For the first few days Kyle allowed Devon’s rebellion and “gave her some space” to work through her feelings. But days turned into weeks and her calls became text messages, leading Kyle to wonder if Devon was still in control of her phone. By the time Kyle accepted that something was seriously wrong, Devon’s trail was beyond cold.
They sat now in a diner off I-25. Ian had asked the other two to meet him when his cursory sweep of a supposedly abandoned facility proved it was anything but. He looked from Payne to Kyle and back before he explained. “The complex was exactly where Carly said it would be, but it wasn’t deserted. In the short time I was there, an SUV drove up and two grunts unloaded an unconscious body. Young male would be my guess. Then a silver Lexus drove away.”
Kyle shook his head. “Even if they’re using the old lab again, how do we know that’s where they took Devon?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Ian stressed. “We have an obligation to help any Therian, not just Devon.”
“You’re right.” Kyle rubbed his eyes as he sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m too damn tired to think straight right now.”
“Americans.” Payne rolled his eyes in mock disdain then grinned at Ian. “I am made of sturdier stuff. You can count on me.”
“Unfortunately you can’t fly and I’m sure as hell not carrying you all the way to Wyoming.” It was more natural for Ian to shift into a golden eagle than to manifest wings, but years of practice had enabled him to master the skill.
“You could fly on ahead and we’ll follow in one of the trucks,” Kyle suggested. “At least that way we’d have some warning if the situation has changed since you left.”
“I don’t think I could hold the shift that long. I’m almost as tired as you are.”
“When it comes to stealth, Ian and I are a far better team. You go home to mommy and get some sleep.” Payne punctuated the provocation with a lazy smile. “Leave this to the adults.”
Kyle glared at the lion-shifter but didn’t argue. “What if you need backup?”
“This is recon, nothing more. Payne’s right. You look like shit. Go get some sleep.”
Kyle hesitated a minute longer, obviously reluctant to bow out.
“If Ava were waiting at home for me, I wouldn’t hesitate. If you’re tired of her already, I’d be happy to—”
“Not in your wildest dreams.” Kyle pushed back his chair and stood. “You’re welcome to crash at the sanctuary when you’re done. It will save you a trip into the mountains and back. If this place is as hot as you say, we’ll want to plan the attack quickly and pounce.”
Ian nodded. “We’ll see how long this takes. If it’s not too late, I’d love to sleep in my own bed for a change.”
Payne chuckled. “You would have to fly me to Prague for such a luxury.”
Ian tossed his keys to Payne as they exited the restaurant. “Your eyes are still focusing, aren’t they?”
“For now.”
Ian slumped in the passenger seat and closed his eyes. “Stay on I-25 until you hit the state line. I’ll navigate from there.”
“You are not going to entertain me. How rude.”
Something about the way Payne rolled his Rs struck Ian’s funny bone. Desperately needing the release, he laughed until his cheeks hurt and his companion was glaring with real annoyance. “Sorry. I get irrational when I’m this sleep deprived.”
“Then go to sleep.”
Ian rolled his shoulders and his neck popped, releasing a knot of tension. “I’m too damn tall to sleep in a vehicle, but I’ll keep the hysterics to a minimum.”
“Glad to hear it.” After a few minutes of companionable silence, Payne asked, “Do you think they are ready to deal with the aftermath of her captivity?”
“They will be so relieved to get her back alive, the rest won’t matter.”
“Are you sure? Devon has been at their mercy for nearly a month. That is a long time for any female, much less one as innocent as Devon.”
“Devon is stronger than you think. She’s Erin’s daughter after all.”
Payne shot him a sidelong glance. “Are you trying to convince me or you?”
“I’m glad you didn’t go all doom and gloom while Kyle was still around. Why the sudden pessimism?”
“Resentments run deep between felines and canines here, but you have not experienced the devastation of a true clan war.”
“Not in the past century,” Ian grumbled.
“To je pravda. I forget how old you are. My point was only that I have seen the sort of atrocities that erode a person’s soul. I think Kyle and Erin need to be prepared for anything.”