Page 51 of Pleasured By the Panther
“So—how did a big handsome guy like you end up with Miranda?” she asked, leaning across the table to put a hand on the big Monstrum’s wrist in a flirty way.
Miranda felt her heart kick in her chest—this was exactly the way she used to touch Martin, back when they were just working together and he told her all the time not to worry about his young coworker! And then look what had happened!
But she shouldn’t have been worried about the big Monstrum. He made a look of distaste as he withdrew from Jolene’s overly familiar touch.
“Miranda is my Fated Mate—I dreamed of her,” he said pointedly.
“You dreamed of her?” Martin sounded incredulous as he stared at the big Monstrum. “You dreamed of Miranda?”
His tone made it clear he couldn’t believe anyone could think much of her—plain old Miranda, just the worn-out, used-up wife he’d left for a younger, more attractive model.
Korrath gave him a steady look from his emerald eyes.
“You must be her ex-mate—the one who abandoned her,” he growled. “I would call you out to fight for her honor…except I must thank you for your foolish actions. Without your stupidity, I would never have had a chance to Claim her as my own.”
“Why…you…I…” Martin stammered—clearly at a loss for words.
“You must feel foolish now—seeing her looking so radiantly beautiful,” Korrath went on. “But it is too late for you, human. I have Bonded her to me. You have lost any chance to be with her ever again.”
Just then, the DJ started the dance music and he turned to Miranda and put an arm around her waist.
“Come, my lovely one—let us dance,” he purred. “The company at this table bores me. Other than your older relative, of course,” he added, nodding courteously at Aunt Marge, who was laughing as she ate her cake.
He drew Miranda out of her chair and onto the dance floor in the center of the lawn.
“You didn’t have to say all that,” she sent through their new link as he pulled her close, his chest solid against hers, and they began to sway together.
“Oh yes I did. I saw many times in my dreams how badly that ex-mate of yours treated you. And besides, nothing I said was untrue. You are mine now—and he can never have you again. Imagine how foolish he must feel.”
Miranda thought that Martin probably did feel foolish. But more because of the loud remarks Aunt Marge had made about the size of his equipment—which he had always been touchy about—than the fact that he had lost any chance of getting back with her.
Still, she couldn’t deny that the big Monstrum’s words and the way he was looking at her made her feel beautiful and valuable in a way she hadn’t felt in years. As they moved together to the music, he purred low in his throat. The sound rumbled through her body, easing the tension and social anxiety knotting in her stomach.
“Everyone is looking at us,” she whispered in his ear.
“Let them,” he rumbled back. “They’re just jealous I can claim the most beautiful woman here as my own.”
“You don’t have to say that,” Miranda protested softly.
“Yes, I do,” he murmured, his eyes glowing down at her. “And I will show you later, lovely one, when I take my time to rebond you to me all over again… but slowly this time.”
At his deep, purring words, heat surged through Miranda’s belly and between her thighs.
She closed her eyes and let herself lean into his strong arms, knowing she’d be more than eager to Bond with her Monstrum warrior again very, very soon.
39
MIRANDA
“Go on—I’ve got this.” Sue waved Miranda away.
“But it’s such a big mess!” Miranda protested. She’d planned to be up cleaning half the night. The wedding hadn’t been big—no more than fifty people—but that was still a lot to clean up after.
But her big sister wouldn’t hear of it.
“Go on,” she insisted, making a shooing motion. “The caterers will help with the mess, and I don’t mind keeping busy. Besides, I think you have better things to do than pick up napkins and clear tables.” She shot a quick look at Miranda and winked.
Still, Miranda hesitated.
