A Leopard's Path by Lia Davis Page A

greeted by Alec. “I’m going instead of Travis. The twins and Nigel will be able to track any scents left behind at the camp. You and I will make sure the kids are safe.”
    Nodding, Jared glanced at Nigel talking to Bryce. Relief rippled over Jared. The way the boys stood close to each other, muttering softly, indicated that Nigel had formed a friendship. Good.
    “Nigel and I should have no problem tracking Sable from the camp, but a team is better. We have to watch out for mutants.” Even though sightings of the half-beast, half-human creatures Felix had created were almost non-existent in recent months, it didn’t mean they weren’t out there.
    “Yes, those bastards could be hiding out anywhere.” Alec stopped and turned as Shayna walked in with Wesley bundled in her arms.
    A smile reached her eyes and brightened the room as she cooed at the baby boy. Josie followed on her heels. Just then, Travis appeared from the kitchen, a scowl on his face. “What are you doing up?”
    Shayna shook her head. “I’m fine.”
    Travis let out a low growl, which caused Josie to growl back at him. With a raised brow, the wolf held his four-year-old daughter’s gaze. She propped her fists on her hips, and Jared chuckled.
    “Mommy and Wes wanted to say hi to everyone.” Josie broke the eye contact with her father and moved to sit on the sofa.
    Travis gave his back to Josie to meet Jared’s gaze. The male’s lips twitched as he crossed the living room to stand next to Alec. “I can’t wait until Wes is old enough to equal out the estrogen in this house.”
    Alec snorted. “It doesn’t work that way. The females will always get their way.”
    “I’m sorry I can’t go.” Travis glanced to Shayna and tensed as she carefully sat next to Josie.”
    Jared’s heart softened. At times like these, his own pain was almost bearable. Almost. “It’s understandable.”
    Travis nodded, then disappeared into the kitchen again. Jared drew his brows together and met Alec’s gaze. Shaking his head, the men moved to the door. Alec called for the kids to join them before sending Shayna a wave.
    Outside, Jared breathed in the late crisp afternoon air. Dread sliced through him, putting his jaguar further on edge.
    Nigel stepped up beside him. “Mom’s changed. The rebels, they want the same thing as Ashwood and me.”
    Not looking at his son, Jared gave a short nod. “Felix will pay for every wrong deed he has done.”
    As for Sable, she was Jared’s to deal with. He just didn’t know if he wanted to kill her or mate her again. Shit was so fucked up.
    “Let’s get this over with,” Alec growled as he and the twins exited the house.
    Jared didn’t bother to remove his clothes before shifting into his jaguar. Once covered in spotted black fur, he let out a roar and took off toward the forest. Within seconds, Nigel had caught up with him in his jaguar form. From the corner of Jared’s eye, he saw flecks of gold mixed with black, a combination of his mother’s cat and Jared’s.
    A sense of pride and unconditional love bloomed within Jared’s heart, melting away the wall he had built so long ago. Out of instinct, he rushed sideways and bumped into Nigel. The young cat growled playfully and rammed him back harder.
    Moments later, the twins joined in the play, trying to trip Jared and Nigel by weaving between them. They almost succeeded a few times, but Jared and Nigel were quicker. Putting a large gap between them, Jared slowed and waited. Nigel glanced over his shoulder and let out a snort.
    In cat form, Jared was more in tune with his son, and it seemed to be the same for Nigel. Jared let out a low growl then cut right, confusing the twins. But only for a moment. When he rounded the next tree, Bryce was there. The large, silver wolf crouched before him, eyes alert to Jared’s every move.
    He laughed in his head, actually enjoying the run with the kids.
    Heart pounding, he leapt over Bryce, clearing him by a few feet. Out of