Southern Shifters: Impawsible (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Buchanan Clan Book 1) by Celia Kyle Read Free Book Online Page A

from the earth. He flew over the land, jaws wide and eyes filled with blood lust.
    She was going to die. Here. Now. Before she’d claimed her mate or lived her life. Before—
    Carter’s roar was twice as loud as the lion’s, twice as ferocious and twice as deadly. He, too, launched himself across the space, but he was stronger, faster, and fiercer. He had emotion fueling him. He slammed into the lion’s back, the cat’s claws extended and reaching for her, but her mate was there. Killing him. Protecting her.
    It took one bite, one closing of his jaws, to end the fight. Permanently.
    With the lion’s blood dripping from his fangs and staining the white fur on his chest, he lifted his gaze to her. She should have been afraid, worried he’d be lost to the beast and turn on her. But she was so damned happy, so damned grateful he’d been there when she needed him most.
    Bethany trembled, the terror slowly ebbing, adrenaline fleeing her form and leaving her with the last remnants of her fear. She slumped against the tree, all strength disappearing in one final full-body shake, and she released a soft whimper.
    That had Carter abandoning his kill and leaping from the body. As before, he shifted during the jump, the transition like a dive into water, rippling across his skin until he knelt beside her. He reached for her, large hands cradling her against his chest and she breathed deeply, letting his scent soothe her further.
    “I have you. I have you,” he murmured against her head and she closed her eyes, welcoming the comfort. “I won’t ever let anything happen to you.”
    Another whimper sneaked free and she slowly relaxed in his arms.
    A crack of branches and a low curse announced a newcomer and the scared feelings she’d banished reared their head. She tensed and dug her claws into Carter’s skin, preparing to launch herself off him to the ground. She’d run and hide. She wouldn’t be a distraction. She wouldn’t—
    “Hush, I have you. I’ll protect you.” His voice remained low and gentle and she watched him lift his head slightly, nose in the air as he breathed deeply. Then he grimaced and announced their visitor as he stepped into sight. “Greer.”
    The large male stopped at the edge of the clearing and crossed his arms over his chest. “Carter.” Greer’s attention went to the lion. “And Jaxson.” He sighed. “Did you have to kill him?”
    Bethany looked to the lion that laid broken on the forest floor. Remembering the pure, unadulterated fear that thrummed in her veins and the certainty that she’d be dead if she was caught… Even her rabbit half with its vegetarian tendencies and passive outlook thought the lion deserved what he got.
    “Yes.”
    And that was that.
     

Chapter Seven
     
    Bethany wasn’t sure what was going down. Who was speaking to whom and who called whomever… She knew Carter’s heat warmed her back, his body caging her in as they sat at the bar in Dark Moon. He’d selected a stool near one end, a wall to their left and the open room to their right. Then he’d crowded her, creating a physical barrier between her and the rest of the customers.
    He was staking his claim, just shy of pissing on her leg. And she liked it.
    Stephen popped the caps on a couple beers and slid them onto a waitress’ tray, flashing a smile and giving her a wink. “Here ya go, doll.”
    Too charming for his own good.
    Shouts from the back of the room drew her gaze, a pool tournament in progress, men and women laughing and drinking. Having a good time.
    Life went on.
    No one cared that Carter snapped a lion’s neck a few hours ago.
    Her gaze strayed to the darkened hallway at the back of the room, the dimness hiding what really happened down there. Decisions were made about the shifters in the neutral zone, discussions and rulings and she wondered if her mate would end up being punished for saving her life. If they tried… She would straight up sic her father on all their asses. Family