Carpathian 17 - Dark Celebration

way.
    He could if he was psychic.
    I would know. I spent my life fighting them in the jungle, Riordan. In any case, I'm perfectly capable of controlling my cat. I've been doing it all my life — even when she's edgy and needs a mate .
    You better never let her loose when she needs a mate — unless you re coming to me. Now wait for me .
    She reached for her wild side, allowing her jaguar to completely take over her body.
    Spotted fur slid over her skin. Muscles and tendons contracted and stretched, stiletto-sharp claws sprang from her curving hands and her face elongated to accommodate the jaguar muzzle and teeth. She dropped to all fours, already running smoothly. Roped muscles and a flexible spine allowed the stocky jaguar to leap from boulder to log and even take to the tree branches when necessary.
    I forbid this , Riordan bit out, his hiss of anger sliding into her mind with a black swirl.
    Then it's a good thing no one can boss me around . Juliette had fought most of her life against the jaguar males. They kidnapped women with the ability to shapeshift and stole any child resulting in the union. Juliette had stayed in the forest working with other women to try to help, but in the end she'd lost her mother and aunt to the jaguars, and eventually they had captured Jasmine, her sister. She couldn't allow any woman to fall into their hands.
    Riordan was a strong Carpathian male and had lived for centuries in South America, adopting the Latin possessive and protective nature toward women, which compounded the already overbearingly dominant traits of his species. She knew he was furious at the idea she could be in danger and he wasn't with her, and he was also angry with her for her refusal to do as he ordered.
    Rafael will come with me. We will find this male.
    Good. Then I'll have backup. I suggest you hurry.
    He sent her a low growl and the impression of strangling her. Juliette ignored him and raced across the snow as lightly as possible, covering the male's tracks, scenting the forest air. Her jaguar fought her for a moment, trying to turn in the direction of the mountains, but she held the cat to its course, moving fast in an effort to overtake the male.
    How long had he been outside her house watching her make her fruit salad for the party?
    She had been insistent that Riordan go visit his brother since Manolito had been injured. It had never occurred to her that she might run into a jaguar male here in the Carpathian Mountains—especially with all the protective males surrounding the women and guarding them as if they were all precious treasures.
    You are a precious treasure, Juliette, although I'm considering beating you into submission.
    I would cut off body parts when you slept.
    That would be a problem . In spite of the gravity of the situation, amusement welled up between them.
    Juliette felt a surge of love. She had never thought she would find a man—least of all a very dominating one—she could love and respect. Her life had been all about fighting men, but Riordan valued and cherished her. He always put her first, even when he was attempting to order her around. And in truth, it was nice to be able to rely on someone. Riordan was totally reliable. He would come and he would bring others.
    She moved with confidence, staying low, aware the jaguar male could be luring her into a trap. Where there was one, there were often more, especially if they had come for a female—and that was likely. The male had veered toward the south, moving quickly through any open spaces, trying to stay to the trees for cover.
    I cannot detect him when I scan.
    Riordan swore. Juliette, get out of there. I'm telling you to break off and wait for us.
    We're so close, but you could be running into a trap .
    I cannot allow him to get near the other women. He's circling around now and heading toward Rafael's house. Go back, Riordan. Colby has her brother and sister and their friends there . Panic edged her voice. She was still a distance away and she was fairly certain Riordan and Rafael were coming toward her. They would miss the jaguar male and he would have free access to the women and teens at the house.

    Colby will protect the children. She is aware of the danger and is taking precautions.
    Just stop where you are , Riordan coaxed.
    Juliette hesitated. What would be the best thing to do to ensure the male didn't grab anyone? She turned slightly, standing in a lower dip, lifting her head to scent the air