Page 79 of Their Lethal Pet

His animal had been purring for me then.

Just like he’s purring for me now.

I squat before him, wanting to see him better. And he instantly rubs his cheek against mine, his eyes closing with the movement.

A giggle escapes me, his soft fur a nice texture against my skin. It’s also so unexpected, sounbelievable, that I can’t help but laugh again.

For over two decades, I’ve had nightmares of monsters taking brides. And never, in a single visual, have I picturedthis—a beautiful jaguar nuzzling me.

It was always grotesque beings with sharp claws and fang-like teeth.

Granted, Flame has both of those traits, but they’re more majestic on him. More… alluring.

I slowly reach forward to scratch his ears, earning me an even deeper rumble from his chest. He leans into my touch, his eyes closing again as we both lose ourselves to the moment.

“You’re very handsome,” I tell him softly.

He preens in response, bumping me again. Then he goes back onto his haunches and starts stretching. I watch his massive paws, noticing the way his sharp talons dig into the earth. Then he stands again and shakes his fur out. With a low growl, he turns toward the trees and takes a few steps.

When I don’t follow, he glances back at me expectantly.

Right. I said I would jog with him.

Swallowing, I pick up his clothes and shoes from the ground—something that just seems natural to do—and start after him.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

FLAME

My jaguar purrs withwant.He wants to bite his intended mate, make her ours, then pin her to the earth andclaimher.

Most Shifter Fae mate other Shifter Fae.

But I’m a half-breed.

And my jaguar doesn’t seem to care at all that Alina is a human. He’s addicted to her sweet scent, that delectable mix of strawberries and cream, a dessert we both long to taste.

She’s walking alongside my beast, my clothes tucked under one arm while her opposite hand brushes my coat. My jaguar practically melts beneath her fingertips, each stroke a hypnotic caress that soothes his chaotic energy and calms my inner fire.

I feel at peace.

Like I’ve finally found the rest of my soul.

She’s ours,I think, sure of it. She may be human, but there’s something in her that’s decidedly fae. Whether that’s her Omega soul or something else entirely, I don’t know. But it’s there.

This woman was destined to be ours.

My jaguar wants to sink his canines into her soft flesh and leave behind his mark.

But I hold him back.

She’s not ready to accept us yet.

And that’s okay.

I’ll take her gentle strokes and admiring looks for now.

We walk for at least an hour, her hand on me most of the time. She doesn’t comment on carrying my clothes, just holds them like it’s the most natural thing in the world.