Midnight Predator (AU,M/L,ADULT) AN 5/26/05 [WIP]

[Strawberry Shortcake 17]

Couples: AU M/L
Rating: ADULT
Disclaimer: These are my original ideas, compiled after lots of reading and day dreaming. I also did scob the title from a book by Amelia Atwater-Rhoads, but this story has nothing to do with her book and I didn't realize I was using the title until later. My apologizes to you. (and I love your books) Plus, I don't own the characters, I just like to play with them

Author's Notes: Hi gang, I know I'm starting something new when I should finish other projects, but you know what, you'll just have to get over it. This idea has been floating through the endless chaos that is my overly imaginative brain and frankly I don't think I can keep it locked up any more. This is the beginning of the Princes of Midnight Series. All aspects of this story will reveal themselves in due time, so be patient with me.

Dedication: To my fave girls, Dreaming in Purple (Tuesday) and Strawbehrry Shortcake (Steph). Thanks, just for being totally cool and great buds. AND check out this fantistic banner made for me by Dearming in Purple. It's wicked cool!!!!! Thanks dear. I love it!

Ok, on with this fic...

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Midnight Predator

Liz Parker seemed so at peace here along the Amazon. Most people would be succumbing to the stifling heat and the larger than life bugs, but not Liz. She was basking in the beauty surrounding her. Every aspect of the jungle was teaming with life and the study of that life had always been Liz’s calling.

Elizabeth Parker was a world renowned biologist and a professor at her alma mater of Harvard University. Liz had made discoveries in science that have irrevocably changed mankind for the good of our future. Liz mainly focused on the use of undiscovered plants for medicinal purposes. She knew, ever since she was a little girl that it was her destiny to change the world through her love of science. Now as the youngest professor in Harvard history, she was using newly acquired grant money to search the bowls of the Amazonian rain forest for undiscovered plant and animal life.

“I’m glad I got all those shots now,” Peter Larek commented to Liz. Larek wasn’t much for the outdoors, and he made it a point to remind Liz of that fact often. Liz had almost considered leaving Larek behind during this expedition, but then she couldn’t over look his impressive knowledge when it came to medicine. Larek was more of a laboratory scientist, but he would just have to get over his fear of all things natural for the next month. “All the bug spray in South America couldn’t kill half of these monstrous bugs.”

“It’s a good thing, cause we’re here to study them, not wipe them off the face of the planer Larek.” Liz reminded him. She shook her head at Larek. Hopefully his spirits would brighten when they finally made landfall off the river. Liz wasn’t sure that would happen, but right now she was hoping for anything.

Liz surveyed the river bank of the mighty Amazon, noting the movement of the crocodiles slipping into the black water and slowly gliding past the small boat. They weren’t interested so much in finding food on the boat, but more than likely identifying the new intruder into their untamed home. Monkeys and gibbons were hanging in the trees, fighting over the better looking fruit and the right to call that particular mango tree home. Birds of a multitude of color were constantly moving, taking flight and locating to a new tree to check out the selection within its branches.

The sounds of the jungle were so peaceful and soothing to Liz. She grew up in a remote part of the country. Many had heard of her hometown, but only because it was notorious. The famed Roswell, New Mexico is where Liz originally hailed from. She enjoyed the quiet nights spent in the desert, merely listening to the sounds it created. Coyotes howled and owls hooted. The wind would whip, kicking up sand and changing the face of the desert in one broad stroke. Now in the depths of the wild jungle, that same peacefulness, the kind that had eluded her for some time now in her New England home, came over her once more.

“So Dr. Parker, just what exactly are you looking for on your journey into the jungle?” James Kivar asked. James was a world famous hunter and marksmen. Liz had insisted that he didn’t need some overbearing man toting a gun to follow her through out the jungle, but the board of directors explained to her very thoroughly that if Kivar didn’t go, then neither did she. They felt that she and Larek needed someone to watch and protect them while they were traipsing through the jungle. Larek strongly agreed with the board, but Liz still felt uneasy about Kivar. He was the kind of man who acted first and thought later and that was not the kind of man she wanted on an expedition where the goal was to being in live samples. Besides, bringing a man who’s predatorial posturing was sure to upset and alert many of the jungle creatures was not a good idea. If a dominate creature feels threatened, then it would seek to destroy the threat.

“Anything and everything Kivar. I plan on combing this jungle for all the secrets it can unlock for me. There’s no telling what you might discover, if you only look in the right places.” Liz explained to him.

“An interesting assessment, Ms. Liz.” Tojo, their native guide, commented. Tojo was a man of few words, but when there were words, they were important. Tojo was slightly impressed with this American woman. She had not complained once and looked like she was actually enjoying herself, this deep in the heart of the jungle. All of the American women he had ever had the displeasure to meet had been abominable out in the jungle. The complaints and the wants were never ending, along with the whining and the crying. Tojo had never met an American woman he had ever liked, until this Liz.

“I’m glad you think so Tojo. I can’t wait to make landfall and then finally get started.” Liz confessed to him. She genuinely liked their guide. That was the reason she had chosen him. She had a feeling that this man was the right guide for them, and her intuition had never led her astray in her life. Liz had almost a sixth sense when it came to judging people, and one look at Tojo told her that this man would be the best guide they would find at any point along the Amazon.

“Oh goodie, then we can be closer to the bugs and the wild animals. I can hardly wait.” Larek scoffed.


TBC...

[Strawberry Shortcake 17]

Chapter 1

A great beast stalked along the banks of the river, unseen and unheard by the other creatures of the forest. This predator was the most lethal in all of the Amazonian jungle, able to track relentlessly and kill with a single bite. This creature could blend into the shadows, practically becoming them. When the universe was created, a more cunning creature had not been created. If death were alive, this creature would be its vessel.

Now the black panther moved lithely through the underbrush, not chancing giving away its position from the rustling of tree branches. Its prey was sitting unsuspecting along the river bank, chancing a quick drink of water. The wild deer was tense, feeling like it was being watched, but unsure of where the threat was coming from. The panther sank down, its muscles coiling and contracting, getting ready for the spring attack it used to bring down its meal. It was near night and the deer’s vision would be blurred by the changing light.

The panther gripped the soil, flexing its claws and feeling for any vibrations in the earth. Everything was still and quiet, anticipating the kill. The panther moved to pounce on the deer, but as it was sailing in mid-air, the noise of a motor boat caught the attention of the deer and sent it scampering through the foliage, leaving the panther to land on a now empty spot, where its dinner should have been.

The panther turned its head to see what had made the noise and found a small motor skiff making its way up the Amazon, deeper into the jungle. The panther snarled at the skiff, angered that it had caused its dinner to flee. A shot rand out, skimming over the panther’s head, barley missing its left ear. The panther ducked and jumped up into the trees, using the foliage as cover.

“What on earth are you doing Kivar?!” Liz screamed, “That cat didn’t do anything other than look at us. How dare you try and shoot at it.” Liz had watching in fascination as the animal came unexpectedly from the brush and then in horror as Kivar’s large gun took aim at the beautiful creature. It was only luck the Liz had managed to hit his arm in time to mess up his shot.

“And I would have gotten it too if you hadn’t hit me you silly woman. I’m here to protect you from the wild creatures out there.” Kivar yelled at her.

“I am not a silly woman and you cannot shoot at everything that comes near us you Neanderthal monster. Put that God damn gun away and don’t let me see it for the rest of this trip.” Liz jumped right down his throat.

“I have a job to do lady, and it involves this gun.” Kivar said sternly.

“Tojo, pull the boat off to the side of the river. Mr. Kivar would like to get out.” Liz said without even turning toward Tojo. Her face was a mask of strong resolve. She didn’t want Kivar here and if he thought so highly of his guns, then he could make his way back to civilization with it to keep him company.

“What the hell? I ain’t gettin’ off this boat.” Kivar yelled in surprise.

“Oh yes you are.” Liz looked him right in the eye, “If you’re so fond of that gun, then you and your gun can walk home from here, because I don’t want to see it the rest of the time I’m on this expedition. I have work to do Kivar, and I don’t need some gun toting barbarian killing important creatures left and right just because he thought it might possibly, remotely want to attack us.”

“Liz, if I might protest, I don’t see anything wrong with Kivar’s gun…” Larek tried to comment.

“No you may not protest,” Liz hissed at him, “Now what’s it going to be Kivar, the gun or the jungle?” Liz could see Kivar struggling with this decision. Kivar was a man of his guns, like they were an extension of his body. Kivar looked at the river bank and knew that the panther was hiding just out of sight, more than likely angry after the unwarranted attack.

“Damn it woman, I’ll put the gun away,” he finally caved. Kivar reached behind him to pick up his gun case and set his shot gun in with the rest of his arsenal.

“Good,” was all she said. Liz was seething with anger. They all thought that guns were the only answer to all their problems. At least Tojo didn’t think that way, or so Liz had gathered. Tojo had a look of shock on his face when he turned to look at the river bank after it had been shot at and saw the panther. Tojo looked almost afraid, but before anyone else noticed, his expression changed to the same blank look. Tojo masked his emotions well, but after living long in the jungle, you learned such abilities. “Take us to our campsite Tojo, and please hurry.” Liz instructed the guide. Tojo didn’t say anything, just nodded his head and pulled the skiff back into the deep water of the river.

Liz kept her eyes on the river bank, trying to once again get a glance of that beautiful panther. The creature had been so graceful and strong, taking her breath away in its majesty. Liz was sure it had long faded back into the brush, moving towards its next kill and hopefully finding one that wasn’t ultimately disturbed.

Max sat in the tree, watching the man with the gun like a hawk. The man had daringly taken a shot at him, and he deserved to pay. The panther was getting ready to jump toward the boat when he heard her voice. Her sweet voice rang out in surprise across the quiet jungle, penetrating the thick underbrush and his own soul.

His eyes zeroed in on the possessor of that voice and found a small woman, a little over 5 feet tall with long shining black hair and soft feminine curves, accentuated by her white button down blouse and her tight khaki pants. Her whole body was shaking in rage and it bothered Max like nothing had ever affected him before. He could almost feel her anxiety and he wanted nothing more than to sooth it. Max tuned into the conversation, relying on his expert hearing. She was yelling at the man for shooting at him, defending him. This woman was taking on a man who oozed dominance at his expense. Her courage astounded him.

Max watched the exchange from afar, seeing the play of emotions run across the occupants of the boat, and then noticing Tojo sitting in front of the ruder. His old friend was the guide for this woman. Well, she had chosen well for herself, picking a man who could lead her anywhere and do it as safely as possible. Tojo locked eyes with Max and nodded to him, acknowledging his presence. Max didn’t need to nod back, but he understood what Tojo was saying. He was hastily apologizing for his guests into the jungle.

Max reigned in the jungle, just like he had reigned in a far off land long ago. He ruled his land with an iron fist and took pride in all the lands he claimed for his own. The natives respected Max and considered him a friend, but knew not to cross him.

“We are here Ms. Liz,” Tojo commented as they moved toward the dock. The sun was just setting and as it slipped behind the horizon, the boat bumped the dock. A strong pair of hands were already reaching to tie the boat to the dock for the night. Liz looked up to see who was assisting them, this deep into the jungle. What she saw took her breath away.

A man, maybe 6 feet in height, dark midnight hair and dark tanned skin greeted her up turned face. His body rippled with muscle and his features were strong and gorgeous. Liz looked into his eyes and almost drown in the pools of amber that awaited her. This wasn’t a man; this was a being carved of rock, moving like a man. He was too beautiful to be real, too perfect to be human.

He reached out a large hand to help her out of the boat and pulled her up onto the dock. In the process she slipped and he caught her, holding her to him like she was made of air, but as fragile as glass. “Watch your step,” was all he said, his deep voice sending ripples of awareness through her body.

“Thank you…?” Liz asked him. He was still holding her tightly to him, not that Liz minded, considering just how good it felt to have him pressed against her like this.

“Evans, Maxwell Evans, but I’d prefer if you called me Max.”

TBC...

[Strawberry Shortcake 17]

Part 2

“Max,” Liz sighed. Even his name made her insides melt. She was so busy staring dreamily into his eyes that every one else just seemed to fade away. Then Liz felt something bump heavily into her leg followed by a sublet, but threatening growl.

“Regan,” Max reprimanded. Max disentangled himself from Liz, setting her firmly on her feet and reaching for Regan, the sleek black panther standing next to him, still snarling. “That is enough,” Max said reaching to rub her ears, signaling to Regan to calm down. Regan snarled and faded back into the foliage.

“You know that panther?” Liz asked him puzzled. That was a wild animal and Max acted like it was a tame house cat.

“Yes, and Regan isn’t very keen on strangers. You’ll have to excuse her poor manners.” Max replied nonchalantly looking into the foliage where the panther was sitting just out of sight, “Speaking of strangers, I didn’t catch your name.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m Dr. Elizabeth Parker, but please call me Liz,” she said finally regaining her bearings and backing away. She reached out a friendly hand and Max took it, enveloping her petite hand in his large masculine one. Liz could feel the electricity spark between their hands at the touch. She pulled back her hand and looked down at it slightly confused. This had never happened to her, ever. She was acting like some silly school girl, “And may I introduce my colleague, Dr. Peter Larek, our jungle protection force, Mr. James Kivar and our guide, Tojo.” Liz said as each of them got out of the boat.

“Tojo and I have met, have we not old friend?” Max asked as he embraced Tojo in a warriors embrace by grasping each other’s forearms. Tojo merely nodded and moved past Max as he began to unload things from the boat, “And Mr. Kivar, you must be the owner of the shotgun I heard earlier. I’ll warn you now, the animals aren’t used to such noises and that weapon can make you some rather hostile enemies this deep in the jungle. Keep the use of that gun down to a minimum, for your own safety.” Max warned menacingly.

Max only stood an inch taller that Kivar and they had the same build, but it was something about Max. He gave off this presence, like he knew just exactly how lethal he really was. He reminded Liz of a cat, coiled and ready to strike, but patiently waiting out his prey. Liz shook her head, trying to rid her brain of that image. She was already letting the jungle get to her and her imagination was beginning to run away with her good sense.

“I am an avid sportsman, Mr?” Kivar asked, not like he hadn’t heard him before, he was just trying to sound superior.

“Evans, Max Evans” was Max’s cool reply. He already disliked this man, and his macho posturing wasn’t winning him any points in his book.

“Yes, Mr. Evans, like I said, I’m an avid sportsman and my guns have never failed me. When it comes down to it, the possessor of the greater fire power is the victor,” Kivar explained to him like he was a child.

“That is an interesting philosophy, Mr. Kivar, one I’m sure you will find can get you easily killed in an actual jungle, not the one in your rather vivid imagination.” Max slammed him. Liz had to stifle her giggle behind her hand. Max had just scored a point in their rather chauvinistic display, “Dr. Larek, what brings you out into the jungle? It seems you a rather out of your element” Max asked trying to change the topic so Kivar would let the subject drop. Max couldn’t be any closer to the truth. Larek was pale and a red head, with wire rimmed glasses and a frail build. Larek was your classic laboratory doctor and he liked it that way.

“Well, Liz and I are studying plant and animal life here in the jungle for their possible medicinal purposes. Liz has been blazing a trail in medical discovery during her past few years at Harvard in the United States and it seems I was the short straw who got picked to go wander the jungle for a few weeks.” Larek said rather sarcastically.

“Oh Larek, it won’t be that bad. I’m rather excited to see what this untamed land holds. Just think of the possibilities, the discoveries, the chances we have to save peoples’ lives. I can’t believe our luck at getting to study the Amazon this closely and with this much freedom,” Liz beamed.

“Well then what are we waiting for. I’ll give you folks a hand to your camp, besides I was hoping to get a chance to catch up with Tojo and you can ask me anything you’d like about this jungle. If I can be of help, then I’ll have done my part for posterity.” Max replied jovially. They had emptied the boat and they were carrying their belongings to a camp that Tojo had promised would be available to the research team.

The jungle was buzzing with activity as the night came alive all around them. The night was actually the most active time in the jungle, where the struggle between predator and prey was a constant until the dawn. The canopy of trees locked in the jungle’s heat and moisture, keeping it pleasantly warm, almost like a spa. Liz breathed the scent of the jungle deep into her lungs and it mixed with something else, something crisp and spicy and very male. Max was walking directly in front of her, his muscles rippling as he gracefully glided along the path. He oozed sexy and wore strength like a second skin. Everything about Max Evans made Liz’s head spin and her heart flutter, but she had to remind herself that she didn’t have time to have some silly jungle fling with some silly jungle man.

Max turned around to look at her, almost like he knew she was thinking about him. His olive green shirt was unbuttoned down to his waist where it was tucked into his jeans that looked like they were made specifically for him. They were loose in all the right places, but tight where ever Liz’s eyes were drawn, especially his butt. Max wore tan hiking boots that looked well loved and worn from their constant use. The one thing that drew Liz’s attention was a pendant dangling from his neck that rested in the center of his broad chest. It looked very intricate and very old. It must be some sort of treasure from the depths of the jungle. She prayed that Kivar hadn’t noticed it.

“We’re almost there Liz,” Max told her, trying to reassure her. She was so petite, too small and fragile to be hiking around this wild jungle. Max’s protective instincts flared up from out of no where. She had felt so good in his arms when he had caught her on the dock, almost like she belonged. He also felt the spark of electricity jump between the 2 of them when she extended her hand. He felt drawn to her, like a moth to a bright, cleansing flame. She was so beautiful that he often found it hard to breath around her, especially when he was looking into her deep brown doe eyes. She held such innocence in her expressive eyes, making Max feel like he could spend the rest of his days, happily staring into their endless pools.

Tojo abruptly stopped, forcing Max to stop and that caused Liz to bump directly into him, then Larek, the Kivar. Tojo managed to cause an Amazonian pile up. Tojo put his pack down and nodded to the clearing, signaling that this was to be there camp. The others disentangled themselves and put their packs down, settling into the jungle for the night.


TBC...

[Strawberry Shortcake 17]

Part 3

“So, Mr. Evans, what is it exactly that you do out here in the jungle?” Larek asked.

“I study the panthers. I have been living here in the jungle for many many years, developing close relationship with the animals and learning their social behaviors and patterns. Panthers are very interesting animals,” Max told him. It wasn’t like that was a lie, but it wasn’t the truth either. His reason for being in the jungle was his own fault and his own damn business. He had developed the story over the years and had almost come to believe his own lie.

“That must be so exciting,” Liz gushed, “I hope you’ll explain to me some of your findings. I’m really interested in large cats. They’re such beautiful creatures.”

“I agree with you completely Dr. Parker,” Max replied. He caught her shy smile as she turned her head away, her long shiny chestnut hair covering her face, the strands reflecting the dancing fire light. Max’s chest tightened at the sight. There was something about Liz Parker. She was so innocent, so pure, almost elemental. He reached over and tucked her hair behind her ear, causing her to look up at him in surprise, “You had a hair thing,” he told her in a quiet voice. Liz was thankful that it was dark; because she was sure her crimson blush would be showing.

“I’m headed to bed. And douse the fire would you. I think Dr. Parker and our new jungle friend here could generate enough heat to keep us all warm tonight,” Larek commented as he climbed in his tent. Liz stuck her tongue at him as he left.

Everyone filtered into their respective tents and just as Liz was about to zip her tent shut she turned to see Max leaving the camp site.

“Max,” she called out to his retreating form. He turned to look at her and his stark masculinity almost took her breath away. The fire light molded his body, bathing him in an exotic light and making him look even more sensual and wild like the jungle he called home, “I meant it when I said I wanted to learn about your research. I hope you’ll find time to show it to me soon.”

“I’ll return again tomorrow evening,” was all he said as he faded into the underbrush. Liz sighed as he disappeared, intrigued and attracted to this mysterious man who seemed to be almost as much a part of the jungle as the trees and the animals. Liz knew she wasn’t here for some fling with some sexy jungle man, but then again, if it was with a man like Max, she could definitely change that rule.

----------------------------

The next morning broke with bright beams of light slicing through the canopy. Liz climbed out of her tent, stretching and yawning sleepily as she stumbled toward where the camp fire had been. She stumbled into the tent with the coolers and started to scream.

Larek, Tojo and Kivar came running to find Liz tearing out of the tent screaming “BABOON! BABOON!” and ran back into her tent. Kivar opened the door to the tent to find a very pissed off male baboon, clutching a pack of frozen hotdogs and a half eaten box of cookies, screeching violently and pulled up to his full height in an attack posture.

Kivar reached for the gun in the holster that was always strapped to his body. Tojo got in front of him, blocking his shot of the baboon.

“Get out of the way you tribal idiot,” Kivar yelled as he tried to get a clear shot at the now pacing baboon. Tojo merely put his hand over the gun and then turned to the baboon. A series of grunts, shrieks, and arm waving sent the baboon running out of the tent and into the woods. Kivar and Larek just stood there in shock. “You know that beast could have attacked you.”

“Baboon only hungry, not violent. I merely showed him that it was our food,” Tojo replied casually.

“You mean you spoke to that monkey?” Larek asked.

“Baboon understands dominance. I proved I am the dominant male, so he leave,” he answered. A confused Larek and slightly shocked Kivar just stared as the quiet spoken tribal man walked away and entered Liz’s tent to reassure her that the baboon had left.

--------------------------------

After the excitement at breakfast, the animals decided to leave the new comers alone for the rest of the morning. Liz and Larek gathered many samples for research, even finding a plant that wasn’t in any of their identification indexes. Liz hoped she had actually discovered something new. Then she would get the honor of naming it.

Liz was awed by the beauty of this untamed land. She had the privilege of being one of the first humans to see some of these amazing sights. They found trees filled to the brim with birds of every color of the rainbow, flowers so large Liz could have used them for blankets, monkeys and chimps of every shape and size. At one point, a small ring tailed lemur actually walked right up to Liz and sat down next to her, examining her bag and its contents. After this morning’s run in with the baboon, Liz was a little wary of the small monkey, but Tojo helped her calm down and the little creature was actually quite nice. It decided it like Liz right off the bat and in the process, she gained a new friend. Ringo, as she had dubbed him because of his tail, climbed up on her shoulder and decided to come along for the adventure.

They pressed on for several hours until Tojo opened a bit of trail with the machete and before Liz was the single most breath-taking sight of her entire young life. There in a deep valley was the prettiest waterfall any of them had ever seen. Larek hollered in excitement. He had been complaining all day that the one thing he wanted was a good old fashioned bath. He took off toward the valley, brushing past the guide when Tojo reached out and caught him by the middle.

“We are not welcome in this valley,” was all he said, holding Larek back.

“What do you mean we aren’t welcome here?” Larek asked, “You can’t possibly tell me someone else already lives here.”

“Not who, what my impetuous American friend. This is Zandakor’s Land. It is forbidden to intrude here.” Tojo told him in a quite voice, filled with fear and reverence.

“Zandakor?” Kivar asked.

“Yes, Zandakor, it means “The Shadow” in my people’s language. Zandakor and my people have lived in peace for centuries, but do not mistake his momentary hospitality with an open invitation. We are welcome in his jungle, but even he has his own domain and we respect that which is his, just as he has done for us.” Tojo explained.

“So, is this Zandakor a god or something?” Kivar asked skeptically.

“We do not know what Zandakor is, only that he is, but know this, Zandakor comes in many forms, none of which can be trusted. Do not look with your eyes, for your mind can cloud your judgment. You must look with your heart, feel with your soul. The truth lies just beneath the surface,” Tojo said in a dark and mysterious voice. He looked right at Liz as he outlined this new riddle of this untamed jungle. It felt like he was giving the warning directly to her, like he knew more than he was letting on, but he just turned and led them back toward their camp site. Nothing more was said about this mysterious Zandakor, but Liz was sure she could hear the roar of a pained creature from the depths of the forbidden valley. The cries of a creature calling out for attention, salvation and love.

[Strawberry Shortcake 17]

Part 4

Night settled over the jungle like a black blanket, blocking out all the light except for a few shiny specks of stars. The ground was damp from the mid-afternoon rain and the air thick with humidity. The creatures of the jungle quieted with the coming of night, the time when the predators reigned.

A freshly killed gazelle hung from a tall tree, the carcass torn open and guts removed. A small black panther sat on the ground, chewing away at a leg, happily consuming its dinner. Something stalked through the brush and the panther perked its ears up, but when the source of the noise made itself visible the panther went right back to eating.

There stood Max, fresh from his dip in the water fall, naked and stunning in the moon light. His tall muscled frame and his dark sun kissed skin made him look like a god from the story books of old. He shook his damp hair, water droplets flying everywhere and the panther groaned from the unwanted shower. Max smiled at his slightly annoyed friend. Regan had come into his life just a few short years ago, but now she was like the little sister he never had. She accepted him in both forms and welcomed him into her life.

He hadn’t wanted a friend. He had wanted all creatures to stay away from him and fear him. He didn’t deserve friends. That was why he was here, in this god forsaking jungle, thousands of miles away from his beautiful home in Antar and lifetimes away from the family he once knew.

Antar had been a prosperous country on the edge of France. It was a relatively small country, but the country side was breathtaking. Just thinking about how his country fell to ruin because of his and his brothers’ foolishness would bring him to the verge of tears.

They had been so stupid, so rude and conceited. Just because they were the princes of the country didn’t give them the right to be royal assholes, but they had been. They had the love ‘um and leave ‘um philosophy on life and they often did. Max was the oldest and next in line for his father’s throne. His full title had been Crown Prince Maxwell Zander, son of King Philips James and Queen Diane Elaine of the House of Evans. His brother Michael Rathanor, Lord of Darington came next, followed by Alexander Douglas, Duke of Paramount and Kyle James, Earl of Westinghouse. They had been so close, best friends as boys and young men and had set out to break hearts all across the kingdom, before finally they were saddled with some high born wife that undoubtedly they had no say in choosing. What a mistake that had been.

They had all been so happy, living the life of rakes and taking the different royal courts by storm, until one fateful night. Max had found a new piece of arm candy to drag to that season’s balls in early spring. She was charming, beautiful and more ravenous in bed than he was. While he enjoyed this new little tart immensely, he knew that it would never last forever and he made sure to point that fact out to her often. She would just smile and nod and act like she was paying attention, but a woman like Ava Demateo was not easily spurned.
Max shook his head, clearing the cobwebs of past indiscretions from his mind. Thoughts of Ava Demateo weren’t even remotely happy or comforting, but then again, Max didn’t deserve comfort, he didn’t deserve happiness. He was a monster, not truly human, not truly beast. He lived a cursed life, and yet all he could think about was Liz.

He shouldn’t even entertain the thought of an amazing woman like Liz. She was smart, funny, and unbelievably beautiful. The minute he had laid eyes on her he felt like all the air in his lungs had been knocked right out of his body. Then when she had tripped getting out of her boat and he caught her, her sweet little body pressed close to his and he is still amazed that he found the ability to even mumble his name. But the thing that totally broke his steady reserve had been her calling out his name, just before he left the campsite that morning. She had called out to him, like she needed him, like she wanted him. He had never felt that strong of a pull toward any woman in his entire life.

Regan purred as she stepped away from the now bare leg bone that was left over from her fresh meal. She walked over to Max and brushed up against his leg, like a household cat might, but Regan was much more than that. She walked into the cave that was hidden by vines and into the bed that her and Max often shared. For him, it was almost like sleeping with a big dog. Regan settled in, waiting for Max to come to bed, but he never did. He had other things to do this night, even if he shouldn’t be. He may be fooling himself with this Liz, but he wanted to see just where this dream might take him.

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They all sat around the camp fire, discussing the events of the day and making plans for tomorrow’s journey. Eventually, curiosity from this afternoon’s events led Liz to Tojo’s side to ask him about the forbidden valley.

“What is this Zandakor, Tojo? And why is he so feared?” Liz asked him as she moved over next to him with Ringo still happily perched on her shoulder.

“He is real if that is what you ask Dr. Parker. He is not a god, but it seems like he has endured for that long.” Tojo replied.

“How old is he?” she asked.

“I do not know. He has been apart of this jungle for generations of my people. We have lived in a tenuous harmony for a very long time, but we all know to respect him, as he respects us. It is our way,” he answered.

“What does he look like?” she asked. This was all very fascinating. Superstitions and extraordinary beliefs always intrigued her. She grew up in Roswell, New Mexico, so other cultures giant fish stories interested her.

“He comes in many forms, but you must look hard to see what lies beneath the mask. I fear for you Dr. Parker, for I feel he has taken to you. Beware of the beast,” he warned cryptically. As if Ringo could sense the tension and ominous warning, he began to shriek and clutch at Liz’s neck.

“What’s wrong buddy?” Liz asked him in a soothing voice as she untangled him from her neck. He wiggled free and started screeching again and pointing into the under brush.

“What the hell is wrong with your monkey Dr. Parker?” Kivar asked from under a tipped down hat. He had been sleeping peacefully under his hat when that annoying little beast started screaming.

“Shh,” Tojo warned as the sound of something crashing through the underbrush became louder. Ringo crawled up into Liz’s lap and cowered in fear of the noises approaching while Kivar sprang into action, grabbing his gun and pointing it in the direction of the noise.

Liz held her breath in fear as the noise grew louder and closer. What could be approaching them? This was one time when Kivar’s skill with a gun was definitely a comforting thought. Larek resembled Ringo, cowering in fear while Tojo crouched lightly on the balls of his feet with a dangerous looking knife in his hand.

The brush began to shake and Liz screamed as a gazelle pushed through the brush and Max spun around to show himself just as Tojo’s knife flew through the air and hit the tree right next to his head.

“Nice shot my friend. I would have announced my presence if I knew I was going to get this warm of a reception,” Max said calmly and coolly, like a knife just hadn’t almost hit him right in the skull.

“Expect nothing less my friend,” Tojo replied in a steely tone. It felt like these two “friends” were anything but.

“Well, I brought something to share. I was sure after your long trek today you would be exhausted and welcome the meal.” Max told the group.

“We are quite capable of getting food for ourselves. We don’t need some bush man to take care of us,” Kivar said slinging the gun over his shoulder.

“Yeah,” Larek through in.

“That’s just as well then. I don’t need to share,” Max said turning to pick up the gazelle.

“Gentlemen!” Liz exclaimed, “Max has just offered us provided for us, meaning that we don’t have to wander out into the jungle and we can get some well needed rest instead of wasting our efforts needlessly. Please thank Max for being so generous and sit down, preferably without all of your silly guns, knives and male attitudes.” Liz sat down and gave each man a steely look, daring them to argue with her.

“Dr. Parker, I will not stand here and let you talk to me like I’m some…” Kivar bellowed.

“Child, because that is exactly what you are. Fine, if you don’t like your food, you’re a big boy, go get your own. I’ll be having some gazelle with Mr. Evans,” Liz stopped him in his tracks. This nonsense had gone on long enough, and if Kivar wanted to act like an over grown idiot, then Liz could sure a hell treat him like one.

“Are you coming Larek?” Kivar asked as he slung his gun over his shoulder and pulled a round of ammunition around his waist.

“You don’t need 2 people to hunt. I think I’ll stay here with Dr. Parker.” Larek replied.

“I wasn’t asking.” Kivar said as he pulled Larek by the collar into the jungle. Liz looked over to where Tojo had been sitting just a second earlier, but found the spot empty. He must have melted into the jungle in search of his own food. Liz looked up at Max who still stood at the edge of the camp next to the gazelle.

“I guess it’s just you and me,” she said, slightly nervous. Sticking up for Max was one thing, but being alone with him was another. This man affected her like nothing ever had, and right now, with the firelight bathing his muscular body and this casual gaze washing over her, Liz had never felt more excited and more afraid of anything in her life.

TBC…

[Strawberry Shortcake 17]

Sorry I've been gone for so long guys, but school decided for a few weeks there that it was my master and I was it's B**CH. I finally had a chance to sit down this weekend and write this next part. Plus, I'm also working on a new story to sequel The Love Slave and The Unwanted Prince in the UC forum called The Littlest Princess. I hope you guys check it out. Ok, on with the chapter...

From Part 4

“I guess it’s just you and me,” she said, slightly nervous. Sticking up for Max was one thing, but being alone with him was another. This man affected her like nothing ever had, and right now, with the firelight bathing his muscular body and this casual gaze washing over her, Liz had never felt more excited and more afraid of anything in her life.

Part 5

“So it seems,” Max hadn’t planned to get Liz alone like this and the temptation to just throw her down and ravish her like his animal self had been fantasizing all day was just too great. She sat there in a thin white cotton shirt with the first 3 buttons undone and a tank top underneath to cover a some of her modest cleavage, but much of it still stuck out. Her fade blue jeans hugged her body like they were fashioned specifically for her. Her long brown tresses flowed down her back and blonde highlights danced through the strands from the fire glow being cast upon them.

Her large doe eyes looked up at him and he saw everything at once. There shone her intelligence, her vulnerability, her tenacity and her heart. Dr. Liz Parker didn’t hide her emotions, or at least not with him. This breathtaking sight before him was more than a man could handle. Max Evans was weak, especially when it came to women. His weakness had put him in the position he was today. Damn Tess for her curses, but then; if it weren’t for Tess, he wouldn’t be standing here, captivated by Liz.

“Max?” Liz asked. Her head was cocked to the side like she had been looking at him study her for a while and couldn’t figure out where he had gone, mentally.

“Oh, sorry, what did you say?” Max shook his head and blushed.

“I said why don’t you come sit and I’ll start roasting some of that gazelle,” she said getting up and dusting her bottom off. The action caused her shirt to hang open further and Max got a better view of her creamy breasts than before. It was all he could do to suppress the moan that threatened to slip out.

“You can cook?” Max asked with a raised eyebrow pointed in her direction.

“I’m not totally useless you know. I had planned to go on this trip alone, but the board of trustees refused, so they made me bring the Tweedle brothers for protection and assistance. Now I wish I had put my foot down harder,” Liz grumbled about Larek and Kivar.

“Ok, but let me help you. It is a big animal,” Max offered and they set to work cleaning the gazelle.

----------------------------------------

“I don’t trust him Larek,” Kivar said as they crashed through the jungle.

“I’ve never been a fan of Tojo myself, and after that knife throwing, well…” Larek started.

“I meant that Max guy. There is just something about him that makes my internal alarms go off. I can’t put my finger on it, but he can’t be trusted,” Kivar admitted.

“Then why did we leave Dr. Parker alone with him?” Larek asked suddenly worried.

“Because Dr. Parker is a big girl and she likes to figure things out on her own,” he replied, “Now come on, we have some hunting to.” Kivar said as he began to crash through the underbrush. It was all Larek could do to keep up with him.

Above them a lone figure watched them as they made progress through the jungle, never showing itself or alerting those being watched. It just sat there and surveyed the new additions to the jungle, especially the one with the gun.

------------------------------------------

“So, where did you find the lemur?” Max asked as they sat down to enjoy some of their meal. Kivar, Larek and Tojo hadn’t returned just yet, and while Liz expected Tojo had other places he would more than likely rather be, it was Kivar’s and Larek’s absence that had her worried.

“He sort of just adopted me,” she replied, “He climbed into my lap and my heart all in one jump.”

“So it’s that easy,” Max teased with a cocky grin on his face.

“Not it is not that easy,” Liz said very flustered, “You have to be cute like Ringo, not that I’m saying you’re not cute or anything. I mean, oh I didn’t mean to say that, I shouldn’t have said that. I should just shut up,” Liz blushed beet red and nothing could hide her embarrassment. She had just called him cute and she was mortified beyond belief. He must think her some silly nerdy girl to carry on like she did.

“I’m glad you think I’m cute. Means it will be easier for me to jump into your lap,” Max teased again, but this time there was a husky undertone to his voice. Max knew he shouldn’t do such things like flirt with Liz, or even entertain the thoughts he was having of her now, but he couldn’t resist her. It was like he was a moth and she was the purest flame he had ever seen.

Liz looked up at him in slight shock. Max wanted her to think he was cute. Was he just playing a game with her or did that really mean something? “Do you want to jump into my lap?” Liz knew she shouldn’t have asked such a forward question, but the way his last statement hung between them, she couldn’t have stopped herself if she tried.

“Liz,” Max breathed as he reach out to her, cupping her check in his large masculine hands and leaning in to kiss those sweet lips that had been tempting him since the moment she had first stumbled into his life. She was softer than anything Max had ever experienced and she tasted like strawberries and salvation. The kiss was so passionate that Max felt like electricity was running through his veins.

Liz retuned the kiss and Max felt his entire body tighten at the feeling of her soft body yielding to his. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her upper body flush with his, feeling her soft breasts press against his hard chest. Liz wrapped her arms around his neck and held tight to him, afraid that if she let go he might disappear back into her dreams.

The beast in Max called out for this woman. Her scent of femininity and need begged for the panther to come and claim her and it was all Max could do to push her away before he let the panther take over and took her right then and there. He rested his forehead against hers, trying to control his racing heart and ragged breathing.

“Wow,” was all Liz said as she reached up to touch her still warm lips. No one had ever kissed her like that, ever. She had dated boys while in school and her co-workers were constantly setting her up with guys, but none of them had ever come close to this man. Her entire body felt like she had melted into Liz putty and she was his to mold at will.

“Liz, I should go,” Max finally told her. Gods knew he didn’t want to, but he couldn’t keep tempting fate by getting himself entangled with this woman. She isn’t like Ava, a little voice in his head whispered. He knew that, but the best thing for him and for Liz was that he learn some restraint or he’d drag Liz into this ungodly mess right along with everyone else’s lives he had destroyed when he had been such a foolish young man. No, he couldn’t do that to Liz. She didn’t deserve a beast like him, she deserved better.

Liz looked up at him, suddenly worried that she had gone too far and now he regretted kissing her. It would kill her if he did; because that kiss alone had rocked her entire world and she didn’t want the memory tainted with such thoughts. Max saw the look of worry on her face and quickly leaned over and kissed her quickly on the lips. “I didn’t mean anything by that, I just have to get home. It is rather late,” Max soothed her wounded pride. He could see that his quick words had caused her pain, and that was the last thing he wanted.

Max got up and reached down for Liz to pull her to her feet. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her for what he was sure would be the last time, because after this, he was staying away from Liz Parker. “Will I see you tomorrow?” Liz asked, still dazed and star struck from the second mind-blowing kiss she had received in less than 20 minutes.

“We’ll see,” was all he said as he faded into the jungle.


TBC...

[Strawberry Shortcake 17]

Part 6

Max walked back to his valley, his own section of the jungle and did the first thing he should have done after he had kissed Liz and jumped head first into the cold pool under the waterfall. He needed to clear his head and right now it was so fogged with Dr. Liz Parker that he could hardly think about anything else.

Max felt the tingling sensation that always warned him that the sun was rising and made his way to the edge of the pool. As the first rays touched the water, a massive, sleek midnight black panther waded out of the water and shook his shiny coat dry.

Good morning Zandakor, Regan thought as she rubbed her smaller body against his well muscled ribs and up around his large muzzle.

You know I hate is when you call me that silly name from the villagers. Drop it, I’m not in the mood this morning, came the reply in her head. He could only speak to her when he was in panther form like this. He had never understood it nor had he ever spoken to another panther, but then again, given his size, no other panther had ever tried to communicate with him other than Regan.

Meeoow, Regan teased, So, did you have fun with your little girlfriend last night? Regan asked as she moved to curl up in the morning sun on a large rock overlooking the pool.

She is not my girlfriend, he countered angrily. He twisted his massive head in her direction and grunted in protest.

Suit yourself. I may be an animal, but I’m not blind. I know attraction when I see it. I can smell her on you and you know I can, Regan told him lazily. It didn’t matter one way or the other to her if he had fallen for that woman. She knew he couldn’t have her, so it wouldn’t last long. He had explained to her long ago about the curse and his existence and she knew exactly what it entailed. She had been living it night and day with him for over 5 years now.

Whatever Regan. I don’t need to explain myself to you. I’m not in the mood for a lecture this early in the morning, he replied as he stalked off into the jungle.

Fine, go sulk by yourself your majesty. I’m not in the mood for pompous princes or men in denial this early in the morning either. Just remember, you have to sleep in the bed you make Maxwell, she called out as he faded into the underbrush.

-------------------------------

Larek and Kivar had returned late that night, without any game starving. Larek had graciously accepted the food Liz offered him, but Kivar had acted as if Liz had delivered him the most egregious insult.

“I don’t need a woman providing food for me. Keep your gazelle for yourself Doctor, because I can fend for myself,” he told her in a voice laced with malice, not directed at her, but at that jungle monkey she had taken up with. He pulled his tent door aside and went straight to bed without anything to eat. Liz just shook her head. Men and their posturing just drove her insane. She was convinced she would never understand any of that macho he-man bullshit as long as she lived.

The next morning, Tojo still hadn’t returned and it wasn’t looking like he would. Liz was concerned about what had transpired between him and Max, but couldn’t question either of them on the matter with both of them missing at the present time.

Liz didn’t want to stop her searching just because their guide had suddenly lost interest in them, so she packed up their gear and with a moaning Larek and a still surly Kivar they started out for another day of discovery.

--------------------------------

The hiked what seemed like forever as they crossed the unaltered terrain and once again found themselves staring at the beautiful valley that Tojo had told them to never enter. It as like 3 kids staring at the cookie jar filled with mom’s freshly baked cookies.

Kivar hacked through the brush with one large swing and a large flock of brightly colored tropical birds rushed for the sky at the noise. Animals began to screech and Ringo, who had accompanied the party, began to get very agitated on Liz’s shoulder. The explorers looked at each other, unsure what to do next at all the strange signals that kept going off around them.

“I don’t think we should go in there,” Larek was the first to comment what was on everyone’s mind.

“But, if this really is untouched land like Tojo said it is, then just think of the species that might be living in this ecosystem,” Liz said, switching from paranoid and frightened mode over to scientist mode. When Liz was in scientist mode, nothing fazed her, not even threats of some strange god-like creature or an overly agitated jungle.

“Besides, look at that waterfall,” Kivar commented, “I know you want a quick bath just as badly as I do.” Larek nodded his head in the positive and before anyone could object, Liz set out undaunted into the untamed land that was said to be guarded by some ancient evil that the natives of this land feared and revered.

----------------------------------------

Max heard the first telltale sound that someone had had the audacity to invade his sanctuary. The birds called out their warning and the crunch of human boots could be heard throughout the entire valley. No one was stupid enough to come into his valley. He only had one place where he was safe from the harsh reality of the world when he was in his panther form and no one dared to disturb him in his home, not without swift and lethal retribution.

Max jumped down from the tree branch he had been occupying, lost in his thought about Liz and just what he had done and who good it had felt. He had never experienced a kiss so pure and so thrilling in his life. He was sure it was because he hadn’t kissed a woman in almost 500 years, but he couldn’t be sure. Her touch had shaken him the core and he just couldn’t get her off his mind or out of his blood no matter how hard he tried.

He welcomed the diversion of teaching a lesson to the foolish tribal children who occasionally dared to enter his territory after a bet by his friends. He often let the children live, but not without a scrap across the face to remind them of his power and dominance in this jungle. No man or thing made by man could kill him. He was invincible and even though he did not enjoy his banishment, he reveled in his power and strength.

Come here foolish one, Max snarled in a primal growl, It’s time for another generation to learn about the reality and some respect of the phantom they had dubbed Zandakor, the Shadow.

TBC…

[Strawberry Shortcake 17]

Part 7

“This place is absolutely gorgeous,” Liz commented as they made their way through the dense jungle. The flowers were bursting with color and the trees were tall and strong. This forest had defiantly not been touched by humans. The specimens Liz collected were almost sure to be undiscovered species and held endless possibilities in the fight against human diseases and unlocking the mysteries of the universe. Larek had identified as many of them as he could, and his knowledge was extensive, but there were things he had never even seen anything close to in his entire career.

“This jungle is much too quiet,” Kivar commented after a while. He had been listening to the sounds of the jungle, the sounds that should have been there, but they sounded like they were far off in the distance. Hungry gibbons and birds would be flocking to the lush vegetation in these trees, but nothing even rustled, “Something isn’t right. We need to hurry up and get the hell out of here.”

“I want to get a good look at that waterfall. It may have even more new discoveries. I’m sure everything is fine. You worry too much Kivar,” Liz brushed off his worries.

“Oh, yes, and that bath Liz had been talking about. We’re all starting to smell rather ripe,” Larek commented in agreement to moving further into the valley.

“This goes against my better judgment Doctors, but I could use that rinse too. Just keep your ears and eyes wide open,” Kivar replied finally giving up but took the safety off his gun so he could use it at a moment’s notice.

------------------------------------------------

Max stalked through the dense foliage, moving along the network of limbs and vines with the grace of a dancer. His sleek powerful body was designed for moving through the trees and he had honed his skills over the last 500 years. He moved, inch by inch toward the humans crashing through his territory.

Max coiled up, his muscles contracting in anticipation of his pounce on the intruders. The thrill of the hunt and the call of his wilder half completely over took him. At this moment, Max was wholly animal. The tingle started in the back of his toes and moved through his hind quarters as his lethal body sprang into action.

--------------------------------------

None of them heard the animal approach them and when a gigantic black panther sprang out of the underbrush right next to Larek, he was knocked completely over by the powerful animal. It pressed its entire body weight onto his chest and Larek could feel the animal’s claws expand and retract slightly into his yielding skin. Liz screamed in shock and the animal picked its enormous head up and stared at her with interest.

The fact that he had jumped onto Larek and was now staring Liz in the face flashed across his panther brain for a brief second; just before he heard a loud gun go off and felt a piercing pain in his right side. Max dropped to the ground, rolling off Larek onto his left side and slipped out of consciousness.

“Oh my god, you shot that panther!” Liz screamed at Kivar as she rushed to the panther’s side. The animal was still breathing, but the breaths were shallow and it was loosing blood fast.

“Oh, so what, I was supposed to let it kill Larek?” Kivar shouted at her in frustration. He was more mad at himself for not sensing the animal and allowing it that close to them than anything else. Kivar didn’t give a care if the animal died, because if it did, it would make an excellent trophy. A beast that size would get him in the record books.

“I’m perfectly fine; no need to worry about shell shocked, panther attacked Larek. Its ok gang, I’ll just sit here in my own peaceful horrified stupor,” Larek remarked to them. Kivar bent down and checked out his wounds, but Liz didn’t even register that the other 2 men were even there. This creature had looked at her and she had felt its confusion at seeing her, like it knew her from somewhere, but couldn’t comprehend her.

Liz pulled an extra shirt from her bag and pressed it against the animal’s side. It didn’t even stir and that worried her. A wild animal should be fighting her, but this panther was just lying there, not responding to anything she did.

“Kivar, Larek,” Liz called to them, “Help me stop the blood flow,”

“You want me to help you save the beast that just attacked me. Sorry if I’m not up to playing Dr. Doolittle to big, black and dangerous over there,” Larek replied sarcastically.

“Please Larek, I think he’s an endangered species, or possibly a whole new one. He’s way too big to be a regular panther and he’s slowly slipping away from us,” Liz yelled at them, “Are you going to sit there at let the most important discovery of your entire career slip away because it is an animal and it can’t help its instincts?”

“Fine damn it, but if it tries anything else, I’m letting Kivar take another whack at it and I hope it really does die,” Larek grumbled as he pulled himself together and moved over to the animal’s wounded side, “Aren’t you going to help?” Larek asked Kivar.

“I’m going to keep watch. The scent of that animal’s blood could attract all manner of creatures and we don’t want to be caught unawares again,” Kivar told them with his gun raised his eyes scanning the surrounding foliage for any movement.

------------------------------------------
Liz and Larek worked long into the day to get the blood to stop and disinfect and stitch the wounds on the still passed out animal. Kivar did have a few tranquilizer darts in his arsenal and he used one on the cat to make sure it wouldn’t unexpectedly wake up while they tended to it. Only once did another much smaller panther try to come upon the group, but Kivar had shot a warning shot over its head and it ran off back into the underbrush.

Liz now sat next to the still dozing creature, running her hands over its silky black coat as Larek checked its vitals and recorded data on its size and health. It was the largest panther any of them had ever seen, and Kivar had seen many more than the other 2 in his time. Larek estimated the weight to be between 200 and 230 lbs and the age to be near 6 or 7. Its paws were over 7” in width and its claws over 3 inches long. From tip to tail it was 7’ long and if standing, would have stood almost 4’ tall.

Liz couldn’t get over the animal’s beauty. Its strength and power were visible through its rippling muscles and large frame, but its sleek style and soft texture lured her like a moth to the flame. The way it had looked at her still disturbed her. It was like it knew her. It had felt intimate, like the beast knew everything about her, her deepest secrets and her darkest desires.

Darkness was threatening to descend on the secluded valley and everyone was worn out. Kivar offered to keep the first watch, but something inside Liz made her insist on the first shift. She was fascinated by this panther and she couldn’t sleep if she tried, not with it so close to her. She wanted to spend endless hours just looking at it. She wished she could speak to it, ask it questions about life in the jungle and why she felt so strangely connected to it.

Kivar and Larek settled down finally and the sun began to dip below the horizon. Liz was starring off into the sunset as she leisurely stroked the panther’s midnight black fur. She brushed her hand over and over the animal’s lithe frame and as her hand moved to brush down its body again, Liz felt a very human hand clamp around her wrist and a large powerful body drag her to the ground, muffling her scream with its other hand.

---------------------------------------------
Max woke up just as the transformation was beginning to take place and found his side hurting like hell. It had been a very long time since he had been shot last, but it seemed this one had been full of buck shot and had ripped his side open like a vicious bite. His brain was fogged over by the pain and something else. He felt like he had been drugged and he couldn’t seem to get his bearings. He felt the change over take him and felt a hand running through his thick fur as it changed to skin and acted on instinct.

He grabbed the foreign hand and twisted the surprisingly light body under him. He had expected poachers to be much heavier and much more cautious than this. He stared down into the large doe eyes of Dr. Liz Parker, who looked even more surprised to be looking up at him. Then the events of the afternoon came rushing back to him as he managed to shake off the last of the drugs that were running through his body. Liz looked up at him in confusion and then tried to look over to where the panther had been, but Max caught her face and held her attention to him. He pulled her up against him, slowly peeled his hand back from her gaping mouth and without any warning turned and began to drag her with him as he ran through the jungle.

[Strawberry Shortcake 17]

Part 8

Liz could hardly see as brush and foliage wiped past her face, some smacking her and tugging at her cloths. She felt Max’s large warm hand tightly wrapped around her wrist and she could tell a bruise was starting just under his grasp. Liz could hardly see anything as they ran through the dense jungle, deeper into the forbidden territory, away from her comrades.

“Max,” Liz gasped breathlessly. She was not built for this kind of long fast paced running and she could barely keep up with his long flowing strides. His sleek muscular body was outlined as the glowing full moon shed rays of light on the landscape. His naked backside and his strong muscles rippling over his tawny skin had distracted her more times than she would like to admit over the course of this long distance sprint, “Max, please, stop,” Liz forced out with the limited breaths she had left. Liz also noticed a large wound in his side, but it looked like it was already healing, the some of the skin puckered up and pink. It looked like someone had shred his side, but the black stitches laced through it was holding it together nicely.

He finally slowed and looked behind him at her. She stopped and stared directly at him, but he couldn’t miss the deep heaving breaths she was so desperately trying to hide. She didn’t want him to see her weakness, especially now that things in there association had definitely taken an unexpected change.

“Where are you taking me?” Liz finally asked him, breaking the defining silence that had settled between them. Max just looked over her shoulder, hearing her associates stirring and now calling out for her. His hearing was so much acute than hers, so the shouts went unnoticed by Liz.

Max grabbed her wrist again and pulled her further into the jungle and with his superior strength no amount of dragging her feet could stop him. He finally turned around and hoisted her over his shoulder like she weighed nothing more than a feather. Liz marveled at his strength and got an up close and personal view of his very tempting and very naked backside.

Max finally came to a stop and Liz could tell they were near the waterfall from the muffled noises coming from in front of Max. He plucked her up off his shoulder and set her back down onto her feet. Liz quickly backed away from him, only to find herself in a bit of a cave where she couldn’t escape him.

“Stay here,” was all he said as he grabbed a handful of cloths off the floor of the cave and went outside to put them on. Liz took in her surroundings, but couldn’t make much out of them. It was much too dark for her human eyes to see anything, even with the full moon outside. Liz felt along the walls of the cave but froze as she heard a deep feline growl resonate in the cave. She couldn’t see an animal, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t there.

Much, much later, Max came back to the mouth of the cave, this time with a pair of jeans riding low on his lean hips and an olive colored button down shirt hanging over his shoulders, but still unbuttoned, giving Liz a tantalizing view of his delicious form. A black form stalked out from the shadows and a small black panther curled around Max’s leg, rubbing up against him, but the glittering gold eyes were trained on her.

“Max?” Liz asked him tentatively. Something very strange was going on here. Why had Max grabbed her like that and drug her away from her camp site? Why were they so deep into the jungle, into the forbidden territory? Was she his captive or something primitive like that? Where had he been for the last several hours? Why had he been naked? The questions were flashing through Liz’s brain so fast she could hardly register them all.

“It’s not like you think Liz,” he told her, his head slightly down cast. His entire posture emanated his discomfort with the subject and he looked like he was a 4 year old about to admit to stealing the cookies from the jar.

“I’m not at all sure what I think Max, so I have no idea how it couldn’t be what I’m thinking,” Liz told him straight out. Dr. Liz Parker wanted answers and she wasn’t going to dance around.

“I’m not like most guys,” he offered, still refusing to meet her gaze.

“As in you live in the jungle and have a panther for a pet? If that’s what you mean then that isn’t a big deal Max,” she interjected.

“I’m not from around here,” he mumbled.

“Well I kinda figured that, considering you are a Caucasian male in the middle of the Amazonian jungle,” she jumped on his next admission.

“No, I mean I’m really not from around here,” he told her.

“Where are you from Max?” Liz asked, scared to know, but wanting to know just the same.

“Antar,” Max said, finally looking up into her eyes and meeting her questioning gaze.

“Antar? I’ve never heard of…”Liz started to brush him off.

“No one has. It was a little country in central Europe and it was absorbed into Russia in 1494,” Max explained to her.

“That’s just silly Max. You can’t be from somewhere that doesn’t exist anymore,” Liz told him.

“Trust me Liz, I can. Antar may not exist but I do,” he threw at her with a tone full of bite and callused sarcasm.

“Well, if you are from a place that no one has ever heard of and doesn’t exist any more how do you know so much about it?” Liz asked him. She didn’t like his tone and this conversation was getting more and more bizarre.

“Because the country existed up until 1494 which was 4 years after my brothers and I disappeared,” Max replied.

“Max, that isn’t possible. That was like 510 years ago if my math is correct…”Liz stared at him in disbelief.

“Your math is perfect,” he told her.

“So what does that make you, like 535?” Liz asked him sarcastically.

“542 on my next birthday actually, but thank you for the benefit of the doubt,” Max answered her.

“That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. How can you possibly be over 500 years old and look like you are in your late 20’s?” Liz threw her arms up in exasperation. This was getting more outrageous by the second. If Max thought he was funny, he couldn’t be father from it.

“I’m well preserved if you will,” Max replied, “I’m not like most guys Liz.”

“Yeah, I know, you already said that,” Liz said, walking away from him and toward the pond that was connected to the waterfall.

“I don’t know how to prove it to you other than to show you,” Max tried to tell her.

“What do you mean show me?” Liz looked at him, her head cocked to the side in confusion.

“Liz, I want to you to just stay quiet and listen to what I’m going to tell you. Don’t interrupt, because I don’t have a lot of time,” Max could feel the sun getting closer to rising and he knew his transformation would be very soon, “My real name is Maxwell Zander and I was born in 1462 to the king and queen of the small prosperous country Antar. I am the eldest and my 3 brothers, Michael, Alexander and Kyle were all cursed by a wicked sorceress named Ava.”

“Max, that doesn’t make an ounce of sense. Sorceresses and magic aren’t real,” Liz tried to tell him.

“I wasn’t finished;” he told her coolly, “Magic is very much real. My brothers and I are living proof, for we are cursed to walk the earth the way Ava saw us, as half men and half beasts. I have not seen my brothers in over 510 years for I have been trapped by this curse every agonizing year to spend every day as a beast and every night as a man.”

“There is no way in hell I’m believing that bunch of crap Max. If you didn’t want me to know the truth you could have just told me so instead of making up this pile of junk,” Liz said, her hands on her hips, shaking her head.

“The only way you’ll believe me is if I show you,” Max said as he shrugged out of his shirt. He pulled up his arms and showed her the large gash on his side that had the stitched in it, “I got this wound this afternoon. Kivar’s shot was dead on. It’s too bad I can’t die,” Max said like it was no big deal that he had been shot.

“Kivar shot a panther this afternoon. I should know, I stitched it,” Liz told him in correcting tone.

“I know, and I wanted to tell you thank you for that. I could have hurt you had I woken up but you fixed me up anyway. Not many people would have been brave enough to assist a wild animal like that,” Max said to her, rubbing his large hand over the wound. Liz looked at the wound more carefully and her eyes widened as she recognized the zigzag pattern she herself had stitched into the panther’s side. She looked up at Max and his expression said that he wasn’t toying with her or lying and that scared Liz more than anything in the entire world. If what Max was saying was true…

Max moved and started taking off his pants and Liz turned her face away, even though it was harder to do than she would have like to admit. “What are you doing?” she asked him, blushing beet red.

“I like these pants and I don’t want to rip them when the change happens,” he replied in a nonchalant tone, like he was talking about a regular, every day occurrence.

“When the what happens?” but Max never got the chance to answer as the sun crested the horizon and before Liz’s very eyes Max’s body began to reshape itself, popping and contorting, fur bursting forth from his skin and his features elongating. It seemed like it lasted for hours, but it only took seconds and there in front of Liz in the same place Max had been standing just a moment ago stood the largest black panther she had ever seen. The same panther that had attacked Larek and Kivar had shot. The same panther she had spent the afternoon tending to and caring for. The same black panther who should be lying next to the campsite Max had drug her from so many hours ago.

Liz heard her terrorized scream, but it sounded so far away. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she had passed out long before her body ever crumpled to the ground.

TBC…

PS-For those of you who were questioning the whole why it hurt Max when he got shot:

The answer is that it would hurt anybody if you got shot; he just recovers way faster than humans or animals. He can’t be killed by anything man made, but he can still be hurt by it. I hope that answers your questions. Thanks for reading.

[Strawberry Shortcake 17]

Max's origins will all be explained in this part. I hope it was worth the wait, cause I know it was hard to write. I wanted it to be believeable and truthful with the rest of the stroy, so hopefully it is.


Part 9

Max stared down at Liz’s prone form that was sprawled out on the grass before him. He sighed heavily but it sounded more like a deep grunt of frustration. Casually Max dipped his tail in the pond and carried back over to Liz, wiping the cool damp fur across her brow.

Liz’s eyes fluttered as she finally came to and sat up slowly taking in her surroundings. She looked to her side and there sat a very large black panther who was staring at her as if waiting for her reaction. The creature did not have to wait long.

“Oh my god!” Liz yelled as she scrambled to her feet, “Am I still unconscious, because this so can’t be real?” Max stalked toward her and Liz retreated, step for step in an attempt to keep away from the beast, “I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but Max, if that really is you, even though I still don’t believe any of this, if any part of you are is in there, would you please consider not eating me?”

The panther stopped, turned his head, and let out a noise that sounded distinctly like a sarcastic laugh. Liz kept backing up until she finally found herself pressed tight against a tall rock wall, but not just a wall, more like a small cavern worked into the rock that surrounded her. She was trapped with no chance of escape and had a fierce beast moving toward her. Liz sank down to the ground and curled up into a ball, covering her head with her arms in attempt to save herself for the impending attack.

Liz heard the crunch of the grass under the animal’s large paws as its footfalls progressed toward her and her only thought was how she wished she hadn’t made that promise to her grandmother that she wouldn’t get eaten by any wild beasts in the jungle. She had never made a promise to her grandmother that she hadn’t kept, but it was looking like that tradition was going to end tragically and quickly.

She felt the first tentative touch of the panther’s silky fur against her exposed skin of her upper arm and an involuntary shiver ran through her. The animal pressed its muzzle against her knee and began to rub and caress her legs with its head and body. Liz was nearly knocked over with his strength and when she finally poked her head out from her arms she found the panther sitting in front of her, waiting patiently as ever for her to respond to him.

The panther advanced and out of instinct Liz shrank back, but as the creature pressed its massive head under her small hand she heard a distinctive voice in her head. “Liz, can you hear me?” the deep male voice asked inside her mind. Liz pulled her hand back as if she had been burned, but the panther ducked his head under her hand quickly before it was out of his reach. “Liz, I need you to hold still,” the voice commanded. Liz wasn’t sure if it was out of fear or the obedience the voice asked for in a tone that was not used to being questioned she held stock still as the animal positioned himself more comfortably under her palm.

“Liz, I need you to keep your hand on my body. I can’t talk to you unless you’re touching me and I have a lot to tell you.” Max’s voice moved through her mind like liquid butter. It soothed over her like a soft summer wind and sent chills down her body.

“Max?” Liz tentatively asked. She was looking at the panther and still couldn’t fathom that she was sitting next to a wild animal and it was possibly talking in her head, let alone the possibilities that it might be Max on the inside of the impressive creature.

“Liz, I need you to talk to me through our connection. I have a hard time understanding you when I’m in this form. I can pick up a few things, but it is all rather garbled. If you want to say something to me, just think it.” Max explained to her.

“But I don’t know how to do that. Max, this is crazy,” Liz said out loud and looked down at the panther who was staring up at her.

“Please just try. All you need to do is think what you want to say and feel yourself sending it to my body,” Max’s confident voice pushed her to try. Liz gulped down the nervous tension out of her throat, closed her eyes, and focused.

“Max?” her unsure voice sounded in his head.

“You did it Liz, you did it!” Max’s excited voice roared in her head and Liz threw her arms up in a shout of victory and without even thinking, threw her arms around the panther and hugged him close.

Max groaned at the close contact to Liz. God she felt so good. Her skin was pressed close to his chest and she hugged him with open abandon. What he wouldn’t give to hold her as a man instead of being forced to remain passive as a panther. Liz was still tentative about this whole half man half beast thing and he knew he needed to take things slow.

Liz pulled back quickly at the noise Max made, worried that it was a signal that she shouldn’t be touching him like that. Liz pulled her hands back to her sides and Max quickly noticed her diminishing posture and ducked his head under her hand.

“Liz, don’t pull away. I’m sorry if I might have frightened you or something like that, but please don’t pull away. I have a lot to explain to you and I need you to listen with an open mind,” Max asked her in her head. This was going to be hard not only for her, but for him as well. Rehashing all this painful history would be one of the hardest things he had ever done. He had never told anyone the full story of the curse, not even Regan or Tojo, but he knew he couldn’t hold any of it back from Liz, not when she could be the only person in over 500 years that could save him.

“I think my mind is pretty open, considering I’m talking in my head with a panther that changes into a man named Max who thinks he’s a prince from a country that ceased to exist in the 15th century. I think my mind is about as open as it ever could be. I’m still not convinced that I’m having a very long and very strange dream, so start talking Buster and start from the beginning,” Liz shook her head at her words. Coming out of her mouth they sounded even more bizarre, but now that she was wrapped up in this fantasy, she should see where it goes. If it did turn out to be a dream then the book rights to this story would make her a very rich woman.

“I was born in 1462 to King Philippe and Queen Diane Elaine. My father’s parents were Lord Antonio Evangelo of Spain and Lady Gabriella, youngest daughter of Princess Anna of France. My mother’s family was the royal family of Antar and my parent’s marriage had been a strategic political move with France and Spain. The country was suffering under a huge debt to England and they needed France and Spain to lend heavily money laced hands. They were struggling after the English had invaded the country and then pulled out when they shifted their focus to colonization, but not before they had changed the entire financial system and raped the land of many of its resources.

Philippe and Diane were never all that fond of each other, but they both understood the need for heirs and future champions for the country if it was going to survive. Diane gave birth to 4 sons, Maxwell Zander, Michael Ranthanor, Alexander Douglas, and Kyle James. We were each given lands and titles, mine being the crown prince.

Our marriages had been arranged long before we could even walk and each of them had been to some rich deb with political connections who could help Antar even more. Neither me, nor any of my brothers were all too thrilled about the idea of being married off like prize bulls, but we had very little choice. We knew we couldn’t escape our fates, but we could delay them for a while.

We changed women like we changed shirts. We cut a wide swath throughout France and broke hearts all over the English countryside, but it was Greece where we hit the end. I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever met. Her name was Ava Demateo. She was slim, blonde and was the best lover I had ever had,” Max explained whistfully before he was cut off.

“Too much information buddy, stick to the story, not the intimate details,” Liz broke through the connection to yell at him.

“Sorry, I digress. Anyway, Ava was my date throughout the Grecian season and she reveled in being the date of a prince. She believed I would renounce my impeding marriage to Lady Serena Moreno of Spain. Heck, they had all believed I would at one point in our relationships, but it could never happen. I had to marry Serena and there was no changing that fact, no matter how much I wanted that to be different. It wasn’t that I didn’t like Serena. Actually, she was a very nice woman, but I couldn’t stand the thought of having no say in my life. I had this fancy notion of marrying for love, and I defiantly wasn’t in love with Serena.

My brother’s and I enjoyed our few months of freedom in Greece and we had already made plans to go to France to visit our grandmother and the lovely French women we knew would be waiting. My brother’s dates had each moved on, knowing that they were just as stuck as I was in their impending nuptials, but Ava would not give up. I tried numerous times to let her down easy, explaining my situation and why we just couldn’t be. She told me she could find a way around it, she was richer and had more connections, but nothing would change my parents’ minds.

We left for France and I remember breathing a sigh of relief that Ava hadn’t showed up at the pier to see us off. I thought it was finally over, that was until we made our way to our cabins and I found Ava in my room. She was sitting on the floor, surrounded by candles and a statue of the goddess Artemis. I never believed in those ancient gods and goddesses of Greek culture, but Ava did. She was a high priestess of Artemis, or so she told me. She was chanting in Greek and rocking back and forth.

I ran to her and tried to get her attention, but her eyes were glazed over and she didn’t stop chanting. I tried to shake her, but then I felt myself flying across the room and being pinned against the wall. Her eyes had turned a strange opaque white with no pupils. Her eerie eyes stared at me with a force that scared the hell out of me. Things began to fly around the room and Ava shouted ‘This is for your own good,”.

The world went black and I woke up in the dead of night in the middle of this jungle. I searched for hours for some sign of life and found no one, nothing, only other creatures and dense jungle. I had no idea where I was or why, but I knew Ava had sent me here. I may never know why she did this or what happened to my brothers. I finally hid in this valley with the waterfall in the cave. I built a fire to ward off the other creatures.

I woke up at the first sign of light and that’s when I felt it, the change. It hurt so badly the first time. It felt like my entire body was being ripped apart and then being reshaped in the same second. It seemed like it lasted for hours, but it was over in less than a minute. Then I found myself in the body of a giant panther. I couldn’t get a grip on my senses or my new body. It was like being a baby and learning how to do everything over again,” Max told her.

“God, that must have been so hard,” Liz rubbed her hand over his head, never breaking contact, but still trying to sooth him. No one had been there for him in his time of need and even though it was much too little much too late, she still wanted to comfort him.

“It was,” he purred in satisfaction. It didn’t matter what form he was in, Liz’s touch would still affect him like nothing he had ever felt. It was pure bliss being this close to her for this long. He felt this strange pull toward her, like she was a strong magnet and he was made completely out of metal. He couldn’t have resisted the pull if he tried.

“How did you survive?” Liz asked him.

“It took me a long time to learn how to use my panther self, but that form was much more effective for hunting. I had to learn the ways of the jungle and often I let the instinct take over. I knew this valley was special and I knew I need to ward off the other creatures who would want to challenge me, so I had to let the beast lead me. I think I would have become pure animal if it wasn’t for Tojo’s ancestors.

I encountered a medicine man that was collecting plants in my valley about 20 years after the change. Somehow he knew I wasn’t just a panther and approached me. I didn’t know I could talk with him through contact, but when he reached out his hand and began to stroke my head, I saw images and I could hear strange words, but they were much to garbled. It was the pictures that I understood. They were of his people and his family and of him and how they were moving to this area and he was asking permission of sorts to live here. I nodded my head and sank back into the underbrush.

It was all kind of overwhelming, considering he was my first human contact in over 2 decades and even though we couldn’t understand each other’s language; he came to visit me everyday. After his death, I met his son, the next medicine man and his son after him, and so began the tradition, leading up to Tojo,” Max explained to her.

“Tojo is a medicine man?” Liz asked.

“Yes, he is,” Max replied.

“Well, he didn’t act very friendly toward you when you showed up at the camp the other night,” Liz pointed out.

“He had his reasons,” Max told her. He didn’t want to tell her that the reason he had fired his knife at him was a warning shot to keep Max away from Liz. Tojo knew that was why he was there and he was just trying to protect Liz, but there was nothing that anyone could do that would keep him away.

“So, how closely are you tied to those bizarre Zandakor legends?” Liz asked him, jokingly.

“I didn’t start them, but I’m definitely who they are about,” Max answered sheepishly, “Tojo’s great-great-great grandfather started them when the Europeans began to explore the continent. He figured it would protect me from the bulk of the unwanted visitors and I could fend off the ones who were foolish enough to enter my lands,” Max looked up at Liz and he could see that she was starting to droop in the oppressive heat of the jungle and she didn’t really sleep last night, “I feel like I’ve talked your ear off. How about you nap for a while?”

“I can’t, not out here by myself,” Liz yawned out loud as she spoke in his mind.

“I’ll protect you Liz. I promise I won’t leave your side the entire time you sleep,” Max told her.

“Do you promise?” Liz asked sleepily as she moved to lay down in the shade.

“I swear on my life,” Max swore in her mind.

“Just swear you’ll be by my side,” Liz mumbled as she drifted off.

Max curled up by Liz’s side and whispered to her, “Forever, if you’ll let me,” but she was already fast asleep.

TBC…