Free Hunted by Ellie Ferguson

pushed open the shower door and crawled out. Yes, crawled. Yes, my jaguar was laughing at me. I told her to shut up and, using the sink, carefully pulled myself to my feet.
    “I take it you had a good talk with my grandmother,” I said as Matt handed me a towel.
    “Let’s just say she wants to talk to you very soon.” He looked at me and grinned. “In fact, she’ll be here tomorrow, along with several others, to witness our announcement to the pride. Unless I miss my guess, she’ll stay through the weekend and the clan announcement.”
    I shook my head, not at all surprised. Well, I was surprised Matt would be presenting me to the pride so soon. I’d figured he’d do it at the same time he presented me to the clan.
    “I’m a little surprised she isn’t already on her way.”
    “Well--”
    Matt grinned again as he stepped into his jeans. A fresh wave of lust washed over me and I pushed it back. There would be plenty of time for that later. I’d make sure of it. But right now, I needed to know exactly what had him grinning like a loon and what, if anything, I needed to know about tomorrow night.
    “She said she’d be on the road by early evening, but that we aren’t to expect her until morning.”
    Excitement to see her and actually not worry about being discovered filled me. Then it was gone, just as quickly as it had come. If she came here, if Michael knew about it . . .
    “Matt!”
    Hush, Finn. It’s all right.” He pulled me close. His embrace was comforting, his hands gentle. “We talked about how this might tip Jennings off. But you have to trust us. There is a very legitimate reason for her to be coming here, especially after yesterday. You see, I was worried, and more than a bit angry, to find out someone had sent trackers into my territory without permission. No, I don’t know who they were after. But, worried that it might signal trouble for neighboring clans, I called those I have the closest relationships with. Most of them felt I was overreacting but have promised to keep a look out for trouble. Irene Walkinghorse, on the other hand, is as worried as I am and wants to meet to see if, together, we might not find some answers.”
    I looked up at him, relieved to see nothing but confidence reflected on his face. With it was determination. I smiled and relaxed. He was right. That was the sort of explanation that would satisfy almost anyone who might wonder why my grandmother suddenly decided to make a trip to Dallas. It might even satisfy Michael. I didn’t really think so, but I was willing to hope.
    “And tomorrow?” Nerves knotted my stomach.
    “You’ll be introduced to the pride as my mate.” His hand stroked my cheek and he bent to brush his lips against mine. “Don’t look so worried. You’ve met my inner circle already. More than that, you’ve won over my sister. The rest will be a piece of cake.”
    “I hope so.”
    God, I hoped so.
    “Now, let’s get you properly marked as a member of the pride and clan and as my mate. Then CJ can add to my markings. I want no one to doubt or question your place at my side.”
    Knowing he was right, I nodded. Finally, hopefully, I had found a home, one safe from the demons of my past.
     
    *     *     *
     
    I stared at my reflection, a bemused expression on my face. I had to admit CJ was more than good. She was a master tattooist. She’d taken my sketch and brought it to life. I twisted slightly so I could see the entire image on my upper arm and shoulder. It was more than proof I was now a member of the Dallas pride and Texas clan. I was Matt’s mate.
    And this was a work of art.
    One that right now felt like a bunch of ants were biting me. Not exactly painful, but annoying as hell. But it was worth it, especially when I remembered how Matt had asked CJ to add to his tattoo. A second jaguar--smaller, of course, as females of our kind are and with my green eyes--and my birth date had been carefully worked into his tattoo. She’d