Primal Desires (22 page)

Two months later

S
ofia stood before the dressing room mirror and nervously assessed her brief, skintight costume.

George and Gracie restlessly stalked back and forth behind her, as if eager to return to the stage. The dressing room was overflowing with flowers sent by friends and family for her debut. The scent of the jasmine from Lady Juanita filled the room, blending sweetly with the yellow roses from Sid.

Jason stepped up behind her and put his arms around her narrow waist, which was emphasized by the boning in her scarlet and black costume. “How are you feeling, my beautiful lady?”

She met his gaze in the mirror. “I'm damned glad I spent the last two months sweating with a personal trainer to get into this outfit, since I'm going to be seen in it in public tonight.” Jason pulled her closer, and the reaction she picked up from her bondmate warmed her all over. “I can feel that you want to tear it off me, which isn't helping to keep me calm.”

He ran his hands down her waist and around the curve of her hips. “I can't help myself. You're gorgeous.”

She thought
he
was the gorgeous one, with the skintight pants that showed off his muscular thighs and the open white silk shirt that revealed his chest and emphasized his broad shoulders. It was enough to make her limbs go weak with lust—if they weren't already weak from stage fright.

“I'm going to be jealous when we go out there and all the women start screaming.” The moment of truth was nearly here and Sofia was scared to death. “I was crazy to agree to this after your assistant e-mailed that she and her new husband had decided to buy a boat in Bora-Bora and sail around the Pacific. Anyone could have replaced her onstage.”

“But it is a good job opportunity for you here in dull, mundane Las Vegas.”

She smiled shakily. “Only a vampire would call Sin City dull and mundane.”

“A vampire and a wolf tamer, you mean.” He hugged her close again. “You and I know what
real
excitement is. Once you're onstage, it will be easy.”

She had to admit, this should be much easier than chasing down evil werewolves bent on world domination. Since she'd begun rehearsals with Jason, her father had stepped into the role of main Hunyara wolf tamer.

“Did your father decide to come?” Jason must have sensed her thoughts.

She nodded. “Along with every Hunyara that Cathy and Uncle Pashta could dig up. I've learned that we used to be circus people. So in a way, I'm returning to my roots with this job.”

“All of the Bleythins and many from the Wolf Clan are also in the audience to cheer you on.”

“I'm delighted. But Sid sent her regrets from Los Angeles. She and Joe still aren't talking, by the way.”

After an embarrassed moment, he asked, “Did she find a sire for—”

“Yes. I don't know the details though.”

“And I don't want to know them.” Jason turned her to face him. “I'm afraid I'm going to mess up your beautifully applied lipstick, my love.”

A knock on the door and a call of “Ready for you” stopped him from kissing her. They touched noses instead.

“Come along, Mrs. Cage,” he said, taking her hand to lead her to the stage. “The tigers are waiting.”

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