Page 49 of Purrfectly Trapped

Puspawas from a Bengali word, the place where their type of Shifter originated. It literally meant “to blossom”, but it’s meaning did not end there. It was so much more to him and his Pride.

It meant Reg and Gretchen’s mating was blessed by the universe. She truly was chosen for him by the Fates to share in the magic that allowed Shifters to experience life in two forms. A miracle truly. His sweet and feisty Gretchen was becoming a Shifter, like him. But it was dangerous.

Holy fucking shit.

Reg was a complete asshole. He hadn’t explained a thing to her. She was definitely going to hate him now. Fear and sadness enveloped him like a lead blanket.

Stop. She is our mate. We will keep her safe, make her happy.

His Tiger’s words offered some comfort, but Reg was doubtful of the welcome he’d receive. But none of that mattered right then. He was not important in the greater scheme of things. The only thing that mattered was Gretchen.

She was in pain. She would be hurt, confused, and afraid. It was his fault. All of it. Still, now was not the time for self-pity, and maybe he could help her deal with all of that.

No.

There was no maybe about it. Regwouldhelp her. He would be there for her like he should have been in the beginning instead of thinking with his dick.

“Brayden, step on it, man,” he begged the older man, refusing to give in to the anger that threatened to choke him.

He needed to be better than that. For her. A low growl sounded from his throat as the big Bear rolled to a stop just outside ofCut It Out. Reg was already jumping out of the vehicle before the Bear could put it in park.

Reg scented his mate from outside the shop. Tiger blossoms and something else. Something new. Fear and pain were thick in the air, but so was the heady sweet musk of her Tiger.

Mine,his Tiger snarled, but Reg pressed the beast back as his Neta stepped forward.

“Let me go first,” Hunter said, but Reg snapped at him.

He shook his head and took off for the door. He’d apologize to Hunter later. Right then his animal was riding him hard, holding on to control by a thread. He had to get to his mate.

His Neta raised his eyebrows, but Reg shook his head and wrenched the door open. Her scent was stronger now, and he felt her pain as if it was his own.

“Gretchen!” Her name tumbled from his lips as he saw her prone figure laid out on the floor.

She was sweaty and panting, clutching her stomach while the other women crowded her. That was no good. She needed space.

“Please, back up,” he growled, and four pairs of eyes zeroed in on him.

“Well,” Uncle Uzzi said. “Her mate is here. Let’s go, ladies, give him room.”

“Reg, take care of her.” Elissa looked at him with tears in her warm brown eyes, and he nodded helplessly. He would try.

Hunter pushed past him to help his Nari stand, but Reg hardly registered the move. He was trying to calm his Tiger’s need to snarl and snap at everyone in the room. He wanted his mate.

Alone.

With a supportive arm around her waist, Hunter led Elissa to a chair and stood by her side. Reg looked at him and his Neta nodded. It was his turn now to help his mate.

“Reggie,” Gretchen whimpered, and turned her head towards him though her eyes remained firmly shut.

Sweat dotted her brow, as she clutched her middle and moaned aloud.

“I’m here,shona,” he said, and watched as she extended a hand to him.

Thank the fucking gods.

Reg took it in his and held on tightly. Hope erupted through him like a volcano. She opened those baby blues that he loved so much and looked at him for one second before glancing behind him. Reg turned around and snarled. Mikey was there, hands raised as if in surrender.

“Reg, I have to check her vitals, to see how she’s doing,” Mikey said.

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