Page 55 of Chasing Savannah

Chapter 19

Steam blew into her face as she lifted the top off the pot on the stove. She was making dinner, her hands still shaking from her conversation with Carlos and Derrick. The way Carlos had left the apartment, she wasn’t sure if she should still be here. She should’ve taken Jamie and went home. Who knew what mood he would be in when he came back?

They wanted to claim her.

She blew out a breath. According to Derrick they were going to do what they could to convince her. She should be scared, instead, her nipples were beaded, and she was damn close to panting over the stove. Just replaying that scene on the living room floor had her squeezing her legs tighter together. Derrick and Carlos worked seamlessly together as they teased her sex, driving her careening into an orgasm. There had been nothing she could do, but hold on tight as the flood of sensations consumed her.

She tensed as the front door clicked, announcing Carlos’ arrival. Though, she didn’t need the sound, she could feel him enter the apartment. She didn’t know what to expect, he’d left upset, his panther right near the surface. She glanced at the kids and wondered if she should send them to Ella’s room to give the two of them time to talk. They were sitting at the table discussing their Halloween costumes.

Carlos came up behind her and kissed the top of her head, calmer than when he’d left an hour ago. “It smells good, what are you making?”

“Chicken Chow Mein.”

“You know how to make Chinese food?”

She laughed, “Well, my version of Chinese food.”

He kissed her neck, and snuggled her in closer to his chest. “I’m sorry about earlier,” he murmured against her skin.

“I understand.” She put the lid back on the wok.

“Do you now?” He chuckled and released her. He walked over and kissed the top of both kids head before leaving the kitchen.

His footsteps traveled the length of the hallway and paused. His growl reached the kitchen. She and the kids tensed.

She turned off the burner and turned to the kids. “Hey guys, give dinner like ten minutes to cool and then we can eat. But go into Ella’s room while I talk to Carlos for a moment.”

Her son watched her, a look that told her despite his human progeny she would have to deal with a panther cub soon. She made a mental note to talk to his father and her grandfather. Carlos prowled into the room. That could only be the word for it. She felt like prey as he held her duffle bag and watched her from the living room.

“Kids, your room, please.” His command whipped through the room.

Her son looked to her and she nodded and gave him what she hoped looked like a reassuring smile. The whole time, Carlos’ gaze never strayed from her.

“You’re packed, why?”

She wiped her hands on her shorts. “Well, with the way you left, I didn’t think you’d want me here when you got back.”

He snarled, his eyes switching to his panther. It was fascinating to see. She lowered her gaze, knowing the submissive gesture would appease his cat.

He dropped her bag and stepped closer. “I want you here, where I can be sure you and my cubs are safe.”

Her eyes jerked back up. “Your cubs?” She whispered. Then she registered what he said. “You don’t think we’ll be safe at home?”

“Until I can stop these attacks, I want you under my roof.”

She held up her hands to stop him from getting closer. She knew if he touched her, he’d be able to talk her into all sorts of things. “I can go to grandfather, we’d be safe there.”

Hurt flashed across his face a moment before his eyes flashed again with the panther. “I can keep my mate safe here.”

“Carlos,” she sighed. “I’m not, I can’t be your mate. We’ve talked about this.”

He stepped closer, his arms caging her against the sink. Calculation changed the expression on his face, and she understood how a rabbit in the field felt.

“Savannah.” He leaned over and licked the spot on her neck where he’d bitten her. “I don’t think my cat could take it if someone else was protecting you other than me or Derrick. Please stay. Just another night, I’ll make sure your house is safe for you to go home tomorrow.”

Her body melted, her resolve scattering as he grabbed the skin of her neck between his teeth.

“Carlos,” she whispered. “That’s not fair.”