Page 71 of Trusting Her Bear

The music was low, and the club wasn’t very crowded. Marie said it was because it was still early, but things would pick up soon. She sat close to her mate, but was leaning forward to talk to Sally, between Bash and Gabby. My sister was beside me, her face all smiles, switching her attention between Breeane and Kade and Cash. They didn’t seem to notice as they sat at the opposite end of us, their faces serious and watching the crowd.

Micah was lounging on the other side of Quinn, a drink in his hand resting on his stomach. His legs were stretched out, and despite his relaxed position, his eyes were active.

Quinn was tense.

“Are you going to have a drink?” I ask, twisting my head.

“No, I need to be sober,” he says. I take a sip of mine and lean back on his chest. His beard catches on my puffed-up hair as he tilts his head down. “You drink as much as you want, Little Cub,” he whispers in my ear. “I’ll take care of you.”

My heart falls just a bite more. “Okay,” I say softly. I cross my legs and shiver when he slides his hand between them; his fingers curled over my thigh.

My straw is between my lips, and my eyes are on his wrist when I smell something different. I slowly raise my eyes.

Holy fuck.

A gorgeous woman, surrounded by three hot men, is walking toward our seats. Her hands are clasped in two of the men's hands. She has long black hair and a body I envy, with curves encased in blue jeans and a tank.

“Panthers,” Quinn mumbles.

I have never met a panther. I have heard there aren’t many.

“Quinn,” one of the men says. He is tall and built. He has dark brown hair and a skeleton arm tattooed down his.

“Jax,” Quinn greets. He is the Alpha. I could have guessed even if I hadn’t heard his name and status.

“Hi,” the woman says to me. “I’m Harmony. I’ve heard about you and wanted to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you.” I smile.

“These are my mates, Jax, Blue, and James.” She motions to each in turn.

“Hello.” I nod.

Blue is big and wears a serious expression. He nods lightly. He has blonde hair with blue tips.

“Don’t mind him,” James says. He has an infectious grin and humor in his eyes. “He’s not fond of bears.”

“Why would you say that?” Harmony cries.

“It’s true,” James says.

“So, you don’t say that when talking to bears,” she continues to scold.

James shrugs. “We all talk about how much we don’t like coyotes,” he states.

“That’s different,” she snaps. “We all agree on that.” Harmony lets go of his hand and sits in front of us on the table. “Don’t listen to him.”

“You are beautiful,” Gabby tells her.

“Oh, thank you,” Harmony says. “You are, too.”

“I’ve never met a panther,” Gabby says.

“This is my sister, Gabby,” I say.

“Are you visiting?” Harmony asks.

“I think I will love it so much, I’ll move here,” Gabby says.

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