Therian Promise(63)

Carissa shook her head. “The change began as soon as I stepped into the vault. I could feel the power calling to me, stirring something deep inside. It’ll be the same for you. I know it will. We’ve always done everything together.” She smiled and playfully pushed Ava’s shoulder. “Why should this be any different?”

They sat in Jake’s living room, enjoying the fire’s relaxing warmth. The day had turned out cool and rainy, and everyone was worried about Ian, who was gathering information at the secluded complex. The other men had split their time between strategy sessions in the kitchen and internet searches in Jake’s office.

“Has anyone heard from Jake?” Ava asked after a short pause. “Or Enya, for that matter. They must both be going crazy by now.”

“I spoke to Enya a couple of hours ago,” Erin told her. “Jake and his men are still hunting, but so far, no luck.”

“Did they call the police?” Even with her unusual upbringing, it seemed like a natural reaction. When someone was in danger, the police were notified. “Even if they’re only human, police tend to be aggressive whenever children are involved.”

Erin shook her head. “Involving humans in our problems gives them access to our lives. We live among them, but we are not part of them. The less humans know about us, the better off we are.”

A shiver slipped down Ava’s spine and she rubbed her upper arms. Despite the crackling fire, she suddenly felt cold. “I’m going to go grab my hoodie and a pair of socks. I’ll be right back.”

“We should probably scrounge together something for lunch. I’m sure the men are getting hungry right about now.” Erin and Carissa headed to the kitchen as Ava turned toward the stairs.

The upper level was quiet, almost eerily so. Ava hurried to the bedroom she shared with Kyle and found her favorite hoodie. Summit County Outfitters was emblazoned on the front of the bright red garment. She ran her fingers over the stylized letters with a sigh. All the time and energy she’d poured into the store seemed like part of another lifetime. Accounting anomalies and slow suppliers seemed extremely insignificant compared to kidnapped children and confrontations at gunpoint.

She found a pair of socks and crossed to the bed. One look at the rumpled covers sent heat cascading through her body. Her feelings for Kyle grew deeper and more specific with each passing moment. It wasn’t just the pleasure they shared—though she’d never imagined sex could be so amazing. Each time they joined, their link expanded and she was drawn deeper into his mind. She shared his thoughts and memories and felt what he was feeling. His strength and nobility had been apparent from the start, but she also experienced his compassion and tenderness. He wasn’t just protective of her. He jumped to the defense of any person in need of his strength.

With a dreamy smile curving her lips, she sat on the edge of the bed and pulled on her socks then wiggled into the hoodie. Noon had come and gone while she spoke with Carissa and Erin. Ian should return soon and she was anxious to hear what he’d learned. Kyle was sure her spontaneous teleportation had guided them toward something important and she was curious to find out if he was right.

She flipped off the light in the bedroom and stepped out into the hall. Blinking quickly as her eyes adjusted to the dark, she focused on the light at the top of the stairway and hurried down the corridor. One of the bedroom doors opened ahead of her and a tall man stepped out into the hall. For a moment she thought he was Ian then he turned and she caught a glimpse of his face.

Easily as tall as Ian yet more heavily muscled, the stranger stared at her with bright golden eyes. The rest of his features were lost in shadow, but there was no escaping his shimmering gaze. Ian’s eyes were marbled with gold. Even Kyle’s gaze had gold flecks. But no other color marred this man’s irises. His hair swept straight back from his face into a thick ponytail and he emanated strength and menace.

She glanced behind her, looking for an escape route as she decided whether or not to scream. If she pushed her fear across their link, Kyle would come running.

“Name’s Payne. You smell like Kyle.” His rumbling voice was oddly accented and conveyed curiosity not danger. Still, she stepped back as he moved forward.

“How did you get in here?” She sounded more composed than she felt. The house had been locked down tight ever since they arrived, even more so since Bruce’s failed attack. This man would have tripped an alarm unless someone let him in. So who was he and why was he here?

“Through the back door.” He chuckled, the sound surprisingly warm. “Relax, láska. You have nothing to fear from me.”