The Secrets of the Panther

IZZY

Having Hecate take over my body was not fun at all. I never knew a god could do that. But I wasn’t alone; Helga’s images of what she went through came through like a horror movie. I never want to relive any of what she had.

The dark magic alone was harsh; it took part of her soul every time she used it. The elder didn’t care about Helga. I watched as his obsession with power ruled over the council and everyone he met, including witches and other shifters; even vampires were in the crosshairs of him.

Someone snaps their fingers before me, drawing me out of my thoughts.

I look to see Alice kneeling in front of me. “Izzy, are you ok?” she asks.

I nod, not letting the emotions of what Puna and I witnessed come through.

Puna was quiet. I could feel her there, but she was also trying to process everything that happened and what we saw.

“Izzy,” says a husky voice next to me, “I think we should take you to a room to rest; both Allie and you need it.”

I look towards my mate, looking slightly confused at him. Did he mention Allie? What did the hell happened when I was not in my body?

I look down at my hand and realize I have somehow gained three hands, but when I look closely at the sight, one is mine, one is a manly hand, and the other is small.

I looked to the side of me; Allie was lying next to me, curled up near my leg.

I turn back to Blake. “How is Allie here?” I ask him, sounding confused.

Blake looks at me but sighs. “I’m going to take you and Allie to my room; I will explain everything to you when we get there,” he says. “Lena will carry Allie.”

I stare at him; I can feel Puna come closer. “Something happened while we were....” she says but stops.

“I know I can sense it, too,” I told her.

Blake places his arms under my knees and lifts me bridal style while Lena picks up a sleeping Allie into her arms.

Blake and Lena take both of us from the office while everyone whispers with each other; I can feel their stares at me.

As we leave, heading to a room which, by the look of it, we are heading to Blake’s, I look at my mate. “Blake,” I ask him, “What the hell happened?”

Blake looks at me but stops. “Lena, please take Allie into my room,” he tells her. Lena nods but looks at me for a moment before leaving.

Lena left us once she was out of sight. Blake looks at me. “Izzy, Hecate not only took hold of you, but someone came onto the parklands to get Allie. The lady at the nursery grabbed her; she ran in with her to the office,” he says.

“WHAT,” I shout. “I thought you said it was safe for Allie to be there,” I growl loud.

“Izzy,” he says, but I jump out of his arms and land on my feet, but I lose my balance slightly. Blake comes towards me, but I growl at him. Blake looks hurt at my outburst but recovers quickly.

He stops. He looks at me. “Izzy, the nursery is safe for all cubs and pups; I would never place Allie in an unsafe place,” he says.

I know he is telling me the truth. I need to get my head out of my ass, but there is a lot to think about, especially after what I saw from Helga and what needs to be done.

I stare at him but sigh. “I know that; I think I need to rest some more,” I say.

Blake moves too quickly and wraps his arms around my waist; he leans into my neck. “Izzy,” he says, sending shivers right through me, “Please talk to me.”

I stay still. I know everyone will have questions, and at the moment, I can’t give them straightforward answers as I have no clue about what I saw.

Blake moves away slowly and places his finger under my chin to lift my face to look up at him.

Blake searches my eyes. “Izzy, what happened back there?” He asks.

I look back at him. I can sense someone listening in, knowing she will want answers.

“I can’t...” I say, but close my eyes, “I don’t know what happened.”

I open my eyes and look back at him; Blake stares at me for a moment, but he sighs, “Ok, rest, and when you are ready, you can tell me what happened.”

I nod, not giving him anything else.

“You and Allie can sleep in my room; I’m going back to the office; Once we are all sorted, I will return to the room,” he says.

I don’t move, but I shake my head. “Please, let Allie and I have the room to ourselves. Can you take another room?” I ask him, but I can see the hurt in his face when the words leave my mouth.

“Why?” He asks, “Izzy; I told you that....” he says, but I move closer and place my finger on his lips to stop him from talking.

I look into his eyes. “Blake, it’s not. I don’t trust you. I need a few hours where I can sleep and not be disturbed,” I say. “I want to spend a little time with Allie, as I know we all need to train as soon as possible.”

I move my finger away, allowing Blake to place his hand over it. He brings the tip of my finger to his mouth and places a small kiss on it.

Blake looks up and turns to the side. “I will stay in that room; it has a joining room on to yours,” he says.

I nod. I look at the door.

Blake moves his head closer to mine and places his head on mine. “You best get some sleep, Izzy,” he says.

I nod. I wait for a moment as this position is so lovely; his scent hits me hard.

I gulp but move away slowly.

I turned around and headed to Blake’s room, where Lena was standing by.

I can still feel Blake’s eyes on me as I walk away.

I move to the door, placing my hand on the door handle. Lena moves out of the way, but I know she wants answers like Blake, but Lena is not my mate. I can trust her, but I need to figure out what the hell is going on and work out what I saw.

I push the door open and close it behind me, not looking back at either of them.

I look to the bed where the tiny body sits up, waiting for me to join her. “Mummy,” she says in a sleepy voice, but she gives me a slight frown. “Where is Daddy?”

I can’t help but feel tingles at the name she gave him; I shake my head to clear my thoughts. “Daddy is going to sort out some things, Allie. He will see you in the morning,” I say as I climb to the bed under the covers with my little angel.

“He will see you tomorrow,” I told her.

I lean back on the pillow as I lie down, and Allie moves closer to me; she places her arms around me and snuggles in.

I look up at the ceiling, knowing that sleep won’t come soon for me. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

I need to figure everything out what to do.