Trancing the Tiger (Chinese Zodiac Romance Series Book 1) Page 29

  Sheng bent forward, one corner of his mouth quirked. “Gloat all you like. I wouldn’t change a damn thing.” He spun Lucy to face him and planted a kiss on her lips. He peered at her while he answered, “Rabbit is the most stubborn spirit I’ve ever encountered.”

  She pressed her palms to his chest. “I’m sorry. Rabbit can’t join with you so long as, well, it has company.” She whispered the last in case more ears listened than she’d invited. “I can’t give the loyalty of one without the other. Doing so would screw things up once we find Snake’s new host. You’ll have to wait.”

  “Figured as much,” he grumbled.

  The Matchmaker sighed. “I will search for the one worthy of Snake. Until then, be careful. I’ve only ever met one other Shèhúnzéi.”

  She jolted. “My dad?”

  “Yes.” The Matchmaker smiled. “I knew your father.” She buffed her long red nails against her silk sleeve and held them up to admire them. “May have even set him upon the course to meeting your mother.”

  “Braggart.” Sheng chuckled.

  “My mother?” She leaned closer. “You’ve met both my parents?”

  “No, I never met your mother, Lucy.” A gentle hand landed on Lucy’s shoulder and the Matchmaker squeezed her arm. “Your father came to me after seizing the Dragon from your uncle. He was uncertain of what to do. Where he belonged. I told him he wasn’t meant for the Dragon, but to be its keeper and, one day, he would give the spirit up. To you.”

  “He wouldn’t have died from the Red Death if he hadn’t, right?” Her heart ached as she posed the question.

  “Yes, but he recognized his choices and he chose to die with your mother, Lucy. A greater display of true love, I have never beheld. When I detected the Dragon hiding within you at our first meeting, I realized he’d chosen his destiny.”

  Lucy leaned her head back against Sheng’s powerful chest. The steady rhythm of his breathing grounded her. It didn’t lessen the pain, but she understood.

  If Sheng had to go somewhere, she’d follow him. Anywhere.

  Even toward death.

  ***

  “So you did know. This whole time. Why the fuck didn’t you tell the rest of us?” Sheng released Lucy to tower above the Matchmaker. “We deserved to be made aware of the situation before we attempted the joining.”

  The Matchmaker stiffened at his accusations. “Don’t tell me what I’m to do, Li. You forget your place.”

  “Oh, I know mine. It’s right here, protecting my family. From anyone who would endanger them.” He growled, the threat rumbling in his chest.

  “Sheng.” Lucy snared his arm. “Calm down.” Temperance rang in her voice. “The Matchmaker has her reasons, I’m sure.” She pivoted to the Matchmaker. “Right?”

  “Indeed.” The Matchmaker shook her head at both of them. “Far more is at play than even the two of you might have surmised.” She adjusted the buttons on her blouse, smoothing her clothes back into place. “Navigating the Council, making perfect matches, ensuring you and your underlings don’t kill themselves.” She sputtered her grievances. “Conclude what you may of me, Li, but we are on the same side. More than I can say for many of those surrounding us.”

  “Right. Sorry.” He folded his arms, not in the least contrite, but neither did he wish to open an argument with one of his few allies.

  The Matchmaker might be a nag, but he owed her almost everything. From rescuing his ass off the streets, to bringing him together with Lucy. His gaze slanted to the woman who possessed his heart and the hunger inside him surfaced.

  “Go on.” Damn, the Matchmaker was too perceptive, waving him off to depart with Lucy.

  “Until next time, Mistress.” He winked, grinning at her scowl, and met Lucy’s gaze. “Home?”

  “Home.” She smiled, planted her hands on either side of his face and kissed him thoroughly.

  He growled against her mouth. “Wanna go back to her office?”

  “Sheng! You’re terrible.”

  “I am?”

  “Yes, horrible. Wicked. Beastly.” Her voice dropped, swirling with a sultry edge. She tilted her head and nibbled his ear, making him so hard that waiting until he brought her home would be fucking torture. “Even if you’re only an itty bitty Rabbit.” Her laughter chimed in his ear before she pulled back to gaze at him with glinting, pale blue-gray eyes.

  Tiger.

  Although it was odd observing the spirit he’d hosted for so long in someone else’s body, he’d developed an appreciation for Rabbit. “I could get used to hosting the Rabbit.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yeah. I haven’t given this little bunny the credit it deserves. Without Rabbit’s unique abilities, we’d never have defeated your uncle. Maybe,” he winked, “I’ll hang onto this spirit for a while longer.”

  She tapped one finger against her lips. “Mmm. I think I prefer you as my tiger.” Suddenly, she wrapped her hand behind his head, opened her mouth, and breathed Tiger’s spirit into him while drawing back the Rabbit. “Better?”

  “Mmm hmm.” As Tiger rejoined him, the reunion warmed through every inch of Sheng’s being. He was whole again.

  She crooked her finger at him. His hardened body obeyed as if she pulled his damned strings.

  “Lucy.” He groaned her name, advancing on her, but frowned as she took a step backward. He arched a brow in question.

  “First one home wins.” With a wink, she cloaked the Rabbit over herself, spun, and dashed through the temple doors.

  Fuck, yeah.

  Tiger blasted over him, pulsing with a shitload of eager energy. Rabbit’s fluffy white tail disappeared down the street and around the corner as he tore after her.

  He fucking loved a good chase.

  nĭn hăo – formal greeting

  nĭ hăo – informal greeting

  shūshu – uncle (father’s younger brother)

  zhínǚ – niece (brother’s daughter)

  xiānshēng – Mr.

  Nonya – a traditional blend of Chinese and Malay cuisine

  chī fàn – traditional words spoken for elders to eat first

  xiăo tùzi guāi guāi – nursery rhyme “Well-behaved Little Rabbit”

  tùzi – rabbit

  Lái Zhīdé – Neo-Confucian philosopher who introduced the yin-yang symbol

  sayang – “love” in Malay, used as a term of endearment

  yin-yang – complementary, opposing forces that when in sync, result in the balance of the Earth. When out of sync, the Earth falls into imbalance. Yin is dark, cold, water, death, female, moon, etc. Yang is light, hot, fire, life, male, sun, etc.

  jīng – one of the Three Treasures; sexual energy

  qì – one of the Three Treasures; life-force energy

  shén – one of the Three Treasures; spiritual energy

  qìgōng – a practice involving coordinated breathing, movement, and awareness, traditionally viewed as a practice to cultivate and balance qì

  Iron Crutch Li – one of the Eight Immortals

  Hé Qióng – The Immortal Woman, one of the Eight Immortals

  Pénglái, Fāngzhàng, Yíngzhōu – the islands of the Eight Immortals

  Áo – a large marine turtle in Chinese mythology that carries the islands of the Eight Immortals upon his back

  yāoguài – demons who live in Dìyù and sometimes break free

  Dìyù – Hell. It contains eighteen layers.

  batik – a traditional Malaysian fabric

  wŭshù – a form of martial arts

  Kongsi – a clan association; a secret society

  Hai San – Sheng’s Kongsi

  Ghee Hin – the enemy of the Hai San

  Wen Shen – The Plague God responsible for the Red Death

  Báijiŭ – an Asian liquor similar to vodka

  Shèhúnzéi – “Spirit Thief”

  When I first began writing, I believed being an author was a solitary profession. I was so wrong! After I penned my first manuscript, I joined Fr
om The Heart Romance Writers and met an army of supporters, friends, and family. Thank you to the wonderful ladies of the FTHRW Critique Group who gave me that first boost of confidence. I would never have grown as a writer without you.

  To my Chick Swagger sisters, thank you for taking me in and sharing your unending wisdom with me. Misty and Josie, you’ve taught me so many things, not only about writing, but also about life, laughter, and love. Critique Partners (CPs) are the life support of any writer, and I would be nowhere without mine. Thank you, Carol, Miguella, Renee, and Samantha, for your fabulous input and continuous encouragement. To my Scribe Sirens, Misty, Josie, and Jo, you have challenged me to be the best writer I can be and your unfaltering support is something I truly treasure.

  And to Alison Bliss, who read TIGER first and gave me hope that this would be the one, I am so grateful for your friendship and your guidance. You are always right. There, that’s officially in print.

  A huge shout-out to my street team, Rachael’s Rush Hour, for your amazing support of a debut author. You guys rock!

  AJ Nuest, my brilliant editor, you saw my vision and made it shine. Working with you was everything I’d always dreamed of.

  Kelley Heckart, my fantastic copy editor, thank you for catching my glaring typos and polishing up my words.

  A book is nothing without a cover, and I owe a huge thanks to my cover artist, Dana Lamothe, for her beautiful, artistic vision. Thank you, Jeanette Palafox, for these gorgeous tribals. I love them so much! And thank you to my stunning cover model, Amanda Jean McIntyre, for your tireless posing!

  To my family, thank you for always rooting for me. Most especially my mother, Debra Staples, who has encouraged my writing career from the very start. Your diligent proofreading, formatting, and enthusiastic cheerleading mean the world to me. Daddy, thank you for being my first hero and for watching over me. To my big brother, Dr. Trevor Mahy, thank you for reading those early manuscripts and for proofreading this one (even the sexy stuff!).

  Thank you to my husband’s family, the Cheahs, Wongs, and Boeys, who shared their rich culture with me on my recent trip to Malaysia.

  Finally, I would like to thank my husband and kids. To my daughter and son, thanks for giving Mommy time to write. May your love for stories continue to grow, and someday, we’ll write them together!

  I would never have pursued a writing career if not for my husband Steve, who pushed (and sometimes shoved) me toward my dreams. Thank you for being my rock (and for the long hours of technical support!). From the moment I met you, our worlds blended, and the inspiration for this book was born. Now and forever, you are the love of my life.

  Thank you all for helping make my dreams come true!

  Rachael has explored forgotten temples in Cambodia, kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland, and stood inside the Roman Coliseum. She loves studying people and cultures, current and ancient. Her appetite for romance began with Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, which she later nurtured with a healthy dose of Jane Austen.

  As a writer of scorching hot fantasy romance, Rachael blends the lines between mythology, reality, and fantasy. In her worlds, you’ll encounter strong, sexy alpha males and the capable women who challenge them. If her heroines can’t meet their heroes toe-to-toe, then they’ll bring them to their knees.

  No matter what torture she puts her characters through, true love will always prevail. Love is, after all, the most powerful force on Earth, and beyond.

  Rachael holds an Honours BA in anthropology, as well as a CELTA. Her secret indulgence is her passion for baking, which she offsets with her addiction to running (she’s completed four marathons). She resides on the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, two children, and cat.

  WANT MORE?

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  Thank you for reading!

  Look for these titles coming from Rachael Slate in 2015!

  BY THE HORNS (CHINESE ZODIAC ROMANCE, #2)

  REINING HIM IN (CHINESE ZODIAC ROMANCE, #3)

  READ ON FOR AN EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK AT THE NEXT BOOK IN THE CHINESE ZODIAC ROMANCE SERIES, BY THE HORNS!

  (COMING SUMMER 2015)

  Enter a secret guild of assassins…

  As a member of the Lotus League, Natalie Quan is as lethal as she is invisible. Her newest mission brings her to Malaysia, and straight into the arms of the man she relinquished to her past. The only man who has ever seen through to her soul. And the one standing between her and hosting one of the twelve spirit animals of the Chinese Zodiac—the Snake. To keep the Snake and finally defeat the demon of her past, she’ll have to slip into one more disguise.

  Some masks never hide the truth…

  The last person Kassian Weld, Chosen of the Ox, expects to be named their newest member is Natalie. Years ago, she disappeared without a word. Now, she’s back with a sexy air of confidence, tempting him to end his pledge of celibacy. Despite her claims of being a capable assassin, no way in hell will Kassian allow Natalie to host the Snake—a volatile spirit. Yet Natalie is as driven to succeed as Kassian is determined to ensure she fails.

  The vows that brought them together threaten to tear them apart…

  Natalie is bound to the Lotus League, Kassian is devoted to his oaths, and they are both sworn to their fates as Chosen. The forbidden spark of desire reigniting between them threatens to consume their destinies. But when Kassian unmasks Natalie’s darkest secret, they’ll risk every vow they’ve taken for one chance to seize passion together…by the horns.

  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

  645 days since the first outbreak of the Red Death

  The nose never failed to seal the disguise.

  Natalie Quan flashed the customs officer a smile as he stamped and handed back her passport. The name on the document read, “Jason Wong,” but the latex prosthetic nose she sported precluded any questioning of her gender. That and the tube socks she’d stuffed into the front of her slacks.

  She proceeded from the customs agent booth to the inside of the main terminal. Kuala Lumpur’s airport might as well have been made for ants. Tiny, indistinctive creatures. Exactly what she imitated.

  The lethal threat no opponent ever saw coming—a shadow.

  No, a Lotus.

  She hefted her large black duffle over her shoulder and headed outside. While it might have been easier to hire a private jet for this trip, doing so wouldn’t have gifted her with the same advantage of anonymity a commercial flight did. Staff gossiped. If one person asked who the hell she or “he” was, her carefully constructed invisibility would be shot.

  A single moment of letting down one’s guard was all it ever took. Her hand drifted to her collarbone and the healed bullet wound, fingertips grazing the small ring of raised, smooth flesh.

  Call her anally cautious, but she’d never make that mistake twice.

  A blast of suffocating, humid air engulfed her as she passed through the doors. She hailed a waiting taxi with one hand while adjusting those damned tube socks with her other.

  One benefit of being a man? She touched herself and no one paid attention.

  The sweet caress of AC greeted her inside the cab. As she rattled off the address in a gruff voice, her stomach twisted into knots.

  The good kind.

>   Six long years, she’d awaited this moment. At last, her chance to shed her past. To be reborn, as much as any soul could be renewed without dying, really. No more shadow-life for her.

  Tonight, she would become a Chosen.

  The taxi pulled around to the alley of the four-storied, red-roofed, dilapidated building. Through the rearview mirror, the driver sent her a “you sure about this?” look, eyebrows raised above dubious eyes. She’d bet if this man had any clue she was actually a girl, he’d never let her out of the cab. Not in this ghetto.

  She ignored his questioning stare, handed him the fare, and shuffled out, slugging her duffle along with her. The taxi peeled away. She resisted the urge to pace in the alleyway, counting to ensure no one had followed her. She’d covered her tracks. Anyone searching for her would have scanned the flight manifests for a woman, not a man.

  Nat forced her hand to drop from her scar and knock on the steel door instead. The lesson had been hard-earned, but she’d never screw up again. Rap-rap, tap tap tap. Less than a heartbeat later, the door opened.

  An elegantly manicured hand with crimson nails beckoned. “Come in, come in, sayang.” The Matchmaker always addressed Nat using the Malay term for “dearest.”