The mountain lion’s steps were silent against the forest floor, its large, muscular body moving gracefully. He came closer, his gaze unwavering and deeply connected to Emily’s. It was those eyes—so deep, so human in their expression—that reminded her of Carter. She held her breath as the lion lowered its head and nudged her hand, a gesture so tender that it brought tears to her eyes.
“I knew it was still you,” Emily whispered, her voice choked with emotion as she wrapped her arms around the mountain lion’s neck, embracing the powerful creature. “Even in this form, it’s stillyou.”
The warmth of his body, and the rhythmic pulse beneath hisfur—everything about him was familiar yet so vastly different.
A purr rumbled deep within the lion’s chest, reverberating through Emily. She laughed, the sound light and carefree. “You’re quite the big softy, aren’t you?”
The cat—Carter—nudged her again with his head.
The hours seemed to melt away as Emily found herself getting lost in the magic of the forest. With Carter in his mountain lion form, they explored the wilderness together. He’d chase after leaves, stalk behind trees playfully, and pounce out, surprising her with his swift movements. They played games of chase, and hide-and-seek, with the beauty of nature becoming their playground.
It was strange, in the best possible way, this silent bond they’d formed. Words weren’t necessary when a simple nuzzle or a brush of fur could convey so much. Every so often, the lion would stop and simply stare at Emily, a contemplative look in his eyes, as if trying to express something deeper.
When the sun was at its peak, painting the sky in hues of gold and orange, Emily lay on a grassy patch, the mountain lion’s head resting on her lap. Their breathing synchronized—it was a moment of pure serenity.
“This has been...magical,” Emily whispered, running her fingers through his soft fur. “Thank you, Carter for sharing this part of yourself with me.”
The lion’s purr grew louder, a resonant note of contentment echoing in the stillness of the forest. It was a day neither would ever forget—a testament to their growing connection, one that went beyond words and forms.
The gentle babble of the stream provided a calming backdropas Emily and Carter settled down on a grassy patch beside it. Carter’s transformation back to his human form was just as mesmerizing to watch. The intensity of the moment lingered in the air, bridging the gap between human and beast, binding them in a bond that went beyond the physical.
Carter pulled his clothes back on before either of them could gettoodistracted.
“That was wonderful,” he said. “Thank you for doing this with me today.”
Emily smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “It was my pleasure. I’m honored. Truly. Your lion form is beautiful. It’s a side of you I’m glad I got to see.”
He exhaled deeply, his gaze fixed on the rippling water. “There’s so much at stake. The mission to rescue my sister...it’s overwhelming at times. I’m constantly battling my inner fears, wondering if we’ll succeed and get her and all the other captives out. I never get this nervous when I do my work for the CIA. The work I do is important, sure, but it doesn’t concern me personally. This is different. Megan’s my family. She means the world to me.”
Emily reached over, interlocking her fingers with his. “I know the risks are high, Carter. But you’ve faced so many challenges before. You’re going into this with all the intel and resources you need to succeed. I believe in you.”
Carter turned to look at her, vulnerability evident in his eyes. “I just can’t bear the thought of losing her—of losing anyone I love, especially you.”
Emily felt her heart swell with a mixture of love and determination. “Then you’ll make sure that doesn’t happen. It will be okay.”
He smiled weakly, squeezing her hand. “Thank you. Your optimism...it’s inspiring.”
Emily chuckled, leaning in to press a gentle kiss on his cheek. “Well, someone has to be the beacon of hope. But don’t forget, I draw strength from you too. We balance each other out.”
“You’re incredible,” he said, leaning in to give her a soft kiss.
But the moment their lips met, a need unlike any Emily had ever felt overtook her and she crushed her lips to his and kissed him back with every ounce of passion she possessed.
Carter took no time to surrender to the intensity of the moment either. Emily wrapped her arms around him tightly, pulling him closer as their kiss deepened. The electricity between them was palpable and it wasn’t long before the intensity of the moment overtook them both, leaving her with no doubt as to where the kiss was headed.
Carter roamed his hands over Emily’s curves and she moaned softly into his mouth. Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, the heat between them building with every passing moment.
Finally, they broke apart, gasping for air. Emily looked up at Carter and met his eyes, which were dark with desire.
“I need you,” she whispered.
A low groan sounded in Carter’s throat, and he pulled her to him, kissing her with ferocious hunger. He pressed her down onto the forest bed and the weight of him as he came down on top of her was utterly perfect. He was already hard and as he pressed himself against her, she gasped, wanting more.Needingmore. Her heart thudded as he kissed his way down her neck.
She arched her back, giving him better access to her sensitiveflesh. His fingertips traced sensual circles down her sides, and Emily felt a delicious shudder pass through her.
“Carter,” she breathed, her voice barely audible, “I need to feel you inside me.”
He didn’t need to be asked twice. His fingers found the zipper on her jeans and slid it down before tugging her jeans down her hips.
