The Panther's Second Chance (Book 10 of the Regal Eclipse Pack Series)

Chapter 6

The next morning passed by much slower than Dominic would have liked. The meeting bored him more so than yesterday and he found himself more restless than usual. His need to get out of Los Angeles was strong. He needed to go home and let his cat out. Zampa was very grumpy with him after what had happened at the club last night.

Finally, the meetings came to an end and he shook hands with the CEO and left the building. He got into the car and headed back to the airport, happy to be leaving Los Angeles.

It would be later by the time he got home, and he knew Natalia's birthday party was at six pm. He'd have some time to get out for a bit. He needed it. Zampa was annoyed with him after last night.

'I didn't sleep with her,' he reminded the cat, who wasn't on speaking terms with him. Zampa hadn't said a word since he'd had his fun with Deidre last night, though he could feel the panther 's disapproval.

He sighed and ran his hands through his black hair, setting it on end. Zampa would get over it. Eventually. They didn't clash often about anything, and this was so out of character for him.

The plane landed and Dominic grabbed his bag before heading off the plane and across the tarmac. He got into his car and headed back to the pack house. He'd be home until the pack visit he had scheduled next week. Maybe he could spend some time with Kai and Cass. He needed a distraction.

Malachi Remington was the heir to the throne and would be the next Alpha King. His mother, Noelle, Nick's mate, was the current Alpha. Natalia was her daughter, and Kai's younger sister. She was turning eighteen today.

Dominic parked his car in the garage and grabbed his bags, then headed into the pack house. He walked down the hall and opened his door, stepping inside. His room was neat, the way he preferred it. He glanced around slowly. If he found a mate, he was probably going to have to finally get an apartment. But that might not be for a while still.

The bedroom had been a guest room at one point, and was one of the larger rooms on the first floor. He'd taken it over quite a while ago. It had a king sized bed, a comfortable recliner that he'd bought not too long ago, and some other random furniture. It also had a table and chairs that he used as a desk. The closet was a decent size and the bathroom was pretty big as well. It was enough for just him.

He tossed his bags down, deciding to unpack later. He'd have to get his suits dry cleaned, but he'd worry about that another day. He changed into sweats and a T-shirt, then left the pack house, heading out into the woods. He could feel Zampa 's excitement, even though the cat still hadn't said a word to him. He stopped in the clearing and began to pull his clothes off. 'Let's not be late to the party,' he reminded his cat, before giving over control.

The shift was always fast and painless, which still blew his mind. It should hurt like hell, but it didn't, and he settled back in Zampa's mind to enjoy his cat's happiness.

Zampa knew the territory well, and would run some, then settle up in a tree to relax. Sometimes they would play with the wolves, but Dom hadn't told anyone he was back. He wasn't naive enough to actually think someone wasn't aware he was there, but he hadn't mind linked any one. He was sure someone on the lower level had caught his scent the moment he entered the pack house.

Preparations were under way for the party tonight, and he could smell that someone was barbecuing and smoking something. The smells made his mouth water. He knew there would be a bonfire out in the clearing, away from the house. It would be an enjoyable evening, and he was looking forward to it.

Zampa finally made his way back to his clothes and gave Dominic back control. Dom shifted and began to get dressed. He headed back to the pack house and slipped inside. Of all the pack houses he'd visited over the years, Regal Eclipse was his favorite. And not just because it was home. It had been designed more in the style of an apartment building. It was large and sprawling and Dominic loved it.