Snow Leopard Protector: A WILD Security Book (The Protector Series 3) Read online

  Snow Leopard

  Protector

  A WILD Security Book

  Ruby Forrest

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  WARNING: This book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language. It may be considered offensive to some readers. This book is for sale to adults ONLY.

  Please ensure this book is stored somewhere that cannot be accessed by underage readers.

   Copyright 2018 by Ruby Forrest - All rights reserved.

  In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

  Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.

  Any product or company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them. Use of author names or pen names by Kate Blake Publishing, resembling existing author names or pen names not owned by Kate Blake Publishing, does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

  Table of Contents

  SNOW LEOPARD PROTECTOR

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Snow Leopard Protector

  Prologue

  The snow leopard stood, proud and tall. Hanna- Gale could see him standing atop the mountain, surveying his domain. He was so proud, and standing so tall. Hanna- Gale couldn’t help but admire him, couldn’t help but see majesty in his stance, in the way that he looked over his people, over the millions scattered across the earth.

  Somehow, even though she could not see them, Hanna- Gale knew that there were millions down there, millions around the world who were aligned with this magnificent creature. She felt like her breath had been taken away from her in a sudden rush, in a beautiful rush of air and breathlessness. She bit her lip and took a deep breath, feeling the sensations catch in her throat and tighten in her chest, an ache that she could not let go of, an ache that was lingering in the background and refusing to let go of her.

  She loved it, loved watching this creature, watching the muscles that bunched beneath his skin, watching the rise and fall of its breathing and the ways his chest tightened and relaxed, expanded and contracted with each breath. He looked so powerful standing there, so strong towering above everyone, a force to be reckoned with, someone who should not be messed with, or argued with. There was a magnetism about him that Hanna- Gale could not ignore. There was a strength that rippled through him, a power that she could not deny, something about him that was drawing her closer and closer and closer.

  She could feel the way that the air seemed to ripple around him and it touched something deep inside Hanna- Gale. She felt a freedom, a longing, and an ache that she had never felt before and did not know what to call it. It was something that was calling her to him and she could not turn away. Something about his eyes as he stared out into the distance.

  It was a mysterious force and Hanna- Gale didn’t know how or why it was working on her, didn’t know what to do or what to say or how to act. She shuddered, feeling herself move, as if in a trance. One foot moved a step forward on its own, tentative and hesitant. Then the second foot followed, stepping into the unknown, stepping into a world that she had never before experienced, or even heard about.

  Her body seemed to be moving on its own, stepping out into the great unknown, stepping out into something new and strange and different in so many ways. She didn’t know what lay ahead, and she didn’t know what was waiting for her. But Hanna- Gale stepped forward, one foot at a time, moving out into the unknown, with no one but herself to offer guidance, no one but herself to help her move forward, move onwards.

  And yet, she had to move, had to move forward and keep going, had to keep moving until she found the place where she needed to be. And she had a feeling, a feeling deep inside of her, that she was meant to be here, meant to move towards the snow leopard that was standing so proud on the mountain, who was watching over everyone with such strength and dignity and grace, who was not about to quit or give up or move away. He was strong, he was confident and she needed to be by his side.

  She needed to get to him. She took a step, moving closer and closer, approaching him faster and faster, feeling the breath on her skin as she gasped, her breathing coming in short, sharp pants as she ran towards him, ran towards him and felt the pressure on her skin, on her body. She felt the ache in her chest as she approached and got closer and closer.

  The snow leopard turned around, fixing his eyes on her, those beautiful, yellow eyes that seemed to stare into her soul, seemed to stare into her very mind and capture her with the intensity, with the way that he wouldn’t look away, the focus, the breathless way it made her feel, the tension that caught in her chest and left her gasping and shaky and wanting to be closer already.

  The draw to him was spiritual, was more intense than anything that she had ever felt before and she could not turn away. She could not turn away from this leopard, this creature with such strength, the creature who would guide her, keep her safe and bring her the type of fulfilment that she had been craving and needing and wanting for the longest time, that she had been so desperate for, for the longest time. She needed it, ached for it, wanted the fulfilment and the purpose in her life, and wanted to feel whole again.

  She needed this. As she approached, it hit her all over again. The snow leopard stood, proud and tall. Hanna- Gale could see him standing atop the mountain, surveying his domain. He was so proud, and standing so tall. Hanna- Gale couldn’t help but admire him, couldn’t help but see majesty in his stance, in the way that he looked over his people, over the millions scattered across the earth.

  Somehow, even though she could not see them, Hanna- Gale knew that there were millions down there, millions around the world who were aligned with this magnificent creature. She felt like her breath had been taken away from her in a sudden rush, in a beautiful rush of air and breathlessness. She bit her lip and took a deep breath, feeling the sensations catch in her throat and tighten in her chest, an ache that she could not let go of, an ache that was lingering in the background and refusing to let go of her.

  She loved it, loved watching this creature, watching the muscles that bunched beneath his skin, watching the rise and fall of its breathing and the ways his chest tightened and relaxed, expanded and contracted with each breath. He looked so powerful standing there, so strong towering above everyone, a force to be reckoned with, someone who should not be messed with, or argued with. There was a magnetism about him that Hanna- Gale could not ignore. There was a strength that rippled through him, a power that she could not deny, something about him that was drawing her closer and closer and closer.

  She reached out a hand, reached out towards him, longing to pull him in and draw him close, to feel him near again, feel something, anything. She was so close, so close, and so close. She could hear her heart pounding in her ears-

  Hanna- Gale woke up with a start, sweat pouring from her skin. Just a dream, she reassured herself. Just a dream.

  Chapter 1

  Hanna- Gale hadn’t been back in this city for what felt like years. It probably had been, in fact. She
had vague recollections of family get-togethers in a large, forgotten house, classy and elegant. She had sharp recollections of her mother wiping her eyes as they drove home, after hours of being snubbed as the low end of the family. They hadn’t mixed with the rest of their family much- a bunch of snobs, if Hanna- Gale was being completely honest.

  Hanna- Gale was your average run of the mill kind of girl anyway, growing up in suburbia, going to a good school, going to activities after hours and making sure that she always got good grades. She was pretty average in every way, really. A small part of her heart would ache, longing for more in a quiet way that let Hanna- Gale know it was there, it was listening, it was waiting for a great opportunity to come along,

  When Hanna- Gale got the phone call, she was almost knocked sideways. Sitting on her couch, curled up and sipping on a cup of coffee before it was time for work, Hanna- Gale hadn’t expected to receive the phone call. It had been from a lawyer of all things, a lawyer who was telling her she needed to come to an estate reading as soon as possible. It had been on that afternoon, and Hanna- Gale couldn’t believe it.

  After confirming several times, she’d decided to phone in at work and take the day off. Then she had hurried to get changed and ready, wearing something dark and formal and appropriate. It was perfect. Hanna- Gale didn’t feel much sorrow for the man who has passed away. He was an uncle without children. His wife had passed away earlier and Hanna- Gale couldn’t remember them much at all.

  She had slight recollections of attending a party or two there when she was a little girl, but that was all. No Christmas cards, no nothing. Hanna- Gale was surprised to be called to the reading of the will, but Hanna- Gale had been raised with manners, and she saw no choice but to attend.

  The will reading had been a few towns away, and it was a good long drive. When she had arrived, she had been ushered inside the lawyers little office and seated with a few other people that she didn’t know at all.

  The will had been read, money, assets and property divided up. He had been a wealthy man, that was certain, and Hanna- Gale could not help the curiosity that was curling around her stomach, lurking at the corners. When her name was read, Hanna- Gale held her breath, only to let it out in an unsightly rush.

  The house. The big fancy house that she remembered from childhood recollections. High ceilings, many rooms, several floors. It must have been worth a lot, being in the centre of town. For a while, Hanna- Gale had just stared in a detached sort of awe and disbelief.

  These sort of things just didn’t happen to her, not to her. She was going insane. Hanna- Gale took a deep, shivery little breath as she confirmed what she had just heard. Then the will reading went on as if nothing has ever happened.

  Hanna- Gale went home feeling stunned and shaky and the drive had passed in a blur. She’d just inherited a whole house, and a big one, from family she barely knew. She felt dizzy, and she never wanted to let go of the feeling.

  Over the next few days, she received the paperwork, which she signed and sent off. She also received a detailed note, explaining that no one had lived there for some years, her uncle fearing a little poorly.

  Keys were enclosed and Hanna- Gale felt giddiness sweep her up all over again. She had taken some time off work, packed a bag and decided to go and have a good look at this house, the house that was now hers.

  Hanna- Gale stood outside the house now, staring up at it in all its splendour. There was no doubt that it needed work- the structure was great, but the flower beds were overgrown and a new coat of paint would be a really great idea, if she could get away with it. She had a feeling the inside was the same, but for some reason, Hanna- Gale felt apprehension licking at her heels. She had every right to be in this house, but somehow, she still felt nervous, like she would be called out for trespassing.

  Hanna- Gale glanced at the keys, steeled herself, and walked up the front. Unlocking the gate, she shut it behind her and walked through the garden. She had been reassured that electricity still worked, flowing to the house, just as water did. Her uncle had kept it all running.

  If she took over the next payments, she’d be fine. A little sliver of anxiety found its way up her spine at the mention. She wasn’t sure how she was going to pay for that, but she would have to find a way.

  Commuting would be hard, so she’d need to find a job here, or something similar. But that was for later. For now, she wanted to have a good look around. Her heart caught in her chest as she pushed the key into the lock and turned it. It gave easily, opening up and letting Hanna- Gale inside. She shut the door behind her as she fumbled for a switch. She flicked it on, and her eyes widened. She took in the sight of her uncle’s home, no, her home. And it was incredible.

  Chapter 2

  Hanna- Gale wandered around the halls of the house, feeling the wonder dance at the edge of her vision. It was stunning. Opulent wasn’t the world. Great sweeping staircases connected the stories, paintings seemed to line the walls, rich and classic. The carpeting beneath her feet was soft as could be and the hardwood was polished to a glorious shine. It was everything that Hanna- Gale could have hoped for and more.

  Everything was furnished with period pieces and the décor didn’t look like it had been shifted. Unlike the outside of the house, the inside was in absolutely perfect repair and it made Hanna- Gale smile to see the beauty of it all. She could tell that dust had been gathering, but what else did she expect in an old building like this? Especially if no one had lived in it recently. A good dusting and sweep and the house would sparkle like new.

  Electricity might be used to power the house, but it was still lit with chandeliers. Hanna- Gale never dreamed that she would have a house like this. A nagging doubt in her stomach told her that this was far too big for her. She could probably just live in one wing of the house and still feel like she was living in a mansion. Each wing seemed beautifully self-contained with a personal kitchen, lavish bathroom, lounge room, dining room and several beautiful bedrooms.

  Hanna- Gale felt like she was stepping into an impossible, impossible dream. She could never have imagined stepping into such luxury. She was suddenly very aware of the fact that she was dressed in a simple black dress and heels. She had a touch of makeup and jewellery on, and she had thought she looked very polished when she stepped out.

  Now, in the midst of all of this, she felt terribly underdressed, like she hadn’t even put any effort into her appearance, which was the furthest thing from the truth. Hanna- Gale was still feeling a little giddy as she sank into one of the couches and stared at the draping curtains, the glorious, unlit fireplace, and the hardwood pattern that swirled beneath her.

  She sighed in satisfaction, an odd sense of peace coming over her. It was almost like coming home. She’d never liked the people here, never felt connected, and yet, just knowing that this was where her late father had once grown up, made her feel like she needed to hold onto this house and take good care of it.

  It was comforting in a strange sort of way, even though Hanna- Gale didn’t yet know what she was meant to do with it, or with all this space.

  Her peaceful and comfortable musings were interrupted sharply. The sound of footsteps echoed in the upper rooms, thudding down the house in an eerie sort of way. Hanna- Gale froze from her place on the couch. It was growing a little bit late- Hanna- Gale had just planned on staying here for the night.

  She swallowed and shifted, slowly standing up as she looked around, trying to find a weapon that she might be able to use to fight someone off. Worry sparked in her stomach. It might be nothing- the old creaking of a house she didn’t really know that well, animals on the roof that seemed to sound like footsteps.

  It didn’t mean someone was in the house. She needed to get rid of such a silly notion. Hanna- Gale swallowed hard and glanced around again. The thud of heavy boots echoed through the house and Hanna- Gale jumped. There was someone here, someone in the upstairs, probably the east wing. She could hear the footsteps, the opening and closing of
doors. She had only just got here and already someone was in her home!

  She shuddered, feeling sick and angry. How dare they? She found a heavy looking candlestick and gripped it in both hands, determined not to let anyone see how scared she was. She was shaking as she walked towards the staircase, holding her weapon outstretched. This was crazy.

  She hadn’t seen a single soul when she was looking through the house before and she thought that she had checked every room. It must have happened when she went downstairs. But why? Why now?

  Everything seemed untouched, even the finery, so why did someone choose to break in the moment she entered the house. She swallowed her anxiety back, holding the candlestick tighter in her hands. Her phone was in the pocket of her dress and she considered phoning 911. She took a deep breath. She would phone 911 if there really was an intruder.

  She might just be paranoid, all alone in the huge, lonely house. All alone. Or maybe not as alone as she had first thought. Hanna- Gale crept up the stairs slowly, wincing as they creaked beneath her feet. She turned, slowly moving towards the east wing, where she thought she had heard the footsteps coming from. Swallowing, she steadied her candlestick and started opening doors.

  She didn’t look threatening, but she hoped it would work out. She didn’t want to think about what might happen if whoever it was started to fight back in earnest. She swallowed, feeling a little sick to her stomach. Almost there.

  Hanna- Gale flung open the door to the east wing lounge and froze. Someone was there. He had his back turned to her and Hanna- Gale found herself backing up. He was huge, strong muscles rippling beneath a leather jacket. Tall and broad and well built. She could see the black of his hair and the curving insignia of a huge snow leopard that took up most of his jacket.