Page 39 of Finding Her Panthers

James shifts first, his panther walking over to rub against my legs. His eyes are gazing at me affectionately, the yellow enhanced in panther form. I run my hand down his back, enjoying the silky texture. This is the first time I have been this close to a shifter, the first time I have felt one. I’m so glad it’s James.

Jax and Blue shift together. Seeing all three together, so much like me but different, is such a special moment. They stand strong, waiting for me. I thought it would be harder to tell them apart, but besides their eyes being different, their bodies are slightly different. Jax is the biggest of them, powerful, even in this form. Blue is close to him but not quite as tall. James is the smallest but only to them. Against anyone else, he is massive.

They wait patiently for me to take them in. I close my eyes and welcome the change more than I ever have. Once my paws meet the grass, I look up at them through my enhanced senses, almost blinded by the beauty of them and this moment.

They circle me nuzzling, and licking my neck, getting used to their mate. My panther is purring inside and out, so happy to be one in this way with them finally. Jax lets out a growl signaling that it's time to run and takes off into the trees. Blue and Jax hold back and wait for me to go next, then they will protect my back. Everything blurs around me, my legs propelling me to find my Alpha. I slow when I see him waiting and watching me run towards him.

It’s hard to explain how we communicate. I still have my thoughts but also the thoughts of my panther. I can feel the words of my mates in my head. In my body, I instinctively know what they are saying. I know they want to play with me. So I am ready when Jax leaps at me, taking me to the ground, his paws hitting my shoulders. He playfully bites at my neck, growling.

This is freedom. The freedom to be what I was meant to be. The fresh air in my lungs, the wind blowing in my coat, the sun shining down, warming me from the inside out.

We play in the stream that runs through the property and then sun ourselves on the bank. We climb trees and lounge on the branches, talking to each other in that unique way. We play tag, nipping at the legs of the one to catch at that time. When we get tired, we pile together and doze.

It almost brings tears to my eyes, being able to relax this way, being with my mates where we are safe. I denied myself for so long, bonding with my panther in this way. She has been patient. She never gave up on me and was always there. That’s what love is. I have yearned for acceptance and love throughout my whole life, not bothering to look within to realize that I’ve always had it. I just had to reach in and take it.

The sun starts to set when we decide to go back to the house. I take off first, wanting to beat them there. I hear them close behind me, not close enough to win, though.

I skid to a stop at my pile of clothes, shifting back quickly so I could brag. “I win.” I wave my arms above my head, dancing back and forth, grinning.

“I disagree. They have definitely won.” I whip around in a panic, seeing a striking man standing at the edge of the house watching me.

My mates surround me, growling and snarling at this stranger.

Jax shifts back quickly and shields my body from him. I step closer, pressing against him, and pop my head to the side so I can see.

“What the fuck!” Jax roars. Blue and James are still panthers press tightly against my legs.

“Congratulations, she is stunning.” The man smiles, his long teeth bright in the dark, showing us his vampire heritage. He is in black from head to toe, the black dress shirt stretched to the limit across his muscled chest with black dress pants and the shiny black shoes. He has deadly knives strapped to his chest, adding to his dangerous aura. Hair shoulder-length wavy black hair is blowing in the breeze. It’s his eyes that capture the real attention, holding ancient power and knowledge. He is the stunning one.

“Ryker, how the hell did you get in? And why are you here?” Jax demands.

“Your gate is top of the line. For anyone else, it would be hard to get around. But you forget, I’m not just anyone. As to why, you needed information. I have it.” He stalks closer.

“And you couldn’t call?” Jax now sounds exasperated.

“And miss meeting your mate? I made a decision. I think the information is important.” He gives Jax a nod.

“Fine. Go in the house so my mate can dress without an audience.” Jax waves to the side door.

“Fine. No fun.” Can a vampire pout?

Jax waits until the vampire moves out of view. “Dress fast,” he tells us all.

We all give Jax concerning looks, which he ignores. Jax takes the lead as we enter the house to find the enormous vampire lounging on the oversized recliner like he's holding court. It would be pretty comical if I weren’t so uneasy.

Blue pulls me close as we sit facing him on the couch. Jax perches on my other side, ready to take action if he needs to. James prowls behind us.

“So, I did you this favor. You owe me one of my own anytime in the future.” Ryker holds his arms out wide, leaving his hand offered to Jax. “You agree?”

“Is the information good?” Jax asks.

Ryker narrows his eyes. “Don’t insult me, Jax. You know it is.”

“I agree,” Jax says reluctantly, placing his hand in Ryker’s.

“You wanted to know everything about this Cindy,” he states, waiting for the nod. “I found a lot. It’s alarming,” he warns.

“We know what Cindy is capable of,” Blue growls.

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