Leopard's Run (Leopard People, #10)

by Christine Feehan

Timur sank down onto the floor beside the dying man. Oddly, he identified with him. That very well could have been his fate—asking his enemy to help his leopard as they passed from the world. Like Timur, Anton had been born into that world of violence. He’d given his allegiance to the head of their lair, as they were taught almost from their first breath. He’d lived a life of pure hell, forcing his raging leopard to be among prey every minute while he lived his double life as an Interpol agent and enforcer for Lazar. He’d done his duty, just as Timur had. They’d just chosen different sides. Ashe sank down beside him, taking his hand, but leaning toward Anton. There was no animosity on her face. She didn’t really understand—no one who hadn’t lived their life could—but she still had that compassion in her Timur had come to rely on. “He needed you,” Anton explained. Blood bubbled around his lips. He coughed. Timur could see his leopard staring at Ashe. He tightened his fingers around her hand. It felt small, which was deceptive, because she was a very strong woman. She reached with her other hand and laid her palm very gently on Anton’s face and stared back at the leopard. She didn’t move until the light had faded completely from his eyes. Then she turned to Timur and buried her face in his chest and wept. He