Therian Prisoner(34)

“Don’t count on it.” Dorothy crossed her arms over her chest as Ian scarfed the eggs. “So how long are you two going to be around?”

“Trying to get rid of me already?” Ian teased.

“Just the opposite, actually. If you’re going to be here Friday night, I’ll invite you to my dinner party. The others don’t see near enough of you.”

“This is what, Tuesday?” Ian shook his head as he cleared his mouth of food. “Friday’s kind of doubtful, but I’ll give you a call.”

“Fair enough. Ain’t it just like me to trash the kitchen and leave?” She laughed then nodded toward the door. “Can I talk to you outside for a minute?”

“Sure.” He scooped up the last bite of eggs before he followed her outside. “What’s up?”

“Are you in love with her?” He saw a fierce protectiveness in Dorothy’s dark gaze that hadn’t been there when she arrived. “If you don’t care for her deeply, let me take her home with me.”

“Nothing in this world could make me hurt Devon. I’m glad she confided in you. I know she needed to get it all out, but I think she also needs me right now.”

Dorothy just stared at him for a long moment as she nibbled at her lower lip. “She needs the one thing you’ll have a hard time giving up.”

“What are you talking about? I’ll give her anything she needs.”

“She needs control. You’re alpha to the marrow of your bones. How can she regain control of her life, her body and her sexuality with someone like you?”

He was honest enough to understand the complication. His first instinct in any situation was to take over. In the bedroom it was even worse. He needed his partner to surrender or he wasn’t fully satisfied. “If I can’t give her what she needs, I’ll bring her to you.”

“Or take her home. I know Erin mostly by reputation, but her reputation is impeccable.”

“Devon’s still pissed at Kyle and where Erin goes Kyle soon follows.”

“Then bring her to me.”

Ian sighed. “I think she might be the one.” Saying the words out loud made them feel possible. His heart leapt and he clenched his fists, frustrated by the complication. Why couldn’t life ever be simple with him?

“I hope you’re right, but she still has to come first right now.”

Her unintentional double entendre made him smile. “I’ll do my best.”

Dorothy just rolled her eyes. “That wasn’t what I meant and you know it.”

“I will protect her with my life and make sure she has exactly what she needs no matter how unnatural it might feel to me.”

It took her a moment to nod, then she glanced up at the cloudless sky and smiled. “The upper meadow is in bloom. It would be a lovely spot for a picnic.”

He acknowledged the suggestion with a smile then said, “Thanks, for all of this.”

“It was no trouble. She’s adorable.” Dorothy gave him a quick hug then hopped on her ATV and headed home.

Ian lingered on the porch, troubled by the possibilities. He wanted Devon and she wanted him, but would he be able to hold back, to allow her control, once his predatory nature was fully engaged?





Chapter Six




Heather dragged a comb through her wet hair with a frustrated sigh. She’d hoped a few hours sleep and a nice long shower would soothe her frayed nerves, but she still felt like the Therian rope in a ruthless tug-of-war. What a cluster! She’d reluctantly left Lexxie with Dhane, though she’d refused to spend the night in a rebel’s house. Recent events might have shredded her emotions and made her question the wisdom of some of her father’s choices. Still, that wasn’t reason enough to abandon her pack.

Dressed in a bra and panties, she opened the door to her bathroom and gasped. “Shit, Dad. A little privacy please!” She snatched her robe off the back of the bathroom door and quickly put it on. “Any particular reason you’re being so rude?”

Her father stood by the dresser with her phone in his hand and murder in his bright blue eyes. “What’s on County Road 49?”

Showing fear to Nate Fitzroy only invited abuse. She’d figured that out a long time ago. Squaring her shoulders, she respectfully lowered her gaze and made sure her voice didn’t quiver. “I thought I had a line on Dhane, but it turned out to be nothing.” If she hadn’t taken a minute to purge her call and message logs before she went to bed, he wouldn’t be asking questions. He’d be banishing another traitor. But she hadn’t thought about the GPS. Only her father was that suspicious.