Free One Down: Bayou Heat (Pantera Security League Book 1) by Alexandra Ivy, Laura Wright Page B

explained, pride in the work he’d done over the many years. “He brought wisdom and encouragement to those facing challenges.”
    Her expression changed from shock to a soft understanding. “That does sound like you,” she said with a gentle smile. “What does the league do?”
    “Our leaders occasionally face decisions that aren’t entirely black and white,” he said, giving her a brief glimpse into his complicated life. “I work inside those gray areas.”
    Her lips parted, as if to demand a far more detailed explanation. But instead she lifted her hand to lightly touch his cheek. “Is it dangerous?”
    Cerviel’s heart missed a startled beat. He’d expected her to be curious, maybe even disturbed by the thought that he accepted duties that would make most people cringe. But at that moment, there was nothing but pure concern darkening her eyes.
    “It can be,” he slowly admitted.
    She frowned, clearly troubled. Then, as her gaze searched his lean features, her lips twisted into a rueful smile. As if she’d caught something in his face that he barely recognized himself.
    “You like it though, don’t you?” she asked. “Putting yourself at risk?”
    Yes . “I like helping those in need, and I like facing impossible odds and overcoming them,” he said. He preferred to think of himself as a problem-solver rather than an adrenaline junkie. Far more dignified.
    “Because it keeps you from remembering the past?” she pressed.
    He grimaced. This whole “ability to see into his very soul” was going to take some getting used to.
    It was true that he kept his mind occupied and his body in constant motion so he didn’t have to deal with the lingering guilt.
    But that wasn’t the whole reason he remained a part of the league.
    That he’d left everything and become a ghost.
    “I want my life to have meaning,” he told her. “More than ever after Evie died. Taking care of my pack, even if it’s from the shadows, gives me the purpose I crave.”
    She nodded, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. “Is that all you crave in your life?” she asked, her eyes taking on an entirely different glow of curiosity.
    She was pretending. Acting as if his answer didn’t matter. But Cerviel didn’t miss the tentative yearning in her expression.
    Nothing had ever mattered more.
    “That’s what I thought.” He leaned in and brushed a soft kiss over her lips before lifting his head to hold her gaze. “Now, it seems, I have a new purpose.”
    He could feel Hallie’s tension easing as he allowed his cat to glow in his eyes. As a male he could offer his heart, but his puma could offer his soul. An unbreakable bond that promised protection, devotion, and unwavering loyalty. And Raphael will heed me. It was time to revisit—or hell, rewrite—the rules on the PSL and mating.
    Her fingers moved to trace his lips before she released a soft sigh. “How many are in the league besides you?”
    “There are six of us,” he said. Leo. Nathanael. Ramiel. Zagan. Elyon.
    “Do they all have something to prove?” she asked.
    Cerviel shrugged. He’d never truly thought about the glue that held the league together. Maybe they did have something to prove. To themselves. To someone else. He sure as shit had.
    He did know that the reason they stayed was their loyalty to Raphael and the belief in his cause: protecting the species, the Pantera, at any cost.
    “You’ll be able to ask them in person,” he assured, stealing one last kiss before reluctantly glancing toward the opening of the cave. It was still dark, but dawn would be arriving soon enough. “It’s time.”
    She wrinkled her nose. “I figured.”
    “You ready?”
    “As ready as I’ll ever be,” she said with a rueful sigh.
    After making sure Hallie had her gun tucked into the pocket of her hoodie, he took her hand and headed toward the opening.
    “Let’s go.”
    Stepping out of the cave, Cerviel hesitated long enough draw in a deep breath. He caught the