Jaguar's Initiative: Shifters' Mates

By Minette Moreau

If it is a war they want, then it is a war I'll give them. Because I am Soledad, The Pirate, and I will not rest until my people have been set free.

 

Rejected by my mate, I set off in search of my lost sisters. Terrorizing the Ximerans in the process is just an added bonus.

 

In a cruel twist, it is my own mate they send to find me. And even though our passion burns as fiercely as ever when he finally catches me, I refuse to submit.

I will not simply roll over and show my belly to this brute of a man while my sisters and others like us are being hunted, our very nature twisted to be used against the innocent.

 

The game is on, my love. Accept me, all of me, and stand beside me in battle.

 

Or perish with the rest of your kind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Minette Moreau
• Release date: Jan 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9781952596322

Book preview

Chapter

One

SOLEDAD

"M erda !"

I jiggled the stick in our father’s old Piper Navajo, praying the decrepit crate would hold herself together long enough to get to the ground in one piece.

It had been one thing to scavenge parts to put the plane back into service, then gather enough fuel for my brother Zeusef and me to take a few short practice flights. We both had a lot more confidence than our limited skills deserved.

Zeusef swore the aircraft would survive the trip from Brazil to Atlanta, and I’d thought flying would be a simple matter of takeoffs and landings interspersed with hours of boredom as we flew north.

It’s fine, Soledad, Zeusef said. We’re almost there, right? He pointed out the windscreen, ignoring the worrisome ticking that had developed in the engine somewhere around Managua.

I was too busy keeping us in the air to answer. It wasn’t Zeusef’s fault he’d been sickened by radiation poisoning in Bogotá and couldn’t see to fix whatever ailed the ancient plane. I’d been too busy scavenging to pay much attention to what he did under the engine cowling.

As I flew into the darkening eastern sky, the air traffic grew heavier. Strange craft swept by our plane, hovering to watch as if we were an unfamiliar bird. I wanted to fly one of them. Before she’d started to fail on us, it had been pure joy to pilot the Navajo. How much better would it be to take control of one of those elegant aircrafts? I turned our plane in a circle to approach the airport, then throttled back to set up for landing. Several of the alien crafts were parked along the edge, making me realize the airport was well used. I prayed I didn’t hit any of them on the way down.

The engine clunked and died, nearly jerking the stick from my tight grip. Cursing, I set the ailerons and prayed we were close enough to glide in.

We were coming in too fast, but there was nothing I could do. Without an engine, I couldn’t go back up for another try. Gritting my teeth, I said, Hold on to something. This isn’t going to be pretty.

The aged tires squealed as I touched down and braked hard. With a sharp pop, one exploded under us, and I cursed as our plane jerked to the side, throwing me against the windscreen as it spun. The left wingtip touched the pavement, snapping away with a crunch of metal as our plane continued sliding down the runway.

People in black uniforms poured from silvery buildings to watch my ignoble crash. Fortunately, there probably wouldn’t be a burn to go along with the landing. We were running on fumes, and there wasn’t enough gas in the tanks to light a candle.

Finally, the plane stopped. I looked up and winced at the trail of debris I’d left along the runway. The old girl had made her last flight. My head shot up at the sound of a knock on the window.

An older human male grinned at me, his browned teeth flashing in the waning light. I cracked the window when I heard muffled words.

Rough landing, folks. Are y’all okay?

I nodded and looked back at my siblings. Zeusef was pale and sweating, still sick from the poison, but Ursula and Tereza looked fine.

I haven’t seen one of these old Navajos in ages! Where are you coming from?

Brazil. Is this Atlanta? I asked.

Yes, ma’am! Can’t believe y’all came this far. Are you here for the exodus?

I climbed from the plane and helped Zeusef out. Tereza followed, but her nose wrinkled at the faint hint of toxins. It was better than most of the places we’d found on our journey, but Atlanta wasn’t healthy.

Is there a place to find food? she asked.

Yes, ma’am. The Ximerans are feeding anyone in need. Lifting his hand, he pointed at a metallic structure some distance away from the airfield. There’s a canteen set up over yonder, and a public bath house with clean water if y’all want to wash up before you eat.

That’s very generous of you. Thank you for your kindness, sir. Ursula smiled, making the man flush a deep red.

He cleared his throat and peered at Zeusef, then said, Med tent is next to the canteen. Looks like your friend could use it.

Thank you, sir. I wrapped my arm around Zeusef’s waist as Tereza supported him from the other side. He could barely stand, much less walk any distance. I ignored the stares of the people in black uniforms but wondered if they were the Ximerans we’d seen flying over what was left of our rainforest home.

I wasn’t exactly looking for a mate, but Tereza and Ursula were. We didn’t even know if they would be compatible with shifters, and there was no one to ask. It was possible they wouldn’t accept us at all if they learned about our jaguar nature, so we’d decided to keep our cats hidden.

An older male wearing a respirator greeted us at the entrance to the structure housing the Ximeran hospital. Despite the gray threading through his dark hair, his body was fit and very large. He towered over me by at least a foot. Without a word, he hoisted Zeusef into his arms, then carried him inside.

We followed him, but were stopped at the door by another alien, larger and much younger than the first. I shut my mouth as my fangs grew.

Where are you taking our brother? Ursula demanded.

Tremak, the older alien growled, get the females fed and to the exodus authority so I can work.

We’re not leaving, I said. Not until you tell us what’s wrong with Zeusef.

His gaze softening, the old male set my brother down on a bed and covered him with a sheet. I’m Chief Medic Ulrek. Your brother will be fine, and I promise no harm will come to him.

But we don’t want to be separated, Tereza said.

You won’t be, but I need to focus on him without you three hovering over me like carrion birds.

Go, Zeusef whispered. I’ll be fine.

Tremak ushered us out of the structure, and I shivered at the damp cold seeping through my thin jacket. I’ll take you to the dining tent, he said. After you eat, we’ll go to the testing facility for a blood draw. We’ll know tomorrow if you’ve been matched.

MARKON

Give me a good reason to go to seventeen. The First scowled at me and I grinned. I loved teasing him.

Remind me again why I haven’t sent you to nineteen yet, he growled.

Because I’m still useful and you’re too damned old and lazy to find anyone else.

He frowned so hard his bushy brows met between his eyes. Crazy bastard. I could ask Dakar or Rakon.

I chuckled and sipped at my glass of Mendaran spirits. No, you can’t. If you’re asking me, it means that you need something done my brother warlords have too much nobility to do. I ignored his comment about my mental stability.

The rumors didn’t bother me most of the time. I hated that my brother Warlords, Rakon and Dakar, thought they had to treat me like a defective pet, but pretending insanity kept me from the majority of their utterly boring work.

I wanted to be the shock troops—the male who people called to fix things that no one else could repair. I wouldn’t say I had a death wish, but I would freely admit I had my funeral celebration already planned out.

My brothers had enough hope to submit genetic samples for a possible match with an Earth female. I’d already lost my mate. I had no intention of losing a second. It was better that I take on those assignments no one else wanted.

What do you need me to do in seventeen?

Illegal slave auctions are occurring in that sector⁠—

I shrugged, although the idea of yet another slave market disgusted me. It’s happened for years, but there isn’t much we can do to stop it. They go underground as fast as we can shut them down.

Be silent and let me finish!

I closed my mouth, nonplussed at his anger and the venom in his words.

In direct opposition to our treaty with Earth, several hundred human females have passed through those auctions. There’s also evidence that the females are not there of their own volition.

I straightened in my seat. If the First’s information was true, the auctions would be stopped, and I would make a proper example of the perpetrators of such vile crimes. What is the evidence?

He met my eyes and didn’t blink. The old male knew when he had me. One of the females was auctioned to the owner of a Mendaran brothel. When she realized what he was attempting, she became violent and was killed during the fight with his guards and the females who hadn’t yet been sold.

Did you send the remains back to Mendaros?

He leaned back in his chair and folded his hands over his belly. He’s still alive and waiting for you, along with the remaining buyers. I want you to find out everything he knows.

What happened to the rest of the females?

They’ve been transferred to Ximera 8 and are recovering from their ordeal.

Good. I’ll leave for seventeen shortly, and we’ll get this taken care of.

He held up a hand, stilling my movements. One more thing. I want you to submit a sample for a mate.

No. I didn’t even hesitate. There’s no reason for me to do such a thing, and I won’t take a mate away from a more suitable male.

Consider it an order, Commander Markon. I want all three of my Warlords to have mates.

I said no. Send me to nineteen if it makes you happy. You’ll get no sample from me. I stood and paced, irritated beyond reason at his nonsensical command. Let me ask you this. Would you consider taking another mate?

The First sighed and looked away. If I wasn’t so old, I would relish the chance to find another. He turned to face me and winked. The human females are all much too beautiful to be tempted by the likes of an old fool like me. You’re young enough to find love again. All I ask is that you give yourself the opportunity. If you find you don’t like her, you won’t be required to accept the joining.

With all due respect, First Councilor Fengar, I refuse your order.

I turned off the comm, cutting off his angry grumbles. He wouldn’t have me declared rogue. I was too useful.

The brothel owner was less than helpful. After nearly a week and being forced to watch the executions of his cronies, he stuck to the same story, no matter how much I hurt him.

A friend of a friend had told him that human females were up for auction and looking for new homes. He’d assumed, as had the other buyers, they would be happy to be placed in brothels in exchange for shelter and food.

Despite the long-standing law in Ximera that prohibited slavery, he’d thought he could take the females from seventeen without issue since neither the buyer nor the female were Ximeran. I took great pleasure in disabusing him of that notion.

I ignored the increasingly shrill demands from the Mendaran government that I return one of their law-abiding citizens. I had no idea why they even bothered to ask. Their system of justice was based on summary execution, and they rarely bothered with hard evidence, or with the species of the individual who had been charged. More than a few Ximerans had been executed in Mendaran space. I planned on showing them how it felt to have a citizen kept for judgment.

I scowled down at the quivering male at my feet. He’d finally given up on his diplomatic immunity defense, but only after I’d made him watch me eviscerate the male who had killed the female he’d been attempting to purchase. I didn’t know why he was so upset. I’d only let the body hang in his cell until it started to smell.

I just need a name that pans out. If you tell me who authorized you to purchase human females, I’ll deliver you to Mendaros myself. I had every intention of jettisoning his body into their space from my side of the border. If the name he gave me bore fruit, I might do him the great courtesy of killing him first.

Hope filled his eyes, and I kicked him away when he tried to hug my calves. The rotund little male disgusted me. His foul stench filled the air, forcing me to breathe through my mouth. Sparse black hair fell into his sweating face, sticking to his forehead, and I couldn’t believe the scientific evidence that said we shared a common ancestor.

Of course, we weren’t genetically close enough to produce offspring with their females; that would have made the Mendarans useful for something aside from gaming and whoring.

It was Governor Tomar, he whispered, his eyes darting wildly around the room.

Now, that was a name I hadn’t heard in connection with this depravity. It didn’t surprise me in the slightest though. The sick little fuck was known for using whores until they died. He was untouchable because of his position, and because the brothel managers always said the females were willing partners.

The Mendaran whores don’t entertain him enough? Why would he need humans?

The male’s eyes never stopped moving. I hear he’s looking for special humans.

What does that mean? My comm chimed with a message from the First and I cursed irritably. The old male had the most impeccable timing. It occurred to me to ignore him, but when the chime sounded again, I knew I had to accept the summons.

Keep holding on to that thought. I’ll return shortly for your answer. Locking the door behind me, I strode back to my ship, cursing the timing.

I slouched in my comfortable chair and slapped at the controls for the vidscreen, scowling when his face filled my vision. What do you want? I was in the middle of something with our Mendaran guest.

I have good news for you but tell me about the Mendaran first.

He gave me Governor Tomar’s name and said that he’s looking for a special human. You interrupted me before he could say anything else.

The First winced apologetically and stroked his beard. I won’t keep you. I don’t need to tell you that the information is disturbing. When you finish with him, I want you to head toward Earth and find out who’s assisting with the smuggling. I’d also like to know what he meant by special.

The orders didn’t surprise me, and I could only muster relief that I wouldn’t have to stay in this hellhole much longer. All right. What was the news you wanted to share?

Your cousin Tremak has located a genetic match. Her name is Ursula Martinez, and he’s already met her. She’ll have to go through the standard exodus procedure according to our treaty with Earth, but she’ll be arriving on Ximera within a few weeks.

Good for him. I’ll send him a message of congratulations when I have a spare minute.

He’d like that. I also have one other bit of information, which you may ponder at your leisure. Ursula’s sister, Soledad, is yours. I suggest you take some time and meet the female before you decline the match.

I shut off the comm and stormed from my quarters, enraged at the old male. He’d tricked me into this. He’d stolen a sample, knowing there was a female our genes said would be mine. I wanted to hurt him, but I’d settle for making the Mendaran toad bleed instead.

Unfortunately, when I opened the door to the Mendaran’s cell, I found that someone had already beaten me to it. Whatever information the Mendaran pimp had was bleeding out through the blaster hole in his chest.

Chapter

Two

SOLEDAD

After eating yet another sumptuous meal, I burped discreetly and leaned back in my chair. I didn’t need to bother with a mate. I could stay here and be quite happy if they kept feeding me and taught me how to fly one of their aircraft.

Best of all, Zeusef was recovering. He wasn’t quite well enough to leave the hospital, but his eyes were bright with health and his color was better. I breathed out a prayer of thanks for the generosity of the Ximerans.

My sisters weren’t so patient. They wanted to find mates and weren’t happy with the delay.

Tremak tapped on the doorframe of the small barracks room we’d been given and took a step inside. Sorry to disturb you, but I’ve just received word that mates have been found for all of you.

His eyes lingered on Ursula, and he let out a lovesick sigh. If you’re ready, I’ll take you back to the exodus authority.

When we arrived, we were ushered into a small office and an elderly human male asked us to sit. He cleared his throat and pushed small spectacles up his nose to peer at a sheaf of papers in his hand.

I am Magistrate Smith, the administrator of the exodus program. Which of you is Ursula?

My sister raised her hand, and he gave her a soft smile. You’ve been matched with science officer Tremak, whom I’m told brought you here today. Do you accept him?

Yes, sir, she replied softly.

Good, good. I’m sure you will be very happy with each other. He’s a fine male. Now, on to Tereza?

When Tereza lifted her hand, he said. We have two potential matches for you. They are twin brothers. You may choose one, or both if it suits you. He turned a tablet around and pushed it across the desk. Two stern-looking males glared at us from the tablet. She lifted a hand to trace their faces, lost in thought as she touched her fingers to their black hair and full lips. Her sensual stroking made me wish for someone who would make me react that way.

What are their names? she asked.

They share command of a secondary battle cruiser. Commander Zemak is on the left, and Commander Zarxon is on the right.

How did their mother keep them straight? she asked. The males were identical right down to the moles on the right sides of their noses.

I understand she had them tattooed after they switched with each other to fool their tutors. They returned the favor by having each other’s names inked as well.

Tereza barked out a laugh, her eyes crinkling with amusement. I’ll take them both.

Magistrate Smith nodded and smiled. Thank goodness. I was told that they would share you even if you’d decided on just one.

His smile fell from his face as he turned to me, and I readied myself for whatever bad news he had to share. His scent changed and Tereza growled softly. That leaves us with Soledad. I’m afraid you have been matched, but your male has refused.

He tapped on the tablet and pushed it toward me, revealing an older, dark-haired male with piercing green eyes who stopped my heart with his beauty. He was so gorgeous, it hurt to look at him. This is Commander Markon, a branded Warlord. We’ll keep working to find another for you.

All right. Will my brother and I be able to travel with my sisters?

He looked uncomfortable for a moment, then said, We do not wish to separate families, but we have some logistical issues right now. Medic Ulrek tells me your brother will be ready to travel by tomorrow, but we have a shuttle waiting for the three of you right now.

Can we wait and go together? Tereza asked.

I’m afraid we’re short on space. We’re unable to transport all of you on the same ship right now. However, Tremak will return you to your barracks so that you might pack and say goodbye. The shuttle will leave in about four hours, so I request that you return before sunset.

I nodded and my sisters and I stood. I don’t think anyone liked being separated from Zeusef, but we weren’t in a position to argue. It was worth it to see the expressions of delight on my sisters’ faces as they learned about their mates.

Tremak dropped us in front of the medical tent. I wasn’t looking forward to telling him we were going to be separated. Ursula growled when I laid a hand on her mate’s arm to stop him.

Could I stay behind and travel with Zeusef? I don’t have a mate, so my presence isn’t truly necessary.

I’ll ask. Go inside and I’ll be back in a few minutes.

That was very nice of you to offer to give up your seat, Ursula whispered.

You would do the same if you didn’t have a pretty mate of your own. I grinned and tousled her hair as we went to see Zeusef.

To no one’s surprise, he wasn’t happy with the idea of being separated. The idea didn’t make me particularly happy, either, but