She believed him. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Eli would stay with her and guard her in any form she was in. She just knew. She breathed deeply, trying to push through the pain to relax her body enough to accept the shift. She even crooned softly to the female leopard, coaxing her out.

Her body contorted again, joints popping. Cracking. Pain burst through her but she ignored it. She forced more air through teeth that were too large for her mouth, through the lengthening jaw and hands that disappeared under fur and claws. Pain radiated through every part of her body as fur rippled over her. Her lungs burned and she looked down at the ground and then at her limbs.

Where there had been a woman, now there was a leopard, a small female with luxurious rosette-covered tawny fur. Elated, she turned her head to look at Eli. In his place was the large black leopard and his eyes were on her as if he might devour her at any moment. The small female turned and with a warning switch of her tail, took off running.

15

ELI woke feeling as if he was hungover. His head pounded and his body ached. He moved and instantly was aware of the slight weight on his belly. He was on his back, Catarina’s body curled against him, her head resting just over his belly button. She had one arm flung over him. Her wild hair was everywhere, forming a silken blanket over his cock and thighs.

His body instantly stirred at the intimacy of her position. He breathed slowly and deeply, drawing the scent of her into his lungs. His hand immediately threaded through her hair before he’d even thought of putting it there. He found himself smiling. He loved everything about this woman, especially the way she went wild when he had her body under his.

Catarina Benoit was full of surprises. He knew she was afraid of shifting. Everyone was afraid the first time. It was painful and wrenching to every bone in one’s body. She had looked to him with her wide, blue eyes, trusting him to get her through. Trusting him. That was worth everything right there to him. She listened and did just as he said.

He was leopard and his male had risen fast. He could scent her fear, but she didn’t hesitate and she shifted fairly quickly because of her determination.

Eli ran his fingers through Catarina’s thick silky hair. She moved slightly and a soft groan escaped. He pushed back the sheet covering her body and took a good look at her. There were bruises and marks all over her body. Mostly from him, from his hands and mouth during the frenzied thrall of the Han Vol Dan.