Hunted by the Jaguar Read online

  Though his penis stiffened at her touch, every muscle in his body went taut. “Go back to bed.”

  “Not without you.”

  A hank of dark hair spilled onto his forehead. “I don’t deserve you.”

  Her heart constricted. “Why? Because you feel you’ve forced me to unleash my demon to save you? I did it because I love you, Daimon. Not because you forced me, dammit.”

  She drew a quivering breath and bunched her fists in the nightgown’s silk folds. “You have done everything to protect me, keep me safe. You think you’re undeserving of love, but you love with a ferocity I’ve never seen before. Your love for your men, chaining you here for all these years. Your love for life. Your love for me.”

  Ariana placed his hand on her chest, over her rapidly thudding heart. “If anyone deserves love, it’s you, Daimon. And no one needs your love more than I do. Right now. You’ve fulfilled your obligation to this colony and these men. You’re free now.”

  His eyes widened as he stared at her. Ariana let all her feelings for this shifter show in her eyes. Daimon gently removed his hand, used it to cup her cheek. His thumb stroked over her cheekbone.

  “I have something to confess, sunshine.”

  A heartbeat of silence quivered between them. Daimon dropped his hand, his gaze haunted. She waited, tension gripping her body.

  “Theo and his brothers, they’re not my men. I’m not…their leader.” His jaw turned to stone. “They’re my family. My brothers and cousins.”

  Her mouth opened and closed. “How…I don’t get it.”

  “I was appointed as an Ancient shortly before they assigned me to dispatch Jarrett’s sister. My powers were much more advanced than anyone else in my extended family. My father kept giving me advice, I kept feeling the pressure to prove myself, make him proud. And he worried I wasn’t strong enough, smart enough….”

  Concentrating, she saw his aura darken to swirls of blackness, striated with gray. He was grieving, hurt and ashamed. The angelic light inside her hummed to heal, but she suppressed it. He must do this on his own.

  Daimon clenched his hands. “He advised me to talk to Jarrett instead and then insisted on being close by, just in case I needed help. And my damn pride…I knew could do it alone and insisted on doing it my way.”

  Flesh quivered as he slammed a fist against one rock-hard thigh. “And then the pack attacked, and my family came to my rescue. It was my fault our father died. Mine. All because I refused to listen to reason. This is why I’ve remained here. Because I vowed Theo and my family would some day be freed.”

  “You really are an arrogant ass.”

  His jaw dropped. “What…”

  Ariana narrowed her eyes, knowing she had to get through to him. “You didn’t ask your father for help. Did you use your powers to magically propel them into the fight? Dammit, you’ve been punishing yourself for thirty years. Jarrett’s forgiven you. Isn’t it about time for you to forgive yourself?”

  Daimon unclenched his fists.

  “Have Theo or the others ever blamed you? No,” she said as he shook his head, “If anything, they’ve probably blamed themselves for this. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s your father’s for interfering instead of leaving you alone. It’s time to let go, Daimon. Let it go.”

  Her heart pounding, she gathered his hands in hers. “It’s time to move forward. The future is filled with possibilities, but not if you insist on dwelling in the past.”

  “You’re so damn smart,” he said quietly. “But you deserve all the truth. My future is pretty damn bleak right now, because unless you’re involved in it, it’ll stay that way. I want you in my life, Ariana. For good. Will you mate me?”

  The future. Daimon could not envision it without her, the sunshine to his own darkness. He studied her face, shining with trust and determination.

  I don’t know if I can bear life without you. You’re everything to me. My heart, my soul, the reason I want to keep living.

  You set me free.

  Ariana had coaxed out his finest moments. He would give up everything for her happiness. Even his own selfish need to keep her tethered to his side.

  He couldn’t let go.

  He must, if she desired it, for Ariana’s happiness meant everything to him.

  Leaning close, she gave the fragrance unique to her, the scent his beast drew into his lungs. Savoring this moment, savoring her, Daimon knew what he must do.

  “If you say no, I won’t force you. You’re free to leave if you wish.” The words came as a choking whisper. “I won’t keep you here any longer. I will grant you anything your heart desires.”

  He looked at her and saw a questioning look in her lovely blue eyes. The mouth he’d adored exploring pursed in a pretty pout. “You would.”

  A statement, not a question. Daimon nodded. “If it’s what you want. I won’t hold you back.”

  Yearning to touch her, willing to give anything to touch her one last time, if she turned and walked away. He stepped forward, brushing his lips against hers, her mouth sweet and supple.

  “My heart’s desire isn’t running away anymore. It’s staying with you. Wherever you go. Yes, I will mate you, Daimon.”

  Dizzy with relief, giddy with joy, he stared into her warm gaze. “Dammit, I love you so much. I promise I’ll always be good to you.”

  Maybe he didn’t deserve this much joy, this much love. Maybe it was all part of some crazy destiny. He didn’t care. He only wanted to seize happiness with both hands and hold on tight.

  “You’ve given me new purpose, Ariana. I do love you, hell, I’ve loved you for years, all those years. Coming back here to my brothers, and then be with you, to watch over you. I tried to keep you out, but all this time, through all the lonely years, all I ever wanted was to fall into your arms and stay there forever.”

  Daimon cupped her face. “Make love with me, Ariana. Let’s seal our bond as mates in the flesh.”

  His mouth against Ariana’s was warm, his kiss filled with subtle pressure as his tongue stroked past her lips. Daimon broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers, clasping her shoulders.

  The white inside her hummed in satisfaction. His aura pulsed with the fiery crimson of passion.

  He fingered the tiny strap of her nightgown, his touch making her shiver. “Aren’t you wearing too many clothes?” he murmured.

  A quick flex of his hands, and the gown fell to the floor in a whisper of silk. Ariana stood before him naked. Blushing, she tried to cover herself, but he caught her wrists.

  “Anyone can see us!”

  “Yup.”

  He kissed her again, his lips warm and firm. His tongue thrust into her parted mouth, possessive and intense. She concentrated on the hot plunge, the skilled strokes.

  He kept kissing her, his hand drifting up to her breast. He cupped it, gently kneading. Then his thumb drifted lazily over the tightening nipple. Sharp, delicious pleasure speared her. His hips rocked gently, his erection pressing against her.

  Lips moved against hers, kissing with arrogant authority. He sucked on her bottom lip, released it with a faint popping sound. Whispered into her mouth.

  “You’re so sweet, so damn hot. I want you, now.”

  She bit her trembling lips. “But we’re so exposed! I think…”

  He laid a finger over her mouth. “Don’t think. Just feel. No excuses, no changing your mind. Because if I don’t have you, right now, I’m going to fucking die.”

  A shaky hiss of breath escaped her lungs. He forced her thighs to open as he wedged himself between them. Palming her breasts, cupping and squeezing. The slow slide of his hands intensified the deep ache between her thighs. This was Daimon, her jaguar who needed her as badly as she needed him. Bonding with her in the flesh. She felt vulnerable, wanton and exposed in the open hallway, but desire nudged her to spread her legs wider.

  The fever built, scorching with each stroke of his hands. Burning hotter as his fingers drifted lower, teasing lightly as he
cupped her mound. She made little humming sounds against his mouth. Those sensual, firm lips parted. He leaned close. Warm breath teased her cheek. Very gently, he nipped her earlobe.

  “How bad do you want it? Bad as me?” he whispered.

  “Please. Now.”

  A smile tugged his lips upward. His fingers gently caressed the tangle of damp feminine curls. Sizzling heat bit as his fingers explored lower. He lightly stroked a finger across her wet, throbbing cleft. Ariana clenched down.

  His fingers parted her folds, found her slick wetness. Rubbed slowly, lightly, stoking the fire to unbearable tension. Her hands bunched in his thick silky hair.

  A loud, coughing grunt tore from his throat, the sound of a wild beast calling to his mate. It rumbled through the hallway in a triumphant echo.

  She nearly sobbed in frustration when he broke contact. He quieted her with a soothing whisper. His hand dropped between them. His penis pushed against her thigh, then eagerly probed her wet flesh, seeking entrance.

  Ariana braced herself for the full impact of that rigid cock.

  Daimon cupped her bare bottom, kneaded and squeezed. With seamless ease, he lifted her against the wall and positioned himself. The rounded knob of his penis settled against her aching flesh.

  He pushed himself very slowly inside, barely entering. Her core tightened in agonized need. Muscle and sinew in his shoulders tautened beneath the digging pressure of her fingertips. “Please!” she rasped in a hoarse cry.

  “Tell me what you want,” he demanded.

  “You,” she gasped as he pushed in another half inch. “In me. Now!”

  His rich laugh, ringing with male satisfaction, washed over her quivering body. “All right,” he said, his eyes glittering like diamonds. “Look at me.”

  Her gaze locked on his. His ragged breath escaped. With a powerful thrust, he fully entered her. Ariana gasped, impaled on his smooth, hard length.

  Holding her still, he pushed forward again. The feel of him between her thighs, his thickness inside her, was almost too much to stand. She moaned, and wrapped her legs around his pumping hips.

  He coaxed her mouth to his, kissing her, stroking her bottom lip in long, sensual caresses. Desperate to have him move again, she whimpered, making rocking motions with her hips.

  “I think you’re ready now.” His voice was amused, tender.

  He adjusted his position and pushed deep inside her, his gaze intent on her face. Ariana stared into the rich green depths of his eyes. She writhed helplessly against the smooth glide of his penis. He pumped steadily, driving upward, slapping against her as harsh groans rumbled from his deep chest.

  His rich, masculine scent wrapped around her like a cloak. She leaned over and nipped his neck and he grunted, not breaking his rhythm. Then new scents and sounds wafted toward her. Ariana dug her fingers into the hard muscles of his shoulders.

  His entire family gathered in the hall, watching them. Ariana felt their keen interest, heard the growling approval of the men, the excited whispers of the women. As Daimon pounded harder and faster into her, she clung to him, the maelstrom of erotic fever gripping them both. She was helpless to resist and let the tide sweep her away. His penis slid in and out in a frenzy, a gathering storm ready to burst on the horizon.

  Ariana panted, her breaths mingling with the rapid bellowing of Daimon’s lungs. A delicious friction built, the storm hurling her higher and higher. The grip of his strong fingers kneading her bare bottom, her legs tightened around his lean waist, the delicious thickness sliding in and out of her wet sheath. He was muscled, hard, controlling her with each demanding stroke of his thick shaft. She burned. Oh, close, so close it was…

  “Come on, sunshine,” he panted. “Come for me. Let go.”

  Stifling a cry, she came violently, her body convulsing, her whole cunt squeezing him. Daimon’s powerful body bucked against her, his head tossed back, jaw working violently as he groaned harshly.

  Ariana’s heart hammered a staccato beat. Chest heaving, Daimon leaned his forehead against hers. Suddenly shy, she buried her head into his shoulder.

  He licked her damp cheek in a tender caress. “Don’t hide. I called to them to witness this moment. It’s my solemn declaration of commitment to you. We are mated now, the flesh and spirit.”

  Wondering, she lifted her head, saw the beaming approval of the gathered jaguars.

  “Well done, little brother,” Theo called out.

  The jaguars turned and headed back to the living room, herding their mates before them.

  “Little brother?” She gulped down a breath, her limbs wobbly as he gently set her down. “You’re the youngest?”

  “Yes. One reason my father worried about me after I became an Ancient. Even though my powers were more advanced, he still saw me as the reckless youngest son.”

  When she dressed in the nightgown, he swung her into his arms and carried her upstairs. In the hallways, a door opened and a werewolf stepped out. The shifter stepped back with a strangled sound and lowered his gaze submissively.

  Ariana gave a little laugh as Daimon carried her into his bedroom. “I think he’s a little afraid of you.”

  “Not me.” Daimon placed her down on the bed. “You’re the one who claimed all their respect. If you told them to roll over and play dead, they would.”

  She touched his cheek. “Do I have that much power over you as well?”

  Her question was teasing, but it constricted his heart. Daimon sat beside her, taking in the softness of her skin, the blueness of her gaze. The lush contours of her body beneath the flimsy gown.

  “More than you know,” he said hoarsely.

  She slid her arms around his neck. “Show me.”

  And he did, all through the night.

  Morning dawned in a wash of gold and rose streaking the gray sky. A promise of rare sunshine lingered on the horizon. Ariana hummed as she dressed. Today, everyone was leaving this dreadful place.

  She studied the phone on the nightstand. For months, the three sisters had avoided each other. Separated, because they sensed they were coming into their powers and each had to deal with the transformation on her own.

  It was time. She picked up the phone, and dialed. A familiar voice answered.

  Tears misted her eyes. “Hello, Mara.”

  They talked a long while, and then she got Samantha on the line. When Ariana finally hung up, she felt more peaceful than she had in months.

  A few hours later, a fleet of sleek white vans arrived to transport Daimon’s brothers to their homes in California. With hugs and promises to reunite in a few months, his family climbed inside. Theo helped Felicity onto a seat, his touch possessive and tender, his expression radiant. A lump clogged Ariana’s throat as she waved goodbye.

  “They’re happy at last. Because of you and your strength. Thank you,” Daimon told her.

  When the vans drove off, they went to the backyard to watch the werewolves leave. The men and their females shifted forms after they exited the house, as if they longed to be one with the wild. Arm in arm, she and Daimon watched the wolves bound across the meadow, their ears pointed forward, their tails wagging. They slipped into the woods, running with unbridled joy.

  One lone wolf with alpha markings stopped and turned back. Jarrett regarded them with steady brown eyes. Gave an almost imperceptible nod.

  Thank you.

  Then he raced after the others.

  Daimon took Ariana’s hand and headed to the Jaguar.

  “Where to now?” he asked when they were inside.

  “I want you to meet my sisters. They’re waiting for us in Denver with their mates.”

  He grinned. “Good. About time for a family reunion, isn’t it?”

  “Now that we no longer fear our demon halves controlling us. I think that’s why we all split apart. Because we knew that together, we could make a formidable force.”

  Daimon leaned toward her, kissed her cheek. “Just like you and me.”

  He starte
d the car and sped out through the sagging, broken gate. Ariana stared at the ribbon of road unraveling before them. Joy bubbled inside her. She took Daimon’s hand and squeezed.

  The future and its sweet song of promise awaited. They drove toward it, never once looking back.

  Don’t miss the other sensual, paranormal reads from Harlequin Nocturne Cravings, available at www.ebooks.eharlequin.com and wherever ebooks are sold. Titles include:

  Amazon Awakening by Caridad Pineiro

  The Djinn’s Dilemma by Mina Khan

  Mated to the Wolf by Bonnie Vanak

  Bitten by the Vampire by Bonnie Vanak

  Destined Mate by Katie Reus

  Out of the Dark by Megan Hart

  This Glamorous Evil by Michele Hauf

  Looking for more paranormal romance? The sizzling and spine-chilling books of Harlequin Nocturne are available at www.Harlequin.com or your local bookstore.

  ISBN: 978-1-4592-8275-9

  Hunted by the Jaguar

  Copyright © 2011 by Bonnie Vanak

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9.

  All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

  All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.