Page 43 of Pleasured By the Panther
What is wrong with me? she thought frantically, trying to fix her gaze on the altar where Hanna and her groom were exchanging vows. Why do I feel like this?
But no answer came—only more heat…more aching need. It was as if her body remembered Korrath’s touch and was screaming for it, even here, even now.
But the big Monstrum was millions of miles away—he couldn’t help her.
What was she going to do?
33
KORRATH
Korrath sat alone in his quarters, staring at the dark curve of space beyond the viewing port. The stars looked cold and distant without Miranda by his side. He had spent the day trying to focus on his duties, but every time he closed his eyes, he saw her—her auburn hair spilling across his chest, her soft curves wrapped around him, her voice trembling as she whispered his name.
His beautiful Mature Elite.
Gods, I miss her! I’ve only just lost her, and already I feel half a male without her by my side.
He raked a clawed hand through his fur, his chest aching.
If only I’d waited. If only I hadn’t gone through Hanna to reach her. Perhaps then she would still be with me. Or she would have let me come to be with her on Earth.
He was perfectly willing to give up his place on the Monstrum Mother Ship and live with her on the small, blue-green planet. She was his Fated Mate—he was sure of it. Without her, life was hollow…empty. It didn’t matter where they lived as long as they were together. If only?—
And then, as though his desperate longing had opened a door, a voice filled the chamber…a voice that wasn’t his own.
“Warrior!”
Korrath froze, every muscle going taut. He could feel the presence that came with the voice—it was warm and feminine and divine. There could be no mistaking who was speaking to him.
“Goddess?” he asked hoarsely. “In what way can I serve you?”
“I have come to tell you your woman is in danger.” The voice rolled through him like thunder, soft and terrible all at once. “Her Second Heat is burning out of control. She needs you, Warrior!”
Shock flared through him.
“What must I do, Goddess?”
His heart was already pounding, his legs twitching to move.
“Go to her at once. You will need to fold space to get to her in time.” The words vibrated in his bones, leaving no room for doubt. “If you do not, she may overheat and die.”
Korrath surged to his feet before the last syllable faded.
“No!” The word tore from his throat. “I won’t let that happen—I can’t lose her!”
The Goddess didn’t answer, but she had no need to. Korrath didn’t waste another breath. He was already running, boots pounding the corridor, claws scraping against the vines along the corridors as he pushed himself faster. Other Monstrum turned to stare, flattening against the walls as the huge Felinus warrior thundered past.
The Docking Bay doors loomed ahead, and his heart slammed against his ribs.
Hold on, Miranda. Hold on, my lovely one. Just a little longer. I’ll get to you—I swear it!
Korrath flung himself into his ship, fingers flying over the controls, his pulse a frantic drumbeat in his ears. He pressed the com button, his finger trembling.
“Hello? I need to fold space to Earth immediately! It’s a matter of life and death—my mate’s life is on the line!”
He barely heard the answer as he gunned the engine, lifting off into space.
He would get to Miranda on time, he vowed to himself. He would save her…or die trying.
