Shifters: An Anthology

Chapter One

Somewhere in the rain forests of Brazil

The ancient horn's blast rained down over the crowd gathered on the side of the mountain. Sound vibrations shook the ground with a thunderous roar. Birds squawked and darted out of the trees that blanketed the valley below. Long, sleek bodies sprang up and sprinted down the rocks. The people cheered. Children covered their ears and the men leaned forward, watching with interest. The race had begun.

Aleta Cortes sprang up from her crouched position on the starting line and sprinted with the other females in her tribe. The familiar terrain sped past her in a blur as she made her way over the rocks to the Amazon forest below. Mist rose from the ground and made the air heavy with humidity. It had rained earlier, but there was still no relief of the summer heat. This was good; the haze the rain created would help camouflage her as she navigated the forest, and the heat would slow the other racers down and make them easy prey. Aleta needed every advantage she could get if she hoped to reach the finish line, an old waterfall on the other side of their lands, by daybreak.

Only then would she be free.

What if someone caught her before she could finish? No, she wouldn't think about it. For most of the females in her Jaguarundi tribe—okay, all females—the race was a technicality. No one really wanted to finish. This ancient breeding race, the Cria, was deeply rooted in tribal tradition. It gave the young male warriors a chance to show off their strength while allowing the eligible females an opportunity to choose their mates. It was expected that every man and woman entering these woods would be mated by daybreak.

Everyone except her. Aleta had run the Cria for the past nine years without being caught. Tonight she planned to do everything within her power to ensure that this race had the same outcome as those in the past. There was too much at stake to allow otherwise.

The horn blasted a second time, signaling the men of her tribe to begin their chase. Aleta pushed herself to move faster. Beads of sweat formed on her temple and neck. She ignored them and kept running. She couldn’t let one of those self-absorbed, empty-skulled idiots claim her. Not today, not ever.

Her body thrummed with excitement and adrenaline. This was her last time running the Cria. After tonight, she’d no longer be eligible to run. According to tribal tradition, she’d be beyond her mating years. Her father would have no choice but to let her do as she wished.

After nine years of running the stupid tribal mating race, she’d finally be able to leave. Aleta had big plans for when she got out from under her father’s thumb. She’d travel up to Rio, board a plane, and get out of this godforsaken jungle. She couldn’t get far enough away from her tribe's backward ways and her controlling father. She’d enter civilization and lead a normal life. No more jungle living, no more shifter tradition, no more humiliation.

Aleta frowned with determination and jumped over a large rock. Shouts rose up from behind, causing her heart to thud against her rib cage. She glanced at the setting sun and noticed the full, round sphere hanging ominously in the sky. Ribbons of mist wove in front of it, giving the orb a hazy glow. The partially blocked sun would make shifting easier. This was good. Once in her feline form, Aleta could triple her speed. Unfortunately, the rules of the Cria dictated no shifting until the runners finished their path down the mountain and entered the thickest part of the forest below.

Aleta ran quickly, leaving all of the other females in her wake. The crowd’s cheers faded into the distance until all she could hear was her footfalls on the dry earth below her. The trees became denser and soon blocked out all but a few rays of light. Almost there.

As soon as Aleta reached flat ground, she let go of her inner beast. The familiar popping and cracking of muscles echoed in her ears as her body changed from that of a petite Brazilian woman into a dark gray feline. Her vision sharpened with catlike clarity. In this form she'd have no problem reaching the finish line. The only one who might have been able to catch her wasn't here.

Nor would he ever be again.

She'd been foolish to fall in love with Luiz, her father's most honored warrior. The bastard had led her to believe that he loved her and that they’d be together forever. At fifteen she was too young to know of men's lies and lovers' betrayals. Luiz had said that he wanted to run with her in her first Cria at sixteen and claim her as his mate. She wasn’t the only one who believed him. The entire village had expected their mating. Her father had even talked to Luiz about taking a more prominent position within the tribe after their union.

But Luiz never did run that Cria. The night before he disappeared from the village and had humiliated both her and her family. No good-byes, no promises of return. Nothing.

Hours passed as she concentrated on navigating the trees around her. Howls of excitement filled the air as the men of her tribe caught their prey. A twinge of jealousy stabbed her chest and she pushed it aside. Love was not in the cards for her, nor would it ever be. It was better to focus on the things in her life she could change, not the silly dreams of a fifteen year old girl.

She was close. Rushing water echoed through the trees to her left. Soon it would all be over and she’d be free of her father and his ridiculous traditions. Biting back a cry of delight, she cleared a fallen tree limb and loped in the direction of the noise.

The primal cries of her brethren echoed in her ears as couples began the mating rituals that would bind them forever. Her father would be disappointed that she was yet again unmated, but that was to be expected. As tribal leader, he was responsible for upholding the Jaguarundi ways. His zeal for tradition and law would work in her favor tonight. She smiled to herself as she ran. This was to be her tenth Cria with no mate. He’d have no choice but to let her go.

Freedom. The word pulsed through her mind, beating in time with her heart. Freedom was within her grasp. She could almost taste it.

Aleta pushed herself harder. She was so close. Her family wouldn't be at the finish line yet. They, like the others, would arrive at the waterfall at daybreak. No one was in a rush to see who was going to finish the race. Most participants wouldn’t emerge until the sun rose high in the sky tomorrow morning.

If her memory was correct, there would be a cave near the waterfall. She could rest there and wait for her family’s arrival. Aleta weaved around a fallen tree and saw the waterfall a few hundred paces away. A roar rose up in her throat and she gave herself up to the cry of victory. After today, there would be no more pain and humiliation. She’d have a fresh start.

Aleta jumped over a rock, eager to get to the clearing where the waterfall marked the finish line. Suddenly a shadowy figure jumped out of a nearby bush and flung itself at her head-on.

No. How could it be possible? No one had passed her and the forest had been cleared prior to the start of the race. She tried to jump around the intruder, but everything happened so fast.

The intruder was human. The knowledge streamed through her mind as she flew backward. How the hell did a human get to the finish line so fast? Aleta shifted into her human form as she hit the ground. The figure went down with her, covering her body with its own. Skin touched skin, and she felt warm, hard muscle press up against her flesh.

No, not now. Aleta struggled to get out of her captor’s arms. Getting caught wasn't an option. The finish line was so close. Freedom was so close...

Aleta twisted her body, disengaging her hand and fisting her fingers. She swung and connected with her attacker's jaw. The figure let out a low, masculine grunt and rolled a short distance away. Aleta sprang to her feet as the stranger began to rise.

Wait... A sinfully seductive voice reached her ears as the figure grabbed her arm and straightened.

She shook the hand away and stepped back. I wait for no one. You should know better than to... Her words died on her lips as her attacker stepped into a beam of fading sunlight. An eerie glow hung around the figure, making him look more apparition than man.

Luiz, she breathed. Shock pierced her body and froze her muscles. He was here.

Luiz, her love. Her betrayer.

She raised her hands to cover herself, then remembered that body mass remained the same when she shifted. The clothes she wore when she changed into her cat form would automatically reappear when she changed back into a human. The short skirt and bikini top wasn’t much, but at least she was decent.

A quick glance told her that he was also clothed, but only from the waist down. Tingles of awareness raced over her skin, and she averted her gaze from his tan, muscular chest.

He rubbed his hand on his jaw. "I see you haven't changed, querida."

From the looks of things, he hadn't changed much either. His ebony hair had grown longer, curling around his ears and framing the angular features of his face in soft waves. His deep gray eyes peered back at her with the same dark intensity she remembered from long ago. Desire sparked in her core. Its flames surged upward, licking her skin and making her weak with need.

Her breath caught in her throat. Was he here for the race? Was he finally going to make good on his promise and claim her for his own?

Foolishness. Those dreams were the hopes of a little girl, a girl betrayed by her first love. Aleta had put aside such things long ago. If Luiz thought that he could swoop in and claim her, then he had another thing coming. She was no longer a silly girl, but a woman and she had plans, big plans that didn’t include him.

Aleta shook her head to dispel the traitorous thoughts and took another step toward the waterfall. Luiz had his chance. He lost her when he refused to run with her in her first Cria. She let the humiliation of that day wash over her and give her strength. It didn't matter why he came. The only thing that mattered was gaining her freedom.

She lifted her chin. A lot has changed since you were last here.

I don't doubt it. An arrogant smile slid across his face as he lowered his hand. I see you still wear the necklace I gave you.

She resisted the urge to touch the smooth emerald stone around her neck. It means nothing to me. I just forgot to take it off, that's all.

For nine years? He made a tsk sound and crossed his arms in front of his chest. His smile deepened.

Aleta shrugged. Believe what you want. It's the truth. What was she thinking? She should have taken off the foolish trinket years ago. Why did she still wear it anyway? Luiz gave it to her the night he promised to run the Cria for her, the night he promised he’d be hers for as long as she wore it.

Foolish dreams. They were for a little girl, not a woman. The emerald had been around her neck for so long that it had become a part of her. She should have taken it off after that first Cria, when she learned of his betrayal.

And yet, she couldn't. Giving up the necklace would have been like giving up part of herself. At first she left it on in the foolish hope that he’d come back to her. Later, she kept it on to remember the price of losing her heart to another.

He’d never understand. Luiz obviously wasn't hurt by their separation. If anything, the time apart made him more arrogant.

What are you doing here? she asked.

His expression softened as he stepped toward her. "This is the Cria, is it not? I've come to claim my mate."

What? Aleta glanced behind her shoulder at the waterfall. She was so close to the finish line.

Why? she whispered, turning back to him.

He reached out and brushed a stray hair from her face. Her skin burned as he slipped his fingers over her cheek. Little knots of need twisting in her abdomen.

The mating heat. The reason why the Cria was run at this time of year was because it was when all of the females of her tribe were in heat. A lot of Jaguarundi babies would be conceived this night, sealing the bond between mates.

The other women of her tribe might dream of marriage and babies, but not her. Those dreams died years ago when she learned how cruel men could be.

And yet... Aleta couldn’t deny her attraction for the man before her. There was a certain presence about him, a confidence that spoke to her inner female. Luiz was all muscle and male, a prize worthy of a tribal leader’s daughter.

Lust flared, whipping its flames through her body until she thought she’d combust. Aleta stepped back and tried to clear her head. For nine years she had been able to deal with the mating heat. Why was it so hard to control now?

I never stopped loving you, Aleta.

Tears blurred her vision. You humiliated me, Luiz. After her first Cria, the rumors had started. Why was she rejected? Was there something wrong with her that the tribe couldn’t see? Perhaps she was demented. Maybe that was why Luiz preferred to run away from the tribe than to mate with her...

I'm sorry. Luiz stepped closer. His musky scent rose up with the heat from his body and enveloped her, lowering her defenses. So familiar. So...nice.

Aleta formed fists at her sides as she fought back the emotions raging inside her.

There were reasons I had to leave, he said. Things happened beyond my control.

Reasons? What reasons? And why did you never tell me? She hardened her jaw and forced herself to meet his gaze.

He stepped forward, arms raised. When she didn't move, he framed her face with his hands, sending small sparks of heat dancing across her skin. It doesn't matter. I'm here now.

Aleta held her breath as he dipped his head toward her. No, this couldn't be happening. There must be an ulterior motive. Nothing with Luiz was ever this straightforward or easy. Aleta placed her hands on his chest in an effort to push him away.

Then he brushed his lips against hers.

Hunger and heat burst through her center. Its long tendrils curled through her body and made her weak with need. Feelings, long forgotten, returned to the surface. Never had she needed to work so hard for control.

She curled her fingers on his bare chest and leaned into his warmth. His skin felt hot, his muscles hard. The only clothing separating them were the thin pants he wore and her ceremonial running dress, both made from smooth cloth bartered at a nearby village. The light fabric around her body felt heavy and cumbersome. She focused on his mouth and the way it teased waves of emotion from her body.

He drew his hands away from her face and slipped them around her waist. She leaned against him as another tendril of heat curled around her center. For the first time in a long time, Aleta remembered what it was like to need, to long, to love. Desire hummed inside her, causing her heart to thud against her rib cage and pulsing heat to center between her thighs. He stroked her back as they kissed, each movement brushing away her fears, her hurt.

He slipped his hands down and spread his fingers over her ass. She moaned against his mouth as he pulled her close and rubbed his hardened cock into her lower abdomen. Aleta’s mind fogged as the sounds of the forest faded away. Luiz deepened the kiss as he moved his hand around the curve of her ass. Energy charged the air between them.

She purred and wrapped her arms around his neck. It had been so long since she had felt this alive, this needy. The walls that took nine years to build around her heart were slipping, and she didn't care. He felt too good and it had been so long since she had tasted a man. His musky male scent penetrated her senses, making her light-headed.

Luiz must have sensed her surrender, for a low and primal sound escaped his lips as he edged her back against a nearby tree. He slipped his hands down below her ass and rubbed the back of her thighs. Skin touched skin and raw need surged through her system. The moisture from the heat and fog allowed his expert fingers to glide over her body. Aleta moaned and lifted her leg, positioning it against his hip. There she hooked her ankle around him and tugged him close. Luiz slipped his hand under her short skirt and inched it up with his fingers. She felt the thin fabric gather around her hips. Hot, heavy Amazon air clung to her skin, raising the temperature in the clearing and dampening their skin.

He broke the kiss and nipped her jaw. Aleta... You have no idea how many nights I've waited. Finally... He kissed a trail along her jaw and traced his tongue along the outer rim of her ear. You're mine.

She gasped and closed her eyes as he kissed her neck. It was as if all of her secret fantasies were coming true right before her eyes. How many lonely nights had she dreamed that he'd come for her? That he’d take her in the middle of the mating heat and make her his?

She drove her fingers into his hair and held him close to her skin as the sweet heat of desire enveloped every inch of her body. He inched his hands up farther under her dress, coming closer to that burning ache between her thighs. Oh God, so close... Her whole body tightened in anticipation.

He kissed her neck, slowly moving down to the strap on her shoulder. There he lingered, tracing with his tongue the point where fabric ended and skin began. Your mating heat is driving me crazy, Aleta. He nipped her collarbone and chuckled when she gasped his name. I want nothing more than to drive myself deep inside you and claim you like I should have all those years ago.

Yes, all those years—years of pain and loneliness. She loosened her grip and slipped her hands to his shoulders. Did he think he could just walk back into her life and pick up where he left off?

No, she wouldn’t allow it. Aleta had too much pride to let him abuse her like that. Luiz had to learn that he couldn’t use her for his own pleasure and then discard her whenever he felt like it.

She pushed at his chest. Stop.

You don't want me to stop. He slipped his hand around to the front of her leg and inched up her skirt. Do you?

She moistened her lips. Inch that hand up a little more...

As if he heard her, he slipped his fingers farther up her thigh and dipped them in between her folds. Thank goodness she never wore underwear. Aleta froze as pleasure bolted through her womb. Something between a cry and a moan echoed around them. Was that her?

He growled against her neck as he slid his thick finger over her slit. You love this. He nudged the tip of his finger just inside her opening, making her shiver with pleasure. I can feel it. He retreated, found her clit, and circled it with his teasing thumb. I want you too, Aleta. All of you.

Her whole body melted in response. It had been so long.

But not like this. As much as she wanted to mate with this man, he wasn't worth giving up her future—or her dignity. Gathering her strength, she pushed against his shoulders a second time. No.

Aleta.

No, Luis. I don’t want this. Get off me.

She steeled her emotions as he slipped his hand away and replaced her skirt. Luiz straightened, peering at her with those deep, questioning eyes. The mating heat inside her affected him too. She saw the hunger in his gaze and the tensing of his features. This had to stop now, before she did something that she regretted.

Aleta pushed aside her need and lifted her chin. "You lost your right to my body when you left me to run the Cria alone."

Did I? He raised two fingers and held them up between them. Moisture glistened from his skin as he waved them in the air. Your body says differently. He slid them between his lips and closed his eyes as he licked off her moisture with his long, lovely tongue. Aleta ground her teeth as she tried to hold back her rising libido. She wanted that tongue on her body, licking her skin, tasting her need.

When he was finished, he braced his hands on the tree behind her, level with her head. You tell me no, but your body says something different. He flicked his gaze to her mouth. Such a contradiction.

Stop it.

You don’t mean that. His breath felt warm against her skin. Her scent mixed with his, creating an intoxicating aroma. It made her legs weak.

He captured her lips. It was a searing, powerful kiss, meant to wash away any thought of protest. And unfortunately, it was working. She felt as if she were drowning in a wave of pleasure and something distinctly male, something uniquely Luiz.

After a long moment he pulled away. Aleta fought for breath as her heart slammed in her chest. Goodness, the man could kiss. They had kissed before when she was much younger. The soft, pleasant pecks were nothing compared to this. As her lightheadedness faded and the forest settled around her, Aleta wondered what it would be like to be kissed like that every day for the rest of her life. Definitely something a girl could get used to.

A knowing smile spread over his lips. "Don't worry, querida. I'll never leave you again. Once we're bound, you'll belong to me—only me."

It was as if she had been dropped into a pond of cold water. Did he think that everything would be forgiven with a kiss? Anger rose up, washing away her need and reminding her of the rude comments from her fellow tribe members when he had left. She’d never forget the looks of pity they gave her, or the countless lonely nights she lay awake in her bed, soothing the hollow ache in her chest.

No, you'll never leave me again—she ducked under his arms and stepped away from his touch—because I'm not taking you back.

Anger slipped over his features, then disappeared. Aleta, listen. I didn’t want to do it like this, but... You have to come with me now. Your life is in danger. There isn't time to explain—

She held up her hand. Did he think he could manipulate her like her father? If he did, then he was in for a rude awakening. "I am not a prize to be won Luiz, nor am I your querida anymore. You had your chance and lost it. Now get out of my way."

Aleta jumped up onto a large boulder. It was only a couple hundred paces to the waterfall. She could make it.

Aleta, please. It isn't safe for us here.

For us? Oh no. There is no us, Luiz. I'm going to finish this race, and tomorrow I’ll leave these lands and never return. You can't stop me. Bones cracked and muscles stretched as she transformed into her feline form.

Aleta, get down. You’re too visible—

She started to leap, but something pinched her front leg. Aleta screamed as pain ripped through her body and her vision blurred. Luiz changed to his Jaguarundi form, his body shimmering into the sleek, light-gray fur she remembered from her youth. He looked stronger now, more noble. He lifted his head and howled. The sound echoed through her body and made her shake. Her muscles turned to water.

She growled as pain shot up from her leg and knifed her center. Aleta tried to jump but only staggered. Her strength left, leaving behind fear and confusion. She fell.

Stay with me, Aleta. Don’t close your eyes. Luiz’s words entered her head as he jumped up next to her. He placed himself between her and the rest of the woods, teeth bared.

Luiz growled at something just beyond the trees. She scanned the forest, but her vision blurred too much to make anything out. She tried to hear if her tribe was near. All was silent. Too silent. Shouldn't she hear the sounds of the race?

After a few seconds Luiz grunted and turned back to her. Fear brightened his eyes as he looked at her leg. He nudged it, and she whimpered in pain.

Don't move. His words flowed into her brain. Help is coming.

Aleta tried to stand. She still had time to make it to the finish line. Her family would be there. They could help.

He put a paw on her chest. To her horror, Aleta discovered she lacked the strength to shake him off.

I said don't move. He growled for emphasis.

If she had more strength, she'd have bitten him. You'll pay for this, Luiz. My father would never honor a Cria won with trickery. The world came in and out of focus as she closed her eyes, finally succumbing to darkness.

Chapter Two

Aleta opened her eyes, but it was too dark to see anything. Where was she? As she tried to remember what had happened, voices pierced the blackness around her.

I didn't know that they’d go to such extremes.

Luiz. She’d recognize that sexy baritone anywhere. It came from a few paces away. The silky sound of his voice stirred something inside her. Heat blossomed in her center and fanned out over her body. She bit back a groan as a dull ache formed in between her thighs. The mating heat. But it had never been this strong before...

It must be Luiz who was causing her rise in emotions. He had left Aleta before she reached maturity and had never been around when the mating heat had struck before. It meant only one thing—they were destined mates. As a result, the attraction was stronger and more volatile between them.

She inhaled, filling her nose with his musky scent. A gentle throbbing pulsed between her legs, and she closed her eyes against it. Her body craved him, but she had to resist. Luiz had given up his claim on her a long time ago. Freedom was within her reach. All she had to do was leave the cave and finish the race. The longer they were together, the harder it would be to deny their connection.

Oh shit, the Cria. She had to make it to the finish line before daybreak. There was no way she was going to be bound to him forever. Not after his betrayal. She shifted under her blanket, preparing to rise.

"Why would the Leopardi target the girl?"

Aleta paused. This voice was new, one she'd never heard before.

"Why not? She's Nicolao's daughter. They hope to start a war between the Jaguarundi clans. While we're all distracted, they'll attack."

Attack? Aleta slipped deeper under the blankets and feigned sleep. The Leopardi were warriors from the highlands. They were territorial and ruthless, but have never come this far south before. If the Leopardi had invaded the lowlands, then her father must be warned. It could be grave danger for the village.

It doesn't make sense. Maybe the girl wasn't the target.

Then who? Me?

It’s possible.

Perhaps, but why would they want to drug me? Why not just kill me?

There was a brief pause and some shuffling. "You never should have come for her. Leaving Paulos unchecked was too risky. For all we know, it could’ve been him, not the Leopardi—"

I had no choice but to leave him. You know that.

The girl wasn’t worth it. Our tribe—

Stop.

Luiz—

I said stop. Luiz’s voice echoed off the walls and shook the ground. Silence followed his outburst. Aleta swallowed the lump in her throat and tried to see what was happening. It was so dark...

She would've been lost to me otherwise, Luiz whispered just loud enough for her to hear. Aleta closed her eyes as heat rushed through her body. He wanted her. Wait a minute, if he wanted to be with her, then why did he leave her in the first place?

Nicolao will blame you for what happened.

Let me worry about Aleta’s father.

Another pause. What were they doing? Aleta wished she could see, but from this angle it was impossible.

Take the dart back to the village and give them the news, Luiz said. Tell them to prepare for war.

"With who? Nicolao or the Leopardi?"

War? Aleta tugged the blanket up under her chin as a cold shiver raced down her spine. Did Luiz think to wage war against her family?

I’m not sure, but I’ll find out soon. When I do, I’ll return.

I can’t leave you alone.

"I’ll be fine as long