Page 37 of Dante's Circle Reborn

He was right next to her ear. “You have to move your body with it, not just your arm.”

“Show me.”

It wasn’t a question, but thankfully, he did. He moved with her, showing her the motion, and she did her best not to tuck her thumb into her fist.

He had one hand on her hip, his front pressed firmly to her back. She could feel the long, thick ridge of his erection, and she swallowed hard.

He moved away then, and she turned in his arms, even as she let out a shaky breath. “We’re not going to bond tonight,” he whispered.

“Is that a euphemism?” she asked, and he laughed.

“We’re not going to have sex. We’re not going to bond. We’re going to get to know each other. We’re going to stay safe behind these wards.”

She couldn’t focus, but she knew it was the right decision. “Who are you, Jonah? Other than the man from the bar that saved my life more than once tonight.”

“I’m a jaguar, a soldier, and, if we dive into fate, I could be your mate.”

“And you’re not going to tell me? The stories.”

He looked down at his hands. “I want to. I will.”

“It’s a little heavy, though, right? I mean, I told you mine, but that was because we were on the run from parts of my past. We could take a minute before we talk about yours.”

“We can. But I want to tell you. I haven’t told many people. Malik knows, but no one else.”

“Why is that?”

“Because it’s my past. But my past has to do with my present somewhat.” He leaned down, and she frowned as he pulled up his pant leg.

She saw the metal there, and her eyes widened.

“You’ve been fighting all night. Are you hurting?”

Jonah nodded. “Yes, I should probably rest it for a bit. I’ve been fighting on some form of prosthesis for half my life at this point. You think I’d be used to it.”

“I didn’t realize that shifters could lose limbs.” She closed her eyes and groaned. “Don’t comment on that. That’s a horrible thing to say.”

Jonah took her hand and led her to the couch. He sat down, and she did the same. She hoped she wasn’t going to say the wrong thing.

“I’ve been intrusive. I’ll stop.”

“No, you’re not. When I’m not wearing shorts, it’s hard for me to bring up the fact that I lost my leg in battle.”

“Oh.”

“It doesn’t hurt anymore. It’s been long enough that the scar tissue feels like just normal skin and muscle at this point. But thanks to some magic that went against nature, I was unable to grow my leg back the way a normal shifter would.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I am, too. However, I learned how to fight with one leg—or three if I’m in my animal form. I’m still a good soldier, and I can still protect Penelope.”

Poppy shot up to her feet. “Penelope. Shouldn’t you be there? Protecting her? We need to go. Or you can go, and I can stay right here for you, but you need to get back to the realm, don’t you?”

“I do.” He held out his hand, and she looked down at it, swallowing hard. We can both sit down, Poppy.”

She did.

“I’ve been texting with Malik, Penelope is fine. She’s with her mother and her guards.”

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