Panther Protection

by Gracie Meadows

  New equipment had been ordered since the stuff this guy had sucked and was rusty as hell. They didn’t need everything new, just stuff to make the shop run more efficiently. They had even spoken with Cece who was going to help set up a system to help maintain prices and parts for inventory to help keep them on track. Things couldn’t be better for all of them. Becky was starting to grow, and growl, because both of her men wouldn’t leave her unattended. No new shifters had come into town, but something still felt off. Things were just too quiet and cookie cutter for them all.

  Gage had said the smell of their visitor from a few weeks ago was back again, but they couldn’t seem to get a hold of whoever the hell it was. It was as if they popped in and out. Getting back to his task at hand, he promised Millie a better porch, one she could walk on without shoes and stub her toes. It was coming along and between him and Gage it should be done by tonight, which was good because it was steak night. As he hammered the nail the smell came back again. It was a mix of dirt and moss. Spinning around, ready for just about anything he was shocked to see a man standing there in a dark suite.

  “Hello, gentlemen. I would like to introduce myself. I’m Razi Malak.”

  “Yeah, so?” Axel asked as he held the hammer in his right hand.

  “Well, I am sure you haven’t heard of me. I know your sweet Amelia from work.”

  “Okay…” Axel was starting to get impatient with this guy, and Gage was doing his best to rein in his panther.

  “I am here to offer you a trade. You see, I know more than you think. So you can control your panther, and I won’t have to hurt you.” He was shocked the man was standing there totally controlled and seemingly annoyed with them. “I want Amelia, and if you give her to me free and clear, one, you get to live, and two, I will release all the missing shifters.” He smiled a crooked smile, but it was more of a 'Fuck You' type than anything else.

  “I don’t think so, fucker. You can’t have her. She is our mate, and we will protect her from the likes of you.” Gage went to lunge at him, but the fucker held his hand out and flung Gage backwards and through the front door. He went and attacked him in human form with his hammer, but as he smacked him, the man grabbed him around the throat.

  “You don’t know who you’re dealing with, kitty.”

  “No, but I do. Leave now, Malak, or you will regret it.” He let go of Axel and Xandria appeared out of nowhere once again.

  “Xandria, I will leave for now, but hear this, she will be mine.” And just like Xandria he too disappeared.

  “What the hell,” Gage said walking back out the door while he picked pieces of wood out of his arm.

  “It seems that we have a lot to talk about. But first you need to get Millie now, before he gets her.” Without a second glace Axel jumped into the truck and headed to get his mate.

  Millie sat at her desk typing up the last of her notes for Mr. Mayweather’s meeting before he left town tomorrow. She was almost done when she heard some type of commotion coming from down the hall.

  “I don’t need your help, I just need to get to her and then I will be fine. No, I don’t have a fucking appointment.” She gasped, she knew that voice, and not sure what to do other than run to him and calm him down, or would it make things worse. But that choice was taken away when Mr. Mayweather came out growling. Yes, growling. It shocked her, and suddenly she wondered if he too was a shifter, or something.

  Axel appeared shortly after and started charging for her. “Millie, come on, baby, we need to leave.”

  “Axel, what are you doing here? I’m working. I’ll be home later tonight.”

  “Millie, who is this?” Mr. Mayweather asked as he stood in front of her.

  “Umm, I’m so sorry this is my boy...”

  “I’m her mate,” Axel blurted out to him. Shit on a shingle, what the hell is he doing?

  “Mate, huh, well, I did smell panther on her.” Axel seemed to push his words away as he looked right at her.

  “Baby, we need to go, it’s not safe now.” Panic started to rise in her throat. Damn it, things were starting to get better for them all and now this. What shocked her was that Mr. Mayweather growled at his statement.

  “I think we need to talk real quick, and then you can have your mate.” Not sure what was to be said, she turned to follow but Axel reached out and grabbed her hand pulling her instantly behind him. As soon as they were in the office Mr. Mayweather took a seat the edge of the desk before waiting for the door to close.

  “Umm, I hate to ask and seem rude, but can I ask how you knew he was a panther.” She needed to know, and then she needed to know if she still had a job.

  “Aw, Millie, I am sorry to have not said anything, but I wasn’t sure, but the smell of panther, two if I’m not mistaken, is all over you. I know who Axel is, and I know who Gage is as well. But it seems my identity has remained a secret and for that I am grateful. But to answer your question I am a lion shifter. The last of my kind. I have had help to keep my scent hidden from others.” He smiled and instantly she understood more about his actions.

  “Oh wow, that’s umm, amazing, isn’t it, Axel. Axel, say something.” Axel was growling and she felt his claws lengthen in her hand. “Axel, you need to calm down, he’s not going to hurt me, are you?” She turned to face Mr. Mayweather and he shook his head.

  “No, Millie, I am not, but I would like to help if I can. I have been trying to locate some of our kind, and when I do, I have been keeping them hidden.”

  “See, Axel, friend not foe. Now please tell me what’s going on.”

  “I don’t know all the details, but Xandria showed up as some prick tried to tell us he was taking Millie as his mate. He said his name was Razi…”

  “Malak. Shit, I knew something was off with him. Who is Xandria?” Mr. Mayweather asked.

  “It’s a long story. Are you serious about keeping her safe?”

  “With my life. She has a gift within her, but I can’t put my finger on it. I promise to always protect your mate.” Axel agreed because he pulled out his phone and told Gage to take out two more steaks for dinner.

  “Well, welcome to the crazy that is all of us. Why don’t you follow us and we can tell you all about it when we get there.” He had agreed and soon the three of them headed out the building to Axel’s truck, which happened to be near Mr. Mayweather’s car. They parted ways and headed home.

  “Axel, you going to tell me what this is about and why you almost attacked my boss.”

  “Baby, I’m sorry, okay? I’m on edge right now. Both Gage and I were attacked at home and your mother dearest showed up and saved the day. She said she needed to talk to us, but wouldn’t tell us any more. Razi seemed to know who you were, and now I know about that by the way.” He glanced over at her with a small scowl.

  She wanted to yell at him and tell him he hadn’t shown up more than twice, the first day she worked there, and then a few days later, but that had been it. It didn’t seem like something she had to tell them.

  “Anyway, your boss is a fucking lion. How did I not smell him on you?” She really was getting tired of people saying they smelled things on her. She didn’t smell like anyone but herself and if one more person said she smelled like this or that she was going to punch them in the nose.

  She shrugged her shoulders right as they pulled into the driveway. She saw the porch was unfinished, but what bothered her was the front door was being fixed and Gage had scratches all over him. Without thinking, she climbed out of the truck and went to him.

  “Oh God, what happened? Are you okay? Let me look at you.” She was fussing over him but all he did was hold her, making her rest her head on his chest as he took slow, deep breaths.

  “I’m okay. Your mom’s inside. Go change.” Again with small words, but she knew what he meant. Looking behind her, she saw Mr. Mayweather had removed his tie and was walking up the steps with Axel. Both were talking so she quickly ran upstairs to change. Not even five minute later, she was dressed in jean
s and a t-shirt ready to take on whatever it was they were going to do.

  “Amelia, I’m glad you're home and safe.” Turning she found Xandria grasping her in a hug. It was still awkward for her, and she patted her back waiting for it to end.

  “I’m good, can you tell me what this is all about?”

  “I think it is best if we sit,” she responded and right now she was so happy she had a large table because Gage had brought out cups of coffee for everyone as they all sat.

  “Hey, I know you,” Mr. Mayweather said as he stared at her mother.

  “Yes, you do. Let me introduce myself. I am Xandria, Queen of the Fairies, and Amelia’s mother.”

  “Holy shit,” Mr. Mayweather spat. “But you came to me in dreams, told me where to find people. I have used all my power and knowledge to destroy the rest of the Coven.”

  “My dear, Travis, it is time you unite with those of the prophecy, but right now I need your help with keeping Amelia safe.”

  “We can keep her safe,” Axel quipped.

  “Yes you can, but this is bigger than I feared. You see, Razi Malak isn’t just some shifter who is after Amelia, he is the Troll King.”

  “Fuck a duck,” she said as the room went silent.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Millie was reeling from all the information that was given to them and just needed to lay down. It seemed her power was small to most people, but it was one she needed to harness. Gage watched as Axel, Travis, and Xandria went over plans on helping her with her power and how to protect herself.

  “So her power is what again? I’m still trying to figure this all out.”

  “Axel, it’s a simple power, but one of the most powerful, and she does it without even realizing it. You and Gage are immune to it. But her power is persuasion. She can bend someone’s will and make them do as she asks or suggests. It can’t be done all the time, but if she really wants something it will happen. I’m not talking about her asking for money and it appearing. If she were to ask for a loan at a bank with zero interest and she willed it hard enough, it would happen and no one would question it. She is gifted, and it is the reason the Troll King wants her so much. Since he is now able to cross worlds he wants to control those around him and give himself the upper hand. If he had her as a mate there is no telling what he would do.”

  “Well, how do we help her with this?” Axel was determined to help her and make sure their mate was safe. Gage listened intently as did Travis. It seemed he was working on the side of good and until recently didn’t know about half of what was going on. He had started having dreams a couple of years ago and since he was in the business that focused on companies that work in communications and help develop products that are more friendly to the environment, it provided him with the power to travel and help save some of the people whom Xandria told him about. She was also providing the very witch, whom was actually Lilly’s aunt, the needs for his lion to remain a secret. It was all very heavy, and even he needed to get a drink and wrap his head around it.

  “There is nothing you can do to help her, she must work it out on her own. She is stubborn and since the mating, her powers now expand further than a simple child wanting a cookie. With Rebecca getting ready for her own challenge it is best not to say anything to her. She must remain calm and focus on her task.”

  Again Gage groaned inward. So many damn things happening to everyone around them. Ever since magic was release those who carried shifter blood but were unable to shift now possessed enough magic to do so. However, they were unsure of what to do, or how to even change back. Tiny had left to go help the Alpha with this so not to stress Becky more. She worked with some people who offered to protect her and their pups if harm should come, but again he had his own mess of problems to deal with right now. Night had come and soon Xandria deemed it was safe for her to return to work, but only if Travis was to remain there. If he was not, she was not to be without them. Currently she was trying to figure out a way to ward off the Troll king, but she didn’t know if it worked until he showed up again.

  Everyone had left for the night and he personally couldn’t wait to crawl into bed with his mate and just put the craziness away from them. Axel offered to lock up while he went in search of their mate.

  Walking into their bedroom, he found her asleep in the middle of the bed. She hadn’t undressed and he knew she would complain in the morning. Without trying to wake her he took her socks, pants, shirt, and bra off before pulling the blanket down and crawling in next to her. “Did they all leave?” she mumbled as she snuggled in close to him.

  “Yes, love, they did,” he responded.

  “Good, I still have a headache from all this information. I feel like a frickin' computer that has had a million programs uploaded at once. No wonder Cece is cranky when she is searching for shit. It’s exhausting.”

  “Well, I for one am glad it’s done, at least for now.” Gage heard Axel come in and climb in bed behind Millie. “How are you handling all this?”

  “I’m about as good as I can get, considering everything.”

  “Yeah, I guess that’s about all we can hope for. Don’t worry about anything tonight, baby. Just go to sleep, we got you,” Axel responded and Gage kissed the top of her head before he heard the snore of Axel and her breathing slow down. With his eyes closed he feel asleep quickly.

  *****

  “Axel, come on I’ll be fine, plus Mr. May… I mean Travis will be there.” She wasn’t use to calling him Travis, but he insisted on it when she wasn’t in the office.

  “I don’t like it, baby. You away and that freak trying to take you.”

  “Seriously, if he wanted me, he would wait a couple day to try to figure out what we were going to do, not get me today.” Eventually they agreed and he drove her to work, and insisted he walk her inside as well. Before she could shoo him away, he kissed her long and deep, making sure she knew who she belonged to.

  “Be a good girl and stay inside,” he said, smacking her ass as she left, yet again. That seemed to be a pattern with him. Smiling she waved to the receptionist before heading inside the elevator to work. Travis, or Mr. Mayweather, was sitting at his desk with the door open when she arrived.

  “Hi, Millie.” She smiled and headed in the office to outline their schedule for the day.

  *****

  “So you’re telling me my best friend is wanted as a mate to a troll.” Axel and Gage sat down at Becky, Dmitri, and Nik’s table talking about what had happened. They knew the basics, but didn’t know too much about Travis and why the troll wanted Millie. Those they were stuck with today.

  “Yeah, not just some troll, the king of the trolls.” He couldn’t help but smile when quiet, small Cece started laughing.

  “Okay, I know it’s not nice, but come on, you have to see how funny this is, a troll wants a fairy. It’s like a damn storybook or something. I will do some reading and see if they have a way to be killed or something to avoid her getting taken.”

  They all agreed and went on talking about the newest development with Travis.

  “So, he is really a lion? That’s so awesome. Like did you see him change and stuff? Man, I wonder how big he is, is he a larger man too,” Becky chimed in suddenly all excited and the threat to her friend forgotten.

  “You know this isn’t fair, I can't hit you with you being knocked up and all.” Cece laughed, making Becky scowl as she rubbed her slightly swollen belly. It made him long for Millie to carry their cubs. Maybe once all this shit dies down, and the shop was up and running they could talk, until then he was happy with just the three of them. It didn’t take long for the group of them to part ways and both he and Gage went to the shop to sign the official paperwork. The previous owner now had his money and they couldn’t wait to shut down for a couple days and get things to how they would want it. Millie had said she would help in any way she could, and he was going to hold her to that, well she would be with them now anyway with their threat of the fucker who wants her. Hi
s panther growled and wanted blood for someone who wanted to touch what was his.

  Heading home, he got a weird shiver, and Gage reached his hand out to stop him. Turning they noticed they stopped right at the turn off for Millie’s work, and for the office of Travis's.

  “Something not right,” Gage said in a tone that told him his panther was on edge. Without another word they sped down the road to see if anything was wrong, or if by chance the fucker went back to get her. That thought made him push his foot down on the accelerator and fly.

  *****

  Millie sat at her desk answering phone calls for Travis, and rescheduling his meetings and travel arrangements. Seeing he was on the phone she needed to copy some paperwork before she faxed it, she headed down the hall. It would be a whole five minutes she was gone. Slipping on her pumps she had removed while sitting, she stood and headed to finish her task. Making it to the copier was fine, but when she went to make copies, the damn thing was out of toner. Crap on a cracker. She knew the supply closet had some, but that was more out of sight of the office. Should she go tell Travis what she needed, or just get it and worry about it later? Not really thinking any type of threat would get her she looked around and found the floor empty. Seemingly happy she practically ran to the supply closet in record time. Giggling to herself, she grabbed it and turned around only to run into someone. Shit balls. Looking up she expected to see the security guys, but found herself suddenly looking into the glowing red eyes of Razi Malak.

  “Stupid panther thinks I don’t know how to get you. Well I will give you a choice, sweet Amelia, come be my Queen and rule with me, or I will kill your mates, and your little friends too. You know the human, and the pregnant wolf. You don’t want to have that on your conscience do you?” he sneered as he faced her. She tried to back up, but a roar broke through her racing heart as Travis came barreling down the hall. She went to scream but Malak had Travis thrown down the hall and hitting the wall before she could release it. It seemed to stun him, but he was up again and charging. It seemed he was starting to change when Malak turned to her.