Panther's Pride [Black Panthers 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)
Page 1
Black Panthers 2
Panthers’ Pride
When Glenna Harrison met Leland Moran and Joe Diablo, she knew they were different. She just didn’t know how different. She could accept that they were shape-shifters, but couldn’t accept the distance between them.
As the Alphas, Leland and Joe swore to protect the others from the same fate as their parents and knew they could never have a woman in their lives. But, they hadn’t counted on Glenna. Just as they realize they can’t live without her, they find she’s run away. In a fit of rage, they accidentally find a notebook that explains everything. Glenna’s their mate, and they'll do anything to get her back.
After months of frantic searching, they find her—pregnant, and in desperate need of their help. They thought taking her home would keep her safe, but danger surrounded her. The Alpha in another pack of shape-shifters had sworn revenge, and wanted to use Glenna to get it.
Genre: Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Paranormal, Shape-shifter
Length: 98,703 words
PANTHER’S PRIDE
Black Panthers 2
Leah Brooke
MENAGE EVERLASTING
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK
IMPRINT: Ménage Everlasting
PANTHER’S PRIDE
Copyright © 2014 by Leah Brooke
E-book ISBN: 978-1-63258-442-7
First E-book Publication: October 2014
Cover design by Les Byerley
All art and logo copyright © 2014 by Siren Publishing, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.
All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
PUBLISHER
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
Letter to Readers
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Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Epilogue
About the Author
PANTHER’S PRIDE
Black Panthers 2
LEAH BROOKE
Copyright © 2014
Chapter One
Glenna Harrison tapped her fingers on the steering wheel in time to the music, trying not to think about how much she already missed her sister.
She wouldn’t cry.
She wouldn’t feel sorry for herself.
Most of all, she wouldn’t be afraid of living alone for the first time in her life.
Her sister, Fiona had managed a hotel not far from their home for three years, and a week ago had been transferred to another one in Ohio.
Glenna had just dropped her off at the airport, and after the whirlwind week they’d spent getting Fiona packed and ready, she felt as if she hadn’t really had the chance to say good-bye.
Their parents lived in Florida now, and with Fiona moving away to Ohio, Glenna was alone.
They’d both been born later in their parents’ lives—barely two years apart. Because of that, and because their parents had been consumed by their careers as college professors, they’d depended on each other for company and entertainment.
She and Fiona had always been very close, and she hoped that never changed.
She’d look at this as an adventure—a chance to step out of her comfort zone and do things she’d never done before.
She might even take a lover.
She grinned at the thought of it, dreaming of someone tall, dark, and handsome to sweep her away.
None of the men she’d dated had even come close.
Blowing out a breath, she turned the air-conditioner up another notch, forcing thoughts of an imaginary lover to the back burner to enjoy the scenery.
The first heat wave of the summer held Ethanville, North Carolina in its tight, steamy grip. The temperature had climbed well into the nineties, and the humidity made the air thick enough to be cut with a knife.
She loved the heat, but was glad that she’d decided to wear a light sundress today, and had pulled her thick hair up in a high ponytail to keep it off her neck.
She hadn’t seen another car in at least fifteen minutes, and found herself relaxing, and slowed to take in the view.
She turned off the radio, preferring the peace as she took in her surroundings.
She didn’t travel this road often, but whenever she did—whatever the season—she found herself sucked in by the beauty around her.
Right now, everything looked green and lush, but she’d driven this way in the fall, when the entire place had been an explosion of color.
In the winter, with most of the trees bare, she could even see some of the buildings now hidden by foliage.
Houses dotted the left side of the two-lane road she travelled on, houses situated well back from the road, with wide-open spaces surrounding them.
Her gaze, however, kept going to the right, where only a handful of houses stood, hoping for a peek at the magnificent view of the mountains in the distance.
Dirt roads led to farmhouses, some so far back, she could only see the roofs, even in winter. An occasional break in the trees allowed her to see a few of them now, but more importantly, permitted a view of the mountains.
As always, the sight took her breath away.
Imposing. Majestic.
A chill went through her, as it did every time she saw them.
The mountains were so beautiful—so captivating.
If she lived here, she’d do nothing but stare at them all day.
Anxious to see them better, she slowed even more and stared at them as much as driving would allow, cursing when she came to more trees that blocked her view.
Watching the road again, she couldn’t help but smile as she passed one of the dirt roads on her right, amused by the number of signs on either side of it. There were even more signs than the last time she’d passed.
Keep Out!
Private!
No Trespassing!
There were several of each now, as though whoever lived there wanted to make sure no one could miss them.
In case they hadn’t gotten their message across, whoever lived there had hung a large, heavy chain from massive trees on either side of the dirt road, with yet another Keep Out sign attached to it.
It appeared that whoever lived there really didn’t want any visitors.
Amusing herself by wondering what kind of people lived there and what they’d do if she went up and knocked on their door, she focused her attention on the road, slowing slightly as she came to a curve.
Without warning, a truck approached from the opposite direction, the bright glare of sunlight bouncing off their windshield momentarily blinding her.
With a gasp, she hit the brakes, and swerved to the right, desperately trying to stay in her lane. Squinting against the bright light, she tightened her hands on the steering wheel, her heart racing. The car lurched—hard—bouncing her in her seat as she hit a big hole on the shoulder, jarring her so badly that her teeth snapped together.
She came to a stop on the side of the road just as the truck flew past her. Shaken, she pressed a hand to her heart and looked in the rearview mirror in time to see the truck take the curve and disappear from view. Seeing no other cars behind her, she took her foot from the brake and slowly started to ease the rest of the way off the road, knowing that if she didn’t, anyone coming around the curve wouldn’t see her until it was too late.
Grimacing at the unmistakable thump of a flat tire, she fought the wheel, breathing a sigh of relief when she finally managed to get the car onto a patch of dirt and completely off of the road.
“Damn it. Damn it. Damn it.” Hitting the brake again, she threw the car into park. Still shaking, she took several deep breaths. “Fiona, you’ve only been gone an hour, and I’m already in trouble.”
Turning off the ignition, she opened the door, the heat and humidity so overwhelming, she paused, feeling as if someone threw a wet blanket over her head.
Cloying and uncomfortable, it hit her hard, and had perspiration running down her back within seconds.
The trees on either side of the road blocked out most of the sun, but also blocked out any whiff of breeze, leaving the air heavy and oppressive.
With a sigh, she straightened, knowing that the sooner she dealt with the tire, the sooner she could get home to a cool shower.
Afraid of the damage she’d find, she circled the front of the car, and stared down at what she’d dreaded—a very flat tire.
She knew the mechanics of changing a tire, but she hadn’t ever done it before.
She didn’t look forward to attempting it now, but she didn’t want to call the mechanic in town unless she had to.
The unmistakable sound of an engine had her looking up again, hoping that whoever it was would stop. Even if they didn’t know how to help her, at least they could talk to her and put an end to this eerie silence.
Blinking at the sight of the large, black truck she’d just passed coming into view, she watched the driver park at the curve with his hazard lights on, giving anyone approaching plenty of time to see him.
Breathing a sigh of relief that someone had stopped, she kept an eye on the truck as she moved to the front of her car, anxiously waiting for the occupants to emerge.
Stilling at the sight of two grim-faced men staring at her through the windshield, she swallowed heavily, wiping her damp palms on her flowered sundress.
The two doors of the truck opened simultaneously, and two very large men emerged, big, dangerous-looking men that had her taking several steps back.
Wearing jeans, boots, T-shirts, and dark glasses, the two tall, muscular men strode toward her, the purposefulness in their strides sending off all kinds of warning bells.
Prime.
Gorgeous.
Dangerous.
The way they moved carried a sensuality that made her breath catch even as the aura of danger surrounding them had her taking several more hasty steps backward.
Purpose. Power. Grace.
Their grim expressions sent a chill down her spine and a surge of panic racing through her—one that had her turning and her feet moving before she even made the conscious decision to run.
“What the hell?”
The shocked outrage in the deep voice didn’t disguise the angry growl layered beneath it, one that had her feet moving even faster.
However, she’d worn the wrong shoes for running.
“No!” She tried to put on a burst of speed, but didn’t take more than two steps before what felt like a band of steel came around her waist, yanking her from her feet, out of her shoes, and against a hard chest.
“No! Let go of me.” Scared that she couldn’t budge his arm at all, and that her kicks didn’t seem to make the least bit of difference, Glenna struggled harder, terror gripping her by the throat. She didn’t even know why she feared them, but instinct had her fighting in a desperate attempt to get away.
“Calm down, you wildcat! If I put you down, you’re going to burn your feet.”
Startled by his harsh tone, and struck by his size and strength, Glenna sucked in another breath, her gaze flying to the other man who stepped in front of her, blocking her escape.
He removed his sunglasses, revealing dark, chocolaty eyes filled with concern. “Calm down, honey. We’re not going to hurt you. We saw what happened and want to help.”
Sucking in another breath, she fought the impact of his sharp gaze.
Stiffening, she pushed at the arm around her waist again, struggling to keep the terror from her voice. “No, thank you. I can fix it. Just go. Please. Put me down.” She didn’t dare look over her shoulder, not wanting to have her face so close to the man holding her.
“You’re not wearing shoes. I’ll carry you back to the truck and Joe can check you over while I change the tire.” The deep voice of the man holding her carried the unmistakable power and authority of a man used to being obeyed.
Startled when the man referred to as Joe reached out a hand toward her, she struggled again, leaning back as far as she could to avoid his touch, inadvertently pressing her head back against a massive shoulder. “I don’t need to be checked over. I’m not hurt. No. Don’t touch me!”
“Calm down.” Frowning, Joe ran his thumb over her bottom lip. “Your lip’s bleeding, honey. You must have bitten it when you hit that hole. Jolted pretty good, weren’t you?”
Wiping his thumb on his jeans, he frowned down at her, the concern and male interest in his dark eyes surprisingly calming. “Are you sure you’re not hurt anywhere else?”
“No.” She drew a shaky breath, trembling at the presence of such masculinity. “I mean, yes. I’m sure.” The tingling sensation left behind had her touching her tongue to her bottom lip to relieve it.
His dark, glittering eyes narrowed, following the movement. “Take her to the truck while I get the first aid kit.”
Without a word, the man holding her turned and headed back toward their truck, his long strides eating up the ground. Without a break in his stride, he adjusted his hold on her, shifting her against him, and with a strong arm at her back and one beneath her legs, lifted her in his arms and held her securely against his wide chest.
Startled by his sudden move, she grabbed at him, wrapping an arm around his neck with a cry.
Scowling down at her, he made a sound deep in his throat, one that sounded suspiciously like a growl. “I won’t drop you for God’s sake. Hell, you don’t weigh anything.”
He looked even more intimidating up close, his shoulder-length hair and grim expression giving him a feral look that just screamed danger.
His rugged, masculine features appeared to have been carved in stone, hard and uncompromising, but his hands were gentle as he opened the truck door and settled her inside. Whipping off his sunglasses, he tossed them into the passenger seat, revealing eyes so dark they appeared black. “Stay put.”
The glitter in his eyes promised retribution if she defied him, a retribution she didn’t even want to think about. He held out his hand, his expression becoming even colder when she jolted. “Give me your keys.”
Feeling a little foolish, she held them out, inwardly cursing that her hand trembled. Swallowing heavily, she attempted a smile as she dropped them into his large, outstretched hand, careful to avoid touching him. “Thank you. I’m not sure if the jack’s going to hold on the soft ground.”