Therian Prisoner(28)

“I’m not speaking to my son at the moment, so let them spin their wheels.”

Silence stretched on for a moment as Ava dealt with her obvious confusion. “Why are you angry with Kyle?”

Erin closed the manuscript and pushed it aside then centered her laptop in front of her and turned it on. “I was led to believe that Devon took off after a pointless argument with Kyle. According to him she was acting out because of her grief over losing her father.”

“That’s not what happened?”

It would be cruel to draw Ava into the middle of the conflict, so Erin debated what to tell her. Ava and Kyle’s relationship was still new. Erin had no intention of causing trouble between them. Still, facts were facts. “Devon did take off after arguing with Kyle, but her actions were not unprovoked.”

Ava licked her lips, clearly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was headed. “How was Devon provoked?”

“Kyle is under tremendous pressure. Not only is he quite young to be named network Prime, but he supports the rebels where his father was true to the ancient customs.”

“I understand all that. What does it have to do with Devon?”

“Lokesh, the most powerful jaguar alpha offered to support the rebels if Kyle would sanction a match between him and Devon. Most of the jaguars have remained neutral until now. Landing their support would be very beneficial to the rebel cause. And all it would cost Kyle is his sister’s happiness.”

Color slowly drained from Ava’s cheeks. She had been faced with an arranged marriage not long ago, so she understood how powerless it made the female feel. “Did Kyle sanction the match?”

“Not outright, but he made it clear to Devon that he would be grateful if she agreed to the union  .”

Ava shook her head, conflicting emotions clouding her eyes. “Why would he… Are you sure about this?”

“I spoke with Lokesh this afternoon. He’d heard about Devon’s rescue and wanted to know if the contract had been finalized.” Erin took a deep breath, determined not to take out her frustrations on Ava. “Needless to say, I was shocked and horrified by the call. I confronted Kyle with what I’d learned, expecting him to deny it. All I got from my son was an awkward apology. He insisted that he wouldn’t have finalized the contract without Devon’s consent, but he admitted that he’d put the good of the network above his sister’s happiness.”

“May I play devil’s advocate?”

“Don’t bother saying that protecting the good of the network is the Prime’s job, because I understand that. However, Devon had just lost her father. It was cruel of her brother to even consider the match. Kyle should have told Lokesh that Devon was still in mourning. Period.”

Ava didn’t argue, nor did she agree. She likely didn’t know what to think. Therian customs were still new to Ava. “If you know where Devon is, you should tell Kyle. It’s not right to make him worry like this.”

“He knows she’s with Ian. That should be enough. Ian won’t allow anything to happen to her.”

“You have a very high opinion of Ian.”

Erin paused and searched Ava’s gaze. She saw only honest curiosity and flickers of worry, so she chose to elaborate. “My opinion of Ian has been reinforced over many years. He’ll protect her as no one else can.”

“Why is that?”

“He is the oldest and most powerful Therian still alive.” She allowed herself to smile before she added, “Except your sister, of course. But Carissa is still learning how to control her power.”

Ava glanced around, gaze widening as she took in the artifacts. “What is all of this?”

“These are objects owned by or influential in the lives of various Omni Primes.”

“All of them?” Ava stood and moved toward the nearest bank of shelves, her fascination obvious.

“It’s the Historian’s responsibility to collect and protect these artifacts. That’s part of the reason I spend so much time down here.”

To Ava’s credit, she looked without touching and took her time with each object. “Are you sure Ian is the best person to help Devon process her captivity? What is the nature of their relationship?”

“Damn good question,” Erin muttered under her breath.

“What was that?” Ava turned from the shelves and returned to the stool beside Erin. “They aren’t…romantic, are they?”

“Yesterday I would have told you no, but I had the most confusing conversation with Payne this morning.”

“The lion-shifter?”

“Yes.” Generally Erin would talk these things out with Kyle, especially with Devon involved. Unfortunately she was still pissed at Kyle, so his mate would have to do. “Payne is what I like to call sensitive.”