Therian Promise

by Cyndi Friberg

  Her passengers piled out of the Jeep and gravitated toward Erin. Ava looked around, wondering where Kyle and Quinn had gone. The crisis was nearly over, but she still hoped they’d return soon.

  Carissa motioned her over to Quinn’s SUV and they watched the happy reunion while trying not to intrude. “He must be so relieved. Nothing is worse than not knowing where a loved one is.” She shot Carissa a knowing smile then gave her a quick hug.

  “I’m thrilled we found the girls, but what the hell are we going to do with all the others?” Carissa whispered. “Jake only has so many bedrooms.”

  Quinn and Kyle stepped out from behind the SUV. Kyle tucked his t-shirt into his jeans while Quinn quickly buttoned up his shirt. They were both barefoot.

  “Your boots are on the floor in back.” Carissa motioned toward the SUV.

  By the time Quinn and Kyle finished dressing, the ex-captives had congregated near the Jeep and Erin was deep in conversation with Jake. Quinn hung back with Carissa, but Kyle took Ava by the hand and crossed the parking lot to find out what his mother was plotting.

  “Has anyone heard from Ian or Payne?” Kyle asked. “Were there any complications once we took off?”

  Erin shook her head. “Everything went as planned. The lab is destroyed and Payne will deliver the other two doctors to the council as soon as they’re ready to deal with this mess.”

  “What do you mean the ‘other two doctors’?” Jake asked.

  “We have one of the doctors with us,” Erin explained. “She’s promised to cooperate and her information has proved valuable so far, so we’re going to hold on to her for a little while longer.”

  Jake tensed, his expression suddenly grim. “If she touched my kin, I have a say in what happens to her.”

  “Carly can wait,” Kyle interjected. “The others can’t. We need to decide what to do with the rest of our guests.”

  “That’s what we were talking about while you dressed.” Erin looked at Kyle as she went on. “Liz is on her way here to pick up Cheyenne and the girls. Jake has agreed to take three of the former captives and I’ll take the other four.”

  “And then what?” Ava didn’t want to be difficult, but her passengers had given her a good idea of the complications they were facing.

  “If they have no family or friends who can come get them, it will be their clan alpha’s responsibility to provide for their needs until they’re able to provide for themselves.” A certain coldness in Jake’s tone made Ava wonder if he was quoting rules he didn’t agree with.

  “And if their clan alpha is someone like Osric?”

  “We’ll make sure they’re safe and entering a situation they welcome.” When Ava offered no more objections, Erin turned to Kyle. “Do you think Quinn and Carissa could hold on to Carly until we’re ready to interrogate her? It shouldn’t be more than a day or two. I don’t want her in the same house as any of the people she abused. That’s just asking for trouble.”

  “If he won’t, I will,” Kyle said.

  “No.” She smiled at him then winked at Ava. “We all agree that you two need some time alone. Carissa and Quinn have had a few days to themselves already. It’s your turn to focus entirely on each other.”

  “What about Devon?” Kyle flared, obviously upset by his mother’s plan. “Carly rode down with you. Didn’t she tell you about Devon?”

  “Ian went after Devon. And I intend to learn everything Carly knows with or without her cooperation. If there is anything we can do to help Ian’s search, he’ll let us know.”

  “You’re kicking me to the curb?” Kyle shook his head, disbelief clear in his expression.

  “No, I’m freeing you to solidify your personal life so you can be a more effective network Prime.”

  “Sounds much better the way she put it.” Jake laughed. “Take one of the trucks. I’ll send someone back for the Jeep.”

  “None of us are safe. You realize that, don’t you?” Kyle grumbled. “We know more now than we did yesterday, but they still know a whole hell of a lot more about us than we know about them.”

  “Before Ava zapped you to their backyard, we had no idea this threat existed,” Jake argued. “I refuse to think of this as anything but a win.”

  “Cheyenne and the girls are safe. That’s an undeniable blessing.” But Devon was still out there, still at the mercy of the ruthless monsters who’d kidnapped Jake’s kin. Erin didn’t come right out and say it, but everyone knew what she was thinking.

  “Ian will find Devon.” Jake looked from Erin to Kyle and back. “We all know how stubborn he is.”

  Erin accepted the assurance with a stiff nod. “We better get moving. Our guests are growing restless.”

  “Keep me updated and I’ll do the same.” Without further ado, Jake walked away.

  Erin gave Kyle a firm hug. “I’m serious about this. You and Ava need this time to yourselves. Unfortunately these mysteries are going to take more than a day or two to unravel. There will be plenty of work waiting for you when you return.”

  “I hear and I obey.” He kissed her forehead then wrapped his arm around Ava and led her back toward Quinn’s SUV. “Better say good-bye to your sister, sunshine. I guess we’re going home.”

  She smiled as joy swelled within her. “Even if it’s just for a few days, home has never sounded so wonderful.”

  THE END

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  Thanks, Cyndi

  Therian Heat, Book Four: Though Devon comes from a line of cougar-shifters, her own animal nature has not yet been defined. The mysterious “backers” have captured her, intent on using her untapped Therian abilities for unknown ends. She escapes from their prison, but not from the emotional scars left by their abuse.

  Ian, an ancient Therian raptor, offers her protection and encouragement. Devon has always wanted Ian, always felt a connection deeper than friendship. But Ian insists he’s too old and jaded to make Devon an honorable mate. If she hopes to feel whole again, she must regain control over her emotions and desires. And she desires Ian.

  At first, Ian resists Devon’s attempts at seduction. She needs a shoulder to cry on, not a demanding lover, and Ian is never satisfied until his partners surrender unconditionally. But Devon stirs primal instincts and awakens ravenous longings he has suppressed for centuries. He wants her, but he fears the darkness inside him will destroy her.