The Jaguar's Arranged Mate: A Paranormal Shifter Romance Read Free Page A

than he probably should have. Matthias had also brought up a skin of wine that they quickly drained. It felt good, almost relaxing, to enjoy this meal, but in some way, it also felt like a farewell meal too, which set Beric ill at ease.
    The Blood Warrior eyed him after the finished their meal. “You are the alpha’s son?”
    “Yes.”
    “The heir to the Teal Warriors?”
    “Yes,” Beric repeated. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall of the cave. The floor wasn’t that uncomfortable, or maybe the wine was helping with that. As a rule, he did like nature, but he would almost always prefer his bed to a cave.
    Matthias nodded. “I am the son of our alpha.”
    “You’re the heir?” With the Blood Roses, that meant a seat on the council. The most important seat, yes, but the alpha still had to listen to the majority, at least from what Beric had been told. It seemed like such a strange way to run things. Packs were fiercest when led by a strong alpha.
    Then again, if the alpha was weak, a council might help save that pack.
    “No. I have an older sister. She’s the heir.”
    Interesting. Female alphas were not completely unheard of, but they were still rare. Beric didn’t care if he had a girl or a boy first. His firstborn would be heir.
    “Why did you wish to meet me?” Beric asked.
    “I have a few more questions for you before we get to that, if that’s all right?”
    Beric nodded. Sure, fine. Maybe drinking so much wine hadn’t been smart, but he felt loose, easy going. He’d go with the flow. For now.
    “Are you mated?”
    Beric coughed and pounded a fist into his chest. Not where he had expected this to be going at all. “No.”
    “Engaged?”
    He shook his head.
    The Blood Rose’s face was blank as he asked each question. “Do you think you’ll make a good alpha?”
    Beric opened his mouth but hesitated. Something made him want to speak honestly. “I don’t know. It’s something I want to be obviously. When my time comes, I will try hard to be a good one, yes.”
    “Fair enough. What are your hobbies?”
    “What is this?” Beric blurted out. His head was swimming from trying to figure out where this was going. “Twenty questions? To what end? What do you want from me?”
    “I don’t want anything.” Matthias appraised him. “It’s my sister who does.”
    “The heir of the Blood Roses.” Something clicked into place. “The Brutal Claws are coming after you guys, too.”
    “Yes, they are. We—our council—thought that maybe a union between our packs—”
    “You mean a marriage between me and your sister.” Beric was careful to keep his tone neutral and his face a mask.
    “Yes. It would strengthen us both against the Brutal Claws.”
    Beric watched the other were-jaguar for a long moment. Matthias tried to give off a calming presence, but his fingers were tapping against his leg and his gaze never stopped moving. He’s anxious. Worried. Maybe even terrified.
    “How many have you lost so far?” Beric asked quietly.
    “Even one is too many.” Matthias lifted his chin. “If you were alpha, wouldn’t you want to do all you could to save your people, to give them their best chance at survival?”
    “Yes,” Beric answered immediately. He couldn’t deny that.
    “Then will you consider my sister’s proposal?”
    Something in his tone made Beric guess, “This was her idea.”
    “It was. She is a strong were-jaguar. She’s fierce and loyal, and she will do anything for her people.”
    Including marrying a stranger. Beric should be willing to do the same.
    “What is her name?” he asked.
    “Miera.” Matthias pulled out his cell from his pocket. After fooling with it for a moment, he slid the phone across the ground to Beric.
    He picked it up and examined the photo. Not the best quality, but the woman shown was beautiful. Her hair was red and fiery, her eyes wild, wide, and a reddish gold color, and her smile was so infectious he found himself smiling down at