Page 31 of Chasing Savannah
Whether in human or panther form, he was stalking her like prey.
She would not get excited, though some primal part of her wanted to stand and preen for him. She suppressed it. When after a moment he didn’t get a response, he sauntered from the woods and approached her. His steps measured, his narrowed eyes holding her captive. Derrick was gorgeous, his body honed and muscular, his dark skin gleaming in the sunlight. His hair was close cropped to his skull, a fresh lineup on the edges framing his face. His five o’clock shadow had grown since she’d last seen him. A short beard framed his chin and gave him a rugged look that stole her breath. He strode from the woods, barefoot with no shirt on and jeans slung low.
The jeans were a little big, so she could only assume he’d grabbed the first pair of pants he’d found lying around. The woods were filled with baskets where wandering panthers would find clothes for when they shifted back.
Her mouth dried as he approached the porch, his movements as graceful as the animal beneath his skin. He leaned over her, planting his hands on the arms of the chair, caging her in.
“Savannah.”
That was all he said. Just her name. His voice, deep and gravelly, filled places in her she’d just recently been aware were empty.
“Derrick,” she said after trying to swallow.
His eyes traced her face, his canny gaze cataloguing her every expression. As he studied her mouth, his tongue swept over his bottom lip. “You didn’t want to play with me?”
She let out a rough exhalation. Lord, she wanted to play with him. He ran his cheek against hers in a greeting she’d not had in years. She closed her eyes and basked in his touch.
“I’m busy helping with the cooking, I can’t go playing in the woods with you.”
He hummed and leaned into her neck. His breath on her skin raised goosebumps. “You smell fantastic.”
“That’s the hungry predator talking, I smell like food.” she whispered as he nuzzled against her skin.
“In more ways than one, little one.” The hair of his beard scraped against the sensitive skin of her neck and her nipples tightened, her core clenching. He pulled back, his onyx eyes scrutinized her.
She couldn’t keep eye contact, so she looked over his shoulder. She kept her hands gripped in her lap, knowing she’d run them over his body if she let them go. Power unfurled within her as he rubbed his head under her chin, his Beta power surging in response. He hummed again, this time satisfaction was laced within the sound. Longing sped her heartbeat and she exhaled a ragged breath. She wanted him like nothing else she’d ever wanted. But she knew the cost. Knew what her body was telling her. Had it simply been Derrick, it may have been different, her fate, possibly averted, but the beginning strings of a Tribond were tethering her to both men so just choosing one was out of the question. Grief welled up and she closed her eyes.
His head lifted, confusion bunching his eyebrows. His panther bled into his eyes, and it was the animal’s wary gaze that appraised her. He lifted his hand, his fingers tracing her face.
“What’s wrong, kitten?” he whispered.
She shook her head knowing if she opened her mouth, tears would be close behind her words. He rubbed his face against the side of hers and she sighed.
“There’s going to be dancing tonight.” He used a sing song voice that made her smile, despite her mood. “Will you dance with me, gorgeous?”
She cleared her throat and nodded.
He smiled, his straight white teeth showing the hungry predator lurking beneath his human façade. “I’ll leave you to your grandmother’s rule, but I’ll see you later tonight.”
Derrick backed away and she nodded. She considered leaving before then, but discarded the thought before it fully formed.
He leaned back in suddenly, his face once again serious. “Are you thinking of escape, Savannah?”
Her eyes widened, guilt rising. She scoffed, forcing nonchalance into her tone. “After all the work I’ve done, I’m not leaving until I’m too full walk.”
He smiled and her power spiked again. She wondered if it was because Carlos had included her in the prowl link.
“See you later then.” He leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips.
She blinked in surprise at his boldness. She watched him leave, the muscles on his back flexing, those jeans giving her a peek of his ass.
“Savi,” her grandmother’s voice startled her and she realized she’d still been staring at the spot he’d disappeared.
“Yes, Grandmother?” She turned towards the front door.
Rebecca stood with her shoulder against the jamb and stared for a moment. “Why are you fighting it so hard, love?”
Savannah sighed, pushing up out of the chair. “Prowl life isn’t for me. Didn’t you hear the little demonstration Lydia put on for everyone in the kitchen?”
