She hissed again. He lowered his head, holding her in an unbreakable grip, his strength enormous. He lapped at the side of her neck, in a slow, languorous display of ownership, sending shivers through her entire body. Tongues of flames licked over her skin. His teeth scraped along her neck, down her throat and then his lips pressed against her ear.

“The female leopard always rebuffs her mate, giving him a show of claws, hissing and spitting like the little cat you are. All the while she’s seductive, driving her mate into a frenzy of hunger even as she pushes him away. Her body calls to his. Like yours does to mine. Do you know why, Hafelina?”

She went very still, sensing danger. Absolute danger. His teeth slid down her neck, nuzzled at her shoulder. “Because you belong to me.”

His teeth sank deep into the back of her neck, the pain and pleasure of it seared her heart, sizzled through her veins and scorched her most feminine core. Her womb spasmed, and clenched. Damp heat gathered between her legs. She couldn’t stop herself from rubbing against him, almost desperate for relief. His knee came up between her legs, driving into her clenching heat. Sparks burst behind her eyes. Her breath caught in her throat and every muscle in her body tightened. She nearly sobbed with the pleasure crashing through her body.

It was humiliating, but she couldn’t stop the way she moved against him, frantic now, every nerve ending raw. He growled a soft warning when she struggled. His mouth moved over her neck, his tongue swirling over the stinging bite, sending waves of scorching heat through her overloaded system.

“I’m your mate, Isabeau. Now. Always. There is nothing else. You belong to me and I belong to you. You don’t have to like it, but you can’t deny it. Your body knows it. Your cat knows. Fight me all you want, but you know it as well.”

She hated the knowledge in his eyes when she looked over her shoulder, into his heavy-lidded stare. He looked so sensual. So male. So intense. He looked at her as if he knew no one else would ever satisfy her. No one else could hold her so still, so hypnotized, his thigh rubbing over and into her, sending waves of pulsing need crashing through her. His hold was possessive. He rubbed his face over her neck, her shoulder, her hair, almost as if he was leaving his scent all over her. Claiming her. Warning off all other males.

Muscles bunched in her stomach, arousal teased her thighs and breasts, her breath turned ragged. A sob escaped. His body was full and heavy, pressing tightly with urgent demand against the small of her back. His scent filled her lungs. He was everywhere and her skin felt too tight, her clothes hurt.