Page 65 of Finding Her Panthers

“The feeling is slowly coming back.” I wiggle my pinky.

“Probably hurts like a bitch, too,” James sympathizes.

“Understatement.”

“I saw the leftover scraps out there that were once Scotty.” Ryker eyes James carefully.

“So?” James narrows his eyes.

“Didn’t know you had it in you, that’s all.”

“You don’t know me well.”

“I take back the no-ball statement.” He grins.

“Appreciate it.” James smiles.

“What the hell is all the talk about balls? What happened while I was gone?” I demand.

“We weren’t in the best shape when our mate was taken from us.” James glares at Ryker, daring him to say more.

I wish I could have all my mates around right now. I am surprised how much I missed them in such a short period. Blue didn’t even look at me in the barn. That worries me. He is the last to mate me; hopefully the things I have done don’t affect how he feels about me. My panther is scratching to get out, to run, and bond with all of her mates. She is in complete agreement that we should go home.

“That would be the doc. Ryker?” James says.

“Got it.” He goes to the door to welcome Estes.

The doc takes in the room, his gaze skipping over us to land on Penny, a sympathetic look on his face. He carefully sits next to her, making sure not to brush against her. “Well, you got yourself into some trouble.” He looks over at me sternly. “You don’t look too great. After I examine her, I’ll check you out. Any severe injuries?” he asks.

“She was chained up by her wrists for about 24 hours. The feeling is just starting to come back, although the bruising looks the same,” James answers for me, lifting my arm to get a closer look.

“I can answer questions that are about me,” I say, annoyed, pulling my arm from his grasp, causing me to gasp in pain.

“I see the kidnapping did not take away your independence,” the doc says wryly.

“No, it's only made it worse,” I admit.

“Sorry, I was afraid I would never be able to speak to you again, so I got carried away,” James says.

Now I just feel like a bitch for snapping. I promised myself I would learn to depend on them more, not jump on their ass at the first innocent comment.

“No, I’m sorry. It’s just a reflex. I’ll work on it.” I kiss him.

“All her vitals are normal. I need to see where this man has his office. He must have notes, or if he has some of his injections set up, I can test them. Counteract the medicine.” He stands up, looking between us.

“Go, James, I’ll be fine. I won’t try to get up.” He reluctantly leaves me in the room with Penny. Along with a huge, breathtaking vampire who’s staring at me.

“I admire you. You held your own. In my coven, you would be considered a warrior,” he says.

“Wow, thank you.” I am ridiculously flattered.

“They are lucky to have you on their side.” He just keeps the compliments going. I can understand his appeal even though I have three fine mates. “James is downplaying how much they fell apart. James was a mess. Zombie status. Jax wanted to kill everyone.”

“What about Blue?” I ask.

“He held it together a little better but only because he didn’t have all of your emotions gathering inside of him too. He was the one leading the charge.” He smiles slightly. “A word of advice, when Blue pushes you away because he feels like this was all his fault, don’t allow it.”

“Why would he think that?” I sit forward, cringing when my stomach muscles clench.

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