Page 76 of Finding Her Panthers

“No, it went better than expected.” I slap him on the back.

I make my way out to my car, ready to go home to my mate.

Chapter Eighteen

Harmony

I look at myself critically in the mirror. Clean, with a very light perfume, check. Shaved everything that needs to be shaved, check. I used my favorite shampoo, dried and brushed my hair until it shined. Check. Sexy, black lingerie, check. Tight knee-length black, silky dress, check. Smokey black eyes, check. My pride tucked away, check.

I need Blue. If I have to go and yell or beg and throw myself at him, I will. He hurts, even though I can’t feel him like his brothers, instinctively I know.

Last night and all day, I thought about what Penny said. The guys did their best to distract me—plenty of food, movies, and hilarious stories of their life. But Blue was always there in the back of my mind, and his presence was greatly missed. I wished he was next to me, taking turns cuddling, picking out his favorite movie too. Jax saw him, and he didn’t hide the fact. What he didn’t say was what they talked about. Of course, I know something was discussed about me.

So I decided to take a chance and see him. Good or bad. Whatever was going on had to be worked out.

Jax was thrilled when I told him what I was up to. That had to be a good sign. Right? He wouldn’t put me in a position to be hurt, purposely. James was back to his usual, cheerful self. He just laughed when I let him in on the plan. Whatever that meant.

After one last look, I grab my purse and go downstairs to meet Jax to take me. Just because the idiots are dead doesn’t mean all the danger is over. The guys are taking my safety very seriously. I wouldn’t be surprised if it took years for them to let me go anywhere alone. I pause on the stairs, wondering why that doesn’t bother me. In the past, just the thought of anyone controlling my actions would set me off. I shake my head. What a difference a few days make?

“Damn! If he doesn’t fall at your feet, he’s more stupid than I thought.” James whistles. “You look tempting, sweetheart.” He kisses me.

“Fucking stunning.” Jax is standing by the door, ready to go.

“Thanks.” I give a little wave to James as Jax opens the door for me.

My mind is going in circles, my leg twitching, hands fidgeting, hoping this goes well. What if he turns me down? Maybe he’s just not ready to have a mate? There has to be a reason he’s holding back. I know he’s probably mad I put myself in danger. But I’m following Ryker’s advice and not letting him pull back. I startle when Jax’s hand lands on my thigh, demanding my attention. I didn’t even realize we pulled up to the club.

“Calm yourself. He’s going to be thrilled you took this step to see him.” He runs his thumb up and down my neck, feeling the heavy beat of my pulse. “Let me walk you in.” He turns to get out.

I have just enough time to take a deep breath before he opens the door and helps me out. “Thanks, Jax.”

Everyone waiting in line outside stares at us, curious I’m sure of who gets to skip the line. Jax ignores them, greeting the bouncer outside instead.

“Busy, I see.” He then looks back at the line around the block.

“Yes, Mister West, very.”

“Good. I’ll be back in five for my car, I won’t be staying,” Jax informs him.

“Of course, Mister West.” The man nods his head respectfully and opens the door for us.

“Oh, it’s Mister West, is it,” I tease.

“Only to my employees. It’s Alpha to you. Remember?” He grins hungrily at me and slides his palm around to rest on my hip.

“How could I forget?” I lean into him. I take in the busy club. I was a little preoccupied with finding my mates when I was here, and I didn’t get a good look around. It’s a whole different vibe tonight. So many people are dancing, drinking, flirting, and having a great time. The beat of the music vibrates the floor intensely. Dark booths line the room down the left side, inviting couples to linger with relative privacy. The dark wood of the bar shining, three bartenders are working to keep up with the demand. Josh is one of them, his face serious, taking orders fast and furious. The other two are smiling eagerly at willing women leaning over to them, trying to catch their eye.

The dance floor is filled with gyrating bodies, every variation of dancers taking advantage of the beat. Some act as if there is no one watching, hands sliding up skirts, flashing skin. Others are swaying, their mouths a breath apart, arms locked around each other. The flashing lights illuminate them but give them moments of privacy.

One particular group catches my eye. A woman with two men on either side of her. Her hands are locked around the man in front of her, leaning back on the other, grinding on him. Their faces show so much passion, and I feel like I shouldn’t be watching. I glance to the others around them to see them enjoying the sight too.

There are so many scents coming at me. It’s hard to distinguish who is a shifter and who is human. I smell them all. But the strongest is arousal.

I can see why my mates are so successful here. The club is for those that want to forget everything about their everyday, boring lives. To live in the moment, to be someone else for just one night. I can’t believe I had never been here before. It seems like the place that would draw people from far and wide. Penny, for sure, would have dragged me here at some point if she knew about it. No wonder she was having so much fun staying upstairs. There has to be a story or two she hasn’t shared with me yet. I’ll have to demand some.

Jax is patiently waiting for me to take it all in, watching my face as I scan the room. I’m sure he noticed when I couldn’t tear my eyes from the threesome and judging from his knowing look, that’s a safe bet.

I nudge him playfully. “Let’s find Blue.”

---