Cat of a Different Color: Halle Pumas, Book 3 Read Online Free Page B

act like that around them.”
    “Of course not, they would have kicked her out of the country club,” Adrian replied. He set up against the wall again and stared into the diner, watching Sheri and Belle eat. “Besides, everyone knew why you went out with Belinda, and it wasn’t for her conversation.”
    Simon winced. “She didn’t act that way around me, either.”
    Adrian nodded. “She gave you what she thought you wanted.”
    “A blonde bimbo,” Simon said thoughtfully.
    “I hate to make you feel even worse, but as far as I can tell she never dated anyone but you.”
    Simon winced again. “Gee, thanks.”
    Adrian shrugged. “I don’t know if she thought you were her mate or what, but when she finds him she’ll know. Until then, I think Sheri’s safe with Belle.”
    “Okay,” Simon agreed with a sigh. “I’ll trust her.”
     
    ***
     
    “Spill.” Adrian stared hard at his friend and partner, crossing his arms as he blocked the way out of the office. They’d just finished closing for the day and were the only ones left in the practice.
    “Excuse me?” Max’s blue eyes glittered gold for a moment, sensing Adrian’s challenge.
    Adrian sighed. “She’s my mate, Max. How would you feel if Emma was threatened?” Max’s low growl answered that question. “So tell me. What am I facing here?”
    Max sighed and pushed his hand through his hair. “Rudy Parker is a sick fuck. He tried to mount her as a wolf. When that didn’t work, he bit her. If she hadn’t torn free she’d be Pack now instead of Pride.”
    “That kind of thing happens pretty fast, I thought. How did she get away before he managed it?”
    Max shrugged. “I have no idea. All I remember is her shoulder was torn all to hell and gone, and a chunk was missing.”
    Adrian’s growl slipped out. “He took a chunk of her shoulder?”
    Max nodded. “It’s why the scarring is pretty bad there. Even the Magic Puma Potion couldn’t heal it.”
    Adrian snorted a laugh, his eyes returning to their normal dark brown. “Magic Puma Potion?”
    “Becky’s words, not mine.”
    “She would know.” Adrian started to pace. “Okay, he tried to rape her, she managed to get away before he changed her, and he’s been chasing her ever since. That about sum it up?”
    Max nodded slowly.
    “What are you leaving out?”
    “She got away intact because she left before the abuse got too bad. She knows how dangerous he is now, though, and if he finds out the two of you are mates he’ll do everything he can to take you down.”
    “I can handle him.”
    Max shook his head. “He won’t come at you alone. He’ll use his Pack, and Puma versus a Wolf Pack…”
    “Puma loses.” Adrian stopped pacing and stared blankly at the wall, his mind racing. “We need to keep the Pride around us, then.”
    “Sheri won’t be alone; Simon’s been detailed to watch over her when she’s out and about. Belinda, Becky and Emma will stick with her whenever possible.”
    “And I’ll be with her at night.”
    “If you can convince her of that.”
    “You doubt me?” Adrian grinned at Max, confident in his ability to seduce his mate.
    “She’ll try to push you away in order to protect you. To be honest, I was surprised when she finally contacted us again and asked to join our Pride. The invitation’s been open since I bit her.”
    “Which means things are probably worse than she’s telling,” Adrian muttered, every protective instinct flaring to life. The urge to go to her, pick her pretty ass up and cart her home to his den where she’d be safe was nearly overwhelming.
    “Yup.”
    “You okay with Emma doing guard duty?”
    Max’s grin was feral, and his eyes flashed to gold. “That son of a bitch touches my mate—hell, breathes on her wrong—I’ll force-feed him his balls.”
    Adrian nodded, muscles tensed as Max’s power rolled through the room. The need to protect was even stronger in the face of his Alpha’s unconscious call. “If Emma