The Jaguar's Arranged Mate: A Paranormal Shifter Romance Read Online Free Page A

was the name of the heir of the Teal Warriors. “Too dangerous,” they had said. “Where would we be without you?”
    As if she was irreplaceable. No one were-jaguar meant that much to the Blood Roses. They were like a massive bush. All of the roses were beautiful, so long as they were nearby and close to each other, sharing water and light and roots. A single rose would not make or break a bush.
    In the end, she had relented despite worrying Beric would think less of her for not seeking him out personally. Her brother had assured her that Beric seemed like a competent enough were-jaguar, but considering they had only spent an hour together, how well could her brother really know anything about Beric?
    What did he look like, her future husband? What was he like? Would he listen to her, heed her advice, or would he think he knew best? The few were-jaguars she had met from other packs had all been rather misogynistic. Not all packs viewed females as equals to males, although there were a few packs with female alphas. That they, the Blood Roses, were ruled by a council headed by an alpha was even rarer.
    Beric would need to be made a member of the council. Will he want to expand it, to add more Teal Warriors? That seemed only fair. There was so much to consider, so many changes that might happen as a result of their union, but would it be enough to save them from the destructive horde that was the Brutal Claws?
    There wasn’t anything else she could think of, no other plan. There were other packs in the vicinity, but they were smaller ones, not even numbering one hundred. They might be lost in the shuffle, small enough to be overlooked by the Brutal Claws, but the Blood Roses were already on their radar. I hate them.
    It was a long drive to reach the Teal Warriors. Miera rolled down her window as she drove up to the fence. Two were-jaguars opened the gate before she could even introduce herself, but then, they were expecting her.
    The one closest to the driver’s side approached her. “You can park right here.” He gestured to the parking lot behind him. “I will escort you to Beric.”
    “And you are…” She couldn’t help pursing her lips. Yes, they had anticipated her arrival, but this was ridiculous. Were they all so lax about everything? The fence was solid steel and rather tall, but it could be breached. Maybe this was a mistake. If the Teal Warriors weren’t taking enough precautions, they wouldn’t be able to help the Blood Roses against the Brutal Claws. They needed to have a solid plan, one that took precautions into consideration. Maybe it wasn’t too late to back out.
    But the were-jaguar had moved back to allow her space to park, his mouth shut, obviously not going to answer her question.
    Grimacing, Miera parked but remained in her car. Two could play this game.
    After a moment, the guard approached. “Is something wrong?”
    “I want to know your name. I want to know his name.” She pointed to the other guard who was closing the gate. “I want to know why you haven’t asked for my name.”
    “As a sign of respect.” He bowed. “I’m sorry, Miera. I did not want to be overbearing.” His cheeks were bright pink. “I, ah…”
    “What if I’m not Miera?” She climbed out of her car, arms crossed, and stalked toward him, shoving a finger toward his chest. “What if I’m really a Brutal Claw posing as this Miera?”
    The gate closed with a clang, and the other guard approached. Not a hint of fear flashed in his eyes, no doubt either. “I know you’re Miera. Your brother showed me your picture.”
    She appraised him. Tall, thick-chested, solid arms, he walked with grace of a cat, the poise of a hunter, and the arrogance that could only come from being heir.
    “I take it you’re Beric then.” She crossed her arms again and tapped the fingers of her right hand on her left arm.
    “Yes. I thought I would give you the courtesy of seeing me immediately.”
    Her eyes narrowed. Was that a dig