Page 4 of Chasing Savannah
Chapter 2
“I need you on your best behavior.” Savannah admonished.
She ran a hand over her son’s short cropped hair and down the soft skin of his cocoa colored cheeks. Savannah straightened his shirt. Jamie had been with his father last weekend, and the hours in the sun showed in the darkening of his skin, hiding the barely visible spots that covered his body from the neck down.
Those spots told her that her son would grow into a fully shifting panther. She was latent, meaning she couldn’t shift and had no panther spirit, so she’d never had those spots growing up. That Jamie had them worried her, but was an immense source of pride. Being a latent shifter, the granddaughter of the Alpha no less, had always been used against her. Jamie proved that the genes in her family ran true.
Her eight-year-old shrugged and rolled his eyes. “It’s just new neighbors, mom, no big deal.”
“Nevertheless, she has two young boys your age, we don’t want them to think we’re crazy.”
“To know,” he corrected. All the same, he used a small bit of power to hide his spots completely.
She pulled his ear and laughed. “Let’s go.”
She glanced once more at herself in the foyer mirror, adjusting the peasant top she wore over jean shorts. The shirt fell off one shoulder, an effect she loved, as it showed off her smooth brown skin. She locked the door as they walked out and trod the few steps next door. She was holding chicken wings from a supermarket in one hand and rang the doorbell with the other.
The door opened and the hottie who’d helped her change her tire was there with a smile on his face. Her gaze devoured him, taking stock of his every feature for her dreams later that night. His dark skin gleamed under the porch light. He exuded power, from his chiseled jaw to his high, sharp cheekbones. His ears were small, the tips of them narrowing into a noticeable point. Another feature marking him as ‘other’. He narrowed his almond shaped eyes on her and Jamie.
“It has to be my lucky day.” He murmured.
“I’m Jamie, are you a panther?” Her son spoke first, and with zero filter.
Her mouth dropped open and she put her free hand over her son’s mouth. “Excuse him. That was rude.”
And yet…she really wanted the answer herself. His features and his scent gave him away, but her instincts were dulled a bit due to her being latent, so confirmation would be nice.
Derrick laughed and the sound brought every one of her cells to life, a rush of blood flushing her skin. He grabbed her son’s extended hand.
A pulse of power filled the air and Derrick’s eyes changed to gold. “I am, how did you know?”
Jamie shot his mother a look. Sheepishly, she removed her hand from his mouth.
“I can tell.” He said in answer.
“Can you now?” Intrigued, Derrick sent her a look full of questions. She shrugged.
“Who’s at the door?” The voice belonged to the woman she’d seen getting out of the U-Haul.
“Your gorgeous neighbor.” Derrick answered.
Savannah’s cheeks heated. “I’m sure the food in my hand is bringing the flattery out of your friend.”
The woman laughed and extended her hand. “I’m Laura.” Her hair was dark brown, with copper highlights and pulled back into a high ponytail. Her tawny skin was smooth, and unadorned with makeup. Gold, heavily lashed eyes watched Savannah with curiosity.
She handed the food to Derrick and grabbed Laura’s hand. “I’m Savannah, this is my son Jamie, we live just next door. I know how stressful moving is, so I brought you something to welcome you to the hood.”
Laura’s eyes lit. “That’s great! The boys are running around here somewhere, they’re about the same age as your son. Come in.”
Derrick stepped back, his eyes traveling down the length of her. Savannah passed him to enter the house, and the heat from his body seeped into her skin. She would need to be careful around him.
Two rambunctious boys darted from a hallway and into the living room. Their skin was golden, darker than their mother’s, faded spots visible on their arms and legs in their shorts as they slid to a stop. Laura waved them over.
“These two monsters are Ian and Ross. Boys, this is our new neighbor Ms. Savannah and her son, Jamie.”
The boys smiled and waved. “We can show you our new room if you want.” They offered.
Jamie, usually reticent with strangers looked up at her with a smile on his face. “Can I, mom?”
