Page 48 of Finding Her Panthers

I hear humor in her voice. That’s a good sign, right?

I slowly open the door, sticking my head inside.

“Can I come in?”

“Yes.”

When I make it in and shut the door, the sight I see stops my heart.

Harmony is lying on the bed in nothing but a black tank top and black underwear, miles of supple skin on display. Her body doesn’t move as I get closer to the bed. Just her eyes track my progress.

“How are you doing?” I know it’s a stupid question the minute it comes out of my mouth. But what else should I start with? I want to lick you all over. I am falling in love with you. I crave you.

“I’m,” she rolls her eyes to the ceiling, “coping.” Bringing her eyes to me, she says, “Really, I am more determined than ever.”

“That’s good. The guys are doing all they can right now. Blue went to see Ryker.” Hopefully he isn’t getting sucked dry.

“I bet he was excited about that.” She smiles slightly.

“Not his favorite species to deal with,” I confirm.

“What species does he like?”

“You. And maybe a wolf, kind of.” I chuckle. “You know him so well already.”

“Where is Jax?”

“He’s in his office. Talking to Stephan. He’s trying to pull all the video we can to track them.” Her eyes flare at the mention of Stephan. “It wasn’t his fault. Jax pulled the phone records. Somehow, they tapped into them, sending those messages. He’s tracing where and the real number it came from.”

“Logically, I know this is all on them, but emotionally it’s difficult to forgive.” She sits up, bringing my attention back to her lack of clothes and that she isn’t wearing a bra.

Think of anything else. Blue’s ugly face. The fact that he’s probably pissing himself in front of the king of vampires. Putting red dye in his shampoo this time.

“You’ll figure it out. It will all work out.” When she crawls to the edge of the bed, I clear my throat. She’s sitting directly in front of me, kneeling.

“How do you know?”

“The universe doesn’t make mistakes. You were sent to us, meant for us. Penny is your family. Fate would not be so cruel to give you to us then take you away. That’s what would happen if she were hurt. You would leave us.” I shrug casually, pushing the opposite from my mind.

“People don’t give you enough credit, James. I think you are the smartest of us all. She is my family, and nothing would be the same without her.”

I brush off her comment. “Did you eat the food I left?”

“Yes, thank you. Did you cook it?”

“No, Jax did. I just delivered it.”

“James, you don’t just do anything.” Her soft look leaves me uncomfortable. “You know what makes us all tick. You adjust to whatever we need at any given time.”

“Did you need anything else?” I can’t get into all of that right now. We need to be stable and safe.

“Yes, I need something.” She scoots forward, so her knees are right at the edge of the bed.

I expected her to say cookies, or a beer, or to watch a movie, or even Jax. I didn’t expect her to cup me through my pants and rub.

My eyes widen in surprise.

“Harmony,” is all I can say.

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