by Anya Nowlan
“Understood,” Devlin answered sharply.
It was the best outcome he could have hoped for.
“Thank you,” Carlie exclaimed, hopping out of her seat to go around the table and wrap her arm around the hulking man, careful not to squish the baby between their bodies. “Thank you, thank you,” she mumbled, giving him a final squeeze before pulling away.
Ethan still sat in his chair, looking like he didn’t know what to do with Carlie’s outpouring of emotion.
“You’re welcome,” he muttered, opening one of the drawers in his desk.
Clearing his throat, he got out a pen and a piece of paper, scribbling something down.
“This is where you can find me once you get this sorted out. Good luck,” he said, handing the note to Devlin, before gently accepting Ava from Carlie.
We’re going to need it.
Thirteen
Carlie
Stuffing Ava’s car seat with blankets, Carlie and Devlin rushed back to the car, pulling into traffic and heading back to the cabin without even exchanging a word. It wasn’t until they were well on their way that Devlin finally spoke, filling the emptiness between them.
Or maybe it was just the emptiness that Carlie felt in her heart, suddenly and unceremoniously split from Ava.
“She’ll be safe with Ethan,” he assured her, even as she could feel her breathing grow shallow and her hands turn shaky.
She had grown so attached to the baby girl, leaving her with someone who was essentially a stranger didn’t sit well with her. In fact, it felt fucking horrible! But if Devlin trusted the man, she would do her best to do the same. It was the only way forward that she could see in the current situation.
You knew this was the plan, now keep it together, she chided herself, drawing in deep breaths.
Keeping to the speed limit, Devlin maneuvered the back roads to the cabin as they both hoped that if Silas was watching – which he probably was – he wouldn’t find anything about them out of the ordinary. Devlin had told her that he doubted that Silas was following them, but he’d definitely be watching around the cabin.
She prayed that Devlin was right and that Silas would buy their little trick. The last thing she wanted was for Ethan to find himself on the receiving end of some werelion rage, now that he was Ava’s protector.
It was a small miracle that the man had chosen to believe their story to begin with. Carlie had to hand it to these werebears – blood really seemed to run thicker than water with them. Carlie wasn’t sure that if the tables had been turned, if she’d be quite so willing to believe such a crazy story.
If they got lucky enough, Silas wouldn’t realize anything was wrong, though. The fact that they weren’t already skipping town might have been out of the ordinary enough, but they couldn’t worry too much about what the cop was thinking. It was easy to overthink things, and right now, they had to stick to what they had agreed on if they stood any chance of pulling this off.
“I just want you to know, I’m so happy I met you. And even after the chaos I’ve caused in your life, I hope you feel the same way,” she said as they pulled up to the cabin.
“Of course I do,” he replied crisply, cutting the engine and turning to face her. “I’d cut through a dozen bloodthirsty corrupt cops if it meant I could spend more time with you. And stop talking like something bad is going to happen to us. We’re the good guys here, you know how this movie ends.”
He winked, instantly putting a smile on her face. There was a fire burning in his eyes ever since Silas had broken in last night, a fire that seemed to burn for her and Ava alone. It was starting to feel mighty cozy by the light of that flame.
Now what did I do to deserve a man like him?
They unbuckled the empty car seat, strapped up like there was an actual baby inside. All for show, all to make Silas believe everything he needed to complete his mission would be under one roof.
At first, Devlin had insisted that she hide as well, but she knew that wasn’t going to work. Faking having a baby with them was easy enough, but Silas would definitely notice if Carlie was suddenly missing from the picture.
This is the only way to draw him out – using me as bait.
Even if Silas did suspect something was off, it wasn’t like he had time to sit around and weigh his options. At least one person had already called in with a sighting of her, or Silas wouldn’t be here.
The detective couldn’t hang around twiddling his thumbs. With the investigation only heating up and Carlie’s face everywhere, Silas couldn’t risk someone else spotting her and drawing more eyes to the situation.
Not when his job still wasn’t done.
Now all that’s left to do is wait.
The skies started to darken as the air began to cool, and Carlie’s nerves were all but frayed. She knew Silas would most probably wait for nightfall to make his move, but that didn’t make the hours pass any quicker.
“Come on, stop pacing,” Devlin said, offering her a smile from the couch and patting the seat next to him with one big palm.
How this man always remained so cool under pressure, she’d never know. Sighing, she sat down beside him. Artificial light filled the cabin, with all the curtains drawn. They had been keeping away from the windows, just in case Silas decided to use his gun instead of his teeth.
Devlin thought he wouldn’t use a firearm as it would draw too much attention, but Carlie wasn’t so sure. Who knew what a desperate man might resort to? The thought made her stomach twist. The worst thing was, they still had no idea why Silas was doing this to begin with. Whatever theories Carlie could think up, they all seemed to come unraveling in an instant if she inspected them too close.
The nausea building at the back of her throat was only soothed by Devlin throwing his arm around her.
“It’s going to be alright. I can hear and smell him coming, he can’t sneak up on us,” he said, pulling her legs into his lap.
The shifter world was still too new for her to know what to expect, and a million scenarios played out in her head. The fact that an honest to god lion might be clawing at their door at any second was a little hard to swallow, to say the least.
“Do you think he’ll shift first and then attack? Or will he stay human? I mean, he can’t fire a gun when he has paws… can he?”
Can he?!
Chuckling, Devlin held her closer, the warmth of his body fighting against the chill in her bones. She took comfort in the fact that at least Ava wasn’t here. Whatever happened, she would be out of harm’s way.
“I know it’s difficult, but try and relax. You can drive yourself crazy, trying to predict what Silas is going to do or not going to do. Right now, it’s just the two of us, okay?”
Working to unclench her muscles, she nuzzled her face against Devlin’s neck, drawing in his familiar scent. Thinking back on their night together, before Silas ever so rudely broke in, she found herself wrapped up in her growing feelings for Devlin.
The fact that him putting his life on the line for her didn’t even surprise her already said a lot. Somehow, as crazy as it sounded, she knew she would do the same for him, if the situation called for it. There was no denying they were falling for each other, fast and hard, and she couldn’t wait to explore where those feelings might take them.
They just had to take down Silas and clear her name, first. Not a big deal at all, right?
“I feel like I haven’t said ‘thank you’ enough,” she whispered, running a hand down Devlin’s cheek. “I don’t know where I’ll be right now if it wasn’t for you.”
Devlin’s throat rumbled with something deep and primal, drawing a smile from Carlie.
“I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again – you don’t have to thank me. I was lost before I found you on that empty road. Now I know where I belong – with you,” he replied, blue eyes gazing into hers with raw emotion.
What he was saying was totally insane… yet it sounded like the sanest thing in the world. There was no sense in denying it –
she felt the same way. He’d picked her up that fateful day and suddenly, life seemed to make sense again.
His warm lips fell against hers, ever so gentle at first, but growing hungry when she dipped her tongue into his mouth. God, he still tasted as divine as ever, his kiss getting a response from her that defied all reason.
Devlin pulled away, pressing his forehead to hers and bringing one hand to her cheek. All the stress she had been carrying left her body, driven out by his words and his touch, making her feel safe and cared for.
When he suddenly ended the moment by leaping to his feet, his head on a swivel, she immediately knew what was up.
Silas is here.
Fourteen
Devlin
“Go,” he mouthed to Carlie, feeling his bear gearing up for battle.
She threw him one last look, filled with anxiety and hope, before sprinting to hide in the bedroom like they had discussed. Knowing he would be the only thing standing between her and Silas added another layer of pressure for Devlin, but also made him that much more determined to stop the cop in his tracks.
No way is he getting through me.
With his nose in the air, Devlin moved soundlessly around the cabin, trying to pinpoint Silas’ location. The smell of lion was clear in the air, but it seemed to be coming from everywhere, like the detective was circling the building, looking for the best way in.
Ears pricked, Devlin came to a stop at the front door, letting his bear float closer to the surface. His skin was already feeling too small for his skin as the predator within sensed danger, both to himself and his mate.
The soft sound of soil sinking deeper into itself caught his attention. From the pattern and weight of the steps, he could tell Silas had already shifted, prowling around in his animal form. Devlin had the advantage of size and weight, but Silas would be faster than him. It was important that the big cat didn’t get the chance to drive him into a corner.
Opening the cabin door, Devlin let the change take over him, feeling his body morph and stretch to make room for the beast it was about to become. He was already a big guy, but his frame shrunk next to the hulking mass of his bear, thick coat sprouting from his skin and his nails turning into fearsome claws.
Falling on all fours, Devlin could feel his spine curve and realign as he stepped forward into the cool night air, the stars shining and crickets chirping. The grass was damp under what were now his paws, the smells even more intense than before as he heaved them in with each breath.
A huge grizzly now stood at the front of the cabin, lips peeled back in a snarl. The growl reverberating through him filled the air as he scanned his surroundings. He didn’t have to wait long for Silas to appear, as he padded out from a nearby cluster of trees, shaking his full mane with a roar.
Sweetwater must have seen a lot of odd stuff over the years, what with two warring shifter communities tucked away in it, but Devlin had to wonder if things had ever gotten werelion versus werebear level of weird. Not that it mattered much at the moment.
He had a fight to win.
Silas’ lion was big and powerful, large enough that the animals were eye to eye as they approached each other, black eyes meeting gold. The lion bristled, twisting his body as he circled Devlin, waiting for his moment to pounce.
Not letting Silas make the first move, Devlin barreled towards him, teeth bared and claws ready. Tail twitching, Silas looked like he was going to face the attack head-on, but darted to the side at the last moment, sending Devlin skidding in his tracks.
Sneaky son of a bitch.
Sending chunks of earth flying around him, the grizzly whipped around, not letting the lion get out of his sight. Silas’ strategy was probably to tire the bear out before going for the kill, so Devlin would be too slow to react when the lion’s teeth came flying at his throat or his underbelly. He couldn’t afford to let that happen.
The faster I can end this, the better.
Silas started to dance around him, using his lion’s speed to nip and claw at Devlin, and running away before he could retaliate. His thick fur and layer of fat shielded Devlin somewhat, but he could still feel blood starting to seep out from wounds on his hind legs and back.
Whipping around and swiping at air, Devlin was always just a fraction of a second too late to actually hit Silas. Letting out a frustrated growl, he forced himself to stay still, listening and observing patiently instead, forcing his heavy breathing to calm down.
Every step Silas took was a hint about where he would strike next. The lion tried to swat at his legs again, but this time, Devlin was ready. His huge paw came crashing down on the lion’s muzzle, knocking the animal to the ground. Streaks of red marred the yellow fur on Silas’ face as he shakily got back up.
Gotcha.
Being more cautious, Silas took a step back, studying the grizzly with burning eyes. The wind whipped his mane around as the lion considered his options. He had probably thought that as a trained officer, he’d have no trouble going up against a simple construction worker from Miami. No doubt he had done his homework before coming here again after getting chased out the last time. Running Devlin’s plates wouldn’t be too difficult for a man like Silas.
What he couldn’t have taken into account was how far Devlin was willing to go for Carlie. Devlin had too much skin in the game to even consider the option of not winning.
Pushing himself off the ground, Devlin charged at the lion, landing a blow to his midsection before Silas managed to wriggle away. More blood seeped out from beneath the lion’s skin as he roared in fury, muzzle creasing and teeth bared.
But instead of continuing the fight, Silas dashed by the bear, heading straight towards the cabin. Smell alone would tell him where Carlie was hiding, and Devlin couldn’t allow him to get to her.
Pushing his body to its limits, he sped after the lion, claws clacking on the front steps of the cabin.
Not on my watch, he thought, catching up with Silas and raking his paws across the animal’s back as Silas slowed on the doorstep leading into the house.
Deep, red gashes broke out all over the lion’s body, making Devlin’s bear roar in savage satisfaction. He caught the lion underneath him, crushing the animal with his weight.
Yowling in pain, Silas stopped mid-step, sinking to the ground. His yellow coat was now matted with blood, his breathing labored. Towering over him, Devlin pressed a heavy paw on his throat, growling as he increased the pressure. Silas clawed and squirmed, desperate to get free, but it was of no use.
Even with his paw scratched and slashed, Devlin wouldn’t let up. This fucker not only killed an innocent woman, he would have killed her baby as well. And then he had the fucking nerve to go after Carlie. Devlin couldn’t let that go unpunished.
The thought of Silas getting his hands on Carlie made him lean forward even harder, cutting off Silas’ air supply. The lion stilled immediately, eyes wide and terrified. The plan was to keep him alive so he could exonerate Carlie, but the urge to kill the bastard grew inside Devlin, almost robbing him of reason.
“Devlin,” a familiar voice called out, dispersing some of his fury.
Carlie was peeking out from behind the cabin door, staring at the scene before her. The animal inside him was still pushing him towards ending Silas’ good-for-nothing life, even though he knew that would only cause more trouble for him and Carlie in the long haul.
Shock was clearly etched on her face as she studied both of them, the color gone from her face. She’d obviously never seen a shifter up close like this before, and it dawned on Devlin that the first time she saw his animal was when his jaws were bloody and he was seconds away from taking a life.
Getting a handle on his emotions, he lifted his paw, letting the lion rasp in a couple of struggling breaths. The lion’s form immediately started to change, the animal releasing the man until the dark-haired, square-jawed Detective Silas lay before him on the porch, mangled and defeated, with the whole one side of his face swollen up.
; “Please,” the man rasped, struggling to raise his hands as a sign of surrender.
Shaking off his bear, Devlin let the transformation roll over him, wincing when the skin on his legs stretched into place. Deep gashes ran up and down all of his limbs, and while it stung like hell right now, he would be alright soon enough.
Especially with Carlie around, he thought with a private smile.
She rushed to his side, looking like a true professional as she took stock of his injuries.
“I’m going to be fine,” he assured her, seeing the worry in her eyes. “Accelerated healing, remember?”
Throwing her arms around his waist, she gave him a quick squeeze.
Silas was still wheezing on the ground, turning away from them in disgust, none too impressed at the gesture of affection. Carlie, in turn, didn’t seem too worried about his injuries, either.
“I’m so glad you’re okay,” Carlie whispered, before turning to stare down at Silas. “You, on the other hand…” she hissed, looking as fierce as he’d ever seen her.
A true mama bear, Devlin thought with pride.
Ava might not be her flesh and blood, but that definitely didn’t stop Carlie from protecting her like she was her own. Devlin kicked the man’s splayed legs out of his way and crouched down over him, his voice all growl when he spoke.
“Easton Rowland hired you to take out his wife, didn’t he?”
Silas let his head loll to the side, not even bothering to deny it.
Ah, so we are on the right track with our little investigation.
“So, you have it all figured out,” Silas sneered, disdain clear in his voice. “I’ve got a couple of wannabe detectives on my case, how wonderful.”
“Cut the crap,” Carlie interjected, looking like she was all out of patience. “You’re the one coughing up blood on the ground. You better answer our questions, or else.”
She was almost shaking with anger. The ‘or else’ sounded more like a playground threat coming from Carlie, as there was no real menace behind it. Being used to patching people up instead of hurting them, she was out of her element.