Chapter 406

When he was done and returned to his own body, he staggered and nearly went down. His earlier need for blood had barely been satisfied, and using such energy had drained him. Only iron discipline kept him on his feet. Beside him, the jaguar contorted. Fur rippled and muscles stretched and lengthened.

Skin and bands of muscle appeared; long, dark hair with streaks of gold running through it covered a noble head. A man crouched on the ground where the cat had been. Lefa straightened slowly until he was standing upright in front of him. Like all jaguar-men, he was comfortable with his nudity, his body roped with muscles, his hair shaggy.

“I apologize for attempting to take your life.”

He spoke with great dignity, his eyes meeting Kane’s without flinching, even as he gestured toward the blood dripping steadily down the hunter’s body.

Kane bowed slightly in acknowledgment, while keeping every sense alert for another attack.

“No man is responsible for what he