Page 54 of Finding Her Panthers

“He was destroyed when my parents were killed and Rena was gone. He didn’t eat or sleep for weeks. I thought I was doing the right thing—Mom seemed so scared. I never questioned her motives. She would never purposely put her in danger.” He pauses with a faraway look in his eyes. “Do you know someone that could?” he asks, taking the beer.

“I do. He’s an annoying, temperamental vampire but reliable.” Blue takes the seat across from him.

“Did he rip into you this morning for disturbing him?” I ask, leaning back on the counter, the mental picture amusing me.

“He was not thrilled.”

“Where do we go from here?” Kerian asks, looking at Jax.

“Same as it has been. Find out where they have Penny, kill them, and move on,” Jax says simply.

“Alright. Do you think Harmony will talk to me now that he’s gone?” Kerian asks hopefully.

“Probably?” I think she’ll want to know about her parents at least.

“Be quiet.” Jax barks out, startling us. We do as he says, though. “She’s not in the house.”

“What?” Kerian jumps to his feet.

Blue is moving up the stairs, taking two at a time, the rest of us following quickly. He opens her door, and it bangs against the wall. We all stare at the open balcony doors, the curtain blowing in the breeze.

“She can’t be far. Let’s search the property. She might have just had to get out of the house. To think about things,” Blue reasons desperately.

“There's another problem.” Jax stands by the window. “When I opened the door to show Ames out, the gate was open. We forgot to shut it. She’s gone.” Fear bleeds through the room, rolling into every corner, filling the whole house with our sorrow.

Our mate is gone.

Chapter Thirteen

Harmony

For the millionth time since crawling out of the window, a bag clenched in the mouth of my panther, I question my decision. While I was locked in my room before the shit show that just happened, a plan had been forming. I push the thoughts of my brother to the very back of my head; deep down, I can’t think about that now.

I step behind a tree to get dressed, cursing as I step on something sharp, shimming into my jeans. I brought the same clothes I had been wearing—my scent will be the strongest in them— along with a long sweater. I sit to put on my shoes, rethinking this whole thing. It probably wasn’t the wisest decision to leave the safe house with my protective mates inside. They had been distracted enough from the crap that showed up at our door that I was able to slip out. Forgetting to close the gate was super helpful to my plan.

I thought about stealing one of the cars, but they wouldn’t be that distracted not to hear that. I used all the will I had to shove down and block out my emotions. I had to have more distance between us before letting them flow.

I start moving again, running through the tall grass. I had to get to the store where Penny was when she was taken. I may have snuck a peek at Jax’s computer for the address. He’s going to be so mad at me. They all were. I’ll just have to make it up to them. But I had no choice. I had to get to Penny.

Why go through all the trouble of waiting on kidnappers to make demands? Why not go to them? Or instead, go to a place that hopefully they will come to you?

My mates aren’t attached to Penny. They’re going to have a hard time tracking her. She could be anywhere. But they were attached to me. They have a solid connection to me now—my scent is in every part of their house. Of course, it helps that I have two bites on my shoulder. That’s why the sweater. It’s got a high neck, so hopefully, that bitch will take a while to notice I am bonded with two of my mates.

Cindy is more intelligent than I gave her credit for. I judged her too quickly. But I’ve caught up now, and I won’t make that mistake again.

I finally can see busier streets, so I stop to get my bearings. Did I mention before that I hate running? Just because I can, doesn’t mean I should have to.

I take out my phone to enter the address I forced myself to memorize. The store is about ten blocks away from my location.

I decided just to walk quickly. I need to give the guys a trail to follow. I’m not totally stupid. I may be running into danger, but I actually want to get rescued once I get taken.

I rub against buildings and poles along the way. People are looking at me like I’m crazy, but if this is what it takes to bring in my angry mates to save the day, I’ll do it. I do not want to be the bitch of Cindy and her crew of idiots. I am certainly not helpless, but the first goal is to get to Penny above all others.

Five blocks down, the feeling of being watched creeps up my spine. I stop leaving my scent. I know they are waiting to see why I’m out on my own. I take more time, stopping in front of store windows, pretending I’m just out to shop. This may take some acting skills. I don’t want to scare them away. This is insane. I hear the words in my head and roll my eyes.

I am going to be in so much trouble for this.

I am passing an alley when I smell Cindy, my steps slow. Am I really going to go down an alley? Someone yanks on my arm, forcing me to. I guess I am.

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