Robby attempted vampire mind control, focusing all his mental powers on the were-panther. He hit a rock-solid barrier.
Bugger. The shape-shifter had good defenses. That would normally be a good thing since it meant Carlos would be impervious to any control by the Malcontents. But it didn't help the situation now.
"Ye crazy cat," Robby whispered. "What the hell are ye doing?"
The were-panther snarled, showing his gleaming white, sharp teeth. Attack me, Big Red. Make it look good.
Robby stiffened. He hadn't realized Carlos was capable of telepathic communication while in cat form. What are ye doing here?
Waiting for you to chase me off. Come on, dude. Rescue the fair maiden. Be a hero.
This was a matchmaking scheme? Robby balled his hands into fists. Ye bloody bastard. Ye're scaring her to death.
Carlos growled. That's the thanks I get. Look, if you play your cards right, you'll get lucky. The hot tub's ready -
"Get the hell out of here!" Robby charged toward him.
Oh, good acting skills. Carlos backed away. You're looking really pissed.
"I am pissed!" Robby scooped an egg-shaped rock off the beach.
Merda. No need to get violent. Carlos trotted down the beach.
Robby hurled the rock. Carlos yelped when it clipped him on a rear leg. You big lummox! See if I ever help you again!
I doona need yer help, ye mangy hellcat! Robby ran into the water to fetch Olivia. A strong wave pummeled her from behind, and she lost her balance. For a few terrifying seconds he saw her go under.
"Olivia!" He reached her just as she broke the surface, sputtering. He swooped her into his arms and charged back to the shore. Her clothes were soaked through. Her hair was dripping wet. And her body shook violently.
Damn you, Carlos. He watched the were-panther as it scrambled up the bluff. Where the hell are ye going?
None of your business. The were-panther stopped at the top of the bluff and peered down at them. I'll be back by sunrise. Have fun, Big Red. Is it true what they say, that a good Vamp can last all night long?
Piss off. Robby heard a strange huffing sound that sounded like a feline chuckle, then the were-panther scampered off.
Olivia wrapped a trembling, cold hand around his neck. "How d-d-did a jaguar g-g-get here?"
"Let's get you warmed up." He strode toward the stairs.
"Robby." She touched his face with icy fingers. "Th-Thank you."
She was turning blue. He should teleport straight to the patio. It was the fastest way to get her in the hot tub. And the surest way to provoke some unwanted questions.
Forgive me. He hugged her tight against his chest and invaded her mind with a surge of vampire mind control. Normally, a mortal would feel a blast of cold air when a vampire took over their mind, but in Olivia's case, she was already freezing to death.
Sleep, he commanded.
She went limp, and he teleported them to the patio.
Olivia felt deliciously warm and cozy as she slowly awoke. Someone was stroking her cheek and brushing her hair back from her brow. Soft fingers. A deep, sexy voice.
"Wake up, sweetheart."
Robby. That made her smile. Her eyes opened and there he was, his handsome face shrouded in mist. Unfortunately, her mind was just as foggy. She was up to her neck in hot churning water? "Where am I?"
"Ye're in the Jacuzzi of the villa where I'm staying. Ye needed to warm up as quickly as possible."
Her sleepy brain fumbled for an explanation, then she remembered and sat up with a jolt. "There was a jaguar! On Patmos! How on earth did it get here?"