Chapter 10

When they arrived back at their home Stella looked around for Persu. "Mac... where is Persu?"

"He's out running the jungle, making sure it is safe. Though I swear he has a girlfriend," he laughed.

"Aww... very sweet. Now my husband. I'm your new queen, so you have to tell me how you jumped us both up that tree."

"Another time love. You need to rest. I have to go into the village tomorrow and shop. You need some clothes and food."

"Oh no, my husband. I wish to dress like you. So you get me some of that skin you're wearing and I'll make myself a Jane costume."

Now McCanna did laugh. "My love, I don't always dress like this. Just when I'm in the jungle. When I go into the village I wear clothes like you. But if you wish a two piece loin cloth, I shall pick you up the material to make it, how's that?"

"Sounds fair, but why can't I go with you Mac. I don't want to be here alone."

"It's to dangerous, Stella. Please understand, I can't take the chance on losing you. Persu will keep you company. He can show you my jungle by day."

"Um... do you need money? I lost all mine when I was pushed."

"Stella, I'm not an eccentric. I know all about life in America and how to earn and handle money. I spent my younger years there. I returned back here when I was twenty. This is my jungle as I told you before. I learned how to jump trees from Persu, he taught me how to leap extraordinary heights. It is all in the mind and upper body. I can read minds thanks to my father, it was a gift he had been born with, ESP they call it. Persu can read your thoughts too, so watch what you think around him. He can be very cheeky at times."

"So Persu and Hilda are not human?"

"No. Persu was our Shaman. He has the ability to change into the jaguar cat. He can move freely on the ground, in the water, and jump trees. This is the form most Shaman take. His abilities are endless. He's never changed back to human form since we lost our tribe years ago. He seems to prefer being a cat. He will protect you with his life if the need be, Stella.

"And Hilda?"

As for Hilda, she is witch, just like her father and grandfathers before her. Now don't panic, but she is over 400 years old. She has amazing abilities. One of them being able to change herself into anything she wishes. When she comes to visit, you need to keep Persu and her apart. They do not get along. Never have. To a Shaman, a witch is the purest of evil. In any shape or form."

"Would they ever hurt each other?"

"No love. They just like to toy with each other. I keep telling them one day the two of them will fall in love. Though I try not to say that to often anymore. Perus hisses and spits at me, and Hilda seem to curse me with extra limbs."

Stella laughed. Aww... you must have such a great life here, and they are wonderful to have stayed with you. I'd still like to know why they chose me."

"I promise you will know soon. We should be seeing Hilda sometime today with news on your hunters."

Getting up off McCanna's lap, Stella headed to the door. Opening it, she seen Persu laying in a tree with his tail swinging. Walking over to him, Stella said... "Up please, Persu." Gently placing her shirt between his teeth, he lifted her onto the tree. "Thank you." Leaning up, he licked her cheek while looking at McCanna.

"You like to tease him, don't you?" Persu gave her what looked like a smile, then he started purring again. A few minutes later, McCanna came out fully dressed in black jeans and a white tshirt. Leaving Stella once again breathless. His body was so beautiful. No matter what he wore he wore it well. All the way down to his shoes.

Jumping up into the tree, Stella laughed. "I really need to learn how to do that." Leaning in, McCanna kissed her, then looking at Persu he said... "protect her." Letting out a roar, McCanna jumped back down to the ground and disappeared into the jungle.

tbc...