by Zoe Chant
Nina panted for breath, feeling her orgasm starting to build already. “Harder,” she gasped. “Deeper, come on, Joel, do it.”
Joel obeyed, thrusting hard into her until he was seated as deeply as he could go. Nina clutched at his shoulders, their skin slippery with sweat, reveling in the connection.
This was the moment the mate-bond was at its strongest. When they were fully joined like this, she could feel it as though it was a live thing, a bright flame inside of her, connecting her to Joel. Joel had said he could feel it too, and that it felt like something precious.
It burned brighter as Joel made love to her. Nina got a hand behind his neck and pulled him down for a kiss, feeling him move within her like he was meant to be there. “I love you.”
“I love you,” he said, heartfelt and breathless. “Nina, I love you.”
Any other words were lost in the messy press of their mouths, the movement of their hips, the slick sounds of sex. Nina felt the pleasure building and building, felt Joel’s muscles starting to tense under her hands. Her mouth dropped open as his thrusts began to feel like spasms of pure pleasure, as her muscles started contracting around him.
Nina came with a shriek, her head falling back as orgasm crashed over her like a tidal wave. Joel’s shout mingled with hers, and they fell together into mutual pleasure.
It was a long time before she had her breath back enough to speak. She ran her fingers through Joel’s damp hair and murmured, “Do we have time to wash up?”
Joel kissed her nose and grinned. “I’ll do your back.”
***
Nina was back at Oliver’s for the second time that day. This time, though, she was in the biggest booth in the place, the round one at the back.
She ended up squished into the very middle seat. Joel was next to her, his thigh pressing into hers, a warm reminder of his presence, and Zach and Teri were sitting just beyond him on the end. On Nina’s other side was Alethia, with Grey next to her, and then Jeff and Leah and baby Emily at the other end.
She couldn’t believe how much her life had changed in just a week. She and Joel were splitting their time between Zach and Teri’s place and the cabin, and Nina had found that while she loved spending a few hours hanging out with her new brother-in-law and his mate, she was even happier out at the cabin. She loved working with Joel to fix it up and then heading out to shift and run in the forest. And then coming back to cuddle in front of the fire...and do other things.
She shivered in pleasure at the memories, and Joel squeezed her hand. “Okay?” he asked her.
She nodded, reaching for a menu.
That was another thing. She’d been afraid that being so close to someone after so long alone might start to chafe, but the opposite was true. She loved that Joel was always thinking of her, that he paid attention to how she was doing, what she was saying, what she might be thinking. She soaked his attention up like it was sunlight.
And she loved paying attention to him, too. Having someone else around, caring about where they were and what they did...it was like it nourished a part of her that had been starving for years and years.
“Nina, is your mom coming tonight?” Alethia asked her.
That was the other thing. Her mom was there too.
Nina’s mother had gotten an apartment in town, and was looking for a job. She’d met most of the pack and told Nina that she thought they were “a nice group of young people, honey, I’m so happy you have friends.”
“Not tonight,” Nina told Alethia. “She told me she wanted me to have a fun night with my friends and no old people around.”
Nina’s mom was also scrupulous about giving Joel and Nina time alone together and not intruding on their lives, but she was also happy to spend time with Nina whenever she could. Nina could hardly believe that after so many years, she had her mom back.
Alethia was laughing. “She’s not old! And she’s wonderful, I love her. You know she’s been giving me advice about the store?”
Alethia was in the process of setting up a clothing store in town, something that sold good heavy-duty gear for the hikers, but also nice, cute, inexpensive clothes for the locals, which was something that pretty much didn’t exist around here. Nina hadn’t felt the lack—clothes shopping hadn’t ever been much of a priority for her, since she’d usually been focused more on survival—but she was excited to see what Alethia came up with.
Nina admired the other woman so much—Alethia had told her a little bit about where she’d come from, and how she’d felt hopeless and awful working as a waitress in her own small town, with no way to get out, until she’d met Grey. And now she was so happy, energetic and friendly and starting her own business. Nina aspired to be like her someday.
“I bet she can help you out,” Nina told her now. “She’s got a lot of experience with small businesses.”
“I could tell that just from the one conversation we had,” Alethia said emphatically. “Maybe we could partner up.”
Nina smiled.
Joel, meanwhile, was talking to Zach and Teri. Apparently their relationship had improved dramatically in just the week since Nina and Joel had gotten together, which Nina was grateful for. She was an only child, and having siblings-in-law was something she was exploring with joy.
They were also talking about moms, she realized. Teri’s, this time.
“She keeps calling,” Teri said. “And I want to answer, but I know that if I do, she’ll just be yelling at me the whole time.”
“Block her,” Alethia advised. “It’s the only way.”
Teri bit her lip. “What if there’s an emergency?”
“Lillian can call you,” Zach pointed out. “You don’t have to block her. She’s not as bad, right?”
Teri rubbed her eyes. “I feel bad for her. She’s like Mom’s personal slave. I was angry with her back when I was living with her, but now that I’m out...I just wish Lillian could walk away, too. But since her divorce, she doesn’t really have anywhere else to go, and she wouldn’t like to be alone.”
“Could she...come live with you?” Nina asked tentatively, glancing at Zach. “After Joel and I move out?”
Teri smiled at Nina. “I wish that were an option. But my whole family thinks shapeshifters are unnatural and dangerous. She’d never come to a shifter’s house.”
Nina hadn’t realized that. “Maybe your mom and my dad should hang out.”
“Maybe never,” Teri said in horrified tones, and Nina started to laugh.
Their relatives might have sucked, but the solidarity was...really nice. Especially since she suspected both she and Teri were better off without prejudiced, judgmental parents in their lives.
Her father’s rejection had hurt, but not as much as it might have. Really, he’d rejected her seven years ago; she’d felt the pain then, and by now it was secondary to the overwhelming joy of having her mom back.
Maybe someday he’d change his mind. But for now...she was mostly sad that he was so small-minded and angry, and she hoped he could learn to be different.
“I just wish my sister could be happy,” Teri was saying, sounding sad.
Zach put his arm around her. “I hope so, too.”
From the other side of the table, Jeff got baby Emily settled in his lap and leaned forward. “Hey, did anyone invite Cal?”
“Yes,” half the table chorused.
“He’s never going to come,” Alethia said. “You guys know that.”
“I still think it’s right to invite him,” Jeff said, unperturbed. “What if someday he wants to and then we don’t invite him?”
Joel rolled his eyes. “We can keep inviting him. But I’m pretty sure he’s going to grow from a crusty middle-aged loner into a crusty old loner without much changing.”
Baby Emily chose that moment to grab for Jeff’s water, so he was distracted by trying to prevent a spill and then, when he didn’t quite manage it, mopping up water from the table.
Nina sat back and watched as the rest of
them got caught up in a discussion of whether they wanted to share a couple of plates of fries and onion rings or what. This—this was exactly what she’d wanted. Being here, in this group, talking and laughing and being included. She couldn’t believe it was hers.
Next to her, Joel leaned in. “I love you.”
Startled, she smiled up at him. “What was that for?”
He smiled. “Nothing. I just love you.”
She grinned. “I love you, too.”
“Okay, lovebirds,” said Alethia. “Seriously: fries or onion rings?”
A note from Zoe Chant
Thank you for reading The Snow Leopard’s Heart! I hope you enjoyed it. If you’re starting the series here and you’d like to read more about Grey and Alethia, the first book is The Snow Leopard’s Mate (or here on my website for Apple users). If you’d like to read about Jeff, Leah, and baby Emily, the second book is The Snow Leopard’s Baby (or here). If you’d like to read about Zach and Teri, the third book is The Snow Leopard’s Home (or here).
Please review The Snow Leopard’s Heart, even if it’s only a line or two. I love to hear what my readers think.
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.
Page down to read a special sneak preview of The Snow Leopard’s Mate.
The cover of The Snow Leopard’s Heart was designed by Belle Arden.
More Paranormal Romance by Zoe Chant
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!
Ranger Griffin. A lonely reporter in deadly danger + a protective griffin shifter who thinks he's a monster + a cozy cabin in a snowy forest = one exciting and heartwarming 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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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
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!
Alpha Lion. A frightened but determined BBW + a sexy lion shifter martial artist + a dangerous enemy = one unforgettable romance!
In the Billionbear’s Den. A stressed-out BBW in need of a break + a sexy billionaire bear shifter in need of a mate to share his home + the remote woodland house he built himself = one steamy romance!
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.
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.
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.
The Snow Leopard’s Mate
by Zoe Chant
Special Sneak Preview
She was still fuming about the fact that Ted hadn’t listened her to tell him no. Alethia Parker would tell any man no she wanted to, and if he took issue with that, she had pepper spray in her purse and she wasn’t afraid to use it.
So that was the mindset she was in when some guy in a scraggly beard and a stained T-shirt noticed her and leered. “Hey, honey, you lose your boyfriend?”
“I don’t know,” she snapped. “He’s probably with your mom.”
In retrospect, that had been a dumb thing to say.
Scraggly got mad and grabbed her arm.
“I think you should learn some respect.” His breath was hot in her face. It did not smell minty-fresh.
“Let go of me.” She made sure to enunciate each word very carefully.
“No.” His grip tightened.
Ali looked down, hoping to God he wasn’t wearing steel-toed boots. Nope, she was in luck: dirty white sneakers.
She drove her four-inch stiletto heel down into his foot. He howled and let her go, and she darted off into the crowd as fast as she could go.
That was it, she was finding Denise and they were leaving right now!
She ran smack into someone, rebounding off his chest like he was made of stone.
She looked up—and up—to meet the cool, grey eyes of a man who had to be at least 6’3’’. He was lean and muscular and looked like he could take anybody at this bar without breaking a sweat.
Great, Ali thought. Now this guy would want a piece of her, and she was going to have to try and pepper spray him, except his face might be too high for her to reach.
But he wasn’t making a move. He was just looking at her, intently, and when she looked back, she saw that his eyes weren’t cool after all. They were warm, a warm silvery colo
r that held her attention like nothing else ever had.
“Gotcha!” Scraggly had come up behind her without her noticing and grabbed her arm again.
Gotcha?
She tried to find it funny—it was funny, after all, like she was a mouse in a cartoon—but all of a sudden, the whole night seemed to crash down on her. Molly, Denise, Ted, Matt, Scraggly. She wanted to burst into tears.
She couldn’t cry in a bar in front of everyone. But somehow, a single hot streak escaped her eye makeup and made it down her cheek.
Then a big hand closed around Scraggly’s wrist and twisted.
“Hey!” Scraggly yelled, instantly letting her go. “What’s wrong with you? I saw her first.”
“I’m thinking she doesn’t want to see you,” said the grey-eyed man in a rumbling voice. “Seeing as how she was running away from you.”
“She needs to pay for what she said to me,” Scraggly whined.
The grey-eyed man stepped forward. “Excuse me,” he said to Ali.
Suddenly, with a graceful twist, he was between her and Scraggly. He stared down at Scraggly’s trucker hat. Scraggly tilted his head back and looked a little less sure of himself.
“Seems to me that you need to pay for what you did to her.” His voice was almost a growl. “We can do that here or outside.”
“No! Uh, no, no thanks.” Scraggly backed away abruptly. He had to shoulder a few guys aside to do it. Then his whiny voice rose again as he started making new friends a few yards away.
Ali let out a breath that she felt like she’d been holding for an hour.
“Thank you,” she said to the man.
Now that she had a chance to take in more than his height and his eyes, he was even more striking. His skin was weather-beaten and tanned a pale, pale gold, and his hair was white-blond, getting a little too long and falling into his eyes. He had broad shoulders and muscular arms, but still managed to give the impression of leanness, a rangy grace that she had just witnessed in motion.