exposed and both will talk with you. Each will know when they are the best to deal with a situation and should have different voices.”
“Yeah, she started when I woke up in the hospital. I guess after the first injection. I’m not sure how many shots they gave me. It scared me at first. I thought I had to be going crazy but I kept hearing this voice that sometimes purred and then would roar when it was angry or demanding I do something. I think she helped me escape. She calmed me and also annoyed me. She didn’t calm me when I shifted the first time. Trina did, though. She talked me through it.” She licked her lips. Why did she get aroused just by sitting next to him? “She kept telling me it would be all right. She even said I was a beautiful panther. That’s how I knew what I was.”
“I have no doubt you are. I’m glad she helped you,” he said sadly.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t help her escape. I had planned on getting us all out of that dreadful place, but I couldn’t.” Her voice cracked, tears trailed down her cheeks.
“I know you would have if you could,” he paused. His thumb rubbed across the top of her hand. “The voice will be quieter the more you get used to her being there.”
One of his hands went to the side of her face. The low purr from within her became louder. He cupped her face with his hands. Leaning forward, his lips gently touched hers. Her lips had a little quiver to them. His kiss deepened. He pulled back slightly, then nipped her bottom lip gently between his teeth. She placed her hand on his chest and savored the feel of his skin.
“Xeon,” she whispered, “why do I feel this way?” She leaned closer to him. Another purr escaped her. “And why do I keep purring every time I’m near you?”
He smiled as her fingers lightly danced along his chest. She plastered her lips against his. Her kiss was urgent. She thought she would burn alive if her lips were not on his. Her body yearned for his. He responded to her kiss with his tongue rushing into her mouth, taking control. Their hunger for each other increased. Every time he nipped her lip, her pussy got wetter. Their tongues twisted together, exploring each other. He pulled back slightly and ran his fingers through her hair.
“Your animal is attracted to mine.” He paused. “Actually, you’re my mate. Do you know what that means?”
Mine, her panther said in response.
“Oh my God! You mean like they have the hots for each other? I’m all for sex, but I draw the line if it’s like an animal.” She put her hands up and shook her head. She jerked back when Xeon laughed.
“Oh, there will be sex, a lot of sex. Not as animals, as us. When I say mate, it goes far beyond sex. It means that we’re destined to be together… forever.”
Her hand ran along his chest, her heartbeat quickened, her nipples ached, and her arousal surprised her. Just his words caused her body to tingle all the way to her toes while listening to him
“How do you feel when you’re around me?” he asked her.
“I feel like I want to jump your bones.” She hesitated. “I need you so badly. I hurt and ache. I don’t understand it. I’ve never been like this before.”
He’s our mate. I want him now. Don’t wait any longer, her panther whispered. Mara inhaled deeply, the scent of him enhancing her need.
“What is she saying?” Xeon asked with a smile.
“How did you know?” she asked, crossing her legs, trying to hide the scent of her arousal.
“The look on your face.” He replied with a slight laugh.
“She’s just agreeing with you. Apparently, I’m moving too slow for her.” Her lips curled into a smile.
He stood and pulled her off the couch. He led her to the bedroom until they stood next to the bed. His hands went to the hem of her shirt and pulled it off over her head.
A loud gasp left her. Xeon bent down and took her nipple into his mouth. Her head tilted back as he sucked and licked around her swollen peaks.
“More. Please, more,” she moaned. It had been a while since she’d been touched by a man.
“I got you, baby.” His mouth went to her other nipple and bit gently, tugging lightly.
He trailed his hands