Page 11 of Finding Her Panthers

“Do you want to talk about the real reason you are down here punishing yourself?” Jax asks softly.

This is one of the many reasons Jax is an Alpha. He can reach in and pull out all of your insecurities and fears. Whether you want him to or not.

“I’m good. I just hope Blue gets his head out of his ass soon. From what I have gathered, she hasn’t had the best time growing up, which would be difficult as a human. But as a shifter, to not have that support system is bad. We don’t even know it all yet, barely any. He could trigger a deep memory for her. We have to all be on the same page,” I deflect.

“Yes, she may run at some point. And from what we know, I wouldn’t blame her. But all we can do is be here for her when she does. Blue will step up. We know him. He will always be there and do the hard thing when he knows it’s right. Now, he’s just protecting his heart,” he explains.

“How do you know? Do you know where this comes from?” I narrow my eyes.

“Of course,” he shrugs.

“Well?”

“Do you want me to discuss where your fear comes from?” The smug asshole looks at me pointedly.

“Fine, Alpha. You win,” I concede.

“I haven’t won. If I won, you both would admit to what you are feeling,” he says, quietly standing and walking upstairs.

I stare blankly at the doorway. He’s good.

From a young age, I knew we were born in the correct order, that he would be the one to lead us. We all rely on him, us and the pack, the club, even our parents. He takes care of them. Not that our dads would admit such a thing. They are still young enough to take care of our mom, but Jax has taken so much off of their plate. Not for the first time. I wonder if he ever gets sick of it. Being the dependable one.

Just like I get sick of being a comedian.

Chapter Five

Harmony

The smell of something yummy pulled me out of the fantastic dream I was having. Something with my mates, showering, and cookies. I can never remember details from my dreams. I just remember feeling wonderfully pleasured and full. I’m not complaining, and it was a nice change from my usual ones.

I reluctantly get out of bed and stumble to the bathroom. I stare at myself in the mirror. Yesterday was not a dream. I did find my mates and somehow landed in this amazing house in the country. I shake my head at my reflection. If I go by past experience, this won’t last long, but they are all in if I go by what they are telling me. Well, maybe not Blue. That thought brings an ache to my chest.

Well, I can’t stand here all day. I need to face them.

I brush my hair and teeth and leave my room, following my nose to the kitchen. The aroma of bacon and Jax is thick in the air. He must be cooking. Who knew an Alpha could cook?

As I step off the last step and face the kitchen, I am struck dumb.

Yum.

I certainly found him. All of him. All he has on is a pair of low-hanging grey sweats. I was right. He does have that lickable vee at his hips. He is covered in tattoos like James, except his are all in black and grey. Yesterday, his arms were covered, but they are all on glorious display today. His right arm is a skeleton's arm. Imagining him running his hand over me gives me the chills. He’s not as muscular as James, but I can see the power and strength in his swimmer's build. I have never seen so many men with so many abs. His deep black hair is tousled, falling into his eyes as he flips bacon.

As shifters, we burn calories fast, so it’s not common to find anyone like us out of shape, but we still had to work at it. No matter what I did, I couldn’t lose the little pooch on my stomach or work off the extra on my ass. It's ridiculous how perfect my mates are. It’s not fair. To make them this hot, too, doesn’t calm my heat.

I startle as Jax touches the corner of my mouth with his thumb, probably to wipe off the drool pooling there. I didn’t even realize I walked over to him and stood in front of him, staring like an idiot.

“You done?” he whispers.

“Ummm….wh..what?” I stutter.

“Are you done checking me out so I can greet my mate?” He chuckles, kissing the side of my neck as he wraps his arm around me.

“It is rude to bring up un-ladylike behavior,” I lecture, losing all credibility as I moan when he works his way up my neck with his lips, ending at my ear, giving it a soft, playful bite.

“I’m so sorry. I would never want to be rude to you. I give you permission to stare at me all you want.” He brings his mouth so close to mine I can feel the words.

“Thank you. I appreciate it.” My heart is pounding uncontrollably.

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