Page 10 of Pleasured By the Panther
She reached for the glass of wine that had appeared on the table while they were choosing their fruits, sipping to cover her confusion. The liquid was pale and golden, light on her tongue but with a strange, spicy kick at the end, like cinnamon mixed with fruit juice.
“This is… nice,” she murmured, draining it too quickly. She lifted the glass. “Another, please.”
Korrath’s hand closed lightly over hers, pressing the glass back down. “Careful. Too much of the v’uvla wine can act as an aphrodisiac.”
Her cheeks burned.
“Oh…oops.” She tried for dry humor. “Maybe I’ve already had too much. I’m a lightweight.”
His eyes gleamed knowingly, and she felt her pulse quicken. Was it just the wine loosening her, or was it his scent…his presence?
She didn’t know. She only knew she felt warmer…freer…less afraid of his gaze than before.
He studied her for a long moment, then asked,
“Have you had enough?”
“Yes,” Miranda said, setting the glass down before she could embarrass herself further. “What’s next on the agenda?”
His smile was slow and deliberate, showing a flash of white, curving fangs.
“Now, lovely one, it is time for a massage.”
Miranda’s stomach dipped, half in dread, half in anticipation, as he rose to his full, impossible height and offered his hand. Oh God…how was this going to go?
She had no idea, but it was certain she was going to find out.
8
KORRATH
He led Miranda down a narrow passage that opened into a grove bathed in soft, otherworldly light. The air was warm and damp, fragrant with the perfume of flowering vines. Bioluminescent blossoms hung from branches, throwing splashes of gold and violet across her pale skin.
Despite the beauty of the scene, Korrath had eyes for nothing but his Mature Elite. He breathed her in, his nostrils flaring. Even here, surrounded by the ship’s lush scents, her fragrance was stronger. The wine…the fruits he had fed her…the subtle musk of her Second Heat beginning to rise, they all teased him. His body stirred, impatient for her touch. But he would not rush her, he told himself. She needed to learn to trust him before he could Bond her to him.
Miranda paused in the grove, her eyes flicking to the organic table at its center. It was grown from one of the Mother Ship’s massive root structures, the surface flattened and cushioned with firm moss that glowed faintly from within.
Her brows drew together.
“I thought this was some kind of couples massage—where’s the other table? And where are the massage therapists?”
Korrath stepped close enough that his fur brushed her skin. He lowered his head until his lips were near her ear.
“I am the one giving you the massage, my lovely one,” he purred.
She spun to face him, her lovely eyes wide.
“What?”
“During the Claiming period, a Kindred or Monstrum warrior is allowed to massage his chosen woman and give her pleasure,” he reminded her. He felt a smile tug at his mouth. “We are having our Claiming period now—it is simply a little shorter than usual.” He straightened, looking down into her eyes. “Would you like help undressing?” he murmured.
Miranda backed away, her eyes going even wider.
“You want me to get naked?”
“Yes.” Korrath kept his voice low and steady. “Completely. How else can I massage your lovely curves?”
Her gaze dropped to his hands, lingering on the long, black claws that tipped each finger.
