He tossed her phone onto the bed and closed the distance between them. “Look at me.”
His bullshit detector was even better than hers, but she’d been dancing around the truth for years. Reluctantly, she raised her gaze. “It was a waste of time. I’m sorry. I was hoping to have better news.” She didn’t flinch beneath his piercing gaze. There was no way in hell she’d endanger Landon or Dhane, regardless of her feelings about the rebellion. “Why didn’t you tell me Dhane was missing?” She allowed resentment to flicker through her expression, hoping to explain her heightened emotions.
For a long, silent moment he just stared at her and inhaled her scent. “I’ve been patient long enough. You need to choose.”
She felt her mouth gape and snapped it shut. She thought they’d settled this nonsense weeks ago. Why was he bringing it up now? She’d choose her mate when she was good and ready and not before. This was the one area where the rebel position made perfect since. Therian customs were ridiculously antiquated when it came to women’s rights. Or the lack thereof.
“I turned twenty-five three months ago. What’s the hurry?” She tried to sound insistent without being disrespectful.
“The hunters are restless and their aggression will grow until one of them claims you.” Brutal amusement suddenly made his eyes gleam. “I can hold a competition. That might be fun. Let them fight for you.”
The image of Bruce’s mangled body flashed through her mind and she shuddered. “No. I’ll give it some serious thought. There’s no need for a competition.”
He grabbed her chin and guided her gaze to his. “Parents are supposed to love all their children the same, but you’re my only daughter. You’ve always been special to me.” Before she could react to the unexpected praise, his fingers tightened painfully. “If you betray me, neither of us will survive the aftermath.”
* * * * *
Clutching a folded blanket to her chest, Devon paused to look around. The flower-dotted meadow was nestled in the shallow valley between two mountain peaks. Even with the sun beating down on her, the air was cool and refreshing. It felt so good to be outside. No walls, no cameras, no guards.
Ian set down a large wicker hamper and motioned for the blanket. He spread it across the grass then sat. “What are you thinking about? You’ve hardly said a word since we left the cabin.”
“Was this Dorothy’s idea?” She didn’t want to insult him, but Ian didn’t seem like the picnic type. Storming the walls of the castle and carrying off the damsel in distress was more his style.
“How’d you guess?” His smile was slow and sexy and his gaze kept drifting to her mouth.
“No offense, this just has Dorothy written all over it.”
“I hope that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ourselves.”
“Not at all.” She slipped off her shoes and joined him on the blanket, wondering what it would take to ease the tension twisting through her. She’d always been comfortable with Ian and she wanted to be comfortable with him now. If it came to a choice between sex and friendship, she wasn’t sure which she would choose. Their friendship meant a lot to her, yet she’d always hoped they could take it to the next level without destroying the foundation they’d already built. Way easier said than done.
“Root beer or beer beer?” He held up a bottle of each.
“Root beer.” She took the bottle from his right hand and twisted the top off. The dark-brown liquid bubbled and hissed as she raised it to her lips. He opened the beer and saluted her before taking a drink. If it hadn’t been for their kiss last night, this would feel like any of a hundred activities they’d shared down through the years. No, that wasn’t true. She’d spent a lot of time with Ian, but there were always others around. Usually her mother or Kyle. This felt like a date, not a family outing. “Other than Kyle finding his mate, have there been any other major developments I should know about?” She tried to keep her tone light, casual.
“Ava’s sister, Carissa, was claimed by Quinton Jenaro.” He turned back to the hamper and dug out a small stack of paper plates.
“I’m glad. I know you don’t like Quinn, but I’ve always felt sorry for him.”
One of Ian’s eyebrows arched as he continued unloading the hamper. “I’m not sure he would welcome your pity, but Quinn and I are working through our differences.”
“Good. Fighting among the rebels isn’t good for anyone.”
A cool breeze rippled his hair as he chuckled. “Now you sound like Erin.”