Dark Nights Dangerous Men

by Elisabeth Naughton, Cynthia Eden, Katie Reus, Alexandra Ivy, Laura Wright, Joan Swan

  “The Hunters moved their table to the water about ten years ago,” Ines was saying. “They like to see if they can catch prey from the bank. I swear they never tire. A wild bunch, but incredible at what they do. Most of the Factions take midday meal together, but Hunters always do.”

  “He’s very taken with you, Julia,” Ashe said, not sounding all that pleased. “Say the word and I’ll tell Raphael to speak with him, get him to back off.”

  “No, don’t do that.” She said the words very quickly, a fact that wasn’t lost on Ashe.

  “You find him attractive. I can see that, but be careful.”

  “Yes,” Ines agreed. “He is not the soft, gentle human male you’re no doubt used to.”

  Good. I think I’m tired of human males.

  She mentally kicked herself for the thought. As the warm, sultry breeze moved over her skin and the trees listed back and forth overhead, her gaze held Parish’s. She couldn’t look away. She didn’t believe in magic, but goddammit, she wanted to believe in him, in whatever this was that burned between them.

  “Don’t worry, Ashe,” Ines continued. “With his history, he won’t think of her in a serious way.”

  The woman’s words cut the invisible string that had locked her gaze to Parish’s, and she whirled around to face Ines. “What do you mean?”

  Ines shrugged one shoulder. “Just that he’ll never mate with a human. Not after what happened to his sister.”

  Julia looked first at Ashe, who shook her head, then back at Ines, who was now loading up her plate with a massive helping of bread pudding. “What happened to his sister?”

  “She was his best friend, too, and the leader of the Hunters for nearly a decade. Keira was a complete warrior female. She was brilliant and tough and stunningly beautiful, and she was the only family Parish had. But she wasn’t happy here. She wanted to see the world. She wanted to work outside the Wildlands.”

  “What happened?” Though even as she asked, she felt the answer in her gut.

  Ines looked down at her plate and said in a small voice, “She was killed. By the human male she fell in love with.”

  “How terrible,” Ashe remarked.

  “Since then, Parish has preferred his puma state, keeping to himself.” Ines’s eyes lifted, found hers again. “I’m surprised he’s showing an interest in you. It’ll make our females jealous. Though some fear him, there are many who hope to catch his eye.”

  Julia glanced over her shoulder again, found Parish standing on the bank near his table. His attention was now on his Hunters, and as he spoke to them, one shuddered almost violently, then stretched his neck abnormally far forward. Julia’s heart jumped into her throat. What was happening to him? A strange silver mist appeared, from the bayou or out of nowhere, Julia couldn’t tell. But it moved over the man, and as it did his clothing seemed to melt into his skin. It was almost tattoo-like until—

  “Oh my god,” Julia uttered, her gaze pinned on the man. No. He wasn’t a man. Not anymore.

  This had to be a dream. Or drugs. Maybe she wasn’t even awake. She’d hit her head.

  She gasped, gripped the table, as another man shuddered. Same stretch, same mist, same shift into golden brown…

  “They’re going back to work,” Ines remarked as though the sight before them was nothing out of the ordinary. “The hunt’s tomorrow and they have to secure the borders.”

  “Oh, Julia,” Ashe exclaimed excitedly, “you have to stay now. I’ve never seen the hunt, but I hear it’s amazing. We could go together.”

  Julia was only barely listening. Her gaze cut to Parish. Two large, golden eyed pumas were bracketing him. Pumas who had once been...human? How was this possible?

  “Parish leads the hunt,” Ines said with a grin in her voice. “He’s incredible to watch. His cat is one of the fastest and fiercest predators I’ve ever seen.”

  The very moment Ines stopped talking, Parish looked over at Julia. Her heart thudded in her chest, her ears, her blood. Her lips parted as if she was going to speak, but instead her breath came out in a rush. Before her eyes, Parish shuddered, and in a wave of silver mist, he shifted into a large, powerfully built, slate gray cat. Julia might’ve said something or whimpered, she wasn’t sure. Her heart was pounding so hard she was afraid it would rupture inside her chest. Her entire focus was trained on the incredible magic she’d just witnessed. The magic she could no longer deny. She’d thought the first puma she’d seen shift was beautiful, but he was nothing—absolutely nothing—to Parish. His broad head and luscious coat were formidable, but it was his eyes, gold flecked with blue and gray, rimmed with the darkest, deepest black, that took her breath away.

  “Seeing is believing,” Ashe said behind her.

  Julia stared at the male, the cat.

  Parish.

  She didn’t turn back to face the women as she uttered breathlessly, “It’s real. He’s real.”

  He’s magic.

  * * *

  The puma opened his mouth and attempted to draw her scent deeper into his lungs. Now that she had proof of what he was, he wanted to see if, as she stared at him, her chemical reaction to him changed. Was she disgusted by his feline form or curious?

  The slight hint of arousal that met the roof of his mouth made him growl.

  He wanted to spring across the green, over tables and capture her between his teeth, toss her onto his back and return her to her room at Medical. He didn’t like some of the looks the other Pantera males were giving her. They would need to be shown just to whom this new doctor belonged.

  But before he could move a paw in her direction, two massive gold cats came bounding up to the table.

  North border is secure, Mercier said, his deep voice booming inside Parish’s head.

  It was how they communicated in their puma form, but only when they were on duty. Rules regarding privacy had been established long ago. A Hunter never spoke or listened in to the thoughts of other Hunters unless they were working.

  Parish turned to the other for her report. Rosalie?

  Her silence instantly drew his concern. What is it?

  Could be nothing, she said, nodding at a few of the other Hunters who stood nearby. Could be big game or a few nosy locals, but I picked up traces of human male scent near the east border.

  Parish’s gut tightened. How many?

  Three.

  Shit. And right before the hunt. He cut his gaze to Mercier. Let’s go. You, me, Rosalie and Hiss. I want to see what we’re dealing with. He turned to the other five Hunters who had already shifted and were calmly and attentively waiting for their orders. Split up. Run the west and southern borders. I want every inch scented.

  Parish took off along the water’s edge, glancing at Julia as he passed. She was watching him with wide eyes and a stunned expression. He’d wanted to stay with her, get her reaction to his cat firsthand and find out when she could be moved to Natty’s house. But it looked as though he’d have to wait until later. In the meantime, she would be protected at Medical, and he would make sure she, and every Pantera in the Wildlands, remained safe from those who might wish them harm.

  Chapter Five

  THE three-story Greek Revival house sat on an impressive expanse of lawn, with a small stream a few yards from the front door, and several raised Creole cottages in the distance. On her way there, walking through the Wildlands’ village, with Raphael at her side and men and women shifting in and out of their puma states as they went about their day, Julia had pretty much stopped questioning her surroundings, the magic, the shifting creatures, and how such a remote spot so deep within the bayou could be the most incredible oasis she’d ever laid eyes on.

  Maybe tomorrow she’d wake up to a different reality, but for now, for tonight, she was living among the Pantera.

  “I thought this would suit your needs rather nicely.” Miss Nathalie, the proprietor of the boarding house, stood in the doorway of the top floor bedroom, her hands on her hips as she looked around. “But I have t
wo others downstairs that’re unoccupied I could show you.”

  Julia smiled at the tall, pin-thin woman who appeared to be in her early sixties. “It’s perfect.” And it was. Spacious, yet cozy, the room sported white and pale blue wallpaper and linens, elegant handmade furniture, and a clawfoot bathtub in a small alcove that overlooked a massive oak tree. It was like something out of a magazine. “You have a beautiful home,” she told her.

  The woman grinned, leaning against the doorframe. “Oldest one in the Wildlands. My great, great grandparents built it…or maybe they conjured it with magic.” When she laughed, her pale green eyes sparkled with gold. “Never can be sure.”

  “I’d believe the magic part.” Julia’s eyes came to rest on the bed. Queen-sized with dark wood that rose to an intricately carved canopy.

  “My children did, too,” Miss Nathalie remarked a bit wistfully. “They loved it here, but they’re gone now. Livin’ on their own. Both of ‘em Suits. Diplomatic Faction, like Raphael. Not sure how that happened when their papa and I are Nurturer. But the Shaman always knows.”

  Julia’s attention shifted back to the woman. “The Shaman?”

  “Ah, yes. She’s been here longer than anybody, even the elders.” As her grin widened, the woman looked about twenty years old. “She’s magic, she is. Predicted the placement of every Pantera cub born.”

  How incredible, Julia thought, and yet completely in keeping with the mystery of this secret bayou village. “So you don’t decide which Faction you’re going to be in, or your child’s going to be in?”

  “No, Gal. The magic decides. You’re born to it. It’s already inside you. Been a long time since we’ve seen the Shaman make a prediction.” Her eyes suddenly brightened. “But if you stick around you might see for yourself.”

  She was speaking of Raphael and Ashe’s child. The one Julia had been asked to help bring into the world. The more she learned about the history and complications of the Pantera race, the more interested she became, and the more pressure she felt. She wanted to help them, help Ashe, but frankly, she wasn’t sure she had the skills. This child, and Ashe’s pregnancy, they would be something she’d never experienced before.

  “Glad you’re here, Gal,” Miss Nathalie said as she moved into the room and headed for the window. “Nice to have a female around.”

  “You don’t get many female boarders?”

  “Most who come here are males.” She turned, pressed her back to the large pane of glass. “Mates who’ve been sent away by their females.”

  Julia laughed. “Really? Why?”

  “Got mated too quick, without understanding the way a female works.”

  Julia felt her cheeks warm. “I see.”

  Miss Nathalie laughed at her expression. “No, no. Not that way, Gal. Every Pantera male is gifted when it comes to sex. Their animal takes over, knows innately how to please their partner. But with the animal comes a lack of personal skills. Some of our males, even the Nurturers, don’t know how to listen, comfort, be a friend to their mates. That’s where I come in. And this place. They stay, and I talk to ‘em, school ‘em until they’re ready to go home.”

  “In other words,” came an irritated male snarl near the bedroom door. “She has them neutered and declawed.”

  Julia’s heart lurched into her throat and she turned to see Parish standing in the doorway. She always forgot how tall and broad he was. He looked gorgeous, freshly showered, in jeans and a black T-shirt, his expression wicked. And those eyes, they still glowed with the gold heat of his puma.

  Julia couldn’t tell herself it wasn’t true anymore. She’d seen it with her own eyes. And damn, if it hadn’t been the most glorious sight ever.

  “Your time’ll come, Parish Montreuil,” Miss Nathalie said with a soft chuckle. “If you ever meet the right gal, that is.”

  Parish didn’t answer her. He was too busy looking at Julia. His gaze raked down her body, a combination of desire, concern and anger shadowing his expression. “Raphael will feel my fangs for this.”

  “What are you going on about, Hunter?” Miss Nathalie asked, her teasing, motherly tone dissolving as she sensed his ire.

  “Looking after Dr. Cabot here. Guarding her.” His eyes cut to Miss Nathalie. “She was moved from Medical without my knowledge or my consent.”

  “Raphael brought me here,” Julia said, not understanding his fierceness. “He didn’t say anything about me having a guard.”

  Parish’s gaze ripped back to her and he growled softly. “Well, you do. And it’s me.”

  Julia’s heart leapt in her chest and she felt slightly breathless. The way this man looked at her, with the animal behind his eyes, was as worrisome as it was erotic.

  “Oh my.” Her expression brimming with humor, Miss Nathalie turned to Julia, her eyebrows raised. “What do you say to this, Miss Julia? Shall I kick this self-important feline out of my house, or do you want to accept his care?”

  “She has no choice,” Parish said quickly, moving into the room, toward her.

  No choice? Oh, he wasn’t going to take it there, was he? He might be the sexiest, most gorgeous man she’d ever known, but no one was going to run Julia Cabot’s life but her. Not anymore. Not even in this amazing place where magic actually existed. She glared at him as he approached, and spoke slowly and clearly. “I will always have a choice, Parish Montreuil. Got it?”

  Dark brows lifted over blazing gold eyes.

  Miss Nathalie chuckled. “I like this human gal.”

  Parish looked stunned, as though he wasn’t used to being scolded or contradicted. He moved past her, his gaze going from the tub to the bed. “You need someone to protect you, Dr. Cabot. A human living among the Pantera, it’s asking for trouble.”

  “Maybe I like trouble,” Julia found herself saying. Maybe I’m even asking for it.

  Parish turned to face her. At first his expression was tight, and Julia thought he was gearing up for another verbal argument. But after moment, his face broke into a broad smile, then he started to laugh. “I think I might like this human gal too, Natty.”

  “Peas in a pot, I never thought I’d see this day,” Miss Nathalie uttered, shaking her head. “Cave-dwelling, arsenic-spewing Parish Montreuil, laughing his fool head off.”

  “I’ll be staying for supper, Natty,” Parish said, though his eyes remained fixed on Julia. “So make sure it’s a good one.”

  “It’s Miss Nathalie to you, and you’ll eat whatever I put in front of you. And you’ll like it.”

  He growled playfully low in his throat, and Julia felt the sound all the way to her toes.

  “Growl like that at me again, Feline, and I’ll have you peeling potatoes with your canines.”

  “Can’t.” Parish reached out suddenly, and took Julia’s hand. “I’m taking Miss Julia for a walk.” He purposefully gentled his tone. “If she accepts my care, that is.”

  His hand felt strong and callused in hers, and she had the strangest desire to tighten her grip on him. The warmth of him seeped through the skin of her palm and into her blood. She had to force herself to breathe as she looked up at him. “She accepts. For now.”

  Miss Nathalie snorted. “Well, be back before the sun goes down.” She was on her way out the door when she added, “Supper’s at six-thirty sharp.”

  The minute she was gone, Parish rounded on Julia, pulled her close until they were just a foot apart. His dark eyes flashed with gold as he gazed down at her. “Don’t do that to me again, Doc.”

  Breathing still felt awkward. “What?”

  “Leave. Without telling me first.”

  Heat was pouring off his body. “I didn’t. Raphael came—”

  “I know,” he said quickly. “But I’m asking you, wait for me next time.”

  The strength and intensity of his gaze was affecting her brain, how it processed. “You were worried?”

  His nostrils flared and he growled at her softly. “Out of my mind. Until Ashe told me where you were.”

&n
bsp; “I’m sorry.”

  “No.” He squeezed her hand. “You have nothing to be sorry about. I know I’m overbearing and blunt and a scarred-up wreck of a male, but I have to protect you.” He looked like he wanted to say more, but held himself back.

  “Because of the baby,” Julia prompted, her breathing still uneven and shallow as she stared up at him.

  “It should be because of the baby.”

  “But it’s not.”

  He shook his head, his gaze fierce with wanting.

  Julia’s skin prickled and her mouth felt suddenly dry. No one had ever looked at her like this. No one had ever said such words as their eyes filled with deep, vulnerable need. And yet, even with her newfound belief in magic and honorable, sexy, shape-shifting males, the fear of failure, of getting hurt, of what had happened with Gary—with all the Garys in her past—clung tightly to her heart.

  “You’ve got to understand something,” she began, “I’m just getting out of a relationship. I don’t want to—”

  “That wasn’t a relationship, Julia.” His thumb rubbed her palm gently, but his expression was resolute. “That was a lie told by an arrogant, self-centered piece of shit who had no idea what he had. What he was blessed with.” As his gaze roamed her face, his eyes turned completely gold. “If I was lucky enough to be claimed by you, I’d never give you cause to wonder.”

  Tears formed in Julia’s throat. His words, his gaze…the blatant sincerity behind both…this man had the power to change her, her heart and her soul, if she would ever allow it.