Dakota's Erotic Musings

 Free reads, don't we all love them? I've decided to add a few to my website.  A bit of warning though, this is read had adult content and is not suitable for those under the age of eighteen. With that said, please feel free to enjoy my short, Claimed!

Brazil, South America

As the beat of the jungle drums grew louder, Shu fought the memories of her past humiliation in the Mating Circle. Inside the circle her father, in jaguar form looking so powerful and dangerous - his dark coat gleaming, was in the process of claiming the hissing female jaguar at its center. The flickering torches cast a seductive glow over the aggressiveness of his advances. Once upon a time she’d wished for the same for herself.  A powerful male stalking her and claiming her had once been her dream. But the mating circle is not meant for a half-breed such as me.

Relief flooded her as her father finally pinned the female under his weight and she submitted to him.  As they exited the circle, Shu cowered down, showing respect to her father’s new mate. Keeping her form submissive and head lowered, she prayed inside the body of her hybrid tigress-jaguar, Maria would pass her without incident.  An unexpected rake across her shoulder of Maria’s deadly claws, assured her Maria did not appreciate her presence at the gathering. Flattening her ears, Shu fought to control the large white Bengal tigress.  Next to his new mate, her father hissed then knocked her over.  Despite the fact I’ve left the pride, gone away to school, and live as a human, I still cause trouble by just existing.

Her father’s rough tongue traced over the wound on her shoulder.  Lying still she accepted his gesture of comfort as she had many times in the past. Her luxurious white coat with pale silver rosettes and dark stripes was scarred in many places from her constant battles within her own pack. She had too much pride and strength to become the beta but it hadn’t stopped the others from trying to force her into the role. 

* * * *

Picking up her bag, Shu headed for the front door of her father’s home. The screams and grunts of her father and his new mate had kept her up most of the night. When they’d finally quieted at dawn, she’d fought with her promise to remain for the week celebration of her father’s mating and her own desire to leave. The vibration of her pager had finally made her decision for her.

“Shu, you promised to stay.”  Her father appeared in the doorway. His dark hair mused and his skin had several bite marks from Maria.  She looked at them impassively.  Possessive as always it seems. She had to mark my father as hers and take away my last tie to the pack.

“I’m sorry, Dad, but an emergency has come up, one I can’t ignore.”

He walked closer to her. “What is so important that it would make my honorable daughter break her promise?”

“A xiamen tiger has been hurt.  It was brought to the doctors at the Beijing zoo. Ry-lin called me. The tiger won’t allow any near enough for treatment.  He said they’re thinking of sedating him but the tiger reeks of human. If his hunch is right, we’re dealing with a hybrid and if they sedate him and he shifts…” She knew she didn’t have to go further. Her dad knew the importance of keeping their secret from full-blooded humans.

Sadness appeared in his eyes. “Go, Shu. Thank you for humoring me and attending the Mating Circle. I know it couldn’t have been easy for you after…”

“Let it rest, Dad. I’m happy with my life. I get to travel and treat all kinds of exotic animals. I am needed.”

He frowned. “You think you’re not needed in your own pack?”

“It’s your pack, Dad.  Yours and Maria’s now.  I’m a very unwelcome reminder of what happens when mating occurs outside the pack. No jaguar wants to mate me nor does any tiger, so I’ll use my education and pull as a human to further our causes. Insuring the continuance of our endangered species will be a suitable replacement for not having cubs of my own.”

He lifted his hand and touched her cheek.  From behind him the warning hiss of enraged jaguar came. His hand fell before he turned and faced his mate. “Maria, do I need to remind you again? She’s my daughter.” 

Taking advantage of his distraction, she slipped out the door.  Seeing Raphael, her father’s second in command and her cousin waiting, she smiled. He was one of the few aside from her father who tolerated her presence.  She winced as the mating scream came from the house. Her dad was once more exerting his dominance over his new mate.

Raphael shook his head. “Ready?”

“Yeah. Thanks for taking me to the airport.” Sliding into the Jeep, she leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes.  The familiar smells of the jungle comforted her as they headed towards the small airstrip where she could catch a flight out and begin the journey headed towards China.

* * * *

The rhythmic thud of the wheels touching down in Beijing woke Shu from her light sleep. Without opening her eyes she could smell the stewardess coming down the aisle. The clicks of the overhead compartments being opened finally had her opening her eyes.  The reoccurring dream of the tiger had plagued her over the last twenty- four hours and uncountable miles.  The piercing amber eyes haunted her and wouldn’t leave her alone.  Whether it was the dream or her words to her father, they promised she was his. 

Standing and trying to shake off the dream, Shu grabbed her carryon and headed down the aisle. She bumped into a large Chinese man.  “Bào qiàn.”  Her apology spoken in soft Chinese had the man pausing. 

When he turned and rambled off several words in Mandarin, she held up her hands laughing. “That’s all I know how to say.”

The muscular and pale skinned man quickly switched to English.  “Such a pretty lady as yourself should learn more than how to say sorry. I’m Daniel Sun.” He gave her an informal bow.

“Hello, Daniel. I’m Shu Rodriguez, and don’t let the name fool you.  I was born and raised in Brazil.”

“Interesting, I’ve been to Argentina but never Brazil. “ While they waited for the line to move, he continued, “So have you come here for pleasure, Shu?”

She shook her head. “No. I’m here on business. I’m a doctor – a vet. I’m here because of an injured tiger. This will be my fourth visit to the Beijing Zoo.  One of these times I’m going to come over for a visit and actually get to do the tourist thing. ”

Daniel’s eyes narrowed before his expression smoothed out.  “Ah, I see.  What a coincidence.  I’ve come to here for the same reason. I have contracted a car to pick me up, why not share it?”

Taking a deep breath, she smelled nothing but human. He’s safe enough. As a hybrid, Shu had all the strengths of her base form. Strong and agile, if she was pitted against full-blooded humans she would have no problem defending herself and winning.

“I would like that.” 

* * * *

When they pulled up in front of the Beijing Zoo, Shu was met by Ry-lin. His wide face was lit with relief. “Dr. Rodriguez, I’m so glad you could make it.  Mr. Chen wants to sedate the tiger but I’m afraid it will do more good than harm,” he said softly as he led her away from Daniel. Looking over his shoulder, he nodded to Daniel.

“I understand. We’ll see if I can work my magic on him tonight after hours.”  Glancing at her watch, she estimated she had just enough time to tour the other cat exhibits before they closed.  She turned back to Daniel before addressing Ry-lin again. “I’d like to see this tiger after checking in on some old friends.  Would you like to join me, Daniel?”  

On their ride over to the zoo after dropping their luggage at a small hotel, she’d found out Daniel was a protector of Xiamen tiger.  At first she’d thought his words odd but shrugged it off as part of the language barrier, assuming he’d meant he was one of the people who were vital in protecting tiger’s rights by holding protests and raising awareness. 

He seems like a nice enough man and Lord knows I haven’t had any male companionship in ages.

“Sure I’d love that!”  Daniel joined her. “Lead the way.”

* * * *

Daniel followed the dusky skinned doctor. What the hell kind of mess has Gregory gotten into this time and why has the zoo called in a specialist? For the love of the Goddess, I hope they haven’t sedated him!  Telling himself that if they had, it would’ve made the news had done little to help. And despite the assurances from Ry-lin, he was leery of the doctor they’d chosen.  This isn’t some pure bred tiger she’s going to be dealing with. This is my very special brother.  

As they approached the first pen, he watched her easy and confident handling of the Bengal tiger. 

“Good afternoon.”  She spoke to the tiger as if it were human.  Entering the cage at the back, she walked up cautiously on the large Bengal who was lying in the sun.  Touching the flank, she continued to speak softly. 

Across the pen, Daniel noticed the young tigress who was watching Shu and the male. When it surged to its feet, Daniel readied himself to tackle the cat, who outweighed him even in his cat form. Before he could get into the pen to place himself between the cat and Shu, it pounced.

“Shu!”  His warning came too late.

She went down under the weight of the tigress. Outside the pen, the few people who were still there screamed.

He pushed at Ry-lin trying to get into the pen. “No, Daniel.”

“She’s being attacked! Let me in there. If she’s his only hope, I can’t let her die!”

* * * *

Under the pinning weight of the tigress, Shu chuckled. “You’re getting very good at pouncing Ling. You’ve been practicing haven’t you?”

“Oh yes, Shu. Lang even lets me practice on him. But the old growly bear won’t admit to it.”

“Enough, Ling,” this came from the older male. “These humans don’t realize you’re playing with Shu. Get off her or they will rush in with the tranq guns.”

“I’ll have to agree with him, Ling. Let me up. After I deal with the Xiamen tiger, I’ll come back and we can play away from prying eyes, okay?”

“Okay!”  With the spring the young tigress gave her one more push before springing away and heading back to the other side of the pen.

Dusting herself off, she stood slowly.  Aware of the few people who still loitered at the edge of the pen, she made a display of backing away slowly.  Ling gave a roar. The people at the rail backed away quickly.

“Once a show off always a showoff, Ling.”

“And don’t you forget it.”  

When she reached the door, she was snatched through its opening and it was slammed shut. Daniel was running his hands over her. 

“I’m fine Daniel.”  She pushed his hands away.  He looked down at her and crossed his arms over his chest.

“You were just attacked by a tigress and you say you’re fine?”

“Yes, Ling was just playing.  I treated her the last time I was here–“

A man in a lab coat ran up.  “Thank Goddess, you’re here Dr. Rodriguez. The tiger is attacking Dr Chen. Come quickly!”

Pushing past Daniel, she raced after him.

* * * *

Sliding to a stop inside the exam room,  Shu couldn’t believe the pure stupidity of Chen.  He was cowering in the corner and a snarling but obviously hurt tiger stood over him. Although she didn’t see any blood, the crying and babbling from the doctor assured her he was still alive and very scared.  I can’t believe that idiot brought a wounded tiger into an exam room. If I told him ten times, I’ve told him a hundred,’ caging in’ a hurt animal is a sure way to lose a limb.

“What have you done?

”  Her voice was low enough the doctor could hear it but not loud enough to startle the cat.

“Get him…off…of…me.”  Chin’s voice trembled with fear. 

Looking up quickly, she saw Ry-lin through the glass observation room. He gave a quick thumbs up, letting her know he’d switched off the recording equipment.  It was safe for her to begin.

Pulling deep within her, she let a rumble fill her chest. As it escaped, the unexpected sound of her natural call filled the air.  A mixture of the jaguar’s cough and the Bengal’s purr sounded oddly sensual to cats and Shu knew it. She only hoped it would grab the attention of the injured male.

With a warning hiss at the cowering doctor, the male limped back and turned to face her. He was favoring his right foreleg.  Shock rolled over her as the tiger’s eyes met hers. It’s the tiger from my dream!

She swayed on her feet with the realization but held it together by sheer willpower. Passing out from shock wouldn’t help Dr Chen.  Issuing another low purr, she backed towards the door. Her intent was to get the injured male to follow her out of the exam room and allow Dr Chen to be rescued. The door opened behind her. The tiger limped closer to her, obviously intrigued by the sounds coming from her chest. 

“Let me deal with him, Shu. I’ve handled him before. Injured tigers are notorious for attacking…” Daniel’s voice was insistence.

Finally frustrated with his interference she looked over at him. “Daniel, I know what the Hell I’m doing, back off.” 

He gripped her arm, hard. “You have no clue what you’re dealing with, Shu!” 

A roar ripped free of the tiger and he lunged at Daniel.

“Let go.”  She shoved him away and met the tiger head on.  

Daniel’s cry rang out. “Gregory, no!”

Going down for the second time in less than twenty minutes, Shu was at end of her patience. It’s one thing to be pounced on by Ling and entirely another to have a pissed off injured tiger try to hurt some stupid human. Clinging to the soft fur at its neck, she hung on to the massive body, pitting her own strength against the male’s.  When he lunged at her throat, she shoved her arm up under his jaw.

“Listen to me ‘you hard headed son of bitch’, unless you want the whole world to know about shifters, calm the fuck down, or I’ll give them a show they won’t soon forget!” 

* * * *

Deep inside the tiger, Gregory stared at the woman.  She smelled of tiger and was talking about shifters. Nuzzling her, he tried to determine if she was a shifter. Despite the deep pain his front leg was giving him, he could smell the intriguing smell of Bengal and something else. Something wild and he wanted to claim it as his.

Straddling the woman’s body, he trembled over her as she ran her hands down his heaving sides, taking care not to jar his injured leg. In the background, he could hear his brother speaking softly, reminding him of the humans watching, to move before they ‘tranq’ed’ him. Ignoring his brother and leaning in closer he tried to get a better smell of her. The Bengal small was fresh but the underlying smell of human soap did little to disguise the wild scent under it. It’s addictive. I’ve got to have more of it.  Pushing aside the neck of her shirt, he exposed her skin. The moment he got a deep whiff her scent, darkness swam over him. What  the hell…

“They tranq’ed you.”  The soft whisper in his head surprised him.

“I claim you…”  Fighting the effects of the tranquillizer, he tried to focus on her. “…as mine.”  

* * * *

Her heart racing, Shu looked over the heavy body of the tiger at Daniel.  He was pale and cursing at Dr. Chen. 

“Get him out of here.”  Her voice was hoarse as the full weight of the tiger sank down on top of her.  Security which had finally arrived, rushed towards Daniel.  “No. Take Dr. Chen and the others out of here. Leave Daniel and Ry-lin.  They can help me with the tiger.”

The guards looked bewildered. 

“Now! I’m the specialist. Dr. Chen needs rest and in his tranq’ed condition the tiger isn’t going to be giving me or anyone else any trouble.” 

They nodded their agreement. They’d seen her work in the past and knew she often worked with only Ry-lin at her side.  Shu heaved a sigh of relief when they disappeared around the corner with the doctor and his assistants. 

“Help me with him, Ry-lin.”  Shoving at the large heavy body pressing against hers, she could barely move him.

Ry-lin moved forward when Daniel stopped him. 

* * * *

Daniel crouched down next to Shu and the tiger.  Running his finger over the skin his brother had managed to expose, he brought it to his nose. Pulling his hybrid’s sense of smell forward, he took a deep breath. The wild scent of cat was unmistakable.  “You’re a hybrid.” 

Narrowing her eyes up at him Shu smiled. “If you don’t help move him off me, you’re going to find out all too well. And we have eyes watching. We need to move him now before the tranq effects more than the cat. If he changes in front of the camera we’re going to have big issues.” 

With a nod, he gestured to Ry-lin to help him. With a bit of grunting and a lot of cussing they finally managed to lift the three hundred and eighty pounds of sedated tiger off her.  Rolling out from under him, she winced.

“You’re bleeding, Shu.”  Ry-lin was pitched low but Daniel barely caught his words.

“Did my brother hurt you? Or was it the attack earlier?”

She shook her head. “It’s nothing. Neither tussle caused it.” She turned to Ry-lin. “Do you have the room prepared?”

* * * *

Shu had just shut the door behind them when Daniel cursed.

“Ah hell. He’s changing.”

She turned around and watched as the tiger they’d lowered to the floor, shimmered and changed into an unconscious man. Dark skinned and slender - Daniel’s brother looked nothing like him. His long black hair spread out under him, covering his features and he was naked as the day he was born.  Trying to ignore the fact that her hormones jumped at the sight, she focused on the nasty wound on his right bicep, as she dropped to her knees.

Ry-lin appeared at her side with clean gauze and antiseptic.  Looking up at him, she took the supplies. 

“Thank you.”  Without looking up she cleansed her hands before speaking to Daniel. “I need you to hold his shoulders. This is going to hurt like a bitch.” 

Once Daniel was in position, she dumped a generous portion of antiseptic over the wound.  Gregory groggily jerked against his brother’s hands. 

“Easy, brother, we’re almost done.”  Daniel kept his voice low and steady. He met Shu’s eyes and nodded for her to continue. 

Taking the gauze, she dabbed away the clotted blood and antiseptic.  She frowned as the injury became clear.  “This isn’t a wound from a trap, Daniel. It’s from a gunshot.”

“You hard headed son of bitch.” She realized he was talking to his brother. Looking up at her, he caught her eyes. “How bad is it?”

His soft question had her realizing he wasn’t surprised. “Not bad, it’s a flesh wound. A few stitches and he’ll heal up fine.” 

Taking the curved needle and thread from Ry-lin , she stitched him quickly and efficiently.  When she was done she pressed clean gauze over it to stem the fresh trickle of blood.  After wrapping a clean bandage around it, she gave him a shot of antibiotics.

“Okay, I’ve done what I can but we’ve got a problem here. The tranq is going to keep him out of it for at least eight hours.  We’re not going to be able to keep Dr. Chen away that long."

“I’ll take care of it.”  Daniel’s voice was flat.

“Take care of what?”  She looked up in surprise when he grabbed a clean scalpel off the tray. Shock washed over her when he slashed his own arm. 

“What are you doing?” She watched as he started to slip out of his clothes. Folding them neatly, he placed them next to his brother. 

“Our base forms are very close in size and coloring, Shu. I’ll take his place. Take him back to the hotel and keep him there until the tranq wears off. Then you can bring Gregory back to retrieve me. As the Head of the Xiamen Tiger Preserve, he has the authority to transport Xiamen tigers back to the Preserve near Nanning.”  He pulled the tie holding his hair loose. “One other thing, Shu, if you don’t mind?”

“What’s that?”

“Once I’ve changed - stitch me up. I don’t want to get an infection because my dumb ass brother decided to play hero instead of waiting for me.”

“You’re asking her to stitch up a three hundred and fifty pound tiger without tranqing?” Ry-lin stepped forward. “Are you crazy?”

“Actually, I’m closer to three eighty but yes I am.”

“Relax, Ry-lin. He’ll be in complete control of his tiger. Won’t you, Daniel?  As the Protector you’re always in control.”  She readied a fresh needle and thread. His words from earlier now make sense. A true protector of a pack is a truly scary thing, complete control, savagery and protectiveness in one package.   God, I’m glad I’m taking the other back. The only thing worse than the protector is the Alpha of the pack.

A shimmer flowed over Daniel’s body as the change over took him.  He gracefully moved over towards her, his gait just a bit off from the self-inflicted wound. 

“Lay down on your side, Daniel. It’ll be easier to stitch if you’re not putting any weight on it.” 

He rolled to his side without protest. The only sign he felt her stitching was the sudden intake of breath before he relaxed. Finishing quickly, she also gave him a shot of antibiotics as an extra precaution. 

After cleaning up the mess and making sure Daniel was comfortable, she helped Ry-lin dress Gregory in his brother’s clothing.  Keeping her eyes diverted she managed to keep her touch impersonal.  Deep inside her she could feel her tigress moving closer to the surface. Gregory’s earlier words had awakened her hybrid and she wanted to come out and play with the tiger who’d claimed her.  Sheer willpower had been the only thing keeping her from shifting in the hallway when he’d pinned her to the ground. The need had eased once he’d shifted into his human form and needed her medical attention.  How the hell am I going to resist him when he’s awake? Perhaps he won’t remember.

“Keep telling yourself that, Shu but the one thing my brother does have, is a mind like a steel trap. When he decides he wants something, he takes it.”  Daniel’s calm voice filled her head. “That’s why he’s the next alpha.”

“Wonderful.”  Her sarcasm has him chuckling.

* * * *

Once back at the hotel, Shu helped Ry-lin carry Gregory in.  Settling him on the queen sized bed in the middle of the room, didn’t take much time nor did undressing him. The body difference in between him and Daniel had them holding the pants up for Gregory as they carried him. The moment they let go they dropped and pooled around his feet. Amazing that their cats are similar but their bodies are so different.

“Will you be okay, Shu? I can stay if you like.”  Ry-lin placed the folded clothing on the small stand next to the bed.

“Go home to your mate, Ry-lin. You’ve done enough today. The day I can’t handle a cat is the day I hang up my medical bag and go back to my pack and become the beta.”

“I don’t understand your pack, Shu. Why do they treat you so?”

When she just shook her head, he placed a hand on her shoulder.

“You can’t let them to continue to affect you this way. What will you do when they’ve scarred you until you’ve come to the point you won’t shift? Or has it already happened? In all the years I’ve known you, I’ve never once seen you in your base form.”

“I’ve a very good reason for not shifting in front of other shifters, Ry-lin.”

“Times are changing as our kind travel greater distances. Surely there is a pack out there which will accept you.” 

She knew he was trying to be kind but she just didn’t think she could handle another rejection. She knew the only way she’d ever be accepted into another pack would be as a mate. “Let me show you something. Peeling back the edge of her top from her shoulder, she exposed the long furrows on her shoulder. “This is what happened the last time I changed into my base form in front of other shifters. In my base form I’m damn near four hundred pounds of tigress…if you could call me that. My father’s jaguar blood is stamped all over me. If any zoo or human saw me, I’d be either locked in a cage or made into a rug for some one’s floor. Thanks but no thanks. I am meant to travel and care for other shifters. Mating is not for me.”

“We shall see about that.”  The groggy, masculine voice washed over her and teased her senses. Spinning around, she expected to see the man sitting up and instead saw he’d reverted back to his tiger form. It seemed as if the tranq had rather strange affects on him.

“Has a Xiamen shifter ever been tranq’ed before?” she asked over her shoulder.

“This one has. Gregory is always rushing in where only fools or angels dare tread. This is the third time he’s been tranqed that I know of. Which is why I called both you and Daniel in; I needed you to tend his wounds and Daniel to get him out of the zoo. He’ll shift back and forth until the tranquillizer finally wears completely off.”

“Wonderful. I guess I’ll be sleeping on the floor.”

“Like hell.”

This time the voice didn’t take her by surprise.  Ignoring it she escorted Ry-lin to the door after assuring him once more she’d be fine and she’d call in the morning when Gregory was ready to spring Daniel from the zoo.

Locking the hotel door after placing the Do Not Disturb sign out, she turned and examined the large tiger curled up on her bed.  

“What the hell am I going to do with you?” 

This time Gregory didn’t answer. With a sigh, she took her cotton sleep shorts and tank top into the bathroom, leaving the door ajar so she could hear him.

* * * *

Lying on the bed, Gregory watched the woman who was sprawled uncomfortably in a chair through slit eyes. As his brother had predicted, he remembered everything that had occurred before Dr Chen had sedated him. He knew to the marrow of his bones, she was his. It mattered not if she was a hybrid, even though he strongly suspected she was. He wasn’t letting her go either way.

But until this damn tranq wears off, I’m powerless to do anything about my desire to mate with her, but there’s no need for her to sleep in such an uncomfortable manner. Letting a low growl escape, he watched as she stirred. Her beautiful blue eyes opened for a moment before lowering once more. He growled a bit louder and twitched on the bed.  This time she jerked upright in the chair. If he could’ve smiled in tiger form he would’ve.

“Damn.”  Running her hand through the dark thick wavy hair, she sent it into more disarray. She now had a sleepy just loved look. Another growl escaped him.  Standing up stiffly, she stumbled towards the bed. Sinking down on the edge she yawned. “What’s the matter, boy? Do you need painkiller?” She rubbed the scruff of his neck with a gentle hand. “I wished I had some to give to you but being a hybrid, the locals they give regular tigers may interfere with your unique chemistry.” 

She seemed startled when the soft purr escaped him. “Ah, I see you just wanted to be touched.” It was common knowledge that tigers were very affectionate cats. Continuing to rub him down, she carefully avoided the wound on his foreleg. 

More purrs escaped him. Her hands felt wonderful.  When they slowed, he opened his eyes to look up at her.  Her own eyes were closed and she was swaying obviously exhausted but still trying to care for him. Gathering his remaining strength he spoke to her mind to mind.

“Come, lay down next to me. I’m in no shape to do anything other than sleep, Shu.”

“But–“

“Now, mate. I tire of worrying you’re going to fall off the damn chair because you’re exhausted. Lay down with me. I’ll keep you warm the rest of the night.”

“Pushy male.”   Her mumbled reply before curling up on the bed next to him made him purr with pleasure.

Such a feisty thing, she is."

* * * *

The sun streaming in from the open window woke Shu up. The feel of silky fur next to her had her thinking for a moment she was ten again and had crawled into her father’s bed feverish after another brutal attack.

Opening her eyes, hazy memories of a man’s strong arms wrapping around her, holding her safe and then soft fur keeping her warm washed over her. She groaned when she heard an answering rumble from the hybrid she’d saved the day before.

Fuck I’ve got to get up before he…

“Before he does what?”

A pair of human arms wrapped around her and a man’s breath teased the shell of her ear.

“Let go of me, Gregory.”  She was proud of the fact her voice remained steady.

“Why, so you can run?”  He took a deep breath and she could hear the rumble of his feline purr in his chest. “Damn you smell good, wild and untamed. I could roll in your scent forever.”

“Knock it off. I’m not your personal cache of catnip.”

“Hmm. You’re a hybrid like me, aren’t you, Shu?  A tigress disguised in a sexy little human body. I want both the woman and tigress, so it only leaves one question.”

“Really?” Her sarcasm had little effect on him.

“How hard are you going to fight me before I take what I want?” He buried his face in her hair.

Using his distraction, she jerked herself free of him.  Rolling off the bed, she stood standing next to her bed with hands on her hips. Even thought she managed to keep her breathing steady, there was no way she could ignore the wetness between her thighs his words had created.   Fuck! I know he can smell me!

“Hmmm, well if you want to I’m more than willing. But fucking in human form won’t change the fact I’m going to have you in my mating circle before the week is up. You’re going to be my mate.”

Her mouth dropped open. “You arrogant ass! What makes you think I even want to mate with you?”

“My senses tell me.” He rolled off the bed and stood, uncaring he was naked. Without thinking she backed up.  He followed her, stalking her like the cat he was.  “My hearing tells me your heart is racing.”

“It does when I have to deal with arrogant shifters who manage to get shot and then captured by the local zoo.” 

“So it’s anger and frustration that has your heart racing, Shu?” He continued to stalk her. Running out of room, she backed into the wall. His arms came up on either side of her head.  “Is that why my nose is telling me you’re creaming right now?”  He leaned in and a growled as he gently raked his teeth over the swell of her shoulder.

A whimper escaped her as his masculine scent washed over her and his teeth teased her. Her hands flew up to his shoulders as if to push him away, when he chose to suckle on her pulse. Curling her fingers over them she jerked him against her. The rumbling purr of satisfaction he gave wanted her to bash him up against the nearest wall but the pleasure he was offering was too tempting.  Her head arched back as his mouth trailed up her neck.

“Hmmm…no  answer?  I’ll take it as a yes then.”

She hissed at him without thinking.   Arrogant male!

Spearing his hands into her tumbled hair he held her head still for his kiss. “If you try to bite me, I’ll have you on all fours and mounted before you can stop me.” He lowered his head.

“Tigers don’t do it doggy style!”

He brushed his lips over hers. “But humans do.” He swallowed her cry as he parted her lips with his tongue before surging in to explore hers.  The erotic rub of his tongue against hers had her wrapping her arms around his neck.  His hand drifted down to her breast and teased her straining nipple through the cloth of her tank top. The sudden jangle of the telephone was an irritating sound and had Gregory lifting his head and snarling. 

“Let me go. I have to answer it.” She wiggled against him.

His nostrils flared. “That is not a good way to convince me to let go, Shu.”

The ringing continued. “I’m serious, Gregory. The only one who has this number is the zoo.”

“Fuck the zoo.” He pressed her back against the wall.

Shoving hard against him, she half expected him to back up but despite his slender body he was like a brick wall. “Damn it, Tiger. They have your brother!”

He stilled. “Why do they have Daniel?”  His voice was hard.

“Because after you pulled your stunt and got tranqed, I couldn’t care for you at the zoo.  You shift back and forth too unpredictably. Unless you want the secret to leak out about shifters, I had no other choice than to bring you back here.  Daniel stayed and took you place so Dr Chen wouldn’t suspect anything!”

He released her. Moving across the room, she answered the phone. Behind her she could hear the rustle of clothing as Gregory hurriedlydressed.

* * * *

Arriving at the zoo, Shu and Gregory walked into the room where Daniel was pacing. He was edgy and wasn’t in a good mood.  Knowing the Dr Chen was watching, she carefully approached him.  He snarled once at Gregory before calming down.  After running her hands over him, she checked his wound.

“Looks good, Daniel. But I expected it to.” She kept her voice low. “Are you ready to get out of here?”

“Fuck yes. You should see the slop they tried to feed me. I’m starving. Tell that hardhead over there to hurry up the paperwork, or I’ll take a bite out of his ass.”

“I heard that, brother. Don’t tempt me. As it is you’re in for a long ride back home.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” The tiger growled warningly.

“Enough, Daniel. You’re going to get your ass tranqed and even dealing with one tranqed hybrid is one too many right now.”

“If he keeps my ass in a cage all the way home, you better tranq me because I’ll kick his ass when I get out.”

 “Come on, Gregory. I do believe he’s well enough to travel to the preserve.”

* * * *

A Month Later

Shu couldn’t help be awed when she’d first laid eyes on the Preserve outside of Nanning. It was quite beautiful and for once she felt as if she were at home. The utter wildness of the surrounding had her wanting to shift and a run.

“It’s tempting isn’t it, Shu, the idea of being able to run free with no worries about being shot at and or discovered.”  Daniel walked up behind her, now in human form. He’d just returned from a short trip to Guangzhou. They were in one of the private exam rooms in the clinic on the edge of the preserve.

“It’s quite beautiful, Daniel but I don’t worry about those things when I shift.”

“It’s been two weeks since we arrived but you haven’t once shifted. I assumed you would take the opportunity to run free.”

“No. There is no freedom for me in my base form.” She walked away from the window.

“Why is that?”

“Because –“ She stiffened when she smelled the familiar scent of Gregory.

“Afraid to tell the protector of my pack that you’re scared of what will happen when you do?”  Gregory’s snarl wasn’t surprising. Since they’d arrived, he’d been trying to draw her into the mating ritual.  When she refused to shift he’d been first amused. So he’d set out to seduce her in both forms.  When she still refused, his amusement had turned into frustration and rage. He wanted her and wasn’t happy about her resistance.

Daniel looked from his brother to Shu. “What’s going on?”

“Are you going to tell him, Shu?”  Gregory leaned up against the exam table.

“No.”  She turned and left the room.

Daniel looked at his brother. “What the hell is going on, Gregory. When I left for Guangzhou she was settling in fine.  Why is she so skittish now?”

Gregory stared impassively at him. “She’s running.”

“From what?”

“Me.”

When Gregory didn’t elaborate, Daniel’s patience wore thin. “All right, that’s enough. I’m tired of pulling answers out of you like teeth. Explain!”

“She’s my mate. She won’t shift because she knows the first time she does I’m going to claim her.” 

“And you told her this? No wonder she won’t shift. You hardheaded son of bitch, do you have any idea with what you’re dealing with?” He rounded on his brother.

“A tigress in denial.”

“No. I spoke with Ry-lin while I was gone.  She’s not just any ordinary hybrid, Gregory. She’s a half-breed, one that’s been repeatedly rejected and even attacked by her own pack. Your highhandedness is going to backfire.”

“She’s not the first half-breed. Why would her pack attack her? She can’t help one of her parents is full blooded human.”

“They’re not. Both are hybrids. From what Ry-linn says her mother was a Bengal hybrid and her father a Jaguar hybrid.”

Gregory paled. “Good Lord. Which does she take after?”  The idea of having a mate from a different race wasn’t as appalling as it should have been.  Shu had gotten under his skin and he wasn’t looking for a way to get her out. He was looking for a way to get her to accept his claim.

“Ry-lin doesn’t know.  She hasn’t ever shifted outside the rainforest of her father’s pack.  No one other than her own pack mates know what she truly is.”

He thought for a moment. “Make arrangements to go to Brazil.”

“You’re sending her home?” Daniel was no longer relaxed.

“Yes. This is something she’s going to have to work through.” Rubbing the back of his neck, he wandered to the window.

 “You’ve got to be kidding! You’re our next alpha. I can’t believe you’re giving her up that easily.”

Gregory looked over his shoulder at him. “I’m not. You and I are going to accompany her. Facing her fears and misgivings on her own turf are the only way I’m going to have a chance to claim her.” 

“Let me guess, I’m going as protection?” Daniel looked amused now.

“I may be an Alpha but I’m not stupid, brother.  I will be out numbered and I know it. Don’t give me any sass about it. Just make the arrangements.” 

* * * *

Getting off the phone, Gregory sighed. His call to Enrique Rodriguez had gone better than he’d hoped. After explaining his situation to Shu’s father, he was amazed at the support the man had given him. The plan they’d hatched was solid and hopefully he’d come back from Brazil a mated man. But he took her father’s parting word seriously.

“She’s been shunned by the males of my pack because of her form but she has a good heart. Don’t break it and we’ll get along fine.” The words still echoed in his head.

A knock on this outer office door, drew him out of his thoughts.

“Enter.” 

The door opened and both Daniel and Shu walked in.

“Good, just the people I wanted to see.” Leaning forward, he looked at his brother. “Did you make the arrangements?” 

“Yes. We’re scheduled to leave in the morning.”

“Good.  Well, Shu, since you’re obviously going to continue to fight me and my claim, it’s time for you to go home.  I just finished talking to your father and he’s requested your return. We’ll leave in the morning.”  He stood and a left the room before Shu or his brother could say anything.

* * * *

Standing in front of Gregory’s desk Shu trembled. “He no longer wants me?”  Tears filled her eyes before anger rushed over her and she turned to follow Gregory.  “That hard headed son of bitch!”

“Now, Shu, you need to calm down…” Daniel stepped in front of her.

“Calm down my ass!” She snarled at him and for the first time in his adult life, he was glad he was not going to be on the receiving in of her anger.  He loved angry sex as much as the next tiger but he wasn’t about to take on Shu. “First he says he wants me and then he doesn’t. We’ll just see about that! Move your ass out of my way.”

Measuring her, he stood in front of her more calmly than he felt. “You’re not going to kill him are you, Shu?  How are you going to mate with him if he’s dead?”

“I won’t kill him but he’ll wish I had. Now move!”

He wisely moved out of the way.

* * * *

Deep inside of his own tiger, Gregory ran through the preserve, leaving his scent on several trees for Shu to find. Goddess, I hope this works.  Her father said telling her I’d changed my mind would, push her to prove herself worthy. I don’t understand this reverse psychology stuff but it better work. The tears I heard in her voice damn neared killed me. Then the sound he’d been waiting for echoed through the forest - a female cat’s scream of rage. Thank you Goddess.

* * * *

Daniel stood at the opening of the trail. Beside him Shu discarded her clothing. Handing them to him, she stretched. “You make a single snide remark about my cat, I’ll tear you to shreds, Protector.” 

“Yeah, right.” When she hissed at him, he held his hands up. “My bad. I’m sorry, I was teasing. I’m sure you’re…”  His breath caught in throat as she shifted right before him.  Standing in front of him stood a large cat. Her body was of a White Bengal tiger.  The intriguing silver rosettes were like nothing he’d ever seen. She looked up at him, her eyes blue as the sky. “Beautiful, is what you are Shu. And don’t let my brother forget it.”

At his mention of Gregory, Shu screamed, her cry echoing over the forest. Whirling, she bounded into the forest.

“Goddess, I hope you’re watching out over my hard-headed brother and her. They belong together.”

* * * *

Racing through the forest, Shu followed the scent of Gregory. He was being quite obvious in his scent trail. It enraged her further that he thought so poorly of her that he was making it easy for her to find him.

“Slipping aren’t you, Alpha? An enemy could easily find you.”

“I’m not worried about an enemy, Mate.”

“I’m not your Mate!”

“You were warned if you shifted what would happen, Shu.”

Her ears twitched as she heard the rush of fur and wind. When he sprung out of the foliage, she vaulted into the trees overhead, her Jaguar heritage showing.  Running along the maze of branches she easily outdistanced him.  A soft laugh escaped her mind.

“It’s going to take more than a pouncing game, Alpha, to claim me, for I am no ordinary tiger.”

“Bitch!” The affection in his voice was apparent along with his frustration.

“So I’ve been told. You wanted this… me shifting and running wild for you. Well, I’ve shifted and I’m running, but now it’s a battle to see if you can catch me.”

* * * *

Keeping his eyes peeled, Gregory searched for the streak of white inside the trees. I should’ve expected her to take to the trees but one would think she would stick out like a sore thumb with her white coat. 

The glimmer of white appeared in the corner of his eye.  He rolled with her as she landed on top of him.  He scrambled to pin her under him but unlike tigresses he had encountered in the pass, she didn’t meekly give in because she was on her back. Raking with her claws, she squirmed away and scrambled to her feet.

“Oh no you don’t, Shu!”  He tackled her from behind. There was no way in hell he was going to let her disappear into the trees again.  Using his heavier weight he pressed her down against the damp earth.  Clamping his mouth over her shoulder he held her in place. “Damn, why are you fighting me, when it’s obvious you want me as much as I want you?”

“I’m not normal Gregory. I’m a half breed…”

“There’s nothing wrong with your breed. You’re beautiful and I want you.”

“But you said…”

“That we were going to your father’s. As much as it pains me, I’m not going to claim you today. I’m going to take you to home and if you find yourself in this position again, you’re going to be claimed.” 

Lifting and releasing her, he shifted back.  In human form, he ran his hands over her heaving tigress body. She looked up at him with her beautiful big blue eyes and accepted his caresses. For the first time in her adult life she allowed even welcomed another to explore her base form.

* * * *

Brazil, South America

Shu stood between her father and his mate. The dancing torches flickered over the roughly hewn circle.  Her mouth grew dry. Here was her own  nightmare. In the foliage surrounding the circle the gleem of hundreds of eyes reminded her that the pack was present but watching from the shadows, waiting for her to fail once more.

“Dad, I don’t think I can…”

“Shu, you can. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met. Your man traveled half way around the world to claim you…”

“So he’s an easy bet. I don’t know why you’re so worried….” Maria’s snide remark was cut short with a glare from her father.

“Despite what my foolish mate thinks, daughter, you’ve nothing to be ashamed of.  Go and take your place in the circle. Don’t roll over passively because you think he’s all you can have. Make him work for it. Make him earn the right to have you.” 

She nodded.  Shedding her robe, she changed swiftly and walked calmly into the circle. Her heart was thumping and she was keenly aware of the eyes staring at her. A soft cough from her father started the mating ceremony.  Gregory came to the edge of the circle in his human form.  Moving forward, he breached the inner circle.  Walking right up to her he knelt at her side. Touching her from head to tail, he rubbed his hands over her. 

“Mine. Every inch of this beautiful tigress is mine.” With a blur he shifted so the proud Xiamen tiger stood in his place.  Letting out a roar of claiming, he let everyone in the vicinity know of his claim.  Rolling over to her back, she exposed her tender belly to him.  Leaning down, he gently left his mark on her throat before urging her up.  Urging her over to her father, he stopped in front of her father.

Shu changed back swiftly. At her side Gregory shifted.

“Why, daughter?”  His question was obvious.

“To you it may seem as if I let him claim me, Dad, but he won me long before I ever entered any mating circle.”

“I did?” 

Looking at her mate, she nodded. “Why fight a mate who has already shown me tenderness when before I only have known pain and hurt? By letting me go when he had the chance to mate me, he claimed my heart. I saw no reason to fight something I wanted. If this brings disrespect to our pack - I apologize but I am not a Jaguar hybrid, nor am I a tiger hybrid. I’m simply Gregory’s mate.”

Her dad’s voice was gruff when he answered. “There is no shame in taking what you want, Shu. Perhaps this should be a lesson to all of us. Go with your mate now. Celebrate your joining.” Turning away from his daughter and her mate, Enrique addressed his pack. “She is Claimed!”

Loud roars echoed over the forest.

* * * *

Shu gasped as Gregory pushed her back on the bed. Following her down, he pinned her hands beside her head. Nuzzling her, he pressed his body against hers.

“Goddess, I love your smell.”

“I thought I told you I wasn’t going to be your personal cache of catnip.”

“So you did but here you are lying naked in my arms. I love you, Shu. You were mine from the moment I set eyes on you.”  Pressing her hands above her head, he whispered for her to leave them there.

Gripping the pillow under her head, she clenched her fingers as his mouth slid down her neck to her breasts. The fiery lash of his tongue over her straining peaks had her panting. 

“Please Gregory!”

“I am mate. Pleasing you is my pleasure.”  He trailed open- mouthed kisses from her breasts down to her stomach.

“Gregory?” Her hesitation was apparent. “I don’t…”

“But I do. I want to taste you. Now lie still and let me have my taste.” His growl washed over her sensitive folds as he buried his face between her thighs.

“Oh God!”  She arched up, helpless against his sucking mouth.  When he took her swollen nub into his mouth and lashed it with his tongue, she exploded. “Gregory!” 

“Grrrr.” The animalistic sound ripped from his chest as he scrambled up her form and hooked her legs over his arms. Sliding fast and deep inside her he let out a roar.  Shu screamed as he forced her orgasm to continue. When she came back down from her peak, she realized he was still hard as a rock inside her.

“Gregory?” 

He bared his teeth at her before jerking out of her. Rolling her on to her knees, he entered her from behind.

“Mine, Shu, all mine!” He began hammering against her, his balls slapping against her as he surged in and out of her, now intent on his own release and dominating the writhing woman under him. 

She cried out and bucked under him as pleasure, dark and tense wracked her body and she never felt the change wash over her.“Oh…God…”

“Mine!” He repeated before his change washed over him and he buried his fangs deep in her shoulder.

Her scream of pleasure echoed through the house followed by his grunt as they spasmed against each other helplessly. As they sank down the bed collapsed under their combined weight.

* * * *

Shu couldn’t help but laugh as she watched her mate try to repair her bed. Leaning against up against her dresser, she tried to hide her smile each time he glanced suspiciously in her direction.

Finally stymied he threw his hands up in the air. “Fuck it! We’re sleeping on the floor, Shu.” 

“Don’t worry about it, Mate. When we return home, we’ll make sure we get a much better supported bed.  Or we’ll just have to tell our bases forms they can’t romp around on it.”

Walking up to her, he gathered her in his arms. “Return home?”

Looking up at him, she smiled. “This is my father’s home. My home is with you at the Preserve. I’ve never felt any more at home there than I do in your arms. So in the morning take me home.”

“Of course, my mate.”  He whispered against her head.

The End

If you have enjoyed Claimed, look for Forbidden Fruit #3: Eternity,  and rejoin, Daniel in finding a mate of his own. Update: Eternity is now for sale through ARe and Written Expressions. Check my Erotic Stories pages for more details.~Dakota