The Jaguar’s Arranged Mate

Her heart started to pound as he brought her into his apartment. The living room and attached dining room were spacious. His couch looked especially comfortable. The table for dinner was small with only one chair there, which struck her as sad.

“There’s a kitchen just ahead and beyond that is my bathroom and bedroom. If you want to see…”

She did, and she didn’t. “We have a lot to talk about.”

“We do.” He gestured a long arm toward the couch, his biceps prominent.

Miera sat. He sat beside her, causing the couch to sink slightly, and she found herself leaning heavily against him.

Beric smiled as she tried to straighten herself. “I don’t mind.”

She had to stop this, fawning over a were-jaguar she didn’t know, even if he was to be her husband. “You would if I were ugly.”

He touched her shoulder again, preventing her from shifting away. “Looks don’t matter to me. I told you. You care about your people. I care about mine. We will make us a thing. We’ll make it work. I don’t think I have too many vices.”

And just like that, he had her more at ease again, and she laughed. “Well, isn’t that charming. ‘I don’t think I have too many vices.’”

He grinned. “I was hoping to earn brownie points for honesty.”

Miera bumped her shoulder into his. “It takes more than honesty to get brownie points.”

“Really?” He cocked an eyebrow.

“Really. Brownies have chocolate in them. Chocolate is gold.”

Beric burst out laughing. “Seriously.”

“Okay, fine.” Enough teasing. Besides, they did have to get to know one another. “What are your vices?”

“I tend to be opinionated. I think I’m always right. But I’m loyal and a fighter and I’d do anything for my pack, just like you.”

“So you don’t smoke?”

“No.”

“Drink?”

“Socially.”

“Drugs?”

“Never.”

She rubbed her chin. “I guess that’s not too bad, as far as vices are concerned.”

He snorted. “What about you?”

“Who, me?” She put a hand to her chest. “I don’t have any vices.”

“Right.” He gave her that lopsided grin again.

“Okay…” She paused. “I tend to be a little reckless, and I go for what I want.”

He leaned closer to her. “What do you want?”

For some reason, it almost sounded like he had said “who” instead of “what.” “I don’t know.” She glanced away.

Beric cupped her chin and turned her face toward his. Her eyes were already closed, even before his lips touched hers. Who parted their lips first, she didn’t know, but the kiss didn’t remain chaste for long. Somehow, she was sitting on his lap, her hands running through his hair, feeling the tight muscles of his shoulders, while his hands explored her back.

Lust, pure and simple. Would that make their marriage easier or harder?

She pulled back, breaking off the kiss, then disentangled herself from him entirely and stood up. “I should…”

“Are you hungry?” he asked easily, as if they hadn’t just shared a very passionate kiss.

Miera still felt a little dazed. “Um… sure.”

He didn’t bring her to the kitchen but to the cafeteria. Since it wasn’t lunchtime, the place was fairly quiet, with only a few were-jaguars inside. Beric went to the back to get them some food, and Miera sat at a table far away from anyone else.

Her cell rang. She answered it immediately.

“How’s it going?” her best friend Lisa asked.

“Not bad actually.” She made sure to keep her voice low even though no one was near enough to overhear her.

“Ah, so he’s hot then.” Lisa giggled.

“This isn’t about looks!”

“I know, I know, but him being hot can’t hurt any. Good. I’m glad. I thought you were crazy for wanting to do this.”

“Maybe I am,” she said softly.

“Miera—”

“I have to go.” She hung up. Why had she been so short with her friend? She had a lot on her mind, yes, and she was feeling a little rundown and tired all the time. She ate more than normal this morning to try and store up some energy, but it wasn’t helping enough.

A minute later, Beric approached with sandwiches. “It’s not much but…”

“It’s fine.” She stared at him as they ate. Beric seemed like a decent enough guy. That he hadn’t pressured her for more despite her coming onto him and then pulling back spoke volumes. She wasn’t ready to give her body to him. Who knew if she would ever be willing to? We’ll worry about that later.

It was the “we” part that frightened her the most.