Page 32 of Finding Her Panthers

I look down at my hoard of cookies, rip open the package, hesitantly reach in, and pull out a yummy cookie. “He just needs the right motivation.” I offer him the cookie, ignoring James’ protest.

Jax looks at me in surprise but smooths his expression quickly. “The cookie is not my motivation,” he says softly but takes the cookie and presses into my side. I watch him take a bite of my cookie, moaning quietly, making me grin. I take my own, sighing in pleasure, ignoring the heavy stares.

“So, what should we watch?” I ask, finishing my second cookie in record time.

“How do you feel about vampires?” James asks.

***

I feel super hot. And comfy. A large hand is heavy on my leg. Another is casually draped down my side. My head is on a lap, and my legs are cushioned by a set of legs.

Apparently, James loves vampire shows and movies too. Penny would be in heaven discussing the plots of all her favorite shows. I had to suffer through it. On the plus side, I had both mates keeping me company, and Jax and I made less than fifty snide comments throughout.

I finished the whole bag of cookies. I conceded a few to James and a few more to Jax. I don’t think they realize the huge deal that is. I must be falling for them.

The shot the good doctor gave me took the edge off enough to keep me from jumping them but not by much.

I hear them talking softly, and Blue has returned. This is the second time I have fallen asleep on them. The benefits of our relationship seem a bit one-sided. I have received food, two orgasms, two naps, cuddles, and cookies. I have only brought them trouble and set Cindy off into crazy land. Just thinking about her drives me to violent thoughts. I wonder what her real motivation is?

I think back to our interaction. Something about it bugs me, something I’m missing. I get that she wants my mates, but her reaction to me is weird—some kind of recognition in her eyes.

“Do you guys know anything about Cindy’s past?” I surprise them by asking, turning my head, looking at each of them.

“I never looked into her officially. I just took her word. She had a rocky childhood. No real family. She had been drifting before she stumbled onto the club.” Jax is the one at my feet, his hand now stroking my leg. “Why?”

“There was something weird about how we met. I can’t put my finger on it. Just off. It got me thinking about my childhood. There are some things I wouldn’t just tell anyone. Maybe it’s the same for her. What is she hiding?”

“That’s a good question,” he ponders.

“I have always wanted to run a check on her. I never trusted her. She’s always acted differently than any of the pack.” Blue pointed out. He was sitting on the coffee table in front of the couch facing me.

I give him a genuine smile, glad he is back in one piece. “I mean, I understand. You guys are hot. Panthers. Leaders. But come on, to be that obsessed? It just doesn’t add up. Especially when you gave her no hope of being with you.”

“It could be a stalker situation. There are plenty of psychos out there doing the same thing. They don’t get the interest back,” James reasons, running his fingers in my hair.

“True. But I just have a gut feeling this is more. When she came at Jax in the office, I swear she gave me this look. Like she knew me. I can’t describe it accurately.” As much as I love their touch, I sit up. The light touches are distracting.

“Let me get my computer. I can try to search. What I can’t find, Stephan can.” James jumps up.

“I can give Ryker a call.” Jax reaches for his phone.

“Who’s Ryker?” I ask Blue.

“A vampire. He’s a very powerful one. But we are on, well, neutral terms. He has resources to help. If he will.”

“I gave Stephan a call. He’ll let us know.” James reclaims his seat.

“What time is it?” Every window is sealed uptight. It was very late before I fell asleep.

“Four in the morning,” James answers.

“Shit. Have you guys slept at all? Poor Stephan, he answered this early?” I ask, surprised I have lost track of time since being with them.

“Sleep can wait,” Blue grumbles.

“Stephan wouldn’t dare pick up the phone when one of us calls,” Jax says, taking his seat.

“What did he say?” James must be asking about the vampire.

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