Jared the Fierce Were-Tabby Part 1

This is the first of three stories, centering around a normal human named Morgan and a were-tabby named Jared.

Enjoy.

Janice~

Morgan stumbled into the ski lodge. Safe at last. She glanced at the rustic, rough-pine interior, as she limped past the quaint homey furniture. Her goal came into view, the huge stone fireplace. Why the hell do I let myself get talked into these things? What was I thinking? I’ve never skied in my life.

She removed her soaked gloves laid them on the hearth, then spread her frozen fingers toward the warmth of the crackling fire. Snow packed into the creases of her ski-pants, jacket and boots, but soon melted in the glorious heat. God, all this so Joan can flirt with her Italian stallion.

Letting out a slight whimper when the circulation returned to her icy body parts, she turned to let the roaring fire roast her rump. Then found herself staring into the amused green-eyed gaze of a man sitting directly behind her on a leather chair. With wide cheek bones and face that tapered down to a narrow chin, he was definitely worth a look. His long legs stretched out emphasizing his lean build and athletic frame. He was attractively attired in hunter-green bib ski-pants, and matching sweater. His shock of bright orange-red hair stood on end. How unusual, it’s the same color as that cat I saw last night.

His full sensuous lips formed into a lazy smile. “You look like you’re frozen right through.” Then his glance slid over her curves, which sent her shivering for a completely different reason.

She didn’t doubt he had checked her out when her back was to him. “Oh I am.” Morgan stopped rubbing her chilled behind when she realized he watched her with unwavering attention. Then she wrapped her arms around herself.

“What you need is a hot toddy.” He sat up. “It’s excellent for when you have been exposed to the cold or had a shock to the system.”

Morgan arched an eyebrow. “Are you buying?”

“Sure, if your friend doesn’t mind me taking up some of your time?”

“Oh no, Joan wouldn’t mind. She’s busy skiing down the mountain with that hunky . . .” She stopped and blinked a couple of times. “My friend?”

“I saw you check in with her.”

“We got here so late, the only one up was the night manager, and a cat. I know you're not the manager, so unless you're trying to say that you're a little tabby cat, I don't know how you could know that."

He unfolded from his seat in one boneless movement, and stood so close she had to crane her neck up to look at him. “My name is Jared Catterick.” The deep timbre of his voice vibrated straight through her, and did interesting things to her nether regions. “How about that drink?”

“Morgan Brookhaven.” She offered her hand.

“Hi, Morgan.” He took her ice-cold hand in his deliciously warm one. “Come with me and I’ll help thaw you out.” The heat of his gaze traveled down her body.

She smiled. My vacation just took an interesting turn, for the better. “How can I refuse such a delightful invitation?”