One Insatiable

Shifters are never alone in the woods. Deer, owl, bear, squirrel — all types of forest inhabitants surround us, but this is different. This is another of my kind, and it’s a female.

Slowing my walk, I carefully place my paws on the fallen leaves and forest debris. Lifting my large, black head, I turn my green eyes to the sliver of a moon. Not a full moon by a longshot.

SNAP! A dry twig echoes in the silence like a thunderclap, and I freeze on the spot. That’s when I see her eyes. Shimmering blue eyes track me from the underbrush. Another inhale, and I can almost place her breed. I know she’s a cat like me.

Squaring my stance, I sit, facing the place where she’s watching. Show yourself, little cat, I think. That much I’m sure of — every cat is smaller than me.

A few moments pass. Wind moves through the trees overhead making a soft hushing sound. While I haven’t seen her, it’s intimate somehow, knowing we’re here together in this dark space, secluded from the outside world. She’s curious by nature, as am I.

Clouds move over the moon, casting odd shadows, but as they move away, I realize she’s come out of hiding. She’s walked out into the small meadow where I sit. Not too far — only a few steps into the clearing. Now she’s exposed, facing me.

Her sitting position mirrors mine, and I can’t help another internal grin. I like this female. She’s bold. She’s a third my size, but I don’t intimidate her. I see she’s a cute little lynx. Their funny ears have always intrigued me.

Taking a deep breath, I allow my magic to fall away. In a matter of half-seconds, my shifter nature departs, and I’m sitting in my human form with my legs strategically bent to cover my nudity. I’m not modest, but I don’t want to appear overly aggressive.

As I watch, her small head shakes and she does the same thing. As her magic dissipates around her, I’m glad for my position. Blood floods my pelvis as the most beautiful female I’ve ever seen materializes before me.

Her breasts are small and perky. Her hair hangs in long, dark waves around her toned shoulders. It’s like a glossy cape, and her body is pure muscle, with lines across her arms, abdomen, and legs. Instinctively, a growl rumbles through my throat. I want her.

“Who are you?” she asks, and I smile at the soft strength in her voice. “What are you doing here?”

Clearing my throat, I take control. I’m a loner, which makes me an alpha in my own right.

“My name is Koa. I’m traveling. Passing through. Who are you?”

I can’t help noticing the way her eyes blink slowly. I can almost see her back arch, feel the smooth skin of her body brushing the length of mine, catlike. For starters, she would touch my cheek with that perfect little nose. I wouldn’t stop her.

“Mercy,” she says softly. “My name is Mercy. I live here in Woodland Creek.”

“What is Woodland Creek?”

A small laugh whispers from her throat, distracting my eyes. They’re pulled down to her beautiful neck. I allow my gaze to trace her slim collarbone before dropping again to steal a glance at her breasts. My mouth actually waters.

“It’s the tiny, god-forsaken little hamlet you’ve found yourself skirting.”

She’s a beautiful, smart, cat-shifter female, and fuck, I want to end my dry spell with her now.

“What are you doing out here, Mercy?” The lust is thick in my voice. I can’t help it. It’s been so long since I’ve been with a female of any kind, much less a gorgeous shifter.

Apparently, she hears it because she stands and walks toward me. My insides clench at her movements. Her lined stomach is flat, and her hips are rounded and womanly, yet slim. My eyes move to the center of her legs, to her bare pussy.

“Hoping to find a little escape.” A purr is in her voice, and my muscles tense as anticipation builds.

I stand, and her eyes widen ever so slightly as I reach my full height. The top of her head is at the center of my chest, and my broad shoulders dwarf her. Not to mention my erection is pointed straight at her. No use hiding it.

“I could use a little escape myself.”

She blinks up at me, and her blue eyes are dewy. “What did you have in mind, panther?”

I’m pretty sure we’re on the same page, still it seems polite to ask. “May I have you?”

“Yes.” The word is a breath across her lips as she steps forward, sliding her palm across my tense stomach, teasing me as it travels lower.

In a flash, I reach for her cheeks, leaning down to claim her full lips, pushing them apart with mine. Our tongues touch, and electric sparks fly between us. She’s delicious, like cool spring water, and a moan scrapes from her throat. Easily, I lift her off her feet, light as a kitten, and her legs go around my waist as I hold her in my arms.

Her nails graze the sides of my hair, and she’s kissing me over and over, tasting me as if I’m a savory meal and she’s starving. My mouth matches her pace. God knows I’m starving.

“Mercy…” He