Trancing the Tiger (Chinese Zodiac Romance Series Book 1) (39 page)

Point to the Matchmaker.

A fact she seemed intent on flaunting. “Li, tell me. Now that you have Lucy’s heart, thanks to me, of course, how about the Rabbit?
Hmm?
”

Sheng bent forward, one corner of his mouth quirked. “Gloat all you like. I wouldn’t change a damn thing.” He spun Lucy to face him and planted a kiss on her lips. He peered at her while he answered, “Rabbit is the most stubborn spirit I’ve ever encountered.”

She pressed her palms to his chest. “I’m sorry. Rabbit can’t join with you so long as, well, it has company.” She whispered the last in case more ears listened than she’d invited. “I can’t give the loyalty of one without the other. Doing so would screw things up once we find Snake’s new host. You’ll have to wait.”

“Figured as much,” he grumbled.

The Matchmaker sighed. “I will search for the one worthy of Snake. Until then, be careful. I’ve only ever met one other
Shèhúnzéi
.”

She jolted. “My dad?”

“Yes.” The Matchmaker smiled. “I knew your father.” She buffed her long red nails against her silk sleeve and held them up to admire them. “May have even set him upon the course to meeting your mother.”

“Braggart.” Sheng chuckled.

“My mother?” She leaned closer. “You’ve met both my parents?”

“No, I never met your mother, Lucy.” A gentle hand landed on Lucy’s shoulder and the Matchmaker squeezed her arm. “Your father came to me after seizing the Dragon from your uncle. He was uncertain of what to do. Where he belonged. I told him he wasn’t meant for the Dragon, but to be its keeper and, one day, he would give the spirit up. To you.”

“He wouldn’t have died from the Red Death if he hadn’t, right?” Her heart ached as she posed the question.

“Yes, but he recognized his choices and he chose to die with your mother, Lucy. A greater display of true love, I have never beheld. When I detected the Dragon hiding within you at our first meeting, I realized he’d chosen his destiny.”

Lucy leaned her head back against Sheng’s powerful chest. The steady rhythm of his breathing grounded her. It didn’t lessen the pain, but she understood.

If Sheng had to go somewhere, she’d follow him. Anywhere.

Even toward death.

***

“So you did know. This whole time. Why the fuck didn’t you tell the rest of us?” Sheng released Lucy to tower above the Matchmaker. “We deserved to be made aware of the situation before we attempted the joining.”

The Matchmaker stiffened at his accusations. “Don’t tell me what I’m to do, Li. You forget your place.”

“Oh, I know mine. It’s right here, protecting my family. From anyone who would endanger them.” He growled, the threat rumbling in his chest.

“Sheng.” Lucy snared his arm. “Calm down.” Temperance rang in her voice. “The Matchmaker has her reasons, I’m sure.” She pivoted to the Matchmaker. “Right?”

“Indeed.” The Matchmaker shook her head at both of them. “Far more is at play than even the two of you might have surmised.” She adjusted the buttons on her blouse, smoothing her clothes back into place. “Navigating the Council, making perfect matches, ensuring you and your underlings don’t kill themselves.” She sputtered her grievances. “Conclude what you may of me, Li, but we are on the same side. More than I can say for many of those surrounding us.”

“Right. Sorry.” He folded his arms, not in the least contrite, but neither did he wish to open an argument with one of his few allies.

The Matchmaker might be a nag, but he owed her almost everything. From rescuing his ass off the streets, to bringing him together with Lucy. His gaze slanted to the woman who possessed his heart and the hunger inside him surfaced.

“Go on.” Damn, the Matchmaker was too perceptive, waving him off to depart with Lucy.

“Until next time,
Mistress
.” He winked, grinning at her scowl, and met Lucy’s gaze. “Home?”

“Home.” She smiled, planted her hands on either side of his face and kissed him thoroughly.

He growled against her mouth. “Wanna go back to her office?”

“Sheng! You’re terrible.”

“I am?”

“Yes, horrible. Wicked.
Beastly.
” Her voice dropped, swirling with a sultry edge. She tilted her head and nibbled his ear, making him so hard that waiting until he brought her home would be fucking torture. “Even if you’re only an itty bitty Rabbit.” Her laughter chimed in his ear before she pulled back to gaze at him with glinting, pale blue-gray eyes.

Tiger.

Although it was odd observing the spirit he’d hosted for so long in someone else’s body, he’d developed an appreciation for Rabbit. “I could get used to hosting the Rabbit.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. I haven’t given this little bunny the credit it deserves. Without Rabbit’s unique abilities, we’d never have defeated your uncle. Maybe,” he winked, “I’ll hang onto this spirit for a while longer.”

She tapped one finger against her lips. “
Mmm.
I think I prefer you as
my
tiger.” Suddenly, she wrapped her hand behind his head, opened her mouth, and breathed Tiger’s spirit into him while drawing back the Rabbit. “Better?”

“
Mmm hmm.
” As Tiger rejoined him, the reunion warmed through every inch of Sheng’s being. He was whole again.

She crooked her finger at him. His hardened body obeyed as if she pulled his damned strings.

“Lucy.” He groaned her name, advancing on her, but frowned as she took a step backward. He arched a brow in question.

“First one home wins.” With a wink, she cloaked the Rabbit over herself, spun, and dashed through the temple doors.

Fuck, yeah.

Tiger blasted over him, pulsing with a shitload of eager energy. Rabbit’s fluffy white tail disappeared down the street and around the corner as he tore after her.

He fucking loved a good chase.

Glossary

Acknowledgments

When I first began writing, I believed being an author was a solitary profession. I was so wrong! After I penned my first manuscript, I joined From The Heart Romance Writers and met an army of supporters, friends, and family. Thank you to the wonderful ladies of the FTHRW Critique Group who gave me that first boost of confidence. I would never have grown as a writer without you.

To my Chick Swagger sisters, thank you for taking me in and sharing your unending wisdom with me. Misty and Josie, you’ve taught me so many things, not only about writing, but also about life, laughter, and love.
Critique Partners (CPs) are the life support of any writer, and I would be nowhere without mine. Thank you, Carol, Miguella, Renee, and Samantha, for your fabulous input and continuous encouragement. To my Scribe Sirens, Misty, Josie, and Jo, you have challenged me to be the best writer I can be and your unfaltering support is something I truly treasure.

And to Alison Bliss, who read TIGER first and gave me hope that this would be the one, I am so grateful for your friendship and your guidance. You are always right. There, that’s officially in print.

A huge shout-out to my street team, Rachael’s Rush Hour, for your amazing support of a debut author. You guys rock!

AJ Nuest, my brilliant editor, you saw my vision and made it shine. Working with you was everything I’d always dreamed of.

Kelley Heckart, my fantastic copy editor, thank you for catching my glaring typos and polishing up my words.

A book is nothing without a cover, and I owe a huge thanks to my cover artist, Dana Lamothe, for her beautiful, artistic vision. Thank you, Jeanette Palafox, for these gorgeous tribals. I love them so much! And thank you to my stunning cover model, Amanda Jean McIntyre, for your tireless posing!

To my family, thank you for always rooting for me. Most especially my mother, Debra Staples, who has encouraged my writing career from the very start. Your diligent proofreading, formatting, and enthusiastic cheerleading mean the world to me. Daddy, thank you for being my first hero and for watching over me. To my big brother, Dr. Trevor Mahy, thank you for reading those early manuscripts and for proofreading this one (even the sexy stuff!).

Thank you to my husband’s family, the Cheahs, Wongs, and Boeys, who shared their rich culture with me on my recent trip to Malaysia.

Finally, I would like to thank my husband and kids. To my daughter and son, thanks for giving Mommy time to write. May your love for stories continue to grow, and someday, we’ll write them together!

I would never have pursued a writing career if not for my husband Steve, who pushed (and sometimes shoved) me toward my dreams. Thank you for being my rock (and for the long hours of technical support!). From the moment I met you, our worlds blended, and the inspiration for this book was born. Now and forever, you are the love of my life.

Thank you all for helping make my dreams come true!

About the Author