Tempting the Jaguar by Katie Reus Page B

why
    Conrad was so leery of Estrella.
    “Our world is different than what
    you’re used to.”
    She nodded slowly and he could
    practically see the wheels turning in
    her head. Finally she spoke. “Why
    did she betray you?”
    “Land.” It was a simple answer
    for an act that had nearly destroyed
    him.
    Rage surged off Estrella, the
    bitter scent unmistakable. “Is she
    dead?”
    Rainer nodded.
    “Good.” Her one word response
    surprised him.
    Before he could say anything, he
    scented his brother’s presence
    nearby at the same time Estrella did.
    She stiffened in her seat and
    glanced at the entryway of the
    kitchen. Moments later when
    Conrad stepped inside wearing
    cargo pants and a simple black T-
    shirt, Rainer tried to see him the
    way she did. His brother was just as
    big as Rainer and his expression
    was fierce and deadly. No wonder
    she’d been nervous back in the
    cave. Hell, it was a surprise she’d
    trusted Rainer as much as she had.
    Conrad looked between the two
    of them, then focused on him.
    Rainer stood, partially blocking
    Estrella because he wanted her to
    know he’d protect her. Even from
    his own brother’s hostility.
    Conrad lifted an eyebrow at him,
    but didn’t send a telepathic
    message. He just said, “We’re
    leaving. Brought your truck to her
    driveway. Looks like someone went
    through the glove box, no doubt the
    vamps. You need to have her pack
    a bag and bring her back to the
    compound as soon as possible.”
    Rainer closed his eyes for a brief
    moment, resisting the urge to
    massage his temple. He’d wanted to
    ask Estrella first—or subtly insist.
    With his brother ordering her, he
    knew she was going to resist out of
    pure instinct. He knew because he’d
    do the same if some stranger tried
    to give him orders.
    He felt Estrella move before he
    actually heard her jump up from
    her seat. “I’m not going anywhere.
    This is my home. And if I decide to
    leave, it won’t be because you
    ordered me to,” she snapped at
    Conrad.
    This was just perfect. Rainer
    turned to face her, completely
    blocking Conrad from her view.
    Leave now, he mentally ordered his brother. Though he didn’t hear him
    go, his brother’s scent faded
    instantly and Rainer knew they
    were alone. When he reached out to
    cup her face he breathed a silent
    sigh of relief that she didn’t pull
    away.
    She actually leaned her cheek
    into his hand as she silently
    watched him. Good. It was obvious
    she needed his touch as much as he
    seemed to need hers. That extra
    contact went a long way in soothing
    his inner wolf and he could only
    hope he had the same effect on her.
    He’d always assumed his true mate
    would be a wolf, but he had no
    doubt that Estrella was it for him.
    They had a lot to learn about each
    other, but the heat and desire
    between them was undeniable and
    scorching. Not to mention his wolf
    had already accepted her jaguar. “I
    would appreciate it if you would
    pack a bag and come back to my
    place. At least for a week while we
    try to figure out who is after you
    and why.” They might know it was
    vampires but they didn’t know
    what coven they were from and
    they definitely didn’t know what
    their ultimate purpose was.
    She bit her bottom lip, her
    expression unsure. “A week?”
    “Is the thought of spending a
    week with me really such a bad
    thing?” he asked jokingly, even if it
    sliced him that she was unsure
    when all he wanted to do was go on
    lockdown with her and only come
    out for meals.
    “No, it’s just that I have to work.
    I have a few commissions that I
    need to finish and—”
    “Whatever you need for your
    work, we’ll transport to the pack’s
    compound. And if you need money
    I’ll—”
    Now she cut him off as she held
    up a hand. “Don’t even go there.”
    Okay. He could respect that even
    if he did want to take care of her in
    every way. “We could stay here if
    you wanted, but it’s not smart.”
    There was no way he’d actually let
    her stay