With Extra Cream Page 6

They both sat up. “I can do it too?” Jag felt Barbara's excitement.

  "Concentrate and push your thoughts toward me. You'll get used to my particular mindwaves. It'll get easier each time."

  She frowned in concentration. You mean like this? He felt her connection to him.

  Yeah. He smiled. Damn, you're strong. It must be your psychic ability.

  "You turned into a jaguar to find BG last night, didn't you? Now I know why he came back smelling like you."

  "How do I smell?"

  "Cedar, you smell like fresh cedar. I like it."

  "I like how you smell too.” Jag pulled her into his arms and held her there. He liked that they belonged to each other. “You'll find that everyone has their own particular scent."

  "Jag?"

  "Yeah?"

  "Can I ... see you as your—"

  "You want to see me as my cat?"

  "Yes.” He could see Barbara was nervous. She worried his animal would hurt her.

  "My cat would never harm you. He would protect you with his life. Which reminds me—since we've shared blood, you'll live longer."

  "You mean I'm a cat or ... a vampyre?"

  "No. But my blood will give you a longer lifespan.” He wondered about the change. “Would you like to be as I am?” She would have to take the blood regularly. It was against their laws to create vampyres, but the council wouldn't frown on changing a human mate if they desired it.

  "You mean live forever?"

  "Yes."

  "I'd have to drink blood every day?"

  "You'd only need a small amount to keep you strong. Also, you would only have to drink the blood of your mate.” She didn't answer him, and a pang of disappointment lurched through his heart. “It's not something you must decide today. If you choose to remain human, I'll love you no less."

  "Can I think about it?"

  "Sure. Now it's time for you to know the difference between a cheetah and a jaguar."

  Jag got out of bed and opened the door for the caterwauling BG. When he turned around, he became jaguar. He let the fur move slowly up his arms, and over his legs and torso. He folded his body and placed his jaguar paws on the floor. He padded to the bed, watching Barbara's face. If she was too scared, he'd change back quickly.

  He could see she was startled. Then he heard her in his mind. Lord! You're huge.

  He prowled closer to the bed. His cat's muscles rippled as he walked. He was a jaguar, a predator, and Jag loved being in his natural state. There was sadness in his heart that his cat would not know his mate if she chose not to change.

  You're magnificent. Her hand delved into his fur. It's so soft. BG jumped on the bed and over her lap to rub his head against Jag's. She smiled and he felt her twinge of jealousy. Could I be a jaguar too?

  Yes. My blood would take over your own eventually. Jag felt her indecision. He held out hope she would one day decide to do it. He would never force her.

  Jag changed back and smiled at her. “You see, I do not have little spots.” He laughed with pure joy.

  She laughed. “You are extraordinary in every way. I have two Big Guys now."

  Her smell and desire beat at him. Jag hoped she would stay home today. He wanted to make love to her some more.

  "Before I go to work, can we—"

  Jag's eyes showered her with love. “Yes we can, pet. You want me with extra cream?"

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  J. Hali Steele

  J. Hali Steele currently lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania but her dream is to return to the high desert of California. She shares space with four furfriends (cats) and enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her passion has always been reading romance novels, especially those with vampyres and happy endings. When she's not writing, she can be found snuggled in front of the TV with a good book, a cat in her lap, and a cup of coffee.

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  Visit www.changelingpress.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.