by Zoe Chant
“Well, we were hardly going to stay away, were we, dear? Dear!” Mrs. Ames called, waving her husband over. “Come and meet Irina…”
Irina mouthed a silent scream at Grant behind Mrs. Ames’ back, but her eyes were bright with pleasure. Grant remembered how alone she had been the first night they met and was glad his friends’ parents had nudged their way onto the invitation list. Irina deserved to be surrounded by loving friends and family.
He looked around the room, nodding greetings to all his friends. There was Harley, deep in conversation with Moss over the canapes. The Samoan twins who worked with Moss at his restaurant were scoping the room themselves, collapsing into giggles when they caught Grant’s eye.
“Grant, my boy, what took you so long? We’ve been here so long, the bar’s run dry!”
Irina squeaked and jumped out of the way as a heavy-set blond man barreled up and pulled Grant into a back-breaking hug. She didn’t jump far enough, though, and a moment later, one of the man arms snaked out and added her to the crush.
Mr. Delacourt had put on a bit of a beer belly since Grant had last seen him, but he was as energetic as ever. Behind him, Mrs. Delacourt greeted Grant with a slow blink and a yawn.
“Dear,” her husband said, “Human manners.”
“Oh. Of course. Hello, Grant, dear,” she said with another yawn.
Mathis and Francine’s parents. Grant hadn’t seen them in—
“It’s been too long,” he said, wonderingly. Then, quietly: “How is Frankie?”
“She’s… recovering, dear,” murmured Mrs. Delacourt. “I think this… sabbatical… was the right idea.”
Her mild expression turned somber. “I do so wish Frankie had come to us before getting so, so over-excited. We would know, of course, if Mathis were hurt.”
“Well, give him my best,” Grant said. He was still irritated that he hadn’t been able to catch up with his old friend. By the time he and Irina had made it to Silverstream, there was no sign of him.
All that stress, and Mathis was still somewhere out there, moping over an ex-girlfriend.
Grant shrugged and changed the subject. “Lance and his aunt, General MacInnis, have been using their contacts to find out more about the strange shielding material we found on Frankie’s collaborators.”
“Yes, she’s kept us up-to-date with their lack of progress on that front,” interjected Mr. Delacourt. “So, how about these paintings, eh? After we saw Frankie’s, we knew we had to snap up a few for ourselves. That girl’s always had an eye for art. Don’t know how she does it.”
“Frankie bought one of Irina’s paintings?” Grant kept his voice low. He wasn’t sure how Irina would feel at the news.
“Yes—keeps it in her Paris office, I believe. Not that she’s in her office much, these days. Sabbatical, you know.”
“Right…”
Grant frowned. A new scent had just joined the mingled scent-pattern of the room, mixing with the individual notes of his friends and the other guests.
“Mom?”
Mariana Diaz was standing in the entranceway. She was a slight woman in her early fifties, with a strong nose and piercing green eyes.
“Mom,” Grant said, and felt Irina squeeze his arm. “I thought you were still traveling?”
“I was,” his mother replied, kissing him on the cheek. A smile twitched at the edge of her mouth. “But I heard some news that had me on the first flight back.” She turned to Irina. “You must be the woman I’ve heard so much about. My Grant’s mate.”
Grant’s blood went cold. He had told his mother that he was seeing someone—but not that he’d found his mate. He put his arm around Irina automatically and took a deep breath. Whatever his mother’s feelings, he would have to convince her that what he felt for Irina was real. He was no longer afraid that his panther would betray him or his mate. He knew nothing would separate them.
“Grant,” his mother said gently. “I know that look. Wait, don’t say anything. I want to tell you that… I understand why you kept this hidden from me.” She stopped and closed her eyes, rubbing the back of her hand across her forehead. Grant was highly familiar with the action; he’d seen it every time he did something to frustrate his mother when he was growing up.
When she opened her eyes again, they were bright with tears. “Grant, I am so proud of you,” she said, her voice cracking.
“What?” Grant gaped. “I thought—I thought you’d be upset. After what my father did—”
“Upset? Oh, Grant, sweetie. Your father was a conman, but that had nothing to do with him being a panther shifter. No. You’re a good man and a good shifter even if it took you meeting your mate to convince you of that fact.”
Irina squeezed Grant’s hand. “So—you know that I’m Grant’s mate?” She paused. “How does everyone know that?”
“Oh, honey, if he’s asked you to marry him, I would hope you were his mate,” Mariana said, laughing.
A knot of stress he hadn’t realized was there unknotted in Grant’s stomach. His mother wasn’t upset that Grant had found and claimed his mate. No, more than not upset—she was happy. For both of them.
“Oh, my God, at last!”
Grant blinked as Clare’s voice cut through his joyful thoughts. The doors behind Mariana swung open to reveal the additional catering delivery.
“Can we please start the evening now? Officially?” she begged. “Before I have to re-order the drinks, too?”
Irina stiffened at Grant’s side, and he dropped his head onto hers, murmuring into her hair. “Go on, sweetheart. Stand up there and listen to Clare tell all the VIPs how amazing your paintings are.”
“Do I have to?” she whispered back, only half-joking.
“Go on,” he replied. “And afterwards, you can run away with me… just like our first date.”
She smiled. “That doesn’t count as running away,” she said. “It’s running to. On to a new adventure.”
Irina took a deep breath and looked across to where Clare was beckoning her over. Grant laughed as his beloved bit back a groan.
“Five minutes of public adoration, and then I’ll come and rescue you. I promise.”
He stared down into her eyes. The first time he had seen her, they had been welling with tears—tonight, they were overflowing with love and happiness, and a mischievous promise of something more.
“Just like our first date?” Irina teased with a grin.
“Well.” Grant tipped her head back and kissed her lightly on the lips. “Almost. Except for everything between leaving this gallery, and taking you into my bed again.”
Irina gave him a stern look. “Our bed, you mean?”
“Our bed,” Grant agreed. He returned Irina’s grin as she walked across to Clare. When she glanced back at him with a sparkle in her eye, his panther purred with satisfaction.
A new adventure, he thought, and a sense of peace washed over him. With my mate by my side every step of the way.
I won’t let anyone hurt you again, Irina. I promise.
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 Panther’s Promise, even if you only write a line or two. I appreciate all reviews, whether positive or negative.
Page down to read a special sneak preview of Trusting the Tiger.
The cover of Panther’s Promise was designed by Olivia Grey.
More Paranormal Romance by Zoe Chant
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 castle
s 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!
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. 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!
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 adventure!
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!
The Jaguar’s Beach Bride. (Shifters of Coral Beach # 1). 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!
Trusting the Tiger. A lonely BBW who can't shift, on vacation with her shifter family + a billionaire tiger shifter looking for a family + a kidnapping plot that threatens to rip them apart = one sexy and dangerous weekend getaway!
Bear With Me. A lonely bear shifter + a workaholic conservationist + a sudden storm = one wet and wild mountain adventure!
And many more!
Zoe on Audio
Kodiak Moment – Audiobook - Workaholic wildlife photographer + 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!
Laura’s Wolf (Werewolf Marines # 1), by Lia Silver. Werewolf Marine Roy Farrell, scarred in body and mind, thinks he has no future. Curvy con artist Laura Kaplan, running from danger and her own guilt, is desperate to escape her past. Together, they have all that they need to heal. A full-length novel.
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.
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.
The Strength of the Pack, by Jorrie Spencer. Seth Kolski, a werewolf, hides his heritage and passes for normal. Until he meets Jamie. A full-length novel.
Taming the Beast, by Honey Dover. Beauty is a paranormal investigator hired to deal with a man cursed to become a monstrous beast. Helping him recover his humanity will change her life. A novelette.
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.
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.
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.
Discovering the Dragon, by Sofia Stone. When reporter Chloe Martin investigates Lancaster Gold, she finds herself tangled up with the oldest son—Isaac Lancaster, billionaire dragon shifter. A novelette.
Trusting the Tiger
By Zoe Chant
Special Sneak Preview
CHAPTER ONE
TONI
Toni hauled the last suitcase out of the trunk of her car and closed the lid with a satisfying bang. Behind her, the wooden cabin she had rented for the weekend cast a cool shadow over her battered Toyota Corolla. The rest of the campsite was bathed in brilliant sunlight. Beyond the cabins, mossy paths broke through the trees of the forest, leading who-knows-where.
Toni stretched and felt a smile begin to spread across her face. She’d been looking forward to this vacation for months, and she planned to make the most of it. A summer weekend in the great outdoors was just what she needed to de-stress from the endless grind of her life in the city. Toni’s feet were already itching to start exploring the forest. She knew there was a river nearby, and an abandoned mine, as well as miles of hiking trails. Countless options for her to enjoy herself on her own.
Even if the original plan had been to enjoy it with her niece and nephew. Toni looked down at the pile of luggage by her feet and bit back a sigh. The twins had hopped out of the car the moment Toni had parked, and in the time it had taken her to test the key in the cabin door and pop the trunk, they had discovered that as well as a river, and an old mine, and all those hiking trails, Silver Forest also featured a BMX track, and was running a sports camp for kids over the weekend.
Toni had considered telling the twins they would have just as much fun hanging out with their aunt as they would racing around on bikes with a bunch of kids their own age. That thought had lasted all of half a second. She’d signed the permission slip and gotten started telling herself that she could have just as much fun hanging out on her own as she would have had spending the whole weekend with two ten-year-olds in tow.
First super fun solo activity? Unpacking the car!
And next up – drumroll please, Toni thought wryly – shoving everything in a corner of the cabin!
She sighed. There was no point tryi
ng to fool herself. Sure, it was a beautiful day, and she had a rare weekend of freedom ahead of her … but she just couldn’t shake off the feeling that every other person in Silver Forest had hightailed it the moment she arrived.
It sounded ridiculous, but it was … kind of true. And one glance around the empty campsite only added fuel to the fire of her insecurities. The camp manager – Karen, her name was – had told Toni that all the other parents who had brought their kids to the camp had already headed out on their own adventure for the day, a bike ride into the foothills of the nearby mountains.
Karen had very kindly offered to loan Toni a bike if she wanted to join them. Toni had an immediate vision of a pack of lean, spandex-clad men and women skimming through the forest as light as leaves on the breeze ... and then of herself, lumbering up behind them. She didn’t need to see Karen’s stealthy up-and-down glance at her body to know she probably wasn’t going to fit the mold for this group.
Toni was no stranger to feeling the odd one out. As the only full-time human in a family of cat shifters, she was used to feeling big and clumsy. Growing up with siblings who could naturally twist themselves into pretzels, or jump over her head, had left her feeling left out more than once.
Maybe that was why she was feeling so gloomy now. Being made to feel like she wasn’t good enough, like her body wasn’t powerful or flexible or fast enough, brought back those old feelings of loneliness.
She knew her family loved her, even if they left her in the dust athletics-wise. Just like she knew Lexi and Felix loved her, even if they sometimes found her less compelling than the possibility of crashing a BMX bike into a big pile of dirt. All the love in the world couldn’t hide the fact that she would never be as gifted as the rest of her family.
Everyone else in the Oglietti clan had heightened senses, even in human form. They could identify different species of bird just by smell. Toni could barely identify most birds by sight.