Big Cat Mates Leopard Territory Read Online Free Page B

voice with ice, having zero tolerance for anyone mocking his mate. “You told a waitress she might have a job as an executive assistant, raising her hopes, knowing there was little to no chance she would be hired, and then you left Jeanine to clean up your mess.”
    Tanner’s eyebrows lowered, and his mouth flattened. “I didn’t ask her to clean up anything.”
    “You didn’t have to ask. Cleaning up your messes is her job.” Adar ran one of his palms down Jeanine’s bare right arm, his cat seeking to mark his territory, physically reinforce his claim on his female. “She deals with the crushed job applicants, the rejected salespeople, the callers you don’t want to talk to, and she does it with a smile, never losing her cool.”
    Jeanine met his gaze, a sheen covering her brilliant green eyes. “I lost my cool that night. I called him an ass.” A nervous chuckle rolled through the group.
    Adar’s heart lightened. “Did you, kitten?”
    She nodded, a small smile curling her lips. “I was quoting someone I knew and respected. This male is very strong and intelligent and handsome.”
    Adar rubbed his fingers over his face. “And scarred.”
    “His scars are proof that he’s willing to fight to protect his territory.” Jeanine caressed his cheek.
    “And to protect his mate.” He pressed his lips to her fingertips, and she trembled. “He’d die to protect his mate.”
    “That’s good to know, lover boy,” Violet said dryly, and Jeanine snatched her hand away, her face flushing bright pink. “Because I was… ummm… visiting the wolf shifter forum,” the hacker continued, and Adar lifted his eyebrows. The forum was locked to outsiders. “And they’re planning a strike against Leone Media, something about seeking revenge for their fallen brethren.”
    “Oh shit.” Starr’s face paled, and she tucked her body into Royce’s. “They’re coming after us, Royce. Because of that fight in the parking lot.”
    “They won’t harm you,” Royce assured his mate. “They’d have to get through me first.”
    “And me,” Jeanine whispered. “I’ll be the first being they meet.”
    “No.” Adar strapped his arms protectively around her. She was right. They’d kill her to get to Royce. “You’ll have to find another receptionist, Royce. I’m not risking my mate.”
    “It’s my job, Adar.” Jeanine pushed at him, wiggling in his arms. He didn’t ease his grip. “I know the risks. I’ve always known the risks.”
    “The risks,” Royce repeated. He and the other lion shifters stared at her, realization dawning on their golden faces. “You knew she didn’t feel safe.” The alpha lion accused Adar.
    “You should have known that also.” Adar met his gaze squarely. “She’s a human guarding your precious firm from shifters. I thought you were protecting her. That’s why I didn’t step in before today.” He jutted his jaw, not wanting to think of the dangers she’d been exposed to. “Instead you’ve been treating my mate as though she’s expendable.”
    “Are you accusing me of deliberately endangering one of my employees?” Royce stepped toward him, his eyes flashing.
    “I was aware of those dangers.” Jeanine held her arms out, seeking to stop a full-grown lion shifter with her bare hands. “But I’ll need help dealing with this new threat.” She looked at Adar. “What should I do?”
    “Nothing,” he growled. “I don’t want you going anywhere near Leone Media. If you were hurt --” His voice broke, the thought of a future without Jeanine unbearable.
    “I won’t be hurt. You’ll protect me,” Jeanine stated with a confidence Adar didn’t share. “And when you’re not there --”
    “I’m not letting you out of my sight.” She was his to safeguard.
    “Oh.” Jeanine blinked. “Then we’ll be working together.” She smiled brightly at him, her beauty temporarily blinding him. “I can help you, when I’m not answering phones and cleaning up Tanner’s