RAMONA GRAY
CONTENTS
EndOfNight
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
FallofNightExcerpt
TheRamonaGrayNewsletter
AbouttheAuthor
AlsobyRamonaGray
Publishedby: EK Publishing Inc
ISBN: 978-1-77446-188-4
Thisbookisthecopyrightedpropertyoftheauthorandmaynotbereproduced,scannedordistributedforcommercialornon-commercialpurposes Quotesusedinreviews aretheexception.Noalterationofcontentisallowed.
Yoursupportandrespectforthepropertyofthisauthorisappreciated
Thisbookisaworkoffiction,andanyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,orplaces,events,orlocalesispurelycoincidental
Thecharactersareproductionsofthe author’simaginationandusedfictitiously
Editedby: L Nunn Editing
Coverartby EK Designs
END OF NIGHT
Tigershifter,BooneJameson,isn’tinterestedinlove,notwhengriefruleshislife. UntilhemeetsHedraMiller,theprivatenursehehirestocareforhisailinggrandmother His instantattractionto the sassyand gorgeous humanisn’tsurprising, buthis urge to be her mate is. Hedra’s abilityto extinguishhissorrowhashimeagertospendtimewithherinandoutofthebedroom.
ToobadHedrahasastrictruleagainstsleepingwiththeboss Hedra’snostrangertomistakes.AndsleepingwithBoonewouldbemorethanamistake,itcouldcosthereverything. Unfortunately,ignoringherattractiontoBooneprovesimpossible,especiallywhenshe’salive-innurse Notsleepingwith thesexytigershifterrequiresalevelofwillpowershedoesn’tpossess.
AsHedraandBoonegrowcloser,Boone’sgriefandHedra’senemiesthreatentotearaparttheirblossominglove ButwhenHedra’slifeisinperil,Booneandhistigerwillstopatnothingtosavetheirmate.
FormoreinformationontheShadowSecuritySeries,goHERE.
Hedrawasananimallover.Adyed-in-the-wool,lifelonganimallover.
WhichiswhatmadeherdecisiontokillatinyterrorizingpoodlenamedAlfiesoshocking Ofcourse,saidpoodle had justshitinhershoefortheeighthtimeinthreedays. Thatwas grounds for murderinghim,right? Ajurywouldtake one lookatthe coldpoopsmearedall over the bottomof Hedra’sbarefootandbetweenhergoddamntoesanddeclareherinnocent
The very victimof her murderous thoughts, the shoe-pooping vigilante himself, trotted into her bedroom. He had what couldonlybedescribedasasatisfiedgrinonhisevildoggieface
“I’mgonnamurderyou,Alfie,”shesaidassheheldherCrocinonehandandkepthershit-coveredfootintheair.“Doyou hearme,youlittlejackass?Yourtimeonthisearthhasbeencutshort”
“Icanhearyouthreateningtokillmydog,youknow,”Altheasaidfromtheirsharedbathroom.Hedrahadhelpedherinto thetubnottenminutesago,andshecouldheartheoldtigershiftersplashingaroundlikealittlekid.
“He poopedinmyshoe again, ” Hedra said Alockofher brightblue hair slipped fromthe clip thatheld itbackand tickledhercheek.Sheblewitoffimpatiently.“Ihavepoodlepoopbetweenmytoes,Althea.”
“Maybeyoushouldkeepyourshoesoninsteadofgoingbarefootlikeahooligan,”Altheasaid
“Iwasnotbarefoot,”Hedrasaid.“ThesearemyextrapairofCrocsthatIneededtochangeintobecauseyoudeliberately splashedwaterontomyregularCrocswhenIhelpedyouintothetub.”
“Crocsareanabomination,andIwillnotabidetheminmyhouse,”Altheasaid.
“It’syourgrandson’shouse,notyours,”Hedrasaid.
Shehadtheoldwomanonthatone,andAltheaknewit Afteraboutthirtysecondsofsilence,Altheasaid,“Alfiealsohates Crocs.”
On perfect cue, Alfie growled, grabbed Hedra’s Croc that wasn’t currently covered in shit and streaked out of her bedroom.
“Hejuststolemyshoe,Althea,”Hedrasaid.
“He’sdoingyouafavour,”Altheasaid.“Youcan’tblamehimfortryingtosaveyoufrombadshoechoices.”
Despite her irritation, a grincrossed Hedra’s face. She loved spicypatients, and Althea Jamesonwas as spicyas they came Thetigershiftermighthavebeeninhereightiesandrecoveringfromabrokenhip,butshe’dkeptHedraonhertoesfrom themomentshetookthejob.Shehadn’tbeenAlthea’s live-innursefor verylong,buteverymorning,Hedrawokeuphappy andlookingforwardtowhatthedaybroughtforthefirsttimeinalongtime
Is that because of Althea or her grandson?
She shut her inner voice down immediately. Thinking about Boone, about her employer, in even the vaguest of ways, alwaysmadeherflashbacktothatslightlyinappropriatemomentthey’dshared
Slightly inappropriate? Girl, you were about to fuck him on his friend’s porch. I’d say that’s a tad more than inappropriate
Yeah,probably.Butwhatwasdonewasdone,andHedracouldn’ttakeitback.Shecouldonlypretendthatthemomenthad never happened,andshedidn’tatall remember whatthesexytiger shifter’slipstastedlikeor how gooditfeltwhenBoone touchedher.
Spread your legs for me, little lamb
Boone’svoiceechoedinherhead,andsheshiveredallover Hernippleshardened,andherpussywentwet,anddammit, why couldn’t she get him out of her head? Her libido would cost her a job she really liked, not to mention free living accommodations
She’dbeenstandingwithher footintheair for nearlytwominutes,andwithagrimace,shehoppedtowardthebedroom door “Althea,I’llbebackinafewminutes I’mjustgoingtowashmyfoot Willyoubeokay?” “Oh,forGod’ssake,human,I’mnotatoddler.IthinkIcanmanagenottodrownforthefiveminutesittakesyoutoclean yourfoot,”Altheasaidirritably,hervoiceechoinginthesmallbathroom.
Hedra grinned again before hopping awkwardly out of the bedroom. Using the wall for support, she hopped down the hallway.HerchoiceswerethepedestalsinkinthehalfbathroomnearthefrontdoororBoone’sensuitebathroom.
ShehesitatedbeforeheadingtowardsBoone’sbedroom Shewasflexibleenoughtogetherfootintothesink,butitwould beahell ofaloteasiertowashherfootinthetubinBoone’sbathroom.He’dmetChasefor asparringmatchthisafternoon andwouldn’tbehomeforatleastanotherhalfhour He’dneverknowshe’dusedhisbathroom
Shehoppedintohisbedroom,keepinghereyesavertedfromhisunmadebed.Itwouldbeall sortsofwrongtolieinhis bedandburyherfaceinhispillow,evenifdogshitdidn’tcurrentlycoverherfoot
Gruntingandstartingtosweatalittlefromtheexertionofkeepingherfootup,shemadeittohisbathroom,asoft‘damn’ escapingherlips.Inadditiontoawalk-inshower,Boonehadoneofthosegorgeousold-fashionedclawtubsinhisbathroom. Everythinglooked brand new, fromthe hexagon-shaped blackand white floor tile to the gleamingwhite subwaytile inthe shower, and she had no doubt that Boone had renovated the bathroomhimself. She’d quicklydiscovered that Boone loved homerenovations,andhe’dpurposelyboughthishousebecauseitwasolderandrequiredalotofwork
UsingBoone’sbodywash,shewashedherfootandrinsedthetubcompletelycleanbeforeswingingherlegsoutofthetub. Shegrabbedahandtowelfromtherackand,sittingonthesideofthetub,driedherfeet
ShewonderedidlyifBoonewouldconsiderlettingherusehistubifshecleaneditafterward.Shelovednothingmorethan sinkingintoahotbath,andwhilethetubinhersharedbathroomwithAltheawasperfectlyserviceable,thistubwasthegold standard
Itwouldn’thurttoask.Theworsethatcouldhappenwashesaidno,right?
“Whatareyoudoinginhere?”
Boone’svoicescaredthehelloutofher,butitwasthesightofhissweaty,almostentirelynakedbodythatsentherassover teakettlebackintothetub,bangingthebackofherheadonthecoldporcelain.
Wedgedsidewaysintothetublikeaturtleonitsback,herscrubpantssoakingupthewaterpooledinthebottom,andher legsstuckstraightupintheair,Hedragatheredwhatlittledignityshehadleftandsaid,“Ihaddogpooponmyfoot.”
Boone’sgazedroppedtoherfeetstickingup,andHedrasaid,“Iwasheditoff That’swhyI’minhere Itwasanemergency situation.I’mnotsomeweirdowhousesyourbathroomwhenyou’renothere.”
Agrincrossed Boone’s face, and Hedra tried notto thinkaboutthe factthathe wore nothingbuta pair ofshorts as he droppedtheshirtheheldintothelaundryhampernearthetub.Hetookherhandsandpulledheroutofthetublikeastuckjackin-the-box.
“It’sfine,”hesaid.“Idon’tcareifyouusemybathroom.”
“Right,”shesaid.“Uh,howwassparringwithChase?”
“Good Ikickedhisass”Boonegrinnedatherbeforescratchinghischest
Shetrackedthemovementlikeshewasahunterstalkingherprey.Boone’supperbodywasgorgeous,withalightlayerof darkhair,pussydampeningabs,andatreasuretrailshelongedtofollowwithhertongue
“Littlelamb,”Boone’svoicehadturnedlowandintimate,andjustthesoundofitmadeherpussywet.
Shelickedherlipsandraisedhergazetohis.Thepurehungerinhiseyeswasaheadyaphrodisiac.Sheclenchedherthighs together,veryawareofhowhernipplestightenedwhenBoonestaredatherbreasts
Hepurredsoftly.“Stoplookingatmelikeyouwantmetofuckyou,littlelamb.”
She tried to speak, but all that came out was a strangled sounding moan Boone stalked forward until his chest nearly touchedherbreasts.Hispupilswenttoslits,anindicationhewasspeakingtohistiger,andsheswallowedhardwhenalow growlescapedhisthroat
Hispupilsrounded,andheleanedinandinhaledagainstherthroat.“Yourscentdrivesmytigercrazy.Didyouknowthat? It’salloverthehouse,andwecan’tescapeit.”
“I ”sheclearedherthroatandtriedagain “I’msorry”
Hegrinnedather,andshestaredinfascinationathisfangs.“Don’tbe.”
He trailed one finger downher bare arm, sendinggoosebumps poppinginto life alongher skin Her desire to touchhis sweaty,half-nakedbodywasaragingfireinsideofher.
“Boone,I ”
“Icanhearyouwhenyou’retouchingyourpussyinyourbedatnight,sweetlamb,”Boonesaidwithanotherlowgrowl. “Ohfuck,”shesaid.
Hegrinnedandmadeachuffing,purringsound “I’m…I’mveryquiet,”shesaid.
He grinned,his pupils turningtoslits againfor a few seconds before he returnedtoher “Youare You’re myquiet, soft lambwhenyoucomeonyourfingers.But,”hisfingertracedalonghercollarbone,visibleaboveherscrubs,“Ihaveexcellent hearing.Betterthanmosttigershifters.”
She couldn’t figure out ifshe was about to die fromembarrassment or lust. It was obvious that Boone’s grandmother’s hearinghaddeclined,butBoonewasintheprimeofhislife.Hedramighthavebeenhuman,butshe’dgrownupinafamilyof
cheetahshifters and knew better thanto use her vibrator, evenif Boone’s bedroomwas at the far end of the house. She’d thoughtshe’dbeensoclever,usingonlyherhandtomasturbateinsteadofherbuzzingvibrator.
Boone’snostrilsflaredashetookanotherdeepbreath “Ilieinbedwithmyhardcockinmyhand,listeningtoyoutouch yourselfandwishingitwasmyfingersinyourtightpussy.Mytongueonthatprettylittleclit.”
Shemoanedquietly,herbodynearlyvibratingwithneed Boonehadn’tkissedher,hadn’ttouchedherbeyondasoftcaress ofherarmandcollarbone,andshewassoturnedonshewasabouttohaveawetspotonherscrubs.
“Ijackmyselfoffwhileyoutouchyourclit,”Boonesaidwithanothersoftpurr “IclosemyeyesandlistentoyourbarelytheremoanswhileIrubmydickandimagineyouinmybed.Pictureyouridingme,myhandsfullofyourperfectbreasts,your tightcuntsqueezingmydickwitheverythrust.”
“Fuck,Boone,”shesaidinabreathlessmoan “Iwant-”
“Hedra!”Boone’sgrandmother’svoiceraisedtoashout,brokethroughthehazeoflustsurroundingHedra.“Iwanttoget outofthetub Where are you? Ifyou’re takinga dumpinBoone’s bathroom,use the spray We don’tneed the smell drifting downthehallway.”
Boone’sgazecleared,andhestaredatherwithdawninghorror “Holyfuck,Ican’tbelieveIjust I’msorry,Hedra That wassofuckinginappropriate.Ishouldn’thave…”
Hispupilsturnedtoslitsfornearlytensecondsbeforeheshookhisheadandclearedhisthroat.“Pleasedon’tquit.”
ShetookashakybreathasBoonebackedawaylikeshewasonfire “I’mnotquitting”
“Good,that’sgood.I,uh…fuck.”Herakedhishandthroughhisshort,darkhair,makingitstandonend.“Iwon’tdothat again”
“Hedra!”Altheashoutedagain.“Wherethehellareyou?”
“I’mcoming!”Hedracalled.Her legs rubberyand her bodythrobbing, she leftBoone’s bathroomand hurried outofhis bedroom.Shesuckedinafewdeepbreaths,tryingtocalmherracingheartasshewalkedtowardthebathroomshesharedwith Althea.Christ,shehopedhernipplescalmedthefuckdownbeforeshegotinthere.Theypokedagainstherbraandscrubtop liketheywantedtoescape
Girl, forget your nipples. She’ll smell your lust.
She stopped outside the bathroomdoor, staringather bare feet Crap Her heartstill thumping, she closed her eyes and thoughtaboutDianne,aboutthewayshe’dlookedlyingonthehospitalbed,herbodybrokenandbruised.
Itkilledherlustimmediately,andherstomachnowrollingwithnausea,sheknockedonthebathroomdoorbeforestepping intothesmallroom.“Sorry,Althea.”
“It’sfine,”Altheasaidgrouchily.“Myfavouritethingtodoissitinatubofcoldwater.”
Thewaterwaslukewarmatbest,butHedradidn’thaveitinhertosparwiththeelderlytigershifterinherusualmanner ThinkingofDiannehadsentherintoaguiltspirallikeitalwaysdid.
AltheasniffedtheairasHedrapickedupthebigbathtowel “What’swrong?” “Nothing,”Hedrasaid.
“Yousmellupset.”Althea’seyes,stillsharpdespiteherage,narrowed,andshegrowledather.“Idon’tliketobeliedto, human”
“I’mfine,Althea,”Hedrasaid.“Stopgrowlingatme,orI’llleaveyouinthetubuntilyouturnpruney.”
Althearolledhereyes “ThisiswhyIhatehumans They’resosensitive” “IfIweresensitive,I’dhavequitmyseconddaywhenyoutoldmemyasswasthesizeofJupiter.”
“Tobefair,itisasizeableass,”Altheasaid Hedraturnedandwiggledherbuttatthetigershifter.“It’sanamazingass.” Altheasnorted.“Mygrandsoncertainlythinksso.”
Hedraflushedbrightred,andAlthealaughed “Don’tpretendyouhaven’tnoticedhimstaringatit” “Allright,let’sgetyououtofthetub,”Hedrasaid. AsshehelpedAltheastand,thetigershifterpokedherinthearm “Idon’twantmygrandsonwithahuman,sodon’tfuck him.”
“Ihavenointentionoffuckingyourgrandson,”Hedrasaid Altheagaveheranindignantlook.“Whynot?He’sacatch.” “He’salsomyemployer,”Hedrasaid.“Comeon,let’sgetyououtofthetubandintobed.I’llmakeyouacupoftea,and youcanwatchthenewepisodeofShiftersinLove”
“That jaguar shifter is goingto choose the lionshifter. Iknow it,” Althea said indisgust. “He’s as dumb as a post. He probablycan’tevenwipehisownasswithoutwritteninstructions”
Hedra laughed, and Althea gave her another gentle poke as Hedra helped her step outofthe tub. “Ifyoudo fuckBoone, make sure you use a condom. The last thing I need is a bunch of human great-grandchildren running around my house and stinkinguptheplace.”
“Boone,doyouhaveaminute?”
Boone glanced up fromhis laptop Cooper, his boss and owner ofthe Shadow Securityfirm, stood inthe bullpen withamannearlyasbigasCooper.
Boonerolledbackhischairandstood.“Sure,what’sup?”
“Iwanttointroduceyoutoournewestemployee MaxMcKinley,thisisBooneJameson,oneofmybest”
Boone’stigerchuffedwithprideasBooneshookthebigman’shand.Hewasalionshifter,Boonecouldsmellitonhim, andhehadshortbrownhair,darkeyes,andafirmgrip
“Max worked as a private investigator in New York for the last few years,” Cooper said. “He’ll be helping out with securityaswellassomeinvestigativeworkforourcorporateclients”
“Goodtomeetyou,Max,”Boonesaid.
“Youaswell,”Maxsaid
“Oh,hey,Grayson”Cooperwavedhishandatthetigershifterwhowaswalkingby “What’sup,boss?”
“Canyoushow Maxto his deskand give hima briefoverview ofthe computer system, includingthe clientdatabase? I wanttochattoBooneabouthisnewassignment.”
“Youbet.”GraysonandMaxheadedtothefarendofthebullpenasBoonefollowedCooperintohisoffice. HesatinthechairacrossfromCooper’sdeskasthelionshiftersatbehindhisdesk.Heglancedathislaptopscreenand cursedbeforepunchingafewkeys.
“What’swrong?”Booneasked “IthinkIdeletedmycalendaragain,”Coopersaid. Boonegrinned Hisboss’scomputerchallengeswerelegendaryintheoffice Coopersighedandclosedhislaptop.“I’llaskDaisytohelpmelater.” “So,tellmeaboutmynewassignment,”Boonesaid.
“It’sanothercelebrityone,”Coopersaid. Boonefeltasmallsliverofexcitement.“Stalkerproblem?”
“No,”Cooper said “Justsomegeneral security She’s popular butalsoolder,sofans gettingtooclosewhenshe’s outin publicmakehernervousaboutinjuries.”
“So,she’shuman?”Boonesaid “No,she’salynxshifter,butherhealingabilitiesaren’tfullstrengthanymore,”Coopersaid.“HernameisAbenaNkosi.” “I’veheardofher,”Boonesaid.“ShehadacameointhelastMission Impossible movie.”
“That’sright,”Coopersaid “Butshe’sbeeninalotofothermoviesthroughouthercareer Anyway,it’sadaytimegigonly Ms.Nkosi doesn’tgooutinthe evenings much,andifanyeveningshifts are required,I’ll have Chase or the new guy,Max, coverthem Shewon’tneedyoudailyeither,soyoucanbemorereadilyavailableifyournanneedsyou” “Okay,”Boonesaid.
Hisexcitementover hisnew assignmentwasdeflatingfast Heremindedhimselfthattheboringassignmentswouldn’tbe forever,andwhatmatteredwashisnan.Histigergrumbledandpoutedlikeacub.
We need to show our mate how brave we are
Boone wanted to roll his eyes His tiger was like a damndogwitha bone abouthis nan’s private nurse Hedra Notthat Boonecouldblamehim.Hedrawasaknockoutwithherbrightbluehairandsmoothskin.Boonewasdownrightobsessedwith her prettydarkbrowneyes framed bylonglashes and the smatteringoffreckles across the bridge ofher nose Her septum piercinghadhimitchingtoexploreherperfectcurvybodyformorepiercings.
She is our mate,histigerpurredhappily
She’s not our mate, ya big idiot. Knock it off, would you?
She isn’t our mate because you ’ re doing a terrible job at showing her how brave we are, histigergrowled.
“Boone?”
“Yeah,sorry,Coop.Mytiger’sbeingapaininmyass,”Boonesaid.“WhendoIstart?”
“She’dlikeyoutostopbythisafternoonaroundthreetomeether,”Coopersaid “Herfilewithallrelevantinformationis alreadyinthecomputersystem.Takealookthroughitbeforeyougo.”
“Willdo,”Boonesaid
Cooperhesitated.“Iknowit’snotthetypeofassignmentyouwanted,but-”
“It’sgood,”Boonesaid “Iappreciateyoubeingsoflexible,and,hell,it’sbetterthanmallsecurity,right?” Coopergrinned.“Yeah.”
“Listen,youdidn’thavetohireMaxbecauseofmyinabilitytodomyjob,didyou?”Booneasked.
Cooperscowled “Youare doingyourjob,Boone,andIhiredMaxforhisinvestigativeskills”
HestoodandwalkedaroundthedeskbeforeclappingBooneontheback.“Iknowtakingastepbackistough,butitwon’t beforever,right?”
“Right,”Boonesaid.“Thanksagain,Coop,Iappreciateit.”
BOONE TOOK A MINUTE TO ADMIRE THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE LARGE MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE HOUSE THROUGH THE CAR’S windshield Highstonewallsandathickirongatesurroundedthehome,andtheyhadaguardatthegatehouse He’dcarefully studiedBoone’sIDandconfirmedwiththemainhousethattheyexpectedhimbeforeallowinghimpastthegate.
ToweringJacarandatreeslinedthedriveway.Theirpurpleblossomsweregorgeous,butBoonedidn’tenvywhoeverhad toclearthedrivewayoftheflowers HeparkednexttoablackSUVandslidoutofhisvehicle,admiringtheentrance’scurved archway.Theclayrooftiles,grandarches,andmixofstoneandstuccogavetheexterioraclassicItalianexperience.Alarge second-floorbalconyabovetheentrancewayboastedironwroughtgatingandthreestonearchwaysbehindit Awomanstoodonthebalcony,awineglassinonehandasshestareddownathim.Sheworeabluesilkrobeandalarge ruby necklace that gleamed like fire against her dark skin Her springy shoulder-length black coils had streaks of silver throughout,andherlipswerepaintedadeepredtomatchthejewelaroundherthroat.
Boonenoddedtoher.“Goodafternoon,Ms.Nkosi.” Hersmilewasvibrantandfullofwarmth Withoutspeaking,sheturnedanddisappearedintothehouse Heknockedonthe heavywoodendoor.Itopened,andamanwitholiveskinandbrowneyes,wearingagreybusinesssuitwithabluepaisleytie, said,“Welcome,Mr Jameson Pleasecomein”
“Thankyou.”Boonesteppedintothefoyerasthemanclosedthedoorbehindhim.
Totheirrightwasacurvedstaircasewithanironrailingagainstthestonewall Againsttheleftwall weretwohardback chairsandasmallsidetablewithaphone.Thewidehallwaystraightaheadhadanarchedentrance,andthecreamcoloured tilesbelowBoone’sfeetdidn’tshowaspeckofdirt.
“I’mFrederickBanks,Ms Nkosi’sbutler”Frederickheldouthishand,andBooneshookit “Ifyoufollowme,please,Ms Nkosiwilljoinyoushortly.”
Boonefollowedthehumandeeperintothehousetoalargelibrarywithfloor-to-ceilingmahoganybookshelves,amatching desk,andaplushleathercouch.Frenchdoorsopenedtoanimmensebackyardwithimmaculatelandscapingandanin-ground poolwithacomicallylargeunicornfloaty.
Hereturnedtothebookshelf,studyingthebookswithinterestandtracinghisfingeroverthespines.
“Doyouenjoyreading,Mr.Jameson?”
He turnedandsmiledatthe lynxshifter as she stoodnear the doorway “Verymuch,Ms Nkosi Your bookcollectionis impressive.”
“Thankyou”Shepointedtothesofa “Joinme”
HesatonthecouchasAbenasankgracefullyontothecushionbesidehim.“I’veaskedFredericktobringussometea,but ifyouprefercoffee,Icanaskhimtomakeyouacup.”
“Teaisgood,”Boonesaid.“Youhaveabeautifulhome,Ms.Nkosi.”
“Thankyou.Tellmealittleaboutyourself,Mr.Jameson,”shesaid.
“Igrew uphereinCalifornia Mymomis asnow leopard,andmydadis atiger,”Boonesaid “Iservedinthemilitary, whichiswhereImetCooper.WhenIlefttheservice,IjoinedCooperathissecurityfirm.”
Therewasaknockonthedoorbeforeitopened,andFrederickentered,pushingasilvercartthatheldateapot,twocups, andaplateofpastries.Heparkeditinfrontofthesofaand,wearingwhitegloves,pouredteaintotwochinacups.Headdeda cubeofsugarandasplashofmilktooneandstirreditcarefullybeforehandingittoAbena.
“Milkorsugar,Mr Jameson?”heasked “Justmilk,please,”Boonesaid.
Frederickaddedthemilkandhandedhimthecup
“Thankyou,Frederick,”Abenasaid.
“You’rewelcome,ma’am.”Heleftthelibrary,closingthedoorsoftlybehindhim.
“Doyouhaveanysiblings?”Abenaaskedbeforesippingathertea “Onlychild,”Boonesaid.
“Areyouclosetoyourparents?”
“Yes,andno.TheymovedtoIrelandabouttenyearsago,andwhilewechatalotthroughtextandvideo,Idon’tseethemin personveryoften”Boonetookasipoftea
Shestudiedhislefthandandhisbareringfinger.“So,you’realoneinthecitythen?”
“Mygrandmotherlivesinthecity.She’scurrentlystayingwithmeasshe’sbrokenherhip.”
“I’msorrytohearthat,”Abenasaid “Howisshehealing?”
“She’seighty-four,sothehealingisslow,butthat’stobeexpected.IhiredanursetohelpherduringthedaywhenI’mat work,andHedrahasbeenveryhelpful”
“Good.So,Mr.Brooksmentionedthatyourfirmhasworkedwithpeopleinmylineofworkbefore,”Abenasaid.
“Yes WeworkedwiththeShepherdfamily,”Boonesaid
“Beverly Shepherd is the one who recommended you. Unfortunately, I’m afraid the job with me won’t be nearly as exciting,”Abenasaid.“Myhealingabilitiesarefading,andIfindmyselfquitenervouswhenoutinpublicnow.Thepaparazzi arenotrespectfulofmypersonalspace Andfanscanbe,”shepaused,“enthusiasticaboutmeetingme”
“Yoursafetywillbemynumberonepriority,”Boonesaid.
“Iappreciatethat,”shesaid “AndwhileIdon’twanttobedifficult,IalsoneedtobeclearthatIwantfanstobeableto approachmeandnotbehurtinanyway.”
“Iunderstand,”Boonesaid.
“Doyou?”Shestudiedhim,herdarkbrowneyessharpandclear.“Myemployeesremainingcalmindifficultsituationsisa must with me. We will be photographed and recorded whenever we are out in public. My career can be destroyed by somethingassimpleasthereleaseofavideowithmeoroneofmyemployeeslosingtheirtemper”
“Ittakesalottorileupmytigerandme,”Boonesaid.“It’swhyCooperassignedmetoworkwithyou,Ms.Nkosi.Ihave aneasygoingnatureandunderstandtheimportanceofcomposurewhendealingwithyourfans”
She studied himfor a few seconds before nodding. “Iappreciate that, Mr. Jameson. Ihave lunchplans tomorrow atthe Glasshousewithmyagent.I’llbeleavingthehouseateleventhirtysharp.”
“I’llbehere,”hesaid.
Therewasanotherknockonthedoorbeforeitopened.“Abena,haveyouseenthelatestgossipon-oh,I’msorry,Ididn’t meantointerrupt”
Boone stood and stared atthe prettyleopard shifter standinginthe doorway. His stomachtwisted, and his tiger made a startledyowlbeforeretreating Hesethiscuponthecart,hopinghisshakinghandwasn’tthatnoticeable Abena smiledatthe leopardshifter as she stoodgracefully.“It’s fine, Camilla. Ijustfinished meetingwithMr. Jameson fromthesecurityfirm.”
SheturnedtoBoone “Mr Jameson,thisismyassistant,CamillaCrane Camilla,thisis-” “Boone,”Camillasaidwithanicysmile.“We’vemet.”
Abenaarchedoneperfecteyebrow “Haveyou?” “Yes.Wedatedafewyearsago,”Camillasaid.
EvenifBoonedidn’thavebetterthanaveragehearing,hewouldhaveheardthehissCamilla’sleopardmade Fuck.Boone’stigerhissedinreturn,andhebarelymanagedtoswallowthesoundbeforeitescaped. Knock it off,hesnarledathistiger.
I hate her She stinks, histigerpouted She doesn’t stink. And it’s our fault she’s angry. Me? What did I do? I didn’t do anything,histigersnarled
We’ll talk about this later. Boone cleared his throat as his tiger retreated again, veryaware of how both Camilla and Abenastaredathim
“Iseeyourtigerstillhasplentytosaytoyou,”Camillasaid.
“Um,yeah,”Boonesaid.SweatdrippeddownhisbackasAbenastudiedhimandCamillawithathoughtfullook.
About a year after Derek’s death, Boone had met Camilla through a dating app They’d hit it off and started dating Unfortunately,he’dstill beenfuckedupbyDerek’s death,andCamillahadtakenthebruntofit.They’d onlydated for about ninemonths,butthelastthreemonthshadbeenanightmareofepicproportions,andithadbeenall Boone’sfault Unable to processhisgrieforhischaoticemotionsoverDerek’sdeath,he’dputCamillathroughhellbeforeshe’dfinallylefthim.
Notlongafterthat,GraysonandCooperhadpracticallydraggedBoonetohisfirsttherapysession.Thetherapyhadmadea hugedifference.Hell,ithadsavedhisdamnlife.Inabetterheadspaceemotionallyandfinallyunderstandingthedepthofhow muchhe’dhurtCamilla,Boonehadattemptedtomakecontactwithher.He’dtextedandemailedaskingiftheycouldmeetso
hecouldapologize,butshe’dneverresponded.Knowingitwasn’therresponsibilitytomakehimfeelbetterabouthisguiltfor hurtingher,hehadn’treachedoutagain.
“Arewegoingtohaveaproblem,Camilla?”Abenaasked Fuck.Boonewouldbefiredbeforeheevendidasingleshift.
Cooperwasgoingtokillhim Hewasadeadtigerwalking BeforeCamillacouldreply,Fredericksteppedintotheroom.“Ma’am,yourdaughteriscalling.Shesaysit’surgent.”
“Excuseme,please,”Abenasaid “Iwon’tbelong”
ShelefttheroomwithFrederick.Sweatnowbeadingathistemples.Boonesaid,“I’msorry,Camilla.”
“Forwhat?TreatingmelikeshituntilIfinallyleft,ortellingmeyoulovedmewhenyoudidn’t?”sheasked.Hercaramel colouredeyeswerenarrowedinanger,andherslenderbodytrembledminutely “Both,”hesaid.“Youdidn’tdeserveanyofthat,andI’vewantedtoapologizetoyouforalongtimenow.”
Shegrimaced,runningonehandoverherlongblondehairinafamiliargesture “Yeah,I’msureyouhave” “Ihave,”hesaid,joiningherbythebookshelvesandignoringhistiger’sgrumbleaboutthesmell.“HowItreatedyouwas awful I was still fucked up by Derek’s death, but that is zero excuse for the things I said and did I was immature and a coward.Ishouldneverhaveletitgettothepointitdid.IshouldhavebeenhonestwithyouandadmittedthatIwastoofucked uptobewithanyone.IwisheverygoddamndaythatIhadn’tbeensuchacoward.”
“Thatmakes twoofus,” Camilla said,buthe couldsmell the scentofher furylessening “Ilovedyou,Boone Imean, I really lovedyou,andyouhurtme.Doyouknowhowlongittookmetogetoverthat?”
“Youwereamazingandincredibleanddidnothingwrong,”Boonesaid “Whathappenedbetweenuswascompletelymy fault,andIamtrulysorryforhurtingyou.”
Hehopedshecouldbothseeandsmellhissincerity.Whilehedidn’twanttolosetheassignment,theopportunitytofinally apologizetoCamillawasmoreimportanttohim.
Camillasighed.“Dammit,IhatethatIcansmellhowterribleyoufeel.”
Hestayedsilent,andCamillastudiedhimbeforesaying,“Iacceptyourapology” Reliefwashedoverhim.“Thankyou,Camilla.”
Shefoldedherarmsacrosshertorso “So,you’reAbena’snewsecuritydetail” “Iam,”hesaid,“butIcanspeakwithmybossandhavesomeoneelseassignedtoMs.Nkosiifyouprefer.”
Shesmiled.“Iappreciatetheoffer,butI’mabiggirl.Icanhandleseeingmyex-boyfriendafewtimesaweek.”
“Thankyou,”hesaid.“So,howlonghaveyoubeenworkingforMs.Nkosi?”
“Twoyears.IquitmyjobatthemarketingfirmbecauseIwas over beingthepersonal assistanttoabunchofassholes.I thoughtImightreturntoschoolanddosomethingelse,butthenafriendofafriendknew Abenawaslookingforanew PA I snaggedaninterviewwithher,andtherestis,”sheshrugged,“history.”
“Youenjoyit?”heasked
“Verymuch.Abenaisdowntoearthandnotatalllikeatypical celebrity.Shecanbedemandingandhashighstandards, butdoyourjobwell andkeepyournoseclean,andshe’ll treatyouwell,and,”anothersmilecreptontoherface,“shegives amazingChristmasbonuses Treatyourselftoaweek’sholidaysomewherehot,amazing” Helaughed.“I’mgladyou’redoingsomethingyouenjoy.Irememberhowmuchyouhatedworkingforthemarketingfirm.” “God,Ireallydid,”shesaid “HowareGrayson,Cooper,andWes?Iimaginethey’reallstillsingle Noneofthemseemed likethesettlingdowntype.”
“Actually,theyallhavematesnow”
“You’rekidding,”Camillasaidwithagrowlofsurprise.“EvenWes?” “Yes.Allthreearematedtohumans.Cooperisengagedtobemarried.”
“Wow”Camillashookherhead “Ithoughtthefourofyouwouldbelifelongbachelors Whataboutyou?Areyou-” Thedooropened,andAbenajoinedtheminthelibraryagain.“Myapologies,Mr.Jameson.” “It’snotaproblem,”Boonesaid Abenastudiedthetwoofthembeforeinhalingdeeplyandrepeatingherquestion.“Willwehaveaproblem,Camilla?” CamillaglancedatBoonebeforeshakingherhead “No,Abena Noproblematall”
Boone’s front door opened before he could unlock it. His tiger made a startled chuff, and he stepped back as his nan’s physiotherapistpushedpasthim Thelionshifter was crying,andshegrowledatBoonewhenhereachedouttosnagher arm.
“Rebeccah,what’swrong?”heasked.
“What’s wrong?”Rebeccahglared athim “What’s fuckingwrongis your grandmother is impossible!She scratched me Andthathorriblelittledogofherstriedtobitemyleg!”
She showed himher tornpantlegbefore shovingup her sleeve so he could see the scratchfromher inner elbow to her wrist.Itwasfaintandnotevenbleeding,butBoonewinced.“Shit.I’msosorry,Rebeccah.”
“Sherefusestodoanyoftheexercises Shegrowls,hisses,andfightsbackwhenItrytodosimplestretchesonher,and,” Rebeccah’sfaceturnedred,“shetoldmeIsmelledworsethanadeadraccooninaditch.”
Hegrimaced.“Rebeccah,mynanisdifficult,Iknow,but-” “Difficult?” Rebeccah growled again, soft yellow fur appearing on her cheeks “Your grandmother is a monster, Mr Jameson.Iquit!”
Shestompedtowardhercar,andBoonehurriedafterher “Rebeccah,pleasedon’tquit I’llpayyoudouble” She yanked openher car door and glared athim. “I’d rather starve to deaththanever set footinyour house again, Mr. Jameson.”
Sheclimbedintothecarand,withascreechoftires,droveaway.Boonescrubbedahandthroughhishair.“Fuckme.” Rebeccahwas the third physiotherapistto quit, and he had anidea he was aboutto face the same problemhe had with hiringanurse Noonewouldworkwithhisgrandmother
He stepped inside the house and winced when he heard his grandmother snarling and growling fromher bedroom. He tossedhiskeysonthesidetableandhurriedtowardherroom
I don’t wanna go in there,histigersaid.
YouthinkIfuckingdo?”Boonesaid.“She’llprobablyeatusalive.”
HistigerwhinedlikealittlecubandretreatedsofarthatBoonecouldbarelyfeelhispresence.
“Coward,”Boonesaidandsteppedintohisnan’sroom.
Shewassittinginbed,withorangeandblackhairsproutedonherfaceandhernailslong,sharpclaws Alfiesatbesideher onthebed,baringhisteethatHedra,whostoodattheendofthebed.
“Howdareyouspeaktomelikethat,human!”Nangrowled “I’llripyouapartforthatdisrespect”
“Ohyeah?”Hedrahadherhandsonherhips,andBoonecouldsmell heranger,butshespokecalmly.“How will youdo thatwhenyoucan’tevengetoutofbedwithoutmyhelp,Althea?”
His nanroared infury, the sound echoinginthe room, and Boone cringed as his tiger, who had crept cautiouslyto the surfaceatthesoundofHedra’svoice,fledlikeascaredcub.
RespectandahealthydoseoflustfloodedBoonewhenHedradidn’tevenflinch Sheleanedcloserandsaid,“Rebeccahis tryingtohelpyou,Althea.”
“She’sastupidlittlelionwhowouldn’tknow thedifferencebetweenamuscleandaboneifitsmackedher intheface,” Nanshouted.
“No, she’s a professional who could help yougetoutofthis damnbed withoutme ifyou’d stop beingso stubbornand disagreeable,”Hedrasaid
Nangrowledagainather.“Thenexttimeyoucomenearme,human,I’mgoingtoshredyoulikebacon.”
“Nan!” Boone snarled His tiger had immediately resurfaced at the threat to Hedra and growled so loudly that Boone couldn’tcontainthesound.
His nan’s gaze snapped to him, her usual brown eyes turned dark green with fury “Did you just growl at me, Boone Jameson?”
“Stopthreatening,Hedra,”hesaid.“Imeanit,Nan.”
He stared her down, and, to his complete surprise, she slumped againstthe bed, the hair onher face fadingawayas her tigerretreated.
“Nan, you can’t threaten Hedra or scratch your physiotherapist or sic Alfie on her She’ll probably report you to the Council,”Boonesaid.
“Lether,”hisnangrowled “Idon’tcare”
Boonetookadeepbreath.“You’llcarewhenyou’rebeingarrestedforassaultcharges.”
She bared her teethat himbefore pettingAlfie roughly The little dogclimbed into her lap and licked her face before circlingthreetimesandsettlingonherlap.
BooneglancedatHedra,whostillstoodcalmlyattheendofthebed.“Nan,thisisthethirdphysiotherapistwho’squit.You havetostopbeingrudetothemandattackingthem,okay?Physiotherapyisnecessary,and-”
“It hurts,” his nansaid abruptly. She suddenlylooked so tired and old that Boone’s tiger trilled inalarm, and Boone’s stomachdropped Hehurriedovertothebedandsatdown,takinghisnan’shandandsqueezingitgently
“Ithurtssobad,Boone,”shesaid.“IknowI’maburdentoyou,andIhatethatIam,buttheexercisesandthestretcheshurt sobad,Icanbarelystandit”
Atearslippeddownherwrinkledcheek,andBoonecouldsmellhershameandmisery.Histigertrilledtoher,andhertiger trilledback.Guiltwashingoverhim,hepurredsoftlyandsqueezedherhandagain.“I’msorry,Nan.We’ll takeabreakwith thephysioforawhile”
“Boone,”Hedrasaid,hervoiceamixtureofdisbeliefandirritation,“sheneedsphysio.”
Heignoredher,rubbinghisNan’shandgently “Whydon’tyourestwhileIgetsupperstarted,okay?”
“Okay.”Nanclosedhereyes,andBooneleanedforwardtokissherforeheadbeforestanding.Heturnedaround,histiger chuffingwithdisappointmentwhenHedranolongerstoodinthebedroom.
HeleftNan’sroom,closingthedoorbehindhimandwalkingtothekitchen.
DON ’ T, HEDRA. IT ISN ’ T ANY OF YOUR BUSINESS.
Hedrastoodinthekitchendoorway,staringatBoone,whowaschoppingchickenonacuttingboard.She knew he could smellher,buthedidn’tturnaround,andthatjustpissedheroffmore
You’ll get yourself fired, Hedra. Sheignoredherinnervoiceandsteppedintothekitchen “Sheneedsphysio,Boone” “Iknowshedoes.”
“Youcan’tgiveintoyournan’severywish,”shesaid Hedumpedthepiecesofchickenintothefryingpan.“I’mnot.”
“Youare. Do youwantAlthea to live withyoufor the restofher life? Because withoutphysiotherapy, that’s whatwill happen,andshe’llbemiserable Shewantstogohomeandbeindependent” “Iknowshedoes.”Headdedseasoningtothechickenandstirreditinthepan.
“She’stougherthanyouthink,andyouhavetostopgivingintohereverywhim,”Hedrasaid
Heturned,hiseyesnowabrightjadeandgrowled,“IhiredyoutobeNan’snurse,notgivemeadviceonhowtocarefor her,Hedra.So,maybebackthehelloff,wouldyou?”
Shedidn’tneedtobeashiftertosmellhisinstantregret.Shecouldseeitinhowheslumpedagainstthecounter,inhowhis eyesfadedtotheirusualhazelandthelookofshameonhisface.
“Webothwantthesamethinghere,”shesaid “Wewanthertofeelbetterandreturntoindependentliving,right?” Henodded.“Yes.I’msorryIsnappedatyou.IhatetheideaofNanbeinginpain.”
Herangerdisappearedatthemiseryinhisvoice,andshejoinedhimatthestove,takingthewoodenspoonfromhimand stirringthechickeninthepanbeforeitcouldstickandburn.Hisreactionsandthetensenessinhisbodysuggestedsomething morethanjusthisnanwasbotheringhim.
“Iknowyoudon’tlikeit,andIdon’teither.Butitcan’tbehelped,anddelayingphysiowillonlymakeitharderforherin thelongrun.”
“Iknow,”hesaidwithaheavysigh Heranhishandthroughhishair “I’ll lookintofindinganother therapistandtalkto Nanaboutitinadayortwowhenshe’snotasupset.”
“Okay,”shesaid “Willyoutellmewhatelseiswrong?” Heblinkedather,hispupilsgoingtoslitsforafewsecondswhilehetalkedtohistiger.“Howdoyouknowsomethingelse iswrong?”
Sheshrugged “AmImistaken?” Herakedhishandthroughhishairagain.“No.” “What’swrong?”sheasked
Hestaredmoodilyatthechickenpiecessizzlinginthepan.“IhiredyoutobeNan’snurse,notmytherapist.Youdon’tneed tolistentomyshit.”
“Idon’tmind,”shesaid “ButI’llalsounderstandifyou’drathernotshare” Sheunderstoodbutdidn’tlikeit.ShewantedtobethepersonBooneconfidedin,andthatwasafuckingdangerousfeeling, butshedidn’tknowhowtostopit
Heleanedagainstthecounter,hisarmsfoldedacrosshischestandhisbodystiffasheconfessed.“Iwasassignedtoanew job today It’s an easy one babysitting an aging celebrity, and I hate it It’ll be boring as shit, and I’m,” he glanced at the doorway,“resentful aboutit.ThenIfeel guiltyforfeelingresentful becauseIloveNan,andnothingelseshouldmattertome morethanher.IwanthertogetbetterandreturntoherhomebecauseIknowthat’llmakeherhappy,butalsosoIcanreturnto mynormallife ButthenIgoanddostupidshitliketellinghershedoesn’thavetodophysio,eventhoughIknowitwilljust prolongherrecovery.”
Hestaredather “Whatthefuckiswrongwithme?”
“There’snothingwrongwithyou,”shesaid.“You’reallowedtofeelhowyoufeel,includingbeingabitresentfulthatyour lifehasbeenturnedupsidedown Look,Boone,everyoneinyourlifeandevenstrangerscanseehowmuchyouloveandcare foryournan.Noonewilleverquestionthat,okay?”
Henodded.“Thankyouforsayingthat.Iappreciateit.”
“You’rewelcome”Shestirredthechickenagain “Yourchickenisdone” Hestaredatthepan.“Doyouwanttojoinusfordinner?”
“Thankyoufortheinvite,butIhaveplanstonight”
“Adate?”heaskedbeforemutteringacurse.“Thatisn’tanyofmybusiness,sorry.” “It’snotadate,”shesaid.“I’mhavingdinnerwithDaisy,Ryan,andRyan’sfriend,Shay.” “Oh,that’llbefun,”hesaid.
“Ihopeso.I’mworriedthatmycrushonRyanwillmakemesuperawkward,”shesaid. AsmallgrincrossedBoone’sface “Ryaniscool,andshe’susedtopeoplegeekingoutoverher”
“Well,I’lldomybesttokeepthegeekingouttoaminimum,”Hedrasaid.
“Goodluck”Hegaveheranothercutegrinbeforebendingoverandopeningthefreezerbelowthefridgetosnagabagof frozenvegetables.Shestaredathisass,thenhurriedoutofthekitchenbeforeBoonecouldsmellherlust.
She’dbeenlookingforwardtodinner withRyanandtheothersall day,sowhywasshesuddenlywishingshecouldstay homewithBoone?
can’tbelieveOrendidthat.”Ryandrankanothersipofwinebeforelaughing.
“It’sOren,”Shaysaid “Honestly,Iwouldhavebeenmoresurprisedifhehadn’tgottenonstageanddanced” TheybothlaughedbeforeRyangrimaced.“Shit.Sorry,DaisyandHedra.Talkingaboutpeopleyoudon’tknowisn’tcool.” “It’sfine,”Daisysaid.“YourfriendOrensoundslikearealcharacter.”
“Oh,heis,”Shaysaid “We’llhavetoinvitehimoutnexttime”ShestudiedHedrabeforegrinning “He’ll loveyouboth butbeespeciallysmittenwithyou,Hedra.”
Hedralaughed “Why?”
“Herecognizesafellowfreespiritwhenheseesone.Orsmellsone,”Shaysaid. Daisy’sphonebuzzed,andsheglancedatitbeforetextingbriefly “Sorry,thatwasEleanor” “Everythingokay?”Ryanasked.
“Yep.She andWes are havinga wonderful time inFiji.She wanted to show me a picture ofa drinkshe justordered. It cameinafishbowlthesizeofherhead,”Daisysaidwithagrin Shetuckedherphoneintoherpocket “So,Orenisashifter?”
“Yes,aleopardshifter,”Shaysaid.“Shit,sorry,Daisy,Iforgot.Iwon’tinviteOrentoournextdinner.”
“Oh,no,it’sfine I’mbetter”DaisyglancedatHedra “I,um,hadatraumaticexperiencewithshiftersasachild,anditleft meprettyafraidofthem.ButCooperhelpedme,andnowI’mnotasafraid.”
Shepaused.“Although,italsohelpsthathescentmarksme,somostshiftersavoidme.”
“Most?” Ryangave her a teasinggrin. “Graysonsays yousmell so muchlike Cooper thateveryshifter ina twenty-foot radiusknowsyou’rehismateandavoidsyou.”
Daisyblushedprettily “Coopercanbeabit,um,possessive”
“Ithinkthat’sprettyparforthecoursewithshifters,”Shaysaid.“Atleastthat’swhatanyfriendswho’vedatedshifterstell me”
“You’veneverdatedashifter?”Hedraasked.
“Nope,I’mashiftervirgin,”Shaysaidwithagrin.
“Somethingsheonlyadmittedrecentlytome,”RyansaidwithamockscowlatShay.“Shepretendedfor yearsthatshe’d bangedplentyofshifters.”
HedrastaredatShay,whonodded “Yep,it’strue Ishamelesslyliedaboutit” “Why?”Hedraasked.
“Itallstartedonpromnight IwasflirtingwithElliotPorkenheimand-” “Thatwasnothislastname,”Daisysaid.
“Itabsolutelywas,”Shaysaidwithalaugh.“Hewasajaguarshifter,football teamcaptain,anddrop-deadgorgeous.He wasalsodatingthemostpopulargirlinschool,MelanieHayes,untiltheybrokeupthedaybeforeprom Itwasatragedythat nearlybroketheentireschool.”
Hedralaughed,andsodidRyan “Istillrememberwhatahugedealitwas Eventheteachersweretalkingaboutit” “Youwenttoanormalhighschool?”HedraaskedRyan.
Ryannodded “For mysenior year, yeah I’d emancipated myselffrommymother bythenand lived withfamilyfriends, MaryandPeter.Iwantedtoexperienceatleastoneyearinahighschool,soIdidmyfinalyearthere.”
“Anyway,”Shaysaid,“Iwasgoingsolotopromandnow sowasElliot.Wegotourflirton,onthedancefloor,andnext thingyouknow,we’reheadingbacktothehotelroomhe’dbookedforhimandMelanie”
SheglancedatRyanbeforesaying,“BothElliotandIhadwell-deservedreputationsofsleepingaroundand-”
“Notsleepingaround,”Ryaninterjected,“justnotuptightabouthavingsex”
“That’sanicewaytoputit,”Shaylaughed.“Everyoneassumedwefuckedthatnight,butElliotwasano-goforit.Iwas totallyintoit- hewouldhavebeenthefirstshifter I’dsleptwith- buthewas toobrokenupaboutMelanie We made outa little,hestartedcrying,andthenwetalkedfortwohoursabouthow muchhelovedMelanie,orderedapizza,andwatcheda badBmoviebeforefallingasleep.”
“Butyoutoldeveryoneyouhadsex,”Hedrasaid.
“ElliottoldeveryonewedidandthenbeggedmetobackhimupbecauseGodforbidheshouldletMelanieknowhistrue feelingsforher,”Shaysaidwithaneyeroll
“Butyoudidn’ttellRyanthetruth?”Daisysaid.
“No, she didn’t,” Ryangave Shayanother mockscowl “She onlyadmitted the truthabouta monthafter Istarted dating Gray.Beforethat,sheevenpretendedthatshe’dbangedmultipleshifterssinceElliot.”
“It’strue,”Shaysaid “I’mnotproudofit,butitwasoneofthosesituationswhereIwantedtotellherthetruthbutithad alsobeensolongthatIdidn’tknow how totellherthetruth.AndIassumedIwouldeventuallybangashifter,soitwouldn’tbe alie.Only,Ineverhookedupwithashifter,despitemyefforts.Also,Ryanwassupercool backthen,andeventhoughwe’d beenfriendsforyears,Istillwantedtoimpressher”
RyanslungherarmaroundShay’sshoulders.“Youwereathousandtimescoolerthanme,honey.”
Shaysmiled at her before turningto Hedra “Anyway, Ryanwas at myhouse one night, and Ihad a bunchofwine and confessedmylie.Shepunchedmeintheface,andnowwe’regood.”
“Ididnotpunchyouinthe face,Shay!” Ryansaidwitha laugh “Iwill admitthatIwas shocked, butIdid notresortto physicalviolence.Ijustcalledyouabadnameandmadeyouswearonyourlifethatyou’dneverlietomeagain.”
“Iwillneverlietoyouagain,babe,”Shaysaidsolemnly.“Anyway,I’vecomecloseafewtimestobangingashifter,butit neverworkedout,muchtomydismay RyansaysGraysonisthebestlovershe’severhad” “Truth,”RyansaidandraisedherwineglasstoShay.
ShayclinkedhersagainstRyan’sbeforetheybothdrank ShaystudiedHedra “So,you’rebeingquiet Isthatyournormal, oristheresomethingbotheringyou?”
HedraglancedatRyan.“Honestly,I’mjusttryingnottomakeafoolofmyselfinfrontofRyan.” Ryanlaughed.“Hedra,stop.Ithinkyou’regreat,andI’mnothingmorethanahas-beencelebrity.” ”That’saloadofbullshit,”Hedrasaid.
“Totalbullshit,”Shaysaid,“butalso,Ryanisnotnearlyascoolnowaswhenwewerekids Imean,she’sfuckingamazing, andIloveherbeyondwords,butcoolisnotthewordIwouldusetodescribeher.”
“Thanks,Ithink?”Ryansaid
Shaygrinnedbeforeleaningoverandgivingheraloud,smackingkissonthelips.“Babe,youknowIfuckingadoreyou.” “Ditto,Shay,”Ryansaid.
Shaysipped some more wine before studyingHedra. “So, whataboutyou, Hedra? Youever gone to bone townwitha shifter?”
“Yes,”Hedrasaid “Mymomis human,butmydadis acheetahshifter,andmyfour older siblings areshifters,soIwas prettyinvolvedintheshifterworldgrowingup.”
“Thatmusthavebeenfungrowingupwithshiftersiblings,”Shaysaid “Dependsonhowyoudefinefun,”Hedrasaid.
Shaylaughed.“So,you’renotclosetothem,iswhatyou’resaying?”
“Actually,Iam Theyteasedmealotforbeinghuman,andIhadtoholdmyownagainsttheminsiblingfights Theyhadno mercyjustbecauseIwashuman.Butthey’refiercelyprotectivewhenitcomestoanyoneelsemessingwithme.”
“That’sreallysweet,”Daisysaid
“Yesandno,”Hedrasaid.“It’snotsosweetwhenyouinviteyourhumanboyfriendtomeetthem,andhehastostaredown anentireroomofhostilecheetahshifters” Ryanlaughed.“OhGod,thatsoundslikeanightmare.”
“Oneguynearlywethispants,”Hedrasaid.“Anothercriedalittlewhenoneofmybrothersgrowledandshowedabitof fang Hewasn’tserious,butitscaredMartinenoughthathebrokeupwithmetwodayslater”
“Shit,”Shaysaid.
Hedrashrugged “Iwouldhave brokenupwithhimanyway Ineed a partner who canhold his ownagainstmysiblings Besides, my siblings treating me like I wasn’t a human growing up has worked in my favour. Especially with Boone’s grandmother”
“She’s a pistol,” Ryan said. “I’m so glad it’s working out, though. Grayson said Boone was panicking before Chase suggestedhemeetwithyou.”
“Chaseisyourcousin,right?”Shaysaid
“That’sright,”Hedrasaid.
“He’scute,”Shaysaid “IsawhimattheofficeoncewhenIwentwithRyantodropofflunchforGrayson” “Icanintroduceyou,”Hedrasaid.“He’ssingleandwillbemorethanhappytobethefirstshifteryoubang.” Shaylaughedsohardthatthecouplenexttothemglancedover.“OhGod,you’regreat,Hedra.” ShegrinnedatShay.“Thanks.”
“So,will youreturntoworkingatahospital
nursing?”Daisyasked.
AvisionofDianne’s bodyinthe hospital bed flashed throughHedra’s head, and she swallowed hard. “Private nursing again AssumingIcanfindanotherprivatenursingjob” “Youdidn’tlikeworkingatahospital?”Shayasked. “Um,itjustwasn’tforme,”Hedrasaid “Whatdepartmentdidyouworkin?”Ryanasked.
“Emergencyforafew years,butthenItrieddifferentdepartments Iworkedinneurologyfor awhileandthenpediatrics andcardiology,”Hedrasaid.Herbackstartedsweating,andshetriedtothinkofanaturalwaytochangethesubject.
“ThatwasinRosehaven,right?”Ryansaid.“GraysonandIhadcoffeewithChaselastweek,andhementionedyourfamily isinRosehaven”
“That’sright,”Hedrasaid.“IworkedatSaintMary’sHospitalafterIgraduatednursingschool.” “Whendidyoumovehere?”Shayasked “Onlyaboutamonthandahalfago,”Hedrasaid.“IlivedinEmertonforafewmonthsandworkedatadoctor’soffice,but Idecidedtomoveherewhentheyhadtolaymeoff MyparentsandsiblingswantedmetoreturntoRosehaven,butIdidn’t wantthat.Icompromisedbymovinghere.Myparentswerehappier thatitwasmuchcloser toRosehaven,andIatleasthad somefamilyaroundwithChaseandhisparents.Ihadmystuffinstoragewhilelivinginamotel andlookingforajob.Then ChaseintroducedmetoBooneandhisgrandmother I’vehadtokeepmystuffinstorage,butit’sworthitforwhatI’msaving bynotpayingrent.”
“Sure,andallyouhavetodoisavoidanold,angrytigershifter’sclaws,”Shaysaid “Honestly,thepoodlepoopisworse,”Hedrasaid.
Shaystaredblanklyather,andHedrasaid,“HerdogAlfiekeepsstealingmyCrocsandpoopinginthem.”
Daisy,Ryan,andShayalllaughed,andHedragrinnedatthembeforedrinkingsomebeer.It’dbeenalongtimesinceshe’d goneoutonagirls’night.Hell,it’dbeenalongtimesinceshe’dhadfriends,andthewarmthandhappinesswashingoverher feltforeign
Just make sure you don’t kill them like you did the last one.
Thesmiledroppedfromherfacelikeabrick,andherstomachtwisted Shehadn’tkilledDianne Shewasn’ttheonedrunk behindthewheelofthecarthatT-bonedDianne’scarinasnowyintersection.
No, but you were the one who couldn’t save her while she lay dying on the hospital bed
Thedinnersheatewasnowahotstoneinherstomach,andshecouldhardlyswallowpastthelumpinherthroat. “Hedra?”Shaytouchedherarm,concerninhervoice.“Youokay,honey?”
Hedraforcedherselftosmile “Justfine,thanks So,doyoueverthinkyou’llgobackintoacting?”
Shaystudied her a few seconds longer, and Hedra could have kissed her withreliefwhenshe said, “God, no. I was a terribleactress”
“Youweren’t!”Ryansaid.
AssheandShaybegantoarguegoodnaturedlyaboutShay’sactingabilities,Hedrasatbackinherchairandtookanother drinkofbeer Thiswasfine Shewasfine Itdidn’tmatterwhatMateosaidorthoughtortoldpeopleinRosehaven Shehadn’t killedherbestfriend.
HEDRA
DOWN THE HALLWAY TO HER ROOM.IT WAS LATER THAN SHE MEANT TO STAY OUT, AND THE HOUSE WAS DARK AND quiet She’ddiscoveredBoonewasanightowllikeher,buthe’dgonetobedearlierthannormal SheslippedinsideherbedroomandusedthebathroomshesharedwithAltheabeforecheckingonthetigershifter.Althea wassleepingsoundly,andHedrastuckhertongueoutatAlfiewhenthepoodlegrowledsoftlyatherfromhisspotonthebed besideAlthea.
Shereturnedtoherroomandchangedintohercottonshirtandshortspajamasetbeforewashingherfaceandbrushingher teeth. She studied herself in the bathroommirror. Tonight had been fun, and she’d been embarrassingly happy when Shay invitedherforcoffeeonThursdaynight.ShelikedRyanandDaisyalot,butshefeltanalmostinstantconnectionwithShay. She reminds you of Dianne Hedra swallowed hard and rinsed her toothbrushbefore puttingit inthe holder. Yeah, maybe a little. Not in looks, but definitelyinpersonality
Do you feel good about trying to replace Dianne? Shetooka deepbreath,closedher eyes,andconcentratedonnotspiraling.Her therapisthadgivenher differenttools to combatthisveryscenario,andsheusedallofthemuntilherrapidheartbeatcalmedandshenolongerfeltnauseous Sheopenedhereyes.“Herdeathisnotyourfault,”shetoldherreflection.“YouarenotresponsibleforMateo’sgrief.” Shetookafewmoredeepbreathsbeforeshuttingoffthebathroomlightandheadingtowardherbed Shepulledbackthe
CREPT
covers and was about to climb in when she heard the scratching at her door. She cocked her head and studied the door, frowningwhensheheardthescratchingagain.
Shecrossedtheroomandopenedthedoor,staringinsurpriseatthetigerstandinginthehallway “Boone?What’swrong?”
Thetigerpurredbeforepushingpasther.Hesniffedherbedbeforedippinghisheadintothelaundryhamperandsniffing.
“Ifyoustealapairofmyunderwear,I’mcallingthelabourboard,”Hedrasaid
The tiger chuffed loudly before returning to her. She grunted in surprise when he rubbed up against her, his big body knockingherintothedoorandclosingitwithaloudbang
Shewincedandrubbedatherhipboneasthetigerrubbedagainstheragain.“Hey,watchit,youbiglug.”
She waited for Althea to call for her, butapparently, she’d sleptthroughthe door slammingshut. She tried to straighten, gruntingagainwhenBoonechuffedandburrowedhisbigheadintoherstomach
“Oof,”shesaid.Shescratchedhesitantlyaroundhisears,andthetigerpurredhappily.
Feelingdisconcerted,HedrastrokedBoone’shead,delightedbyhowsoftthefurwas “Okay,thishasbeenfun,butit’slate, andIwasjustgoingtobed,so…”
Boonechuffedagainandlopedacrosstheroomtoleapontoherbed Hestretchedoutonit,histailflickingbackandforth andhisbigbodybarelyabletofitonthedoublebed.
“Boone,no,”shesaid.“Youcan’tsleepinmybed.”
Hechuffed,andshejoinedhim,shovingononemeatyhip “Getup,bigguy”
Hegrowledandnudgedherarmwithhishead.
“Areyouseriousrightnow?”shesaid “Boone,getoutofmybed”
This time, the tiger’s chuff sounded dejected, and she sighed before gripping the tiger’s head in her hands and staring directlyinto his jade eyes. “Boone, canyouhear me inthere? Your tiger is beingweird. Canyoushiftto your humanform, please?”
Thetigerblinkedatherbeforeyawning.Shestaredathisteethbeforesighingagain.“Fine.Youcanlieinbedwithmefor fifteenminutes Thenyouhavetoreturntoyourbed Gotit?”
He chuffed inwhatshe hoped was agreement, and she opened her bedroomdoor enoughfor the tiger to slip outbefore climbingintobedandpullingupthecovers SheflinchedwhenBoonerubbedhisheadagainstherfaceandneckbeforelicking herforeheadwithhisroughtongue.
“Hey,keepthetonguetoyourself,bigguy,”shesaid.
Hegrowledandrubbedhisheadacrosshermouth.Shesputteredoutamouthfuloftigerfur.“Andstopmarkingme.Your grandmotherwillhaveafitwhenshesmellsmetomorrow.”
Boonechuffedandmarkedheragain Shepokedhiminhisshoulder “Boone,enough”
She’dneverseenatigerpoutbefore.Sherolledhereyesashestaredather.“Don’tlookatmelikethat.”
Helethisheaddropontoherchest,andafterafew seconds,sherubbedandstrokedhishead,scratchingbehindhisears andalonghisthroat.Hepurreddeafeningly,andshesmiledalittle.Hispurringwastheperfectwhitenoise,andtheheatfrom hisbigbodywasnice.Sherubbedhisforeheadandreachedtoshutoffthelamponthenightstand.
“Fifteenminutes,”shesaidintothedarkroom “Thenbacktoyourownbed Gotit?”
Hispurringcutoutforafewsecondsbeforestartingagain,andshestrokedhisheadassheclosedhereyes.
“Goodlucktoday,”HedrasaidtoBoone.
Hegrinnedatherashefilledhisto-gomugwithcoffee “Thanks,butIwon’tneedit Icoulddothisassignmentin mysleep.”
“Youseemparticularlyhappythismorning,Boone.”Nansatatthetable,Alfieonherlapandscrambledeggsontheplate infrontofher ShestaredatHedra,whowilledherselfnottoblush
Last night, she’d fallen asleep before Boone’s fifteen minutes were up. She’d woken alone in her bed this morning. KnowingshewouldsmelllikeBoone,she’dbracedherselfwhenshewalkedintoAlthea’sbedroom Toheruttershock,Althea hadn’tsaidawordtoheraboutBoone’smarking.
Relieved but also confused - maybe Boone hadn’t marked her like she thought - she’d helped Althea shower and dress beforehelpingherwalktothekitchen.She’dleftAltheasippinghercoffeeandslippedbacktoherroom.Wonderingifshe’d dreamedthewholethinglastnight,shecheckedthebed.OrangehairsonthequiltconfirmedthatBoonehadbeeninherroom lastnight
She’dreturnedtothekitchentomakeAlthea’sbreakfast.Boonehadjoinedthem,andtheawkwardnesssheexpectedhadn’t materialized He’dbeeninagoodmoodwhilehecookedhisbreakfast,teasingNangentlyandeventossingAlfieapieceof bacon.Hehadn’tsaidawordaboutsleepinginherbedlastnight,andwhileshehadn’texpectedhimto,atleastnotinfrontof hisgrandmother,hiscasualeasearoundherhadthrownherforaloop.
“Boone,”Nansaid,“whyareyouinsuchagoodmoodthismorning?”
Boone slipped into his jacketbefore addingmilkand sugar to his coffee. “I slept great last night for the first time ina while”
HeleaneddownandkissedNan’sforehead.“Loveyou,Nan.I’llseeyoutonight.BegoodforHedra,please.” “I’mnotatoddler,”Nansaidgrumpily Hegrinned.“Iknow.Iloveyou.” “Iloveyoutoo,”shesaid.
“Bye,Hedra,”Boonesaid.
“Bye,Boone.”Hedrawaiteduntilthefrontdoorclosedbeforeshesaid,“Doyouwantanotherpieceoftoast,Althea?” Althea stared silentlyather, and Hedra mether gaze steadilyfor aboutthirtyseconds before lookingaway, touchingthe smallblueopalonherseptumringself-consciously.“Wedidn’thavesex.”
“Hemarkedyou,”Altheasaid
“Itwas his tiger,”Hedrasaid.“He scratchedatmydoor lastnight.WhenIlethimin, he marked me a few times before lyingonmybed.Itoldhimtoleave,buthedidn’tlisten,andit’snotlikeIcoulddragafull-growntigeroutofmyroom.”
AsmallgrincrossedAlthea’sfaceasHedrasaid,“Iaskedhimtoshifttohishumanform,butheignoredme” “Hishumansidewassleepinganddoesn’trememberit,”Altheasaid.
“Howdoyouknow?”
“Boone was terrible for sleepwalkinginhis tiger formwhenhe was a cub,” Althea said. “He mostlyoutgrew itbyhis teens,butithappensagainanytimehe’sstressedorupset Histigertakesoverandroamsthehouse”
“Hemustbemorestressedaboutthenewassignmentthanhe’sadmittingto,”Hedrasaid. “Maybe,”Altheasaid.
“Youdon’tthinkthat’sit?”Hedraasked Altheasippedathercoffee.“TheanniversaryofDerek’sdeathiscomingup.” “Oh,”Hedrasaid
“YouknowwhoDerekis?”
HedranoddedandsankintothechairnexttoAlthea “Yes HeservedwithBooneandtheothersinthemilitary,andhewas Boone’sbestfriend.”
“Thathe was,” Althea said. “Awful wayhe died. Shot bya sniper right infront of myboyand the others. All of them
struggled withhis death, butBoone and Wes tookthe bruntofit. Iimagine Wes’s little humanmate is helpinghimnow, but Boonedoesn’thaveanyonetogotowithhishurt.”
Hedra’schesttightened,andshewasweirdlyemotionalandclosetotears “Hashetriedtherapyforit?”
“Yes,andit’sdonehimaworldofgood.Buttolosesomeonelikethat,itchangesaperson.He’snottheBooneheusedto be,andIdon’texpecthe’lleverbeagain Butthat’slife Itisn’talwayseasy,isit,human?”
“No,”Hedrawhispered.“Itisn’t.”
Altheastudiedher “YouknowbetterthanmostwhatBoone’sbeenthrough,don’tyou?” Shenodded.“Mybestfriend,she…shediedinfrontofmeaswell.”
Althea sighed. “I’msorryto hear that, Hedra. Don’t take offense ifhe’s snappyinthe next little while. He won’t mean anythingbyit”
“Iwon’t,”Hedrasaid.
Altheapattedherhand “Don’ttellanyoneIsaidthisbecauseI’lldenyitifyoudo,butyouaren’thalfbadforahuman” Hedrasmiled.“Thanks,Althea.”
“Uh-huh Now,helpmetomychairinthelivingroom Mygameshowsareon”
“YOU’RE DOING A REMARKABLE JOB OF NOT LOOKING BORED OUT OF YOUR SKULL ” CAMILLA JOINED HIM, HER SLENDER BODY dressedinaskin-tightsilverdressandherhairpulledintoacomplicatedlookingtwistatthebackofherskull.
Boone smiled butdidn’ttake his gaze offAbena, who was aboutfifteenfeetaway. Twentyor so people surrounded the elegantlynxshifter,butshelookedcompletelyatease,andnonepressedtooclose “I’mnotbored,”Boonesaid.
“Right,” Camilla said witha laugh She sipped at her champagne, studyingthe large room “Aprivate pre-screeningof Camilla’slatestmoviewithabunchofsnobbycelebritiesandonehundredofherbiggestfansisabsolutelyyourscene.” “Ienjoyedthemovie,”hesaid
“Ofcourseyoudid,”Camillasaidteasingly.“Themovieisamazing.ButtheBooneIremember,hatedwearingatux.” HeglancedatherbeforereturninghisgazetoAbena.“Iwilladmitthetuxisn’tmyfavouritepart.”
Shelaughed “Iknewit”
They people watched in silence for a few minutes before Camilla said, “You’ve impressed Abena, and she’s hard to impress”
“I’mjustdoingmyjob,”Boonesaid.
“Whendidyougetsomodest?”sheteasedagain “WhathappenedtotheBooneIknewandloved?”
Histigergrowledgrumpily.He’dgottenannoyedtheminuteCamillajoinedthem.Whilehistigerhadn’tdislikedCamilla when Boone dated her, he hadn’t been nearly as fond of her as Boone. That in itself wasn’t super unusual. Sometimes, a shifter’s humanside was more attracted to a potential mate thantheir cat side, and vice versa But, normally, the side less attracted would fall justas hard as theygotto know the person. Itwas a self-preservationthing.Especiallyiftheir catside believedapersonwastheirmate Ifthehumansidedidn’tsharetheirfeelings,insanitysetin
Heshudderedinwardly.IthadalmosthappenedtoCooperwithDaisy.Cooper’shumansidewasjustasinlovewithDaisy ashiscat,buthe’dfoughtagainsthislion’sfeelings,thankstoDaisy’sfearofshifters.Happily,ithadworkedoutforCoop,but watchinghisbossandfrienddescendtowardmadnessterrifiedbothBooneandhistiger.
NotthatithadcomeclosetothatwithCamilla.Neitherhenorhistigerhadeverseenherashismatewhentheydated,but histigerhadneverfeltasstrongofanattractiontoCamillaasBoone’shumanside Notevenaftermonthsofdating “Boone?”Camillasaid.
“Iguesspeoplechange,evenme,”hesaid Shestudiedhimthoughtfully.“Yes,youhave.You’relikeacompletelydifferentperson,Boone.” He cleared his throat, his tiger sendingoutwarninggrowls whenhe smelled the faintscentofCamilla’s lust. “I’ve only accompaniedMs.Nkositoafewevents.It’shardlyenoughtoimpressher.”
Camillashrugged.“Howyoukeptyourcool,protectedher,andcharmedboththepaparazziandtheoverzealousfanswho approachedherinthegrocerystorelastweekisexactlywhatshe’slookingforinasecurityperson”
Abenasippedather champagneasher co-star,awhitemanwhohadagedoutofhisactionflickcareer afew yearsago, joinedherandputhisarmaroundher Boonestartedforward,andCamillagraspedhisarm “It’sfine ShelikesWilliam,andit won’tupsetherthathe’stouchingher.”
Abena glanced at him, and Boone raised one eyebrow at her ina clear ‘do youneed me’gesture. She shook her head slightlyandwinkedathimbeforesmilingatherco-star “See,”Camillasaid.“Itoldyou.”
He relaxedas Camilla squeezedhis arm “I’ve beenwatchingyoucloselythe lastweekanda half, Boone Ilike whatI
see.”
Shit.Hedidnotlikewherethiswasheaded.
“Thanks Ishouldprobably-” “Wouldyouliketohavedinnerwithme?”Camillaasked.Herleopardpurredtohim,andheswallowedhardashistiger madeanotherirritatedgrowl “Oh,um…”
Camillasteppedcloser,runningoneredpaintednailupanddownhisarm “You’vechanged,Boone Icanseethat,andI’d lovetotryagainwithyounowthatyou’reinabetterplace.”
Fuck!Hehadnoideawhattosayordo.Evenifhistigerhadn’tbeencurrentlyobsessedwithHedra,hehadnoattractionto Camilla,and,honestly,Boone’shumansidedidn’teither Notanymore
ButtheideaofhurtingCamillaagain,ofmakingherfeelless,senttrepidationthroughhim.Hecouldn’tdothattoheragain. “Boone,willyouhavedinnerwithme?”Camillaaskedagain “Ihaveagirlfriend,”Boonesaid,feelingmorethanalittlepanicked. “Really?Ican’tsmellheronyou,”Camillasaid “She’shuman.”
Camillagavehimalook.“Ishouldstillbeabletosmellherscentonyou.What’shername?”
Shit!Hepulledatthebowtiearoundhisthroat Fuck,hehadtothinkofanameandquick Heopenedhismouth,andhistigersurgedforwardandsaid,“Hedra.” Asshole!Boonesnapped
Histigerchuffedhappilyandretreated. “Hedra,”Camillarepeated.“AhumannamedHedra.” “That’sright,”hesaid.
Camillastudiedhim.Hecouldsmell herskepticismasshesaid.“Boone,youdon’thavetolieaboutagirlfriend.Iknow you’refeelingalittlenervous,butwewerereallygoodtogetherbefore everythinghappened I’vetrulyforgivenyouforit, andI’dlovetoseewhatcouldhappenbetweenusnow.”
“I’mnotlying,”hesaid “I’mdatingahumannamedHedra”
Could you sound less convincing if you tried? Histigergrumped.
“Boone,”Camillasaidagain,hercondescendingtonemakinghistigergrowlangrily.“Youdon’t-”
“Whatareyoutwotalkingsointenselyabout?”Abenajoinedthem,hermega-wattsmilebeaming.
“Are you okay?” Boone asked, cursing himself inwardly for letting his concentration lapse. “Did something happen? I apologize,Ishouldn’thave-”
“It’sfine,darling.Perfectlyfine,”Abenasaid,squeezinghisarmgently.“Nothingbadhashappened.I’mjustintriguedby whatthetwoofyoumightbediscussing”
“Boone’sgirlfriend,”Camillasaid,accentingthegirlfriendpartlightly.“He’sdatingahumannamedHedra.”
“Yourgrandmother’snurse?”AbenasaidasCamillamadeasurprisedchuff.
“Uh,that’sright,”Boonesaid Shit,diditmakehimabadpersontowishthatAbena’smemorywasn’tquitesosharp? “Hownice,”Abenasaid.“HowlonghaveyouandHedrabeendating?”
“Awhile,”hehedged
“Didyoumeetherbeforeshestartedcaringforyournan?”Camillaasked.
“No,”hesaid,grimacinginwardlyathismistakeasCamilla’sgrinturnedpredatory “So,youhaven’tbeendatingallthatlongthen,”shesaid. “No,but,uh,HedraandIareprettyserious.”
“Isthatright?”Camilladidn’tbelievehimonebit “Yes,”hesaid.
“YoushouldbringhertoAbena’spartythisweekend,”Camillasaidsuddenly “I’dlovetomeether” Abenawasthrowingherownprivatepartytocelebratetheupcomingreleaseofhermovie.Boonewasn’trequiredtowork asitwasinherhome,withonlyfriendsandfamily,butshehadinvitedhimtojointhemandwouldn’ttakenoforananswer AlthoughHedrahadagreedtowatchhisnanthatnight,heplannedtomakeanappearanceforanhourorsobeforeleaving. “Whatamarvelousidea,Camilla,”Abenasaid.“Bringher,Mr.Jameson.” “Iwould,butshe’llbewatchingmynanwhileI’mattheparty,”Boonesaid Abenafrowned.“Surely,youhavefamilywhocouldwatchyournanforanevening?” “Unfortunately,no,”hesaid “Friends,then.”Abena patted Boone’s chestthroughhis jacket. “Come now, Iinsistyoubringyour Hedra to the party. I won’ttakenoforananswer,Mr.Jameson.”
Camillagrinnedsmuglyathim.Inwardlycursinghistiger,Boonesaid,“Sure.IknowHedrawouldlovetomeetyou.” “Perfect.”Abenaglancedacrosstheroombeforewavingatsomeone.“Imustgo.ThatdreadfulJillianfromthemarketing
departmenthas beentryingto speakwithme all night, and Ican’tavoid itanylonger. Camilla, make sure youletFrederick knowthatwe’llhaveonemorefortheparty.”
“Iwill,Abena,”Camillasaidwithawidegrin Abenaleft,andCamillaturnedthatwidegrintoBoone.
“Ilookforwardtomeetingyour,”shehesitated,hersmileturningsmugagain,“girlfriend,Boone” Hissmilewasmoreofagrimace.“I’mlookingforwardtointroducinghertoyou.”
Boone hurriedintothe house.The prescreeningand fanpartyhad gone longer thanplanned, and itwas nearlyeight-thirty. He’dtextedHedraaboutbeinglate,andshedidn’tseemtohaveanissuewithhimbeinglateorcookingdinnerforhisnan, buthedidn’twanthertothinkhewastakingadvantageofher.
He dropped his keys onthe side table before headingto the livingroom. He could hear the televisionblaringand smell popcorn Bothhis stomachand his tiger grumbled He hadn’t eatensince lunch, and he was starving He hoped there were leftoversfromdinner.
Hewalkedintothelivingroom,andhistigergrowledsoloudlythatBoonewinced Hedraandhisnansatinthemiddleof theleathersectional.AleopardshifterwithastoopedbackandthinninghairsatontheothersideofNan,theirhandslinked. ButitwasthelynxshiftersittingtooclosetoHedrathatmadeBoone’stigersurgeforward
Lastweek,afterspeakingtohisnan,who’dbeensurprisinglyagreeabletotryingagain,Boonefoundanewphysiotherapist. A lynx shifter named Jerome with an affable and laidback personality. So far, nothing Boone’s nan had said to the physiotherapisthadupsethim,andBoonewasincrediblygratefulforhowmuchprogressJeromehadmadewithNaninjustthe lastweek.
Ofcourse,thatwasbeforeBoonehadwalkedintohislivingroomtothestinkofJerome’slustforHedra Histigergrowled anotherwarning,andhisfuryoverJerome’sinterestinHedrawaslikehotcoalsinBoone’sstomach.
Thelynxstiffenedslightly,studyingBoonebeforesmiling.“Boone,hey,howareyou?”
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Boonesaid.“Mynan’sphysioappointmentfinishedatfive.”
“Boone,don’tberude,”Hedrasaid.“WeinvitedJerometohavedinnerandwatchamoviewithus.”
She smiled atJerome, and his tiger’s jealousycould hardlybe contained Fuck, forgethis tiger, Boone’s jealousywas a ragingfireinhisbrain.
“Lookathowhandsomeyouareinyourtux,”Nansaid “Boone,thisis-”
Boone couldn’tstayinthe rooma second longer, evenifitmeantbeingrude to Nan. He stalked outofthe livingroom before he did somethingstupid like markHedra or murder Jerome and stomped to the kitchen. He gripped the counter and staredoutthewindow,breathingdeeplyashistigersnarledandgrowled.
She’s ours!He was touching her, and she’s ours!
Hedra isn’t ours Calm down
Christ,tryingtocalmhistigerwhenhewasthisriledupwasnearlyimpossible.
Histigergrowledagain We need to mark her before he does She isn’t safe until we mark her
Histiger’sjealousyandanxietymadeithardforBoonetothinkrationally.Itcouldn’thurttomarkHedra,right?She was onlyhuman, and the world was a dangerous place. Markingher would keepher safe fromother shifters. Coop did itall the timewithhismate Whyshouldn’tBoonedothesame?
Because Hedra isn’t your mate.
Heignoredhisinner voice Whatdiditknow?Histigerwasright Hedraneededtobeprotected The easiestwayto do thatwhenBoonewasn’taroundwasbymarkingher.
Hecouldhear JeromeandHedra’svoicesinthehallwayasHedrawalkedJerometothefrontdoor,andhistiger roared and demanded Boone join them. He clung to the sliver of common sense he still had and stayed in the kitchen, his hands grippingthesinkandhistigerroaringandgrowlingcontinuously.
Boone’ssuperbhearingmeanthehadnoproblemhearingJeromeaskHedraoutonadate Histigerroaredagain,thesound fillingBoone’searsandbrainuntilhecouldhearnothingelse.Hesqueezedthesink,fightinghistiger’spushforcontrol.Ifhe lethistigeroutnow,thedamnthingwouldattackJerome Sweatdrippeddownhisbackashistigerfoughtbitterlyagainsthim until,withasnarlofdisappointment,heretreated.
Boone had no idea how muchtime passed, itcould have beenfive minutes or five hours, butwhenhe smelled Hedra’s scentinthekitchen,hewhippedaroundtofaceher.Histiger madeanother pushfor control,andBoonefoughthimback,but refusinghistiger’sneedtomarkHedrawasn’tpossible.NotwhenBoonewantedtomarkherjustasbadly.
