that I get to kiss the most beautiful woman on campus.”

  I leaned my forehead against his and gazed into his eyes. “Or maybe they envy me for kissing you.”

  He laced his fingers through mine. “I don’t see why they would.”

  “We’ll just have to agree to disagree.”

  “I guess so.”

  “You two are so cute, I can’t stand it.”

  I turned from Carter to see Paige standing next to us.

  Her mouth dropped. “Flowers? She’s right. You are perfect.”

  “Told you so.” I played with Carter’s hair. “So, are you going home for the summer?”

  Paige shook her head. “I’m taking a summer class and am going to keep working at my internship.”

  “We’ll have to hang out.”

  “For sure! We can do a double-date soon. You still haven’t met Pax yet.”

  “No, I haven’t.” I made sure to use an accusatory tone.

  She laughed. “Call me. I have to get to my Physics final.”

  “Ugh. Good luck.”

  “I’m gonna need it!”

  We waved, then headed outside where the sun’s rays beat down on us. It was almost enough to make me forget about my problems. Almost.

  “When will the potion stop protecting me?”

  He put a fingertip to my mouth. “You can’t just say things like that with all these people around.”

  “Nobody’s paying attention. Everyone’s thinking about exams or summer break.”

  “Still.” He pressed his lips against mine. “We have to be careful.”

  “Okay, okay. But seriously, when will it stop?”

  “Not until tonight.”

  “Then what?”

  “We find another way to keep you safe.”

  I stepped back. “You don’t know what, though? What about that witch, or Tap or—?”

  He pulled me close and whispered in my ear, tickling it. “We can’t talk about witches in front of mere mortals, either. Stop worrying for now, and come see what I’ve been planning.”

  “What?” I stepped back and stared at him.

  His eyes shone with excitement. “Promise to stop worrying?”

  “Do you promise I’ll be safe?”

  “Yes.” He spoke with such confidence that I had to believe him.

  “Okay. What did you plan?”

  “You’ll have to wait and see.” He took my hand and led me across campus to his Ferrari. Even though I’d ridden in it a handful of times, I still couldn’t get used to seeing it.

  Carter held the passenger door open for me and gave a slight bow. “M’lady.”

  I climbed inside and drew in a deep breath, taking in the strong leather scent.

  “Where are we going?” I asked after he started the engine.

  “You’ll find out soon enough.”

  “When I told Paige that you’re perfect, what I really meant was annoying.”

  He chuckled. “Whatever you have to tell yourself. I’m still not telling you where we’re going until we get there.”

  “Like I said, annoying.”

  “I’ll take that.”

  Before long, he pulled onto the dirt road heading for his home—not that he’d stayed there a single night since I’d met him.

  “You’re taking me to the mansion?”

  He shook his head. “It’s merely a parking lot as far as my plans are concerned.”

  “We’re going into the woods?”

  “You’re the most curious person I’ve ever met, you know that?”

  “I’ll take that,” I teased, using the same expression he had when I’d called him annoying. “Are we going to shift again?”

  We’d shifted a couple times during the week when my anxiety over the final exams got to me. Each time was more exhilarating than the last.

  “Nope.”

  “What, then?”

  He shook his head, parked, then helped me out.

  “Going for a hike? I’m not really dressed for that.” I glanced down at my sundress and heeled sandals.

  “You’re fine. We’re not going too far into the woods.”

  “Ha! So we are going into the woods.”

  Carter snickered. “You got me. Yes, we are, but that’s all you’re getting out of me.”

  He wrapped his arm around me, and we strolled into the woods, following a well-traveled path. I continued questioning him, but he kept his lips sealed.

  Then he led me down a sloping, ivy-covered path to a pond that shone in the sunlight. Several rainbows reflected from it, and a unicorn lapped up water from the other side. A unicorn.

  My mouth dropped open. “Unicorns are real?”

  “That surprises you?” He cupped my chin and kissed me lightly. “Look over here.”

  I followed his gaze to an elaborate picnic setup on top of a large purple and green blanket. A bottle of champagne leaned against the fancy basket. “You set this up?”

  “I did, and I even had Emery watch it to make sure the unicorn stayed away from the food.”

  “Where is he?” I glanced around, not seeing the red-haired werewolf.

  “I told him to take off as soon as we showed up.” Carter stepped closer, pressing himself against me. He wrapped his arm around me and kissed me, our tongues dancing and exploring.

  My pulse raced through my body, and I returned the kiss with equal passion. Birds sang nearb
y, almost in tune with our expression of love.

  I froze. Was what we had actually love?

  Carter ran his fingertips along my jawline. “Is this okay?”

  “It’s better than okay.” I took possession of his mouth again and raked my fingers through his hair.

  The word love rolled around in my mind, soaring higher and making me feel like Carter and I were floating in the air. I really did love him. Though we’d only known each other for less than four weeks, we’d hardly been apart. We were much closer than a normal couple of only a month.

  Carter pulled back and stared at me, gasping for air. “Maybe we should see what’s in the picnic basket.”

  I struggled to find my voice. “You don’t know what’s inside?”

  He kissed my nose, and led me over to the blanket. “I do, but you don’t.”

  We sat, and he opened the basket. Carter pulled out plates, champagne flutes, and an array of foods. The aromas made my mouth water.

  “Laura made everything, so I know it’s going to be delicious.” He dished up lasagna, creamy vegetables, fruit kabobs, and chocolate chip cookies. Everything except the fruit released steam when he opened the containers. “I hope you’re hungry.”

  I stared into his eyes. “Oh, I definitely am.”

  We leaned against each other and watched the water and the unicorn while we ate. It was like a dream, and I never wanted to wake up.

  After we finished eating, Carter popped the champagne and filled the flutes. He held up his. “To us.”

  I tapped my flute against his. “To love.”

  His eyes widened.

  So did mine. I hadn’t meant to say love. I’d meant to say us. But ‘love’ had come out instead. And now he was staring at me with that shocked expression.

  “Love?”

  If I could’ve found my voice, I’d have said any number of things. Instead, I said nothing.

  “Love?” His voice was softer this time.

  I nodded and opened myself up to the probable rejection. “I love you, Carter. I know it may seem crazy after only a few weeks, but—”

  He pressed his lips on mine and kissed me with such passion it sent both heat and a shiver through me. Then he gazed into my eyes. “I’ve loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you. That probably sounds crazy, but I believe we’re meant to be together.”

  It took a few moments to register his words. He loved me too? He thought we were meant for each other?

  I opened my mouth to speak, but he kissed me again, stopping me from saying anything.

  Chapter 22

  Carter

  I handed Laura the picnic basket. “Thank you. Everything was delicious, as always.”

  She beamed. “I’m so glad. How did the picnic itself go?”

  It was my turn to beam. “She told me she loves me.” It was easy to open up to our pack mom because she’d grown to feel like my actual mom.

  Her entire expression glowed. “Must be the love potion I put in there.”

  My smile faded. “What?”

  She kissed my cheek. “I’m kidding, sweetie. It’s all you. What’s not to love?”

  I breathed a sigh of relief. “Don’t do that to me, Mom.”

  “I can’t help it. You’re fun to tease.”

  “Can I do anything to help clean up?”

  She shoved me out of the kitchen. “Just go enjoy your girl. I’ve got this.”

  Toby nearly walked into me. “Carter, I didn’t realize you were here. I have to talk to you.” He glanced around. “Privately.”

  I followed him to his office, first checking on Katya. She sat in the living room with Victoria, Ziamara, and the group of kids. They were all laughing, and she didn’t even notice me.

  Toby closed his office door behind us and indicated for me to have a seat on his couch. He sat two cushions away and took a deep breath.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “It’s less than ideal, but we have options.”

  I groaned. “Lay it on me.”

  “Gessilyn got called away in the middle of working on a cloaking spell for Katya. Her family’s working on something, but they don’t have anything yet. They say to give them another day or two.”

  “What?” I exclaimed. “Why is a simple spell so difficult?”

  “It’s extra-complicated hiding a jaguar shifter from her own family members, apparently. The details went over my head, but they’re working on it. Tap says she can stay in his guest room for as long as she needs to. Nobody will find her there.”

  I nodded, my mind racing. “Maybe Tap’s place is the answer.”

  “Or I can see if the vampires will house her. They won’t let a pack of enemy shifters near the castle. Plus, she might enjoy spending time there. She’s probably never seen the world’s largest castle.”

  “Tap’s place is closer. I think that’s our best bet. He might even have some more of the potion he gave her last week.”

  Toby nodded and gave me a sad smile. “She’s also welcome here. So are you.”

  “I hope so—I live here.”

  “Do you? I haven’t seen you in weeks.”

  “Yes. This is my pack, my family. I just need to stay close to Katya to make sure she stays safe.”

  Toby nodded knowingly. “I understand. Whatever you decide, let me know. Also, the second I hear from Gessilyn’s family, you’ll be the first to know.”

  “I appreciate that.” I clenched my fists and rose. “Have you gotten ahold of other werewolf packs? We might need the backup sooner than expected if Katya has no cloaking spells.”

  “You could always ask Darrell at the spice shop, though I suspect Katya has become immune to his concoctions. Otherwise, neither you nor the other jaguars would’ve found her.”

  I nodded. “Right. I’m going to talk with her about staying at the Faeble.”

  Katya was still playing with the kids. I sat next to her, and little Wilder climbed onto my lap.

  “Where you been, Uncle Carter? I miss you.”

  “Aw,” Katya gushed. “I’m sorry, Wilder. I’ve been keeping him away. We’ll stay so you can play with him.”

  “Yay!” Wilder threw his tiny fist into the air and knocked me over flat on my back. The kid loved nothing more than wrestling.

  An hour later, Katya and I headed outside. She turned to me. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to drop from exhaustion. My bed never seemed more welcoming.”

  “About that…”

  Her eyebrows came together. “What do you mean?”

  “Tap’s protection spell is going to wear off anytime now, and we don’t have another one to replace it.”

  “What are you getting at?”

  “I think we should take Tap up on his offer to stay in his guest room.”

  “What? No.”

  “It’s only temporary. Gessilyn needs only a day or two to come up with a spell for you.”

  Katya’s mouth formed a straight line, and she shook her head. “I won’t go.”

  “Why not? Your family will find you without protection in place.”

  “They’re not my family. Just relatives. Big difference.”

  I nodded, understanding completely. “Still, they’re dangerous, and we’re not ready to face off with them.”

  She dug her heel into the ground. “I am. I’ll have no problem telling them where they can stick their old ideas.”

  “Can we sleep on it? I hear Tap’s guest room is amazing.”

  “I don’t care. I’m not letting those jerks scare me away.”

  Why had I thought convincing her to stay at the Faeble would be easy? I took a deep breath. “They’ve brought in a lot of shifters. The scent is strong, and continues to grow stronger every day.”

  “I’ve noticed, but that doesn’t change my mind.”

  “Even though what they want is to take you away?”

  “Have you noticed they haven’t been successful? I’m still here.”

  Irritation ran through m
e. I took a deep breath and squeezed her hand gently. “But now they’re amping up their game. It’s probably going to get ugly. When I faced off against my dad, his wildly popular club burned to the ground.”

  She held my gaze for a moment. “The Jag?”

  “How did you know?”

  “I’ve heard about it. It was really exclusive, then one day a mysterious fire destroyed it. There are a lot of theories flying around about it.”

  “The truth is, it was a battle of the shifters. Jaguars and Wolves, mostly.”

  “Wait.” Her eyes widened. “Your last name is Jag, and it was called the Jag. I never made the connection before.”

  “It’s not a big deal. My point is that things can get ruined—lives will end. What if it’s your hotel? Your family?”

  Katya’s eyes widened further.

  “All I’m asking is that you hide out in the Faeble for a couple days until Gessilyn can work her magic. Once she does, she’ll have such a powerful cloaking spell that your fam—your relatives will think you’ve moved somewhere else. Then, so will they.”

  “I understand what you’re saying. How about this bargain—?”

  “You want to set a wager when your safety is involved?”

  “Just hear me out.” She pleaded with her eyes.

  I took a deep breath. “What is it?”

  “Keep in mind that Tap’s potion is good through tonight—”

  “We hope. It’s not an exact science. It probably won’t end exactly at the same time you took it last week.”

  “But probably pretty close. I’ve been waiting all week to get back to that secret entrance we found. I’d have been there if I hadn’t needed to study so desperately. If we go check it out, I’ll hide out at Tap’s after.”

  I frowned. “That’s the only way you’ll agree to stay at the Faeble?”

  She crossed her arms and nodded yes.

  “Okay. On the condition that if we sense more shifters, we leave immediately. Your safety first.”

  Katya sighed. “Oh, all right.”

  We climbed into my car and headed for the hotel. I kept my senses on high alert for other jaguar shifters, but we seemed to be in the clear. The potion was still protecting her—for now.