The Jaguar's Choice (Book 2)

“I can’t do this. I am all Jaguar and no Wolf. I cannot be Luna, I can barely be part of this pack.” Olivia’s words were a fluid stream of apprehension as she stared at herself in the full-body mirror. The white-lace dress she wore was in fact as beautiful as Aiden had promised, but she considered it unfitting for someone like her.  It wasn’t that she didn’t think of herself as beautiful, she knew her natural allure would make any man stop just to steal a glance at her. She had become comfortable with being the unwanted center of attention everywhere she went. But she didn’t try to be. She never chose to consciously call any man’s, or in many cases, any woman’s attention; it was the natural enticement of her cat’s nature that drew everyone to her. Though she didn’t try to hide it when she was trying to mate. But even then, she did not dress any differently, and this dress definitely did not hide her sensuous curves.  “For someone who hates drama, you are being terribly dramatic.” Tamara scoffed, leaning her back against the vanity chair, gently shaking her hands in the air in an attempt to dry off the bright-red nail polish. She glanced sideways at her sister, giving her a brief smile and a short-lived head shake. “You look amazing Olivia. Plus, even if you didn’t, you would still have to wear it for the Alpha.” Tamara rolled her eyes, returning her attention back to the nail polish brush, intending to begin a second coat.  “It is just so...so...not me” Olivia muttered, more to herself than to Tamara. They could be blood, sisters that shared a kinship not just as werejaguars but through a trauma worth ten lifetimes, though that did not make them one bit the same except for the color of their skin and the shared painful experiences. They each wore strikingly different personalities, and Olivia knew that Tamara would have no problem wearing a dress like the one she currently wore.  “Is it because mom made you wear those ugly dresses, or because she didn’t let you wear them later on?” Tamara asked, hiding the emotion that was unavoidable at the mention of their dead mother and her different forms of abuse. Olivia looked at her sister for the tenth time and sighed. Tamara looked sure of herself with the dress she wore, her long black hair held secure in an intricate braided bun, revealing her back as the crimson red dress plunged low, just above her bottom. Tamara was gorgeous in her own right, her light brown eyes were adorned by long-full lashes, and her features graceful, the cat’s poise every part of who she was. She was tall, slender, and delicate. Everything Olivia wasn’t.  “She always said my legs had too many scars, that it looked...wrong if I wore shorts or a dress.” Olivia hated to admit to herself the effect her mother’s hurtful words still had on her, even after everything that had happened. She returned her sight to the mirror, turning around and looking over her shoulder in an effort to analyze her back. Her frown deepened at the way the strapless dress narrowed at her waist and then hugged her butt, subtly showcasing it.  She wasn’t fat, but she wasn’t a size 0 like her sister either. Her body was covered in lean muscle everywhere, not a piece of soft tissue to be found in her body. Her thighs were wide and strong, and when she turned to look at them again, the shape of her legs didn’t bother her at all. She even thought they looked nice. It was the fine lines that covered her legs, scars that would never go away and had been placed there at a young age, either by her mother’s hand or by her own risk when picking a fight to protect her old home, the jungle.  “That’s nonsense, you look great. I know it's not your style, but--” “Not my style?!” Olivia interrupted, playing with her hair and wondering if she should leave it down or not. “I look like something between a virtuous bride and sweet and sexy-but-innocent virgin!” Olivia grunted and Tamara laughed at the spot-on description. It didn’t help that she was so short, she looked too cute, which was a complete deception for her fiery personality.  “You look great! But stop messing with your hair it's fine and--” When the door swung open, Olivia and Tamara jumped in place, heads turning to the entryway in wonder of who was being so intrusive and deadly silent. Only one person would have the guts to open the Beta couple’s personal room without knocking first. “Aiden! Seriously? What if I was naked or something?” Tamara stood up from the chair and raised her arms in the air, shaking her wrists only, nail polish odor filled the room. Aiden stood at the door frame dressed in a dark-grey suit, broad shoulders hidden behind the elegant jacket that was made to fit him like a glove. His tie was undone and his shirt partly open, revealing the ripples of bulky muscle underneath.  He glanced at Tamara for a brief moment, narrowing his eyes and ignoring her complaint. When his gaze went back to his mate, he smiled, the frown softening and his eyes filling with a hunger Tamara did not want to be a witness of.  “Leave us.” He ordered, keeping his gaze on Olivia. He did not raise his voice or change his tone, but it was no doubt a command.  “Seriously? This is not just Sam’s room anymore, it's mine too!” Tamara complained, but she still walked towards the door as he took a step inside the room to let her through. She stopped at the door and looked over her shoulder towards Olivia. “Don’t you dare do it in my bed,” she hissed. Olivia’s mouth spread to a mischievous grin and her eyes went full golden jaguar. She winked and blew a kiss towards Tamara, who only scrunched her nose at the idea.  When she walked out, Aiden closed the door, locking it without breaking his hold on Olivia’s eyes. She held his stare in place, any other person would have lowered their head at the intensity in the Alpha’s blue-green eyes.  “You look like a princess” He managed to get out. His voice hoarse, desire intertwined with a bittersweet expression at seeing Olivia wear an exact replica of his mother’s Luna ceremony dress.  Olivia felt bad for complaining about the dress, it meant so much to him to see her wear it that she avoided saying something snippy. “I am definitely not that.” She returned her sight to the mirror, grabbing several bobby pins from Tamara’s newly bought vanity table and arranging them in the messy bun she had managed to accomplish. Her unruly hair sat like a crown on top of her head, the curls tamed by the pins.  “I told you there are Omegas that can do that for you, your hair, make-up, nails, skin-care, and even stylists, they are all very good. You just have to say the word.” He said as he approached her, filling her lungs with the unmistakable scent of rainfall at dawn that made him hers. She looked at Aiden through the mirror, giving him a sassy smile as she grabbed the pair of pearl earrings, she put them on for the last touch to an unlikely outfit. “I can do it myself silly wolf,” she pointed out as he hugged her from behind, circling her hips with strong and steady hands.  “Fine. And I think you are correct,” he leaned in, his lips grazing her ear lobe and making her shiver. “Not a princess. A queen.” He whispered as he held tighter, bringing her bottom against the hardened spot partly hidden by the pantsuit. She licked her lips but shook her head. “Stop it! Tamara would have our heads.” She tried to break free from his hold, but it was a weak attempt that only served as a playful temptation when her hips rubbed against him. He nipped her ear lobe, sending heat cruising through the sensitive nerves down to her neck where his mark was displayed for everyone to see. She muttered something under her breath, regretting having to stop his advances. “I’m serious, we don’t have time.” She used her real strength this time, unclasping his hands from her hips with unusual force for someone her size. She turned around, reaching for the top of his shirt and fastening the remaining buttons, taking her time while she skimmed his skin with the tip of her fingers as she looked up at him.  “You are not helping.” He complained, a low grumble that made her want to tear open his shirt instead. But she only cleared her throat in an attempt to hide the effect he also had on her. She had promised him fully opening up and being honest with her emotions instead of keeping them to herself like she always had done.  “You know I much rather stay here and do this with you…” she averted her eyes, still holding onto the collar of his shirt “...instead of today’s ceremony.” She reached for his tie next, working on the knot with expertise as she waited for his answer after her honest confession. He lifted her chin gently when her hands finished their task, and she looked at him from under her long lashes with raw concern for what tonight could mean for them. “My sweet love...” He brushed his lips against hers, and she stood there, taking in the peace he brought to her chaotic mind. “I know the ceremony seems like a big ordeal and I know this is new to you, if you don’t want to do it…” Aiden cupped her face and gave her a short smile “You don’t have to do this.” Even though he smiled, Olivia could sense the controlled disappointment he hid from his face, and she hated the way sadness began to creep into their shared mindlink at the idea of her not wanting to continue with the Luna ceremony.  Olivia stood on her tippy toes and circled his neck, reaching for a kiss. He met her halfway and their mouths tangled immediately, a deep and slow melding of their lips as their bodies drew close. She kissed him with the pleasure-seeking need her nature demanded, but it was the love that she had for him that pervaded in every touch of their lips.  She broke the kiss as soon as the first uncontrolled growl escaped his throat, leaving both of them unsatisfied, their chests sinked in the up-and-down movement as they tried to draw air into their lungs. She still clung to him, staring into his eyes and the blue fire of urgent longing that pooled there, a threat that would burn them both with pleasure.  “You are wrong.” She breathed out, searching for more air. “I have to do this, I am just…” she hated to admit it, but she had to. “How will the wolves react to my jaguar when we shift? Their instinctive response will not be friendly.” She shook her head, equally worried that the pack would reject her, and that she would have to kick someone’s butt.  “They all answer to me.” He growled, reading her so easily that it was becoming both comforting and scary. “No one will dare to reject you or Killari. Not even with their eyes. No one will look at you with anything less than respect either.” He bit the words out and she felt his claws elongate over top of her waist, right where he held her. He had ripped open enough clothes this week for her to not recognize his intentions and loss of control at the idea of unmated wolves near her.  “Oh...Aiden...I don’t do it on purpose, I promise.” She spoke low, trying to ease his own worries related to her cat’s seductive nature. She had successfully avoided all of the unmated males for the week she had been there by occupying herself with a number of legal errands related to her moving to the country. It had only been possible because Aiden changed all the staff surrounding her to females and a few older already mated males. But they couldn’t possibly keep that charade forever.  “I know. Which makes it worse when I wonder what will happen if you tried” He grunted, burying his face in her neck and searching for her hidden scent. They had decided to keep her scent hidden, Aiden said it was for her safety, but she knew it was more for the sake of Aiden not losing his mind. She didn’t honestly care.  “Don’t be silly. I don’t want anyone else but you, why will I purposely seduce anyone?” She tried to keep the amusement from her voice at his possessive reaction. Interacting with him in his comfort zone and not hers for the first time in months had been a treat in bed. His dominant nature had found his place once again, making that part more fun, even exciting for her as his naturally dominant behavior only translated to thrilling and uncontrolled s*x.  “You entering a room is already seduction” He mumbled as he placed kisses on her neck, making her shiver. Though the dominance was a fun game, it would pose a challenge everywhere else, especially since she was not a submissive person. They both knew they couldn’t avoid the pack any longer, and some would no doubt have a reaction to her cat’s appeal, Luna or not.  “That’s a massive exaggeration!” This time, she could not hold the laugh in. She pushed him off, lowering her hands to his shoulders and forcing him to look at her. “Aiden, Tamara didn’t have that much trouble this week, and she is a jaguar too.” She raised her shoulders, stating the simple facts, even though Tamara had also kept the scent blockers just in case.  It was his turn to laugh, “You can’t be serious. I love your sister but she is not you.” He glanced at the clock on the wall and then back at her. “You were chosen by the Goddess, and you have command over everyone.” He started to pace, beginning this conversation again for the tenth time this week. “It is the equivalent of an Alpha’s power with the enticement of a Siren. How am I going to keep them off of you!?” He raised his voice, messing up his perfectly combed hair as his fingers dug in.  “Aiden I am perfectly capable of doing that myself and I have been for years. This is not my first rodeo with unmated wolves or nasty men.” She let the amusement from her voice fade, knowing very well that this was a real worry to him. She reached for her shoes and put them on, the silver heels were beautiful but too high for her lack of practice.  “We are doing this, Aiden. I told you I was going to be part of this pack, I can’t hide anymore and I am sure Killari will be just fine. We have had worse.” She took several practice steps around the room, dominating the walk on heels only after a few steps.  “Are you sure you want to do this?” He asked, analyzing her from head to toe as she practiced her walk. She looked from the shoes to him, the smile reaching her eyes. “Yes, I told you I would try to be this Luna you need. And I will.” She walked to the door with charming expertise and he followed close behind. “Thank you, love. One more thing.” He reached for the knob before she could, blocking the exit. She looked up at him, a question in her eyes. He sighed and shook his head ever so slowly. “Could you at least not walk like that?” She laughed again, this time allowing the amusement to fill her eyes as she playfully shoved him away from the door.