Page 12 of Purrfectly Trapped

Reg was ashamed by how easily he’d been manipulated by that dickless motherfucker. Blake had told Reg that he had to help him protect the Neta, even if from himself.

He claimed Elissa was going to harm Hunter’s rule, that a human female would be his downfall. Blake claimed Shiftershad tomate other Shifters. He did not believe she was strong enough to take a seat beside Hunter, and that she would out them all.

The Shifter secret was one they could not survive without keeping. Everyone knew that. But Blake hadn’t counted on thePuspa, which had changed Elissa from a normal human woman to a rare and powerful White Tiger Shifter.

Unfortunately, Reg had trusted Blake, giving him what he needed to escape. He didn’t know the man had become unstable and his views fanatical. That whole keeping the blood pure was ridiculous in Reg’s opinion.

He'd expected Blake to flee, not try to kill the Nari. He would never have aided him in doing that. It had taken too long for Reg to see that all Blake’s supposed good intentions were really just a completely psychotic jealousy that had eaten away his reason. Reg’s mistake had almost cost the lives of his Neta and Nari.

The Alpha couple had been in harm’s way because of him, and he’d never felt worse about anything in his life.

Luckily, his Neta was strong. He’d put an end to the threat himself, and Reg had been in awe of the man ever since. Hunter Maverick was a fierce leader and a good man.

His mate had not sapped his strength like Blake had said she would. In fact, Elissa only made him stronger,better, and most wondrous of all, she had made the man happy.Truly happy.

Hell, Reg had never seen the Neta smile so much. If that’s what a human mate did for a Shifter, well then, they could sign Reg up. He was completely ready to meet his one and only be she human, Shifter, Witch, or whatever.

He was ready for a sweet female of his own.

Grrr,his inner beast grumbled approvingly, and Reg knew the beast was feeling the need for a mate as much as his human side.

Maybe he’d have a chat with Uncle Uzzi if the old Witch was still at the house when he returned. After this disaster. What kind of haircut would he even get?

Reg pondered that while he walked pastJessica’s Closet. Looking inside the newly replaced glass window, he shook his head remembering what went down.

A streak of rogue Tiger Shifters influenced by that unhappy fucker Blake had decided to come to Maverick Point to try to wreak havoc on the Pride.

Those assholes hadn’t counted on the amazing females the Maverick Pride was blessed with. Ferocious and deadly, the she-Cats had beaten the fuck out of that scum, but Brayden had nearly ripped the one who’d threatened his mate in two.

Lost in the memory, Reg’s eyes were unseeing until they met the unique teal stare of a certain tall redhead who happened to be the Neta’s sister. Jessica Maverick waved, and Reg returned the gesture, smiling his hello.

Of course, he was also quick to acknowledge her big as fuck mate who happened to be standing beside the lovely she-Cat. Brayden bared his teeth and nodded, causing Reg to smirk.

The Beta was a bit growly and possessive when it came to his woman. Not that Reg blamed him. Shifters and possessiveness went hand in hand, or was that claw in claw, he wondered.

Either way. They were another happy pair. He nodded wistfully.

There was a time he’d found the Neta’s sister a little more than cute, but the Fates had other ideas for Jessica Maverick. She’d found her mate in the new Pride Beta, Brayden Smith.

The Black Bear was formerly of the Barvale Clan, which was located one town over, but a series of events had led him to the Tiger Pride, and he’d never looked back.

Reg was glad for that. The man made one hell of an addition to the Pride. Even if he wasn’t a sleek, gorgeous Tiger like some people. Reg grinned.

His animal’s thoughts and feelings had a way of being a little bit outspoken at times. It was another reason he didn’t resist the suggestion to go and get his hair cut. Whenever he neglected his grooming, his Tiger’s fur tended to mimic his human self.

Unkempt locks were not a great look on him as a man, and as a beast they were downright ridiculous. His Tiger’s fur tended to get long and scruffy, hardly presentable for the Nari’s guard.

Even worse, he looked a bit like a young Lion cub than the awesome striped beast that he was. That wasunfuckingacceptable.

He rubbed his hands over his face and paused. Fucking hell. He forgot all about the patch on his beard where Uncle Uzzi had set the hair on fire. Reg wondered if that was why Jessica had giggled when she saw him.

Whatever.

Growl.

Easy buddy,he told his beast.

He stopped and read the sign over the door, smirking before heading inside.

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