Van, Becca - Alpha Panthers [Terra-form 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Becca van Page B

slapped her across the face with all her strength. The woman let out a sharp cry of pain, staggering back away from April only to land on her ass on the floor. April moved until she was standing over the woman, grasped the woman’s hair in a fist, and wrapped it around her wrist, pulling on it as hard as she could.
    “Just because I’m human, you little bitch, doesn’t mean I can’t take you on,” April ground out through clenched teeth.
    “April, what the hell are you doing?” Gage bellowed, moving toward her quickly. He took April’s hand in his own and squeezed hard. “Let Vanessa go, now.”
    When April didn’t immediately comply, he squeezed her wrist harder until she had no choice but to let the bitch’s hair go. He released her when he saw her wince with pain, and she knew he hadn’t meant to hurt her. She looked up into his eyes and saw the anger he was portraying to her, as well as regret for hurting her.
    “I’m sorry, April, I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Gage said quietly.
    She didn’t acknowledge his apology. She was too hurt emotionally. He hadn’t even asked what the problem was, just assumed that it was all her fault. That sent a stab of pain piercing into her chest and heart. It was more distressing than the pain he had inflicted on her wrist. He obviously thought she was the one being the bitch. She decided she wasn’t going to enlighten him. She didn’t care what Gage, Saxon, or Ben thought of her. She watched without emotion as Gage helped the sobbing Vanessa to her feet then cuddled her against his chest as he glared at April. Vanessa had her back to Saxon and Ben, her face half buried in Gage’s chest as he tried to placate the upset woman. April saw the malicious, satisfied smirk she sent in April’s direction.
    April turned her back on the woman, grabbed the clothes from the bed, and headed back to the bathing room. April removed the towel and pulled on the short, leather-type skirt and top, which left her midriff bare. She tugged and pulled, knowing her efforts were futile. No amount of tugging was going to lengthen the skirt or the top. She sighed in resignation, then sat down on the marble bench and pulled on the black, knee-high boots, surprised to find they fit her feet and were quite comfortable. April knew that bitch, Vanessa, had been right about one thing. She didn’t belong here, and she was determined to find her way home again.
    April walked out of the large bathroom, hoping the three men claiming to be her mates had left the room. She was out of luck. They were still there. She walked over to the small table in front of the window, sat down, and stared outside, taking in the beautifully landscaped gardens stretched out before her as far as she could see. She couldn’t wait to get away from her so-called mates. She wanted nothing more to do with them. They didn’t even trust her. How the hell could anyone build a relationship when there was no trust? As far as she was concerned, love and trust were the basis to every solid relationship.
    April couldn’t believe what she was thinking. Why was she worried about whether her mates trusted her not? She didn’t even like them, for goodness’ sake. And she wasn’t going to be here long enough to be worried about needing their trust or love. She was going to find a way home if it was the last thing she did.
    “April, look at me,” Gage demanded.
    April was still feeling too hurt to be bothered with her mates, so she just continued to stare out the window ignoring them.
    A firm hand grabbed hold of her chin, pulling her to face Gage. April made sure to keep her face totally blank of any feelings and expressions. She just stared up at him passively, not showing any concern at all.
    “What the hell did you think you were doing to Vanessa? Do you think you are going to make any friends by treating people that way? What is wrong with you, woman? I should put you over my knee and tan your ass until it’s red and raw. If I