The Jaguar's Arranged Mate: A Paranormal Shifter Romance by Jade White

I’ll come to you.”
    “I don’t need you to ride in on a white horse.”
    “Good, because I never learned how to ride one.”
    To his surprise, she burst out laughing. He’d been worried his joke would piss her off more. “You would be the kind of knight to have tarnish all over your armor.”
    “Hey, a knight with shining armor is one who isn’t battle tested.”
    “Oh, so you’re a real warrior, are you?”
    He grinned. This banter he could appreciate. This he liked.
    If only she wasn’t pregnant…
    “So… any particular food I should bring with when I come over?” he asked.
    “Oh, slick one. Still try to get your way but make it seem like you’re doing me a favor.”
    She could see right through him.
    “Well? Any food cravings?”
    She hesitated.
    “Don’t worry if it’s gross. I promise not to judge.”
    Crap, that came out a little wrong. It might sound like he wouldn’t judge her food choices, just that she was pregnant.
    “Nothing gross. I haven’t really thought about what I’ve been craving. I just had a huge breakfast, so I don’t need more food right now, but actually… a milkshake sounds good.”
    “You want it right away? I can just swing by now instead of at noon.”
    “No, noon’s fine. I have some things to do.” Now she sounded sad.
    “What’s wrong?”
    She sighed. “We can talk about it when you come over. It’s long and involved.”
    “All right. See you soon.”
    “Beric?”
    “Yeah?”
    “Thank you,” she whispered.
    He couldn’t help smiling as he hung up. Maybe things weren’t quite as bad as he thought they were. At least as far as he and Miera were concerned.
    His omelet was cold by now, but he forced himself to finish it. If the Brutal Claws came at them en masse, they would have to survive a siege, and that meant food would become scarce and quickly, especially if they had the Blood Roses here too. He wasn’t about to waste food.
    As he exited the mess hall, Mark, one of his close friends, approached him. “Dude, why didn’t you have me come with you yesterday?”
    “Couldn’t find you.”
    Mark grinned. “Yeah, I might’ve been a little busy with Jess, but still.” His smile died. “Lionel…”
    “I know, man. I know.”
    “You waited for the fence. It’s fixed and as good as it’s going to get. When will the bells be ringing?”
    “Today or tomorrow hopefully.”
    “Good. I’m not a coward, but the Brutal Claws… they are just vicious.”
    “You don’t have to tell me. I know.” Beric’s stomach twisted into knots.
    “How many are we combined, the Blood Roses and us?”
    “We’ll still be outnumbered three to one.” It all seemed so hopeless at times.
    “Could be worse. Could just be us.”
    “Aren’t you a ray of sunshine.”
    Mark laughed. “Hey, man, I’m just keepin’ it real.”
    “Oh, is that what you call your spending time with Julie?”
    “Jess,” he correct with a grin.
    Beric smirked. He knew the female were-jaguar in question. “I thought you hated her.”
    “Yeah, well, if I kiss her and keep her mouth shut, she’s not too bad.”
    “Dude, you’re awful.”
    “I know.” Mark turned serious. “If I get knocked off the next time I go scouting, or when the real battles starts… I don’t really have much of a legacy, do I?”
    Beric winced. He didn’t have one yet either, and with Miera being pregnant, would he ever have a legacy of his own? Or would it always be tarnished because his heir wouldn’t be his blood?
    “You look ready to kill someone,” Mark said.
    Damn. He better try to control his face better for when he talked to Miera.
    “I’m just sick of this,” Beric used as an excuse. “Why us?”
    “Because we—and the Blood Roses—are the largest packs in this part of the state,” Mark pointed out. “It’s only logical for them to go after us.”
    “They can shove their logic up their asses.”
    Mark laughed then checked the time on his phone. “Gotta get