Therian Prize(81)
“Finally wore her out?” Ian grinned.
“We just started her definition.”
“Did she go through with the formula or is this the one and only? Devon thought she’d agree but I hadn’t heard for sure.”
“She agreed.” Jake hesitated over his next question. It wasn’t really his place to ask. “You’re the oldest Therian alive, which means you’re the most powerful. She wants to maintain her wolf heritage by including Landon, but are you willing to add your blood to her definition?”
“That’s a conversation for me and Heather.” He walked to the edge of the patio then paused. “It’s your basic nature to rescue people. You’ve been doing it all your life. Be careful with Heather. She needs support, not shelter.”
“She’s my mate. It’s my job to protect her.”
“I understand that, but it’s also important for her to learn to protect herself. She has to stand up to her father or she’ll never be truly free.”
Jake sighed. He knew Ian was right, yet Heather had been through so much already. He wanted to spare her any more pain and misery.
“Have her call me when she’s up and around. We’ll talk about options.”
Jake watched as Ian’s wings shot through the vertical slits in his clothing and gracefully unfurled. No matter how many times he saw the transformation, the sight always gave him chills. Ian leapt into the air and flew away.
Jake went back inside and secured the sliding glass door with a broom handle. The antiquated technique made him smile. Then he called Ron and told him to reset all the passwords and codes. “Use whatever you like. It’s probably best if I don’t choose them.”
“Will do, boss.”
“And shift guard rotations. Shuffle the deck completely. You’re the only one who keeps his old position.”
“I’ve already started on it. No one wants to say it, but we all know Natasha was compromised.”
“She did nothing wrong, but yes, she was compromised.”
“Understood. I’ll take care of it.”
“I know you will.” He ended the call then put the phone in his pocket, tempted to turn it off again.
Heather had slept for six and a half hours. That should have been enough to recharge her batteries. He made a sandwich and filled a glass with milk then he carried the casual meal into the bedroom. Even if she went right back to sleep, the calories would help her recover. He set the plate and the glass on the nightstand then sat on the edge of the bed.
He paused for a moment, mesmerized by her beauty. With her curly hair spread across the pillow and her features at rest, she looked like a masterful painting. But knowing she was naked beneath the covers sent his imagination far away from cold, impersonal art galleries.
With a guilty smile he touched her shoulder, giving her a little shake. “Wake up, sweetheart. You need to eat something.”
He had to shake her again then she stretched and wiggled, revealing the upper curve of her breasts. “I know what I want to eat.” She smiled without opening her eyes.
“Eat this sandwich first and then we’ll see if you’re still hungry.” He stacked some pillows behind her as she scooted back against the headboard. She tucked the covers under her arms and he handed her the sandwich. “How do you feel?”
“Why don’t you get naked and find out?”
He laughed, thrilled by her playfulness. Still, her full recovery was his top priority. “Eat! You burned about a million calories during that shift.”
“Yes, sir.” She lifted the sandwich to her mouth and took a bite. “So what have you been doing while I slept?”
“Watching TV, mostly. Ian stopped by.”
“What did he have to say?” Her chattiness didn’t subside but she kept munching so he indulged her curiosity.
“Payne wasn’t surprised that Zophiel is still alive. He was never convinced she’d died in the fire.” He went on to explain the rest of what Ian had told him.
“So how do we kill a mind-sucking leech that doesn’t even burn?”
“That’s what Payne and Ian are trying to figure out.”
She wiped her mouth on the napkin he’d provided and drained the rest of the milk. Then she held out the dishes with a sexy smile. “I’m going to go use the bathroom. I expect you to be naked and on this bed when I get back.”
Chapter Twelve
Excitement spread through Heather’s blood as she returned to the bedroom. This had been the most amazing day of her life. She felt powerful and in control for the first time ever and she was damn sure going to enjoy herself.
For the past six years she’d been aware of her inner self, that part of Therians that made them unlike humans. But Jake’s blood had taken that vague awareness and turned it into something distinct and powerful. She could feel her tigress’s thoughts and emotions separately from her own. They didn’t have traditional conversations. Words weren’t necessary with this sort of blending. She’d never imagined that her animal self would have her own personality.