The Jaguar's Arranged Mate: A Paranormal Shifter Romance Read Online Free PDF Page A

bite will do the same thing.”
    “Yes.” He grinned. “But it’s always better to be prepared.”
    Definitely. “Especially now.”
    Beric nodded. “Do you know how to use a gun?”
    “Yes.” As did most of the Blood Roses. “But I don’t prefer to use one.”
    “I wouldn’t think you would.” The look he was giving her was far too intense.
    She had to look away and pointed to the houses to detract attention away from herself. Although similar in designs, each house had slight differences, from the door color or the shutters or the lawn decorations. “Which one is yours?”
    “This way.” Beric led her past the center of the compound. “The alpha lives there.” He pointed to the building beside it. “I and the other higher members of the pack live here.”
    Her heart started to pound as he brought her into his apartment. The living room and attached dining room were spacious. His couch looked especially comfortable. The table for dinner was small with only one chair there, which struck her as sad.
    “There’s a kitchen just ahead and beyond that is my bathroom and bedroom. If you want to see…”
    She did, and she didn’t. “We have a lot to talk about.”
    “We do.” He gestured a long arm toward the couch, his biceps prominent.
    Miera sat. He sat beside her, causing the couch to sink slightly, and she found herself leaning heavily against him.
    Beric smiled as she tried to straighten herself. “I don’t mind.”
    She had to stop this, fawning over a were-jaguar she didn’t know, even if he was to be her husband. “You would if I were ugly.”
    He touched her shoulder again, preventing her from shifting away. “Looks don’t matter to me. I told you. You care about your people. I care about mine. We will make us a thing. We’ll make it work. I don’t think I have too many vices.”
    And just like that, he had her more at ease again, and she laughed. “Well, isn’t that charming. ‘I don’t think I have too many vices.’”
    He grinned. “I was hoping to earn brownie points for honesty.”
    Miera bumped her shoulder into his. “It takes more than honesty to get brownie points.”
    “Really?” He cocked an eyebrow.
    “Really. Brownies have chocolate in them. Chocolate is gold.”
    Beric burst out laughing. “Seriously.”
    “Okay, fine.” Enough teasing. Besides, they did have to get to know one another. “What are your vices?”
    “I tend to be opinionated. I think I’m always right. But I’m loyal and a fighter and I’d do anything for my pack, just like you.”
    “So you don’t smoke?”
    “No.”
    “Drink?”
    “Socially.”
    “Drugs?”
    “Never.”
    She rubbed her chin. “I guess that’s not too bad, as far as vices are concerned.”
    He snorted. “What about you?”
    “Who, me?” She put a hand to her chest. “I don’t have any vices.”
    “Right.” He gave her that lopsided grin again.
    “Okay…” She paused. “I tend to be a little reckless, and I go for what I want.”
    He leaned closer to her. “What do you want?”
    For some reason, it almost sounded like he had said “who” instead of “what.” “I don’t know.” She glanced away.
    Beric cupped her chin and turned her face toward his. Her eyes were already closed, even before his lips touched hers. Who parted their lips first, she didn’t know, but the kiss didn’t remain chaste for long. Somehow, she was sitting on his lap, her hands running through his hair, feeling the tight muscles of his shoulders, while his hands explored her back.
    Lust, pure and simple. Would that make their marriage easier or harder?
    She pulled back, breaking off the kiss, then disentangled herself from him entirely and stood up. “I should…”
    “Are you hungry?” he asked easily, as if they hadn’t just shared a very passionate kiss.
    Miera still felt a little dazed. “Um… sure.”
    He didn’t bring her to the kitchen but to the cafeteria. Since it wasn’t lunchtime, the place was fairly quiet,