Chapter One
Someone was watching Jada Lassiter. His gaze seared her back. Even without turning to look across the crowded lounge, she sensed he was a shifter like her.
"Here, I want you to look at this picture."
She nodded and accepted the file her brother Cole slid across the table. The urge to glance around and locate the other shifter was strong, but she stomped it down. Instead, she sniffed the air. His aroused masculine scent was easy to distinguish from the alcohol, food, and sweat.
Attention from males, whether human or shifter, wasn't uncommon for her. She was an attractive woman, both in human and shifter form. But she'd never been so aware of being watched--or been so affected by the presence of another shifter.
Curiosity got the better of her. She had to look. In a maneuver she'd perfected from many years of flirting, she tossed her hair over one shoulder and tilted her head, scanning the room.
The resort was a palatial wooden lodge, with a rustic look that made it feel homey and natural, fitting into its woodland surroundings. The lounge was elegant, but less formal with live music and pool tables.
Her gaze moved around the room before locking on a man in the corner. His body was long and muscled, coiled into one of the lounge chairs as if he could unfurl at any moment. His skin had an olive tone and his hair was black.
His dark eyes narrowed on her with steady intent. His mouth curled into a predatory smile when he realized he had her attention.
A heated tremor swept through her--her nipples tightened almost painfully.
A werejaguar. His features gave it away. Very interesting. They were a rare breed, and she'd never been to bed with one. Hmm. Maybe she was destined to have a bit of fun this weekend.
Let the games begin. She raised an eyebrow, running her tongue across her upper lip.
"...armed and dangerous." Cole rapped his knuckles on the table. "Hey, are you listening to me, Jed? This stuff is important."
Jada spun back to face her brother. Flirting would have to wait. "I'm listening. And how many times do I have to ask you not to call me Jed? It makes me sound like a guy."
She forced her attention back down to the file, scowling as her brother laughed at her annoyance.
The greasy looking blond in the picture was the exact opposite of the gorgeous werejaguar across the room. Her nose crinkled in distaste. The next photo showed the man as a scrawny wolf with the same bloodshot blue eyes.
"Kenny Wilson. What about him? He's dead, right?"
Three weeks ago Jada had spotted him going into the woods with one of the maids. A couple hours later the maid was found barely alive. She'd been raped and viciously assaulted, then left to die in the woods. Fortunately Jada had come across her and gotten her medical help. The maid had recovered, but quit the resort to go home and live with her family. Everyone at Still Waters was still shaken and shocked by the crime.
Jada's testimony in front of a panel of shifters had led to his death sentence.
"He's not dead, Jada." Cole's expression turned grim. "See, you weren't listening a few minutes ago. He escaped before they could execute him. Last reports were that he attacked a family in Northern California and is heading our way."
Cold fear stabbed through her, but she forced a smile. "Well, shit. Should I set another plate for dinner?"
"Jada, this is serious. He could come after you."
"I know." She sighed and handed back the file, wishing her hand wasn't shaking. "I'll be on my guard."
Cole was good at what he did. As head of security, he kept a tight reign on the Still Waters resort. The maid's assault was the only violent crime on record.
"You'd better." Her brother stood up, sliding the folder under his arm. "So, you've got a pissed off looking jaguar in the corner checking you out. Do you realize that?"
"Yes, I know. And I'm actually kind of excited about it."
"Do you want me to tell him to get lost?"
"Hmm. Did you miss that part where I said I was excited about it? I can handle this, Cole."
He scowled. "I don't know. The guy looks as if he'd like to take a swing at me."
"He probably would." She stood on her tiptoes, hugging her brother and giving him a swift kiss on the cheek.
The jaguar's low angry growl carried across the room. The hairs on the back of her neck lifted and she closed her eyes for a moment.
Ah, so he was possessive. Already. And he hadn't even claimed her yet. But then, the night was young. They'd find out later who would do the actual claiming.
Cole sighed. "Behave yourself, Jada."
"Now why would I do that? Good girls are so boring." She winked at her brother and then turned to face the jaguar.
He remained in the chair, making no move to stand as she approached.
Her pulse was off the charts when she finally sat down in the seat across from him, though she fought to appear unaffected by his presence.
"I don't believe we've been introduced. I'm Jada. I'm the riding instructor here at Still Waters." She reached out a hand for him to shake. "Do you ride, Mr..."
He didn't acknowledge her hand or the question, just stared at her with that same stripping-you-naked expression.
Her face warmed with embarrassment and she drew her hand back to her lap.
"Tell me something, Jada." The sound of his voice, deep and rough, rattled her and sent cream straight into her panties. "Why did you kiss that man when you knew I was watching you?"
Her jaw dropped a little. She snapped it shut and then managed to force out a light laugh instead. Possessive for sure. She could go easy on him and explain Cole was her brother. But that would take the fun out of things.
"Hmm. Why don't you tell me? Why is it any of your concern who I kiss?" She sat back in her chair, allowing her tank top to pull away from her jeans and leave a patch of skin bare. The warm air in the room tickled her belly button.
His gaze dropped to her toned stomach. Good. She liked to have the upper hand.
"It's my concern, because I intend to have you in my bed tonight. And I don't share my women."
So much for having the upper hand. Her smile widened. He was going to keep her on her toes tonight.
)
