Page 31 of Finding Her Panthers

“How would a stranger get to our offices without being noticed?” Jax is clearly annoyed.

“Well, I’ve been meaning to bring this up, but with everything…” She shrugs and hesitates as we stare at her, “Your security is not the greatest.”

“What?” I feel a stab through my chest. That’s my department. If it's true, it’s my fault.

“Well, when I found you that night, Penny and I came in from the back door. Through the alley. No one was there, and the door wasn’t locked. I thought it was odd, but at the time, I was just glad we didn’t have to find a way to sneak past the big dudes out front.”

“Holy shit. That door is supposed to be locked at all times.” James abruptly sets his beer down on the counter. “That bitch.”

“There is also supposed to be a guard patrolling consistently there.” Now the anger is seeping through me. “They have left us vulnerable. No wonder some psycho asshole snuck in.” I pull out my phone to look up the schedule rotation for the guards. Not all are pack, and we had to hire out a few. When I find out who it was, he’s a dead man, regardless.

“This changes some things. It’s not necessarily someone from the pack that betrayed us. James calls Stephan. Make it known the back is compromised,” Jax orders urgently.

“No. This is my department. I have the schedule pulled up. Has anyone seen Conner lately?” I looked to my brothers, all of us sharing a look. “I need to go in. I’ll make sure the door is secure. And find Conner or find someone that spoke to him last.” I won’t be able to sleep until I get this taken care of. I wasn’t sure about hiring Conner, but I had no real reason not to. I couldn’t turn him away just because he gave me a weird feeling. I choose to ignore it. I know better. Always listen to your gut.

“Be careful. We can’t assume this guy is as harmless as Cindy. We have no idea how many have been lured into her trap. Or what she promised them. All we know is they want Harmony,” Jax says glumly.

“I will. I’ll be back soon.” I turn towards Harmony. She steps up to me and lightly strokes my face.

“Listen to Jax, please. Careful. I need your cranky ass back here to teach me more lessons,” she says jokingly, leaning up to give me a light kiss.

I pull her hair back sharpy, earning a dirty look. “Don’t worry. I have decided to be a strict teacher. I would never miss out on that.” Giving her ass a sharp slap on the way to grab my keys, I grin at her flushed face as I close the door behind me.

My face clears, jogging down the stairs, and it’s all business. Whoever fucked with us is going to regret stepping foot in our lives.

Chapter Nine

Harmony

Why do I constantly feel like the little woman being patted on the head as the man or men in her life head into battle? Or, in my case, slapped hard on the ass. I glare at the door. That hurt. I rub my stinging cheek. I admit it turned me on a little. But when am I not turned on anymore?

“He can take care of himself.” Jax pulls my hand to get my attention, pulling me around to face him. “He needs to do this. He’s in protective mode; let him. It offends him personally that someone got through the thing he prides himself on. Add to that the element of his mate being affected terribly.”

“I know. It’s just hard. I want to be able to do something. I feel kind of helpless,” I admit.

“Baby girl, you are anything but. When we do find Cindy, what if I promise you can take care of her in any way you deem fit.” He smiles, dangling the one thing that will brighten my mood.

“I would love that.” I impulsively give him a thank-you hug.

“I know something else that will cheer you up.” We both give James our attention, watching with curiosity as he opens a cupboard and reaches into the top shelf.

He presents something to me like it is a precious gem. I move over to him and squeal with glee. I snatch the bag of cookies, jumping in place, holding them to my chest, and let out a whoop. “Cookies. Reese's peanut butter ones. With chunks of sweet, smooth peanut butter?” I hold them out to Jax in excitement, showing him my treasure, seeing the soft look he gives me. “James, when did you get these?” I turn back to him, blinding him with my smile.

“I have my ways.” He shrugs with a smile.

“Thank you. I love your ways.”

“Enough to share?” he asks, holding his hand out, wiggling his fingers.

I pull them to my chest protectively. “Uh...not that much.” I should feel bad, but I don't. It’s been way too long since I have had a good cookie. I bounce over to the couch, making myself comfortable. “I will let you sit by me and watch a movie while I eat them and wait for Blue to come back. You too, Jax.”

“That sounds good too,” James admits defeat, grabbing a couple of beers, then sitting beside me in the space I designated for him. Jax follows more slowly, sinking down on my other side, but he doesn’t seem to relax. His posture is straight. He is barely leaning back into the couch.

I eye him in confusion.

“Jax isn’t used to snuggling on the couch or anywhere really,” James whispers into my ear like Jax can’t hear him easily.

Jax rolls his eyes. “Shut it, asshole.”

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