"Now, I want you to eat me like you ate Shamira," Clara said, her eyes glowing with anticipation.

It took Renata a second to think of what the girl was talking about, then grinned. "Yes, Mistress Clara." She concentrated, pulling the spirit of the jaguar into her and letting it shape her bones and muscle. Golden-yellow and black fur crept up through her skin and the teeth . . . oh what beautiful teeth. Shortly, there was an enormous jaguar lying in bed. Before she could even get to business, she felt Shamira pressing her face to Renata's side.

"So beautiful," Shamira muttered, listening to the heartbeat and feeling the...