As Jordan shifted into human form, I watched his back while he was in the vulnerable position. Once he was through, he crouched naked on the dirt floor. We kept our backs to each other, as we waited for one of the cats to lunge.
I wanted the fight to be over. I wanted to go back to my cage and dream of Sam. I missed her so much and could only hope she was safe and healthy. I was sure Bear was taking care of her, and Liz should be home.
I wondered how the pregnancy was going. It wouldn’t be long until Sam’s due date. Would Jordan and I be there for the birth of our child? God, I hoped so.
“Alex, watch out!”
Turning swiftly, I leapt over the pouncing jaguar. I landed heavily on my feet and watched the other cat skid to a halt. Before he could turn back, I lunged at him. It was the easiest way to take the bastards down. You had to be quick, and attack while they were distracted.
I fell on top of the jaguar before he even fully turned towards me and sunk my fangs into the side of his neck. My front claws dug into his shoulders, holding him still, as I jerked my head back, ripping his throat in the process.
I backed off and watched as the cat fell to the ground. Blood poured from the wound and soaked the dirt below him. He twitched and gurgled for a few seconds before lying still. He wasn’t dead, but he would be out for quite a while as he healed.
Jordan snagged my attention, as he gripped one cat in his half-shifted hand. Jordan swung him around and threw him with a roar. The jaguar smashed into the steel fence before falling roughly to the dirt floor. He didn’t get up.
Jordan turned with a growl to look at the remaining two jaguars. His muscular body looked mostly human, yet his fingers had elongated, and sharp claws had grown from the tips. Fangs filled his mouth, stretching his lips into a snarl. Golden eyes glowed above a flattened nose. He definitely looked scary.
We faced the cats and waited, our breaths huffing loudly. The jaguars lunged at the same time. My focus was on my target, and I blocked out what was happening with Jordan. He could take care of himself.
I ran towards the cat, then rolled and slid on my back under his leaping form. Just as he was right above me, I kicked out my back legs and dug my claws into his stomach. The cat jerked and began to fall. I twisted sharply and pushed with all my strength.
He flew through the air and landed across the arena. His fur was soaked red and things best not described were hanging from his torn stomach.
I heard Jordan roar and looked just in time to see him throw off the last of our opponents. I walked towards him, and we stood side by side in the center of the arena. We were breathing heavily, our bodies smeared with blood, dirt and sweat as we waited.
Alexander stood on a podium outside the fenced-in ring and held a microphone to his lips. He was smiling, happy his lap cats had won yet again and made him a ton of money. I couldn’t help the low growl that escaped my lips at the sight of him.
“Let’s hear it for Jordan and Alex!” The crowd roared with excitement, screaming and jumping as they clapped. “These two are undefeated. Should we test them with something a little more… unique?”
The crowd shouted louder and my paws shuffled, as unease crept through me. I looked up at Jordan in question. His eye reflected his own apprehension. What in the hell was going to happen now?
“I think we should too!” Alexander laughed, as he shouted out to the crowd. “Though first, let us give these two a break.” The crowd booed, and he laughed harder. “I know, I know. Nevertheless, believe me, they will need their strength for what we have in store for them. It will be a fight to the death!”
The crowd cheered wildly, as my father’s eyes met mine with a triumphant gleam. I had a feeling Jordan and I would not be walking away so easily from our next fight.
32
Sam
I rocked gently, as I gazed down at the sweet, one week old bundle in my arms. I couldn’t help but run my finger across her soft skin. She was so cute with her rounded cheeks and plump pink lips. She pouted sweetly in her sleep, and I held her a little closer. I so wished Jordan and Alex could see her. They would have been so proud of how beautiful she was.
The birth was one of the hardest things I had ever done, but worth every excruciating moment. I’d been lucky that I was able to get an epidural, which was heaven for the contractions. As far as the actual birth, I wasn’t so sure it worked. I felt everything.
I looked out the window, remembering the day with perfect clarity. Bear had freaked out a bit when my water broke, but thankfully, Liz was there to calm us all down. She helped me change my clothes, while Bear got my overnight bag.