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master my power. One day, something happened& I lost control. The
fire that broke out was so intense that my parents were killed.
At this point, my words came out scratchy, and I clutched
Philippe s arms so tightly I was probably hurting him. Philippe didn t
protest in the slightest, though. Instead, he pulled me in his lap once
more. Oh, Red. I m so sorry. I should have never asked you to do it.
You didn t know, I mumbled, burying my face in his chest.
Besides, I don t think I could do it now even if I tried.
Much to my dismay, I was crying again, but this time, Philippe
made no attempt to shush me. He just held me close, saying nothing,
simply being there for me. It worked, and after a while, I finally
calmed down and finished the story. Fortunately, my brother was out
hunting that day. On my part, I survived by miracle. There was a man,
the customer who had come that night. He had a pendant which he d
given me to try to find his mate. It was magic, and it protected me
until my brother could get me out. So& now you know what I dreamt
about. Do you still want to be my mate?
The question slipped past my lips before I could stop it. I hadn t
thought Philippe s frown could get any fiercer, but it did. Don t tell
me you doubt that. I realize you barely know me, Red, and I wouldn t
dream of pushing you into something you re not ready for. But I m
not going anywhere.
Silence fell again, this time because I really didn t know how to
process the feelings growing inside me. I wasn t a shape-shifter, and
while I understood mate bonds better than most witches, I had never
Little Red and the Big Black Panther 45
expected to find a mate of my own. And now, Philippe had appeared
in my life. It was so impossibly hard to believe that I d met him just
hours before, and already, I d confessed to him my worst nightmares
and fears.
I didn t even know what to do anymore. I desperately wanted to
have him kiss me and claim me, but at the same time, I wondered if
that was such a good idea. What if Philippe regretted it afterward?
What if he was letting his instincts get the better of him? I had no
doubt that he was honest now, and I craved to embrace what he
offered. But could I do it?
Obviously sensing my doubts, Philippe said, Tell you what. I m
going to sleep in shifted form tonight. That way, there s no pressure.
I ll still be beside you, and I can change shapes pretty quickly if you
need me to. Are you comfortable with that, or would it make you
apprehensive?
I would never be afraid of you, I replied, unable to hold back
my smile. It awed me that Philippe had managed to see right through
me and provide the perfect solution.
Philippe s expression cleared, and he offered me a smile of his
own. I would apologize for inviting myself to stay over into your
home, but I m afraid I can t leave you alone. He brushed his lips
over my forehead in a strikingly gentle gesture. Do you want to go
back inside?
I shook my head. Not just yet. Let s stay here for a while
longer.
Once again, I leaned against Philippe and closed my eyes. Thank
you for being so patient with me. I really want to get to know you
better.
And you will. I only hope you ll like what you find.
I m sure I will, I answered.
For all my words, I found myself drifting off to sleep again. When
I stirred again, Philippe was setting me down on the bed, inside the
cottage once more.
46 Scarlet Hyacinth
Mmm& I wanted to talk to you some more, I protested, not
sounding all that convincing since I was yawning widely.
We ll talk as much as you want, Philippe promised.
Remember, I ll be right here.
And indeed, even after he placed me on the mattress, he didn t
leave. Instead, he took off his clothes, and before I could even register
much of his nudity, he shape-shifted into his panther form.
As the large feline leapt onto the bed, I patted the spot next to me,
gesturing it closer. Philippe really was beautiful. No, that was the
wrong word for it. There was something majestic about him, about the
predatory way he moved and those watchful eyes that never seemed
to miss a thing about me.
I could easily imagine him leaping at the deer and slaying it with
his deadly fangs and claws, especially after having seen him filthy of
blood. But just like I d said, he didn t frighten me.
Philippe curled by my side in a strikingly kittenish manner. I
buried my face in his warm fur, and just like that, I fell asleep. This
time, no nightmares followed me in my slumber.
Little Red and the Big Black Panther 47
Chapter Four:
In Which Red and His Panther Have a Different
Hobby and an Unexpected Encounter
Morning dawned bright and sunny, and I awoke to the new day
feeling both optimistic and sad. My mate s confession still lingered at
the back of my mind, and for a long while, I lingered in bed, watching
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