Page 6 of Chasing Savannah
The conversation turned to more mundane things, like local attractions and things to do. She hadn’t planned on spending so much time there, but they were a great couple and she enjoyed talking with them. The whole time she sat there, she was a little flushed because Derrick kept eyeing her. There was definite interest in his eyes as he raked looks over her. Every time he spoke, her body reacted. She stood, needing to put space between them. Not quite running away, but it was a good facsimile.
“I don’t want to take up a lot of your time this evening. You must be tired. I’m just next door if you need anything.”
“Thanks so much.” Laura gave her hug.
Derrick hopped up from his stool. “I’ll walk them out.”
Her breath hitched as he smiled down at her. She looked away. “Jamie!”
Her son scurried around the corner, his face sweaty. She rolled her eyes, imagining what three eight-year-olds had gotten into. She waved good night and walked to the front door.
Derrick opened the door and leaned on the jamb. “So, how long have you been divorced?”
“Six years.”
He ghosted a touch down her arm. “No lingering feelings?” his voice was mild, but the porch light caught his eyes and she read the hunger in them.
Though his touch had been light, electricity raised the hair on her arm. The space in the center of her chest fluttered as her power awakened.
“None.” She smiled and grabbed her son’s hand, leaving.
His gaze was a living, breathing touch on her back, it followed her across the yard and over to her house. She turned and waved as she unlocked the door. He gave her a small salute and a smile that made her salivate. It had been a while since she’d felt the warmth that awakened her sex. Even longer since she’d experienced the flush of excitement and tingles that came with flirting.
Derrick stood in the open doorway and watched Theo’s new neighbor until she closed her front door. Tension tightened his body, impatience and need warring within him.
“She’ll be ours soon,” he murmured to soothe his panther.
She was beautiful, and everything he’d seen in his vision. Her eyes were so dark and expressive, he’d enjoyed watching her every emotion flicker across them when they touched. He couldn’t wait to get to know her. So far he found her smart, funny, and confident. He loved that. He’d watched her talking, entranced by her energy.
He’d been stunned when he spotted her kneeled over her car tire earlier today. Just like the first time he met Carlos, in Savannah he saw home. A warm feeling of relief had overtaken him the very moment her eyes had met his. That warmth had quickly turned to scorching heat the moment the honeyed tone of her voice flowed over him.
He took a step onto the porch, compulsion driving him to her. He stopped and shook his head.
Carlos was right in that he didn’t have time to pursue her. And yet, he stared into the darkening evening, unwilling to miss even a moment of her. Her scent still stirred on the air, and his panther was anxious to track it, and her. He reminded himself that he was one step closer to the family he wanted. He needed to focus.
Territory first, then the reward of a mate.
“Savannah.” He whispered her name, allowing himself that small taste of her.
“Beta,” Theo called behind him.
He gave one last look to Savannah’s doorway and turned, walking back into the house. “Yeah?”
Theo studied him, his shrewd gaze roving Derrick’s face.
“What?”
“Is she the one?” Theo nudged his head towards the door.
Derrick flexed his hands, thinking about the power that coursed through his body at her simple touch. “It’s happening.”
“It’s not like you’re not prepared. For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve been waiting for her. What does Carlos say?”
He gave his friend a droll look.
Theo laughed. “One of these days he’ll believe you the first time around.”
“I only have a week here, Theo, I need you to—”
“Say no more, Beta. I’ll protect her like my own.”
Derrick rolled his shoulders and let out a relieved breath. He trusted Theo with his life, and now the life of his mate. Impatience stirred. “I need these negotiations to go well.”
“It’s me you’re talking to. When have I ever let you down?” Theo held out his arms.
He grunted. In the years that they’d served together, and the years it had taken them to establish their budding prowl, Theo had been there, every step of the way, helping him nudge Carlos along. His fast talking charm kept them out of trouble as they built their prowl. If there was anyone who he could count on to get them this territory, it was Theo.
He walked to the door and gave one last lingering look out of the side window towards Savannah’s house. He didn’t have the time now…but soon.
