The Jaguar Prince

okay. Just give me a moment.” She closed her eyes.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” DeeDee asked after a few more seconds passed.

“That one took a little more out of me than changing into a bunny.” She didn’t want to scare her friend more than she already had, and attempted to sit up.

DeeDee grabbed Callie’s arm when she started to stand and stumbled, then helped her to the sofa. Callie frowned when she saw it was broken down on one side. “Sorry about that.”

“It can be replaced.” She grabbed a throw, draping it over Callie’s shoulders.

Callie pulled it closer, then watched as DeeDee drained her drink. “I know, I felt the same way when Rogar told me everything.”

“You really are an alien, aren’t you?”

“It would seem that way.”

“And this Zerod creep is trying to kill you.”

She nodded.

DeeDee went behind the bar and made herself another drink. Callie shook her head when DeeDee raised her glass, silently asking Callie if she wanted a refill. She needed to stay sober so she could take care of Rogar through the night. She wanted to make sure his condition didn’t worsen.

DeeDee returned, plopping down on the sofa, then wrinkled her nose. “It smells like rhinoceros in here.”

“Sorry about that, too.”

DeeDee nervously began to light scented candles. Was she avoiding talking about everything that had happened? DeeDee was obsessive about her scented candles so it could be anything.

Callie suspected it was more that DeeDee was trying to decide how to act around her, now that she knew Callie was part alien. “It’s okay. I’m still the same person.”

DeeDee laid the lighter down, then looked at Callie. “Except for the fact you can change into…into an animal.”

“But none of that matters. Not really. I’m still the same person you met ten years ago.” She had to grit her teeth to keep from crying out. She didn’t want to lose the only friend she’d ever had. She would give up knowing anything about her parents, who she was, and where she came from, if it meant she would keep DeeDee in her life.

DeeDee suddenly smiled. “I remember the first time we met. Your date had taken you to the Blue Bayou. I used to love that bar. They had the best jazz band on Saturday nights.”

“Ugh, Mark Lemons. I remember him. He was a lemon!” She still had no idea why she’d agreed to go out with him. He’d been a groper.

“You pushed him away, but he grabbed you and dragged you right back, then he tried to kiss you,” DeeDee said. “My friends told me not to get involved, but I took one look at your face and knew I couldn’t stand by and watch while you tried to fight him off.”

“I’m so glad you didn’t.” By herself, she hadn’t been able to get away. “But you waltzed over with your drink and tossed it in his face. He was furious. I thought he was going to hurt you.”

DeeDee laughed. “I think he would have if I hadn’t showed him the lighter I held.”

Callie grinned. “And told him if he didn’t want to become a human torch, he’d better leave now.”

“Good thing he didn’t push his luck. As far as I know, water with lemon is not flammable.”

“It did work, and you were very brave to come to the aid of a stranger. We need more people in the world like you.” DeeDee had given her a ride home, and they’d been friends ever since. The princess and the… alien.

“And I’ll be there with you through this, too.”

“I know.”

“Get dressed, then we’ll form a plan of action.” She stood, then left the room to give Callie some privacy.

Callie was just buttoning the last button on her shirt when DeeDee tapped on the door.

“I’m decent,” Callie called out.

DeeDee walked back inside the room. “By the way, does that always happen?”

“What?”

“You change back and find you’re naked.”

“Yes.”

“I bet they have a lot of sex on New Symtaria.” She stopped. “Wait, didn’t you say you changed into a rabbit.”

Callie could see the wheels turning. “Yes,” she said slowly.

“I’m assuming Rogar was there.”

Oh no. She had a feeling she knew what was coming. “Yes.”

“Not going to tell me, are you?”

“No.”

DeeDee grinned. “It’s about time you got laid.”

“DeeDee!” She glanced around as though Rogar would appear any second and she would be even more embarrassed.

“It’s okay, I won’t push for details.”

“Thanks.”

“Not right now, but later, look out.”

“DeeDee!”

She shrugged. “Well, he is an alien. Of course I’m curious.”

“Can we get back to the matter at hand? After all, I am being chased by a crazed Symtarian who thinks it’s his destiny to destroy all the impures.”

“You’ll need a place to hide out, and I have the perfect one, the camp. You remember, Camp in the Pines.”

Callie fell against the cushions with a groan.

“It’s the perfect place. My parents have a nice cabin. You remember.”

“And the camp is crawling with bluebloods.”

DeeDee stiffened. “Excuse me? I just happen to be one of those bluebloods you’re referring to.”

“You know what I mean. I went there with you once and it was quite enough. They were so snobbish.”

“But you have to admit, the cabin is great, the view is spectacular, and you had a fabulous vacation.”

She and DeeDee did have fun when they didn’t need to play the social card. There were all sorts of activities. It wasn’t like she had a long list of choices, either. “Okay, we’ll go, and thanks so much for helping. You didn’t have to, and I really appreciate it.”

“Yes I did. You’re my best friend.” Her smile embraced Callie. “You can take my Hummer, but don’t scratch it.”

“We can’t leave the Jag here. If Zerod comes snooping, I don’t want him to find anything connected with us.”

“No problem. I have vacation coming up. Mom and Dad have been after me to join them. Now would be a good time. I love Colorado in the fall. I’ll have someone pick the Jag up, though.”

“Then it’s settled.” She hoped.

“Looks that way. Want to tell me how it was with Rogar now?”

Callie surreptitiously glanced around. He’d probably kill her for gossiping, but, well…

“Oh, Lord, it was the best sex I’d ever had, DeeDee. I mean, unbelievable.” She hugged her middle. “I never thought it could be like that. Rogar was fantastic. He was…” She laughed. “Out of this world.”

DeeDee didn’t say anything. Callie thought her friend would be more excited for her. Damn, she was kind of disappointed.

DeeDee crossed her legs. “You’ve fallen in love with him.”

“Pffttt, of course I haven’t.”

“He’s the guy in black leather.”

“I think you’ve had a little too much tequila.”