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 5
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 two 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.”