They knew the swamp inside and out. First the Tregre property, and then the surrounding swamplands, until they were familiar with all of it. They could run through the swamp with a heavier male after them and they knew every safe step through the boggy ground. She wanted to be able to do the same on the Arnotto estate. It was vast and had everything from groves of trees to flower gardens, koi ponds and vineyards. She would feel safer knowing every inch of the property, where there were places to hide and what was safe and what wasn’t, if she was going to be staying there.

The hot water stung her skin, but she forced herself to stay in the water long enough to rinse the sweat from her body. “Wouldn’t you know women have to go through this hormonal thing and men don’?” she whispered to her leopard as she released the water in the tub and toweled off.

She was a little worried about her female. Always, the cat had looked out for her. She was upset now and very quiet. There was no trace of amusement no matter what Evangeline said to her.

She unlocked the door and pushed her way into the passageway inside the wall. The bathwater hadn’t helped calm her body down at all. If anything, it had heightened her needs. She was still sensitive and flushed from her leopard rising so close to the surface. She was still on fire, a fierce throbbing in her clit, her sex clenching and slick with need.

She dressed in soft yoga pants and a clingy T-shirt. She didn’t put on underwear because her skin was too sensitive. And she itched all over. She sighed and put on her running shoes. There was no running without a bra, but she could explore the property. She zipped a light jacket on, hastily scribbled a note, telling Alonzo she went exploring, and she left his room, looking for the nearest exit that would avoid the men gathered in the great room.

The conservatory was just down the hall from Alonzo’s small apartment. She ducked into that, knowing he wouldn’t be happy with her going outside without a guard, especially after she heard the hit was on her, not Alonzo. Still, she was used to being on her own and taking care of herself. She started to open the door when her leopard stirred.

It is armed. Do you not hear the hum?

Rookie mistake and Evangeline was no rookie, not when it came to escaping and evading. She’d been doing it since she was a toddler. She let go of the doorknob and examined the doorjamb. “I hear it. I was too busy thinkin’ about getting out into the fresh air. Thanks, Bebe.” She liked that her female had stopped her. That told her they were in sync once again. She needed that. Her cat always steadied her.