When he stepped away from her she looked down. Where the ugly black circle and red P had once been, there was now an image of a cardinal, its wings outstretched.
Her eyes lifted to her father’s face. He said, “Among the Weres there is no true, unbreakable mate-bond until a child is conceived. Among our kind it takes only the sharing of breath, done with absolute conviction and intent.
“The Were ancestors have already chosen the Djinn as allies. We cement it with the uniting of our children. You are but one of them. The responsibility that comes with your gift does not preclude having children or spending time in Were lands.”
He tilted his head in Aryck’s direction. “Is he your choice then, Rebekka en Sahon, daughter of the House of the Cardinal?”
“Yes. He’s my choice.”
“So be it then. I will enter his name next to yours in the Book of the Djinn.”
Her father disappeared as suddenly as he’d arrived.
Rebekka turned toward Aryck, going willingly into his arms. “It’s not over,” she said.
“No, it’s just beginning. There are brothel workers to liberate and heal. There is justice to be served on the man who wasn’t there when you killed his companion.”
Rebekka started to tell him about the club, only to realize there would be time for it later. This moment belonged to them.
“My spirit to yours,” she whispered, touching her lips to his, sharing breath.
She felt the bond slide into place and, when the kiss ended, saw evidence of it in a small cardinal on his skin, its wings outstretched above his heart. And in the look in his eyes as his voice sounded in her mind. Become Jaguar. Mate with me. Love me.
Yes, she said, changing as if she’d always had another form.