Despite all JF’s misgivings, they landed without mishap, the plane taxiing with barely a bump as it hit the tarmac, slowing to a stop as it reached the proper spot by the terminal.

Kind of disappointing really. He’d entertained a fantasy where he had to jump from the plane, soar on his big wings, and then made her beg to be saved.

But the flying tin can landed without mishap, if one ignored the state of his mind after spending a few hours with the feline.

JF couldn’t wait to set foot on solid ground. If only he could escape the woman responsible for his presence on a tropical island. While her mission on the island might have merit, he could just imagine the disaster she’d make of the execution. What was the lion king thinking?

Surely no one thought this flighty princess could really make a difference?

The door to the craft opened, and the freshness of the air, hinting of airplane exhaust and redolent jungle blooms, tickled his nose.

So many smells. Things to hunt.

The beast within looked forward to a change in diet. He, on the other hand, could already tell he’d miss the cool crisp weather of fall approaching back home.

Heat, the moist kind that dampened the skin, filled the cabin, curling the ends of his hair. His naturally cooler body temperature kept him from sweating, but he’d probably have to ditch his coat. Which sucked. JF preferred to dress in layers.

Emerging into the sunlight, he provided a large target at the top of the stairs, a scowling target, as someone jabbed a sharp nail into his spine.

“Are you going to move that big butt of yours or stand there hogging the stairs all day?” Stacey asked, pushing at him. As if she could move him.

“Don’t test me, woman.”

“Afraid you’ll fail? What if I promised to make it multiple choice?”

Why did she take everything he said and spin it? It made a man want to duct tape her mouth—or shove something in it.

I have something just the right size…

He went down the steps and noted a pair of people walking in from the terminal, both strangers dressed in crisp white linen. Shorts for the guy and a tennis skirt for the female. They could have been siblings with their matching golden locks.

Not even on the ground two minutes and he’d wager already he’d found some lions. And they said rabbits multiplied all over the place. At least rabbit tasted delicious, especially when fresh. Speaking of which, he’d have to find a source for feeding.

How about eating Princess?

Tempting, but gnawing on her probably wouldn’t go over well. Gaston had a thing about his minions eating humans and shifters. Something about only cannibals ate sentient beings. Personally, JF thought his boss gave the shifters too much credit. Teaching them to talk didn’t make them evolved.

As to those who might question his snobbery? The only thing above a whampyr was the necromancer who helped make them. And even then…whampyrs were not to be trifled with.

“You must be Stacey.” The man with short blond hair wearing thigh-length white shorts and a pink shirt approached with his hand outstretched and a smile on his face. A smile that faltered, as JF kept frowning.

“Who are you?” JF barked as he scanned the stranger for a weapon.

“Um, I’m Maurice. I’m from Club Lyon. I am here to provide transportation and get you settled into the resort.”

“Where’s your identification?” Not that JF needed more than a sniff. The cloying scent of lion filled his nostrils. For a young cub, the boy exuded a strong aroma.

“Ignore my brother. Flying makes him grumpy.” Stacey pushed past him. “Hi, I’m Stacey. Delighted to meet you.” Balancing the package she’d brought from the plane, she shook the man’s hands, and JF did his best to not growl.

The sight of her touching the other man ignited something primitive in him that he couldn’t explain. He didn’t sense any danger. On the contrary, the young man appeared nervous, which, in turn, made him seem weak.

Yet, knowing he could probably knock him out with a single punch didn’t stop JF’s scowl. It did, however, cause Maurice to pull his hand free and take a step back.

“Now look at what you’ve done,” Stacey exclaimed before pouting. “You’re being grumpy again.”

“It was a long flight. He’s probably thirsty and hungry,” the woman by Maurice’s side offered with a shy smile in his direction.

“And who are you?” Stacey asked, her tone sour, a princess interrupted.

“I’m Jan. I’m also with guest resources. Let me know about anything you need to make your stay more memorable,” she said softly, the words aimed directly at him.

A wasted effort. She smelled almost as strongly as Maurice did of feline. He already had his hands full enough with Stacey, thank you very much. No need for him to attract another stray.

Stacey stepped in front of him, forcing Jan to meet her gaze. “My very own concierge. How wonderful. And yet you appeared with no drink?”

Jan’s lips tightened. “Sorry. We have water bottles in the Jeep.”

“Water?” Stacey’s nose wrinkled. “I thought this was paradise.”

“As soon as we reach the resort, we can find something more palatable for you.”

Switching gears, Stacey turned from Jan to Maurice and gushed. “I can’t wait to hear all about the resort. Arik’s told me how wonderful it is. Melly doesn’t know we’re planning a surprise destination wedding for her.” As Stacey blathered, JF fought to not roll his eyes.

What a load of crap. Why all the acting? Why not just tell people why they were really here?

You have people missing. Tell us everything you know. Or else…

After years of living in subterfuge, he was tired of it. Tired of hiding. However, this wasn’t his mission. He was just along as muscle. Which was fine with him. He had no interest in getting involved in pride problems. Let the cats sort it out themselves.

“Oh, brother, be a dear and grab our bags while I use the ladies room and freshen up.” Stacey didn’t give him time to reply, as she turned and sauntered off, arm in arm with Jan toward the terminal.

“I am not your bloody servant,” he muttered, only to realize Maurice remained behind.

“Women never give a guy any respect,” said the young man with a wan smile. “A word of advice. If you like your sister at all, you should get her away from here.”

“Why?” JF asked, trying for nonchalance instead of surprise. Not even on the ground five minutes and strange shit was happening.

“It’s not safe right now on the island.”

Heading for the cargo area of the plane, JF was able to sound casual as he asked, “What’s going on? Having problems with that Zika virus we’ve been hearing about?”

“No, not a virus. What I’m talking about is something more dangerous, and only to someone like your sister.”

“Annoying, self-absorbed, and demanding?” He pulled out the suitcases and tried not to grunt at their weight. No wonder she didn’t want to lug them around. Had she packed cement in them?

“Women have been disappearing.”

“Women as in more than one?” he asked casually as he lugged the two biggest bags to the golf cart parked nearby. Maurice managed to strong-arm the smaller bag on top of them.

“Three in the last few months have disappeared.”

Three. Stacey had mentioned the one from the resort and a history of others in the past. Was someone covering up their disappearances?

“Are they dead?”

“Not that we know of.”

“Then why assume they’ve been taken? They could have gone native.” Not unusual by any means. Beautiful woman comes to paradise, meets a native of the area. A surfing instructor, yoga coach, salsa dancer. They’re swept off their feet and decide to start a new life instead of returning to their old one.

“They didn’t go native. They were kidnapped.”

“Appalling.” The right thing to say, even if he didn’t particularly care. “Do the police have any leads?”

“The police aren’t investigating. They think the girls just wandered off.”

“But you don’t believe that. Why?”

Maurice kept his head ducked as he went around to the far side of the cart. “It’s not safe here. If you love your sister at all, you’ll take her and run before she disappears too.”

JF couldn’t help himself. He leaned close to the little guy and said, “Actually, we’re not close. Different mothers. I don’t even like her that much. She’s a brat. And it sure would solve some inheritance problems if she were to disappear. Any tips on making her more attractive to whoever is doing it?”

The gaping mouth and wide eyes almost made JF chuckle.

Almost.

Until he heard the scream.