Chapter Twenty Six

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Just as she finishes, she hears the car come down the road. She runs out the backdoor and shifts before walking around. Connor jumps out and runs up to Panthera. “Luna!” he says, throwing his arms around her. She puts her head on his shoulder and he smiles. “Thank you.” he says. Candance helps Leon inside and Panthera sits in the doorway in panther form. “What happened to your eyes?” Candance asks. Panthera looks at Connor and Candance does too. “Connor, can you go grab a change of clothes for Leon?” Candance says. Connor nods and runs up the stairs. Panthera shifts and explains quickly before shifting back. Connor runs down the stairs with clothes in hand. “Here you go!” He says, handing the clothes to Candance. “Here Leon.” Candance says, handing the clothes to him. “I'll go outside.” Candance says. She walks outside past Panthera and shuts the door. Pantheras head drops. “It's not your fault, what happened to him.” Candance says. Panthera stills looks at her paws, but nods. After a moment, the door opens and Connor smiles. Candance walks in and Panthera stands in the doorway. “They fit.” Leon says. Candance and Connor talk for a few minutes before Katy starts crying. Candace goes to get Katy while Connor and Leon keep talking. Panthera lays down in the doorway, half in and half out. She watches the comings and goings of the house, Katy being fed a bottle, Leon and Connor talking, the clock dinging signalling noon, the shadows of the sun through the windows, Candance bustling around, getting things done, the boys going to the kitchen to get lunch. Candance makes them lunch, tossing a chicken leg to Panthera, Katy crawling around the living room on the floor. Panthera watches until it gets to 9 pm and the boys go to the bedrooms. Connor starts talking to Candance and Panthera goes to leave. “Can Luna sleep in my room?” Panthera hears Connor say. Panthera turns around and Connor and Candance are looking at her. “Fine.” Candance says. Connor fist bumps the air and Panthera lets out a giggle that sounds like a growl. Connor runs up the stairs. “Come on Luna!” Panthera hears him yell. She looks at Candance and Candance nods. Panthera walks inside and up the stairs, making sure not to knock anything over. Panthera walks into Connors room and Connor walks out of the bathroom in a pair of pajama pants and no shirt. He walks over to the bed and lays down under the covers before patting the bed beside him. Panthera walks over and lays next to the bed, on the floor. “Come on Luna.” Connor says, patting the bed again. Panthera gets up and looks at the bed, then him. “Come on.” he says again. Panthera sighs and gets on the bed. Her long panther body drapes over the bed and her tail is off the side. Connor scoots over and cuddles against her fur and puts one of her paws over his side. His back is to her side and one of her paws is draped over his shoulder. He yawns and turns off the lamp next to his bed. “Goodnight Luna.” he says. Panthera lays her head down on one of the pillows and watches Connor. His eyes slowly close and his breathing slows and deepens and Panthera knows he's asleep. Her panther ears pick up his heart rate slowing down to a slow and comforting pattern. Panthera lets herself fall asleep slowly. Candance walks into the room and Panthera’s head shoots up. “Oh, sorry Panthera.” Candance says, shutting the door. Panthera lays her head back down and falls asleep.

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