Therian Prisoner(86)

Devon smiled at her mother. Erin could find the bright side of any situation. “I agree. Let’s quit while we’re ahead. At least for tonight.”

“Can’t argue with that logic.” Holt stood and motioned Payne toward the door. “We’ll see everyone tomorrow.”

“Sweet dreams.” Erin gave Devon a firm hug before she released her into Ian’s care.

“I can already sense a bond,” Kyle informed Devon. “Is it your intention to allow it to solidify?”

“She’s my mate, Kyle.” Ian took a step forward before Devon stopped him. “Get used to it.”

“I was just asking,” Kyle assured him. “If she’s happy I’m happy. I have no quarrel with you.”

“Glad to hear it. The backers are still out there. We can’t afford to fight amongst ourselves.”

“Agreed.”

The tension finally left Ian’s arm and Devon smiled at her brother. “Tell Ava I said hi and we missed her tonight.”

“I will.”

Erin opened the basement door and motioned them onward.

“I thought it would be your mother who had a hard time with us.” Ian shook his head. “Why is Kyle being such a pain in the ass?”

“Big brother syndrome, I suppose. He’ll adjust to the idea. Eventually.”

“If I don’t wring his neck first.” Ian chuckled then took Devon’s hand as they walked through the tunnels toward the cat sanctuary. After a long pause, he said, “Zophia held Payne prisoner for seven years. She tortured him in ways you don’t want to imagine. It nearly destroyed him.”

She squeezed his hand and smiled up at him. “Thank you. I would have driven myself crazy trying to unravel the connection.”

“It was a long time ago and he has worked very hard to move on.”

“All right. I won’t bring it up again.”

He stopped walking and pulled her into his arms. “Too late, my love. You already brought it up again.” He grasped her hips and rubbed against her belly, showing her what he meant.

Heat rolled through her abdomen and tension gathered between her thighs. All it took was a smile or the brush of his fingertips and she was weak and aching. “We’ll have to do something about that ASAP.”

He grinned then lowered his head and whispered against her lips, “My thoughts exactly.”