by Zoe Chant
Faye licked her lips, understanding perfectly what he was saying.
Now, they had each other. Now, it was time for them to do what they hadn’t had the chance to do in their youth, and be together, and build their lives. Now, they could find happiness in each other, and know that it was forever.
Bowing her head, she kissed him on the lips, tasting the salt of his sweat.
When she pulled back, she realized he was smiling.
“What?”
“I was just thinking how I’ve done this all backward,” he said, a smile still twitching at the corners of his lips. “A shifter is supposed to mature, find his mate, then become alpha… but I’ve done it in reverse.”
Faye stared down at him, eyes wide, before bursting into laughter.
“Well,” she said, reaching down to brush her fingertips over his cheekbone. “Maybe so. But wouldn’t you say it’s all been worth it in the end?”
Lincoln leaned up, his lips capturing hers in a searing kiss.
“Of course it has,” he whispered when they broke apart. “Every second. I’d wait a thousand lifetimes for you.”
Happiness settled over her as Faye lowered herself to Lincoln’s side again, resting her head on his chest and hearing the slow, steady beat of his heart.
There were so many things that needed doing, but right now, she couldn’t bring herself to care about any of them.
Right now, the only thing she wanted was to be by his side.
The rest of the world could wait.
A note from Zoe Chant
Thank you for buying my book! I hope you enjoyed it. If you’d like to be emailed when I release my next book, please click here to be added to my mailing list. You can also visit my webpage, or follow me on Facebook or Twitter.
Please consider reviewing Second Chance Lion, even if you only write a line or two. I appreciate all reviews, whether positive or negative.
In case you missed it, page down to read a special sneak preview of the third Cedar Hill Lions book, Rancher Lion.
The cover of Second Chance Lion was designed by Isabelle Arden.
More Paranormal Romance by Zoe Chant
Lawman Lion. (Cedar Hill Lions #1). A sexy lion shifter sheriff + an independent BBW who runs a diner + trouble with a local gang = one red-hot romance that will leave you breathless!
Guardian Lion. (Cedar Hill Lions #2). A curvy, confident accountant + a sexy lion shifter bodyguard sworn to protect her + a terrifying kidnap attempt = one roaring romance!
Rancher Lion (Cedar Hill Lions #3). An independent BBW on the run + a sexy protective lion shifter + a pack of deadly enemies = one action-packed romance that will leave you breathless!
Bearing Your Soul. A shy BBW who’s been burned by love + a sexy veteran bear shifter + a family code of silence = one sizzling hot romance that defies all odds!
Pursued by the Puma. An adventurous BBW journalist + a mysterious puma shifter who will protect her at any cost + the criminal empire that threatens them both = one thrilling romance!
Bear Cop. (Enforcer Bears # 1). A BBW baker with a troubled past + a protective bear shifter cop with a secret of his own + an accident that leaves them stranded in the wilderness = one untamed romance!
Hunter Bear. (Enforcer Bears # 2). A BBW artist who fears she's lost her muse + a scarred, reclusive bear shifter hunting danger + a mysterious treasure map = one adventurous romance!
Wedding Bear. (Enforcer Bears #3). A curvy librarian in desperate need of a date + a bear shifter in search of a home + the past that's pursuing him = one sweet and steamy small-town romance!
Fighter Bear. (Enforcer Bears #4). A curvy veterinary technician longing for a family + a lonely bear shifter with a wounded heart + a family farm in jeopardy = one exciting rural romance!
Tropical Tiger Spy. (Shifting Sands Resort # 1). A unique shifter in search of her past + a tiger shifter spy on an undercover mission + a shifters-only resort with secrets to hide = a dangerous and thrilling romantic adventure!
Tropical Wounded Wolf. (Shifting Sands Resort # 2). A curvy math teacher on vacation + a wolf shifter who spent years in captivity + an accident that leaves them stranded together in a jungle paradise = one thrilling romance!
Bodyguard Bear. (Protection, Inc. # 1). A BBW witness to a murder + the sexy bear shifter bodyguard sworn to protect her with his life + firefights and fiery passion = one hot thrill ride!
Defender Dragon. (Protection, Inc. # 2). A curvy backpacker who loses a shoe at a ball + a lonely dragon prince facing an arranged marriage to a princess he doesn’t love + magnificent castles and deadly assassins = one thrilling romance!
Protector Panther. (Protection, Inc. # 3). A curvy paramedic who doesn’t know the meaning of fear + a mysterious panther shifter bodyguard with the power to inflict terror + sinister experiments and desperate passion = one heart-pounding romance!
Warrior Wolf. (Protection, Inc. # 4). A runaway dragon princess who wants to experience life outside of castle walls + an ex-gangster werewolf bodyguard with a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas + uptown parties, downtown nightclubs, and deadly assassins = one explosive good girl/bad boy romance!
Panther’s Promise. A curvy artist struggling with self-doubt + a panther shifter who's out of touch with his panther + a kidnapper with deadly plans = one dangerous romantic adventure!
The Snow Leopard’s Mate. (Glacier Leopards #1) A curvy waitress longing for a better life + a lonely lumberjack snow leopard shifter + a wild night that will change their lives = one sweet and steamy romance!
The Snow Leopard’s Baby. (Glacier Leopards #2) A curvy single mom + a snow leopard shifter in need of a family + the blizzard that brings them together = a sweet and steamy romance!
Private Eye Bear’s Mate. A curvy, independent radio DJ + a protective bear shifter detective + a scary stalker = one thrilling romance!
Lion’s Hunt. (Rowland Lions #1) A curvy woman who longs for adventure + a daring lion shifter on a dangerous mission + evil experiments in a secret lab = one action-packed romance!
Lion’s Mate. (Rowland Lions #2) A curvy cheetah shifter with a traumatic past + a billionaire lion shifter on a mission + a corporation with a dangerous agenda = one thrilling romance!
Firefighter Dragon. (Fire & Rescue Shifters # 1). A curvy archaeologist with the find of a lifetime + a firefighter dragon shifter battling his instincts + a priceless artifact coveted by a ruthless rival = one blazing hot romance!
Firefighter Pegasus. (Fire & Rescue Shifters # 2). A curvy pilot wary of flighty men + a firefighter pegasus shifter determined to win her heart + a high speed air race with even higher stakes = one explosive romance!
Firefighter Griffin. (Fire & Rescue Shifters # 3). A curvy single mom burned by love + a unique half-eagle, half-lion shifter firefighter with a wounded soul + the little boy who brings them together = one heart-warming romance!
The Christmas Dragon’s Mate. A lonely bookkeeper in search of Christmas + a mysterious dragon shifter with a past full of pain + a beautiful snow castle hiding a ruthless enemy = one glittering Christmas romance!
Royal Guard Lion A curvy American shocked to learn that she's a lost princess + a warrior lion shifter sworn to protect her + a hidden shifter kingdom in desperate need of a leader = a sizzling romance fit for a queen!
Sheriff Bear. (Bears of Pinerock County # 1). A small-town sheriff + a wrongly accused BBW on the run + deadly enemies and dangerous passions = a sizzling forbidden love!
Bad Boy Bear. (Bears of Pinerock County # 2). Biker bear on the open road + a BBW runaway-bride hitchhiker + evil motorcycle gang = an unforgettable red-hot road trip!
Alpha Rancher Bear. (Bears of Pinerock County # 3). A take-charge alpha with commitment issues + a midwife who's not about to give up control of her well-ordered life + a roadside winter disaster = an explosive romance that's about to blow up everything they both thought they wanted!
Mountain Guardian Bear. (Bears of Pinerock County # 4). A mountain man with a tragic
past + a curvy amnesiac + two deadly secrets = one explosive romance!
The Billionaire Dragon Shifter’s Mate. (Gray’s Hollow Dragon Shifters # 1) A BBW in search of adventure + a dragon shifter in search of a mate + a mishap on a mountainside = one sparkling and sexy story!
Beauty and the Billionaire Dragon Shifter. (Gray’s Hollow Dragon Shifters # 2) A BBW who's new in town + a dragon shifter who's new to being human + a very confused dog named Mouse = one sexy fairy tale romance!
The Billionaire Dragon Shifter’s Christmas (Gray’s Hollow Dragon Shifters #3) A curvy newlywed wife + a dragon shifter mayor + a small town Christmas celebration = one snowy, sexy holiday romance!
Choosing the Billionaire Dragon Shifters. (Gray’s Hollow Dragon Shifters # 4) A BBW in a small town + twin dragon shifters in need of a mate to share + the most hotly contested mayoral election Gray's Hollow has ever seen = one sexy story that's a win/win/win!
The Billionaire Dragon Shifter's Baby. (Gray’s Hollow Dragon Shifters # 5) A curvy social worker in need of a break + a carefree dragon shifter + a baby dragon who needs her father = one hot and heartwarming romance!
The Billionaire Dragon Shifter Meets His Match (Gray’s Hollow Dragon Shifters #6) One curvy cop who's devoted her life to fighting evil dragons + one dragon who's sure he's a monster + a challenge he can't refuse = a fiery romance that starts with a bang!
The Jaguar’s Beach Bride. A BBW shop owner in a bind + a sexy jaguar shifter returned to town + the threat of a ruthless loan shark = a love story that will be sure to make a wave!
The Easter Bunny's Bear. A BBW bunny shifter with a pony farm + a lonely bear shifter hunting a dangerous werewolf + a criminal werewolf pack causing trouble = one steamy springtime romance!
Alpha Bear Detective. A brave woman in deadly danger + a bear shifter police detective who will protect her with his life + a frightening foe = one thrilling romance!
And many more!
Zoe on Audio
Kodiak Moment – Audiobook - A workaholic wildlife photographer + a loner bear shifter + Alaskan wilderness = one warming and sensual story.
Hero Bear - Audiobook - A wounded Marine who lost his bear + a BBW physical therapist with a secret + a small town full of gossips = a hot and healing romance!
If you love Zoe Chant, you’ll also love these books!
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Prisoner (Werewolf Marines # 2), by Lia Silver. Werewolf Marine DJ Torres is a born rebel. Genetically engineered assassin Echo was created to be a weapon. When DJ is captured by the agency that made Echo, the two misfits find that they fit together perfectly. A full-length novel.
Partner (Werewolf Marines # 3), by Lia Silver. DJ and Echo’s relationship grows stronger under fire… until they are confronted by a terrible choice. A full-length novel.
Mated to the Meerkat, by Lia Silver. Jasmine Jones, a curvy tabloid reporter, meets her match in notorious paparazzi and secret meerkat Chance Marcotte. A romantic comedy novelette.
Handcuffed to the Bear (Shifter Agents # 1), by Lauren Esker. A bear-shifter ex-mercenary and a curvy lynx shifter searching for her best friend's killer are handcuffed together and hunted in the wilderness. Can they learn to rely on each other before their pasts, and their pursuers, catch up with them? A full-length novel.
Guard Wolf (Shifter Agents # 2), by Lauren Esker. Avery is a lone werewolf with no pack; Nicole is a social worker trying to put her life back together. When he comes to her door with a box of orphan werewolf puppies and danger in pursuit, can two lonely people find the family they've been missing? A full-length novel.
Dragon’s Luck (Shifter Agents # 3) by Lauren Esker. Gecko shifter and infiltration expert Jen Cho teams up with sexy dragon-shifter gambler "Lucky" Lucado to win a high-stakes poker game. Now they're trapped on a cruise ship full of mobsters, mysterious enemy agents, and evil dragons! A full-length novel.
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, by Lauren Esker. Curvy farm girl Julie Capshaw was warned away from the wolf shifters next door, but Damon Wolfe is the motorcycle-riding, smoking hot alpha of her dreams. Can the big bad wolf and his sheep shifter find their own happy ending? A full-length novel.
The Christmas Tree Bear, by Rosie Lynne. Bear shifter Willis Barnett meets his fated match in Charlotte Caldwell when she hopes to earn extra money as Santa Helper’s on Willis’ family farm turned Christmas Tree Town for the holidays. A romantic comedy novella.
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Claimed by the Wolf, by Candi Jackson. Zenobia Jones ends up pregnant after a night with a billionaire—and lands herself in a war between werewolf packs. A full-length novel.
The Right Bear's Arms, by Nora Eli. After a sizzling one night stand with bear shifter Jake, curvy Katie realizes her perfect man is everything she's tried to avoid. If they can both stop running from their pasts, they may find a destined future together. A novelette.
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Rancher Lion
by Zoe Chant
Special Sneak Preview
Sasha sat on the bed, her eyes never leaving the tall, broad frame of the man standing by the stove.
She didn’t know what it was about him, but after the initial surprise of finding him standing in the middle of the cabin looking down at her, she felt… well, she wasn’t even sure she could put it into words. She felt… comforted by him, somehow. When he’d touched her ankle to check it over, his hands had been sure and gentle, the tips of his calloused fingers warm against her skin. Maybe it wasn’t so much that she didn’t know how to put it, but more that it had been so long since she’d felt safe that she couldn’t explain how it felt anymore.
Clenching her fists where they rested on the bed, Sasha closed her eyes, trying to blink away her bad memories. Instead, she tried to focus on the amazing smells that were drifting through the cabin from the pot Joe was heating over the stove.
“If that tastes as good as it smells, you’ll never be able to get rid of me,” she said, her mouth watering. It was no exaggeration: another thing she couldn’t remember was the last time she’d had a decent meal, as opposed to whatever scraps Colfax and his followers had thrown to her.
“Believe me – it definitely does taste that good,” Joe said, as he flashed her a grin.
Sasha’s heart fluttered a little at the sight. Not only did Joe have the most comforting and gentle manner of any man she’d ever met, he was also completely gorgeous: broad, lean and muscular, with the kind of tanned skin and hardy look that came from being a true outdoorsman. He had the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to reveal forearms that were corded with muscle, and she would’ve had to be blind not to have noticed the way his biceps bulged against the material, and the way his broad chest tapered to narrow hips. He looked like something out of a pin-up calendar, if Field & Stream magazine put out a beefcake edition.
Swallowing, Sasha forced herself to look away. Stop it. You only just met the man. And it was man trouble that got you into this mess in the first place.
The reminder of why she was here in Joe’s cabin in the first place was sobering. She’d been an idiot to trust Larssen – but he’d told her he loved her. He’d told her he’d protect her. She’d even been willing to stick with him after he’d told her about what he was – about what he could
do. In fact, it’d been part of what had attracted her to him in the first place. She couldn’t imagine she’d been the only one – whatever else he was, Larssen was a damn fine looking man, with a damn fine motorbike, and a damn fine way of talking his way into what he wanted. The fact that he could turn into a massive, shaggy wolf… well, that had only added to his air of danger.
That air of danger should’ve been a warning to her; Sasha could see that now. She should’ve picked up and run the first time he’d shifted in front of her. But hindsight was 20/20, of course.
A shiver ran down her spine. She didn’t want to think about Larssen right now. She didn’t want to think about him, or any other member of his creepy pack, and definitely not the Blackwood Pack’s alpha, Colfax. For whatever reason, she was safe here. They hadn’t been willing to follow her to the cabin.
And Joe’s here now, too.
The thought popped into her head unbidden.
Stop it, she quickly told herself again.
Sure, Joe was kind and helpful. But she couldn’t expect him to get roped into this. She didn’t even know him – and besides, from what she’d seen of shifters, they were a lot tougher than ordinary humans. She couldn’t ask Joe to help her. It’d be asking a perfect stranger to put himself at risk to fix a problem she’d created.
Plus, she didn’t even know how she’d begin to explain it: Yeah, so my ex-boyfriend dumped me, but the leader of his creepy cult in the mountains told me I wasn’t allowed to leave. Oh, yeah, and all of them can turn into animals at will. Help me out?
She’d be lucky if Joe didn’t wheel her to the nearest nuthouse.
“I guarantee, you’ve never had beans like this before.” Joe’s voice interrupted her thoughts. While she’d been lost in her reverie, he’d served up what he’d been cooking over the stove, and was holding out a steaming bowl to her.