Page 48 of The Mating Frenzy
He jammed a frustrated hand through his hair, edgy because he craved her body, and because the longer he remained in human skin, the more he felt his beast claw to be free. When he finally did shift, he wasn’t certain if he could controlhimself.
Ella tilted her head at him. “Well? The water lookstempting.”
“You can play on the beach all you wish. I’m not here tofrolic.”
Her lower lip trembled. “Screw you, Kieran. I’m only along for this ride because some nasty thing turned my mom into a frozen icicle and if I can’t find this crystal, she’ll die. I don’t know if this crystal is some kind of holistic healing stone that will help her or if you’re taking me on a wild ride. It’s no sweat off yourback!”
Ella curled into a ball, tucking her feet beneath her. All his restlessness and anger evaporated. He went over to the sofa, sat next to her, sliding an arm around her. Expecting her to jerk away, he was surprised she didnot.
“I’m sorry, Ella. I have been an ass, thinking only of myself and my needs.” He sucked in a deep breath, hating to admit his weakness. But she should know what he was dealing with in this world. “The Skin world holds many bad memories for me, and I tend to lash out the more frustrated Iget.”
She gave him a curious glance. “How do you get rid of yourfrustration?”
“Sex helps.” He gave her a hopeful glance. “Interested?”
Ella laughed and pulled away, swatting him with a floral pillow. “No, but a walk on the beach will do you some good. I think best on my feet anyway, and I bet you do as well. You don’t even have to swim. Justwalk.”
“I am quick thinker on four paws, but I do not believe that would be good for beachcombers to see a jaguar splashing in thesurf.”
After she changed into her bathing suit, they headed to the beach. He stole a peek at her. In the black one-piece, she was all lush curves and femininity. His male parts sat up and paidattention.
To focus on something else, Kieran removed his shoes, intrigued by the fine white sand. It felt like delicate snowflakes beneath the pads of his feet, but for the warmth. Tiny bits of shell peeked up through the grains. He bent over, picked one up, marveling at the pink hue. It reminded him of a woman’s center, hot and sweet andwelcoming.
Ella’s center would be as pink, blushing with health and inviting him inside. His bloodthrummed.
He handed it to Ella. “Foryou.”
A delighted smile touched her face. “Thank you. My firstseashell.”
“It’s only afragment.”
“Yes. It would be nice to see the entire thing. You’ll have to keep trying,” sheteased.
His smile widened. “Yes, have no fear, fair maiden. I plan to do exactlythat.”
She ran into the water, laughing and splashing, and then dove beneath the gentle waves. Kieran watched, tempted to join her, afraid to leave his position on the beach. As her bodyguard, he must remain vigilant. One of the Dark Lord’s followers could detect her changing scent andattack.
How was he to fight evil that could take her mother and freeze her into place? A power that extended beyond the grave and influenced Others in this plain? The Winter Kingdom had many intrigues and dangers, all familiar to him. He knew his abilities, knew his defenses. He felt as helpless as a kitten to protect Ella from the dark creatures stalkingher.
Xavier and Gideon should have told the goddess to assign someone else to Ella. A sense of helplessness filled him. He’d failed to save his little sister from ordinary, cruel Skins who saw only the beauty of her fur and not the living, breathing jaguar she’d been. How the hell could he defend Ella from dark beings that could slice her into ribbons with one swipe of a giantclaw?
You must. She is vital to the survival of yourworld.
After returning to the house,Ella showered and then took her suitcase into the smallest bedroom. He waited and then joined her in the room, inspectingit.
“No. This room is too vulnerable.” Kieran pointed to the window. “It’s open to the street. Take the larger bedroom with the window facing thewater.”
“I thought Darcy would enjoy thatroom.”
“This will be her room. She can keep watch on the street forus.”
Ella took a deep breath. “I miss my cat. Isn’t that silly? I love my mother, but Darcy kept me…sane. Darcy was my bestfriend.”
He tried to see things from her perspective. Reassure her, because she neededit.
“You are quite sane, Ella. Darcy was sent to guard you. She is still the same friend you had, in fur orSkin.”
Ella gave him a sage look that all but said “You are pulling the fur over myeyes.”
