Page 23 of Enter the Lair

“Yes.The animals in the forest startle when a predator or something foreign is in our territory.Though you pick them up close to the house, I am alerted before they enter our territory.”

Hunter whistled.“That’s one hell of an alarm system.”

Galen nodded.“It makes me feel better with the Serengeti Butcher in the vicinity.”

Devon wouldn’t allow any more untruths between him and his family.“The butcher’s daughter is my mate,” he announced.

CHAPTER6

Devon waited through the silence, expecting his fathers’ anger, and his brothers’ disappointment.He braced himself for the onslaught of negative emotions, planning his diplomatic exit.What he received was concern.Acceptance.He felt the lump in his throat.He’d never eaten a crow, but he was pretty sure this was what it tasted like.

Talen gave his head a quick shake.“Wow, Devon.You sure know how to silence a room.”He winked at his brother.

Devon knew then that his family was behind him despite his stupidity and differences.Nothing mattered.Just Family.He had his mate to thank for this.He wouldn’t have confronted his father or brothers.The truth would never have come out and his relationship would have continued to deteriorate.He needed to get back to her.

Galen turned to Marie.“Sweetie will you make us some tea.The boys and I have some things to work out.”Marie kissed her mate and left.Galen cleared his throat.“We need to discuss bringing her over to our world.Between her being a Marksmen, and a Park Ranger, we have our work cut out for us.”

Luca leaned forward.“Anyone can quit a job.The issue is her father.Is she close to him?”

Devon shook his head.“No, I don’t think so.She doesn’t seem to think much of him.She has turned down multiple offers to work for him.She wants nothing to do with his businesses.”

Luca scratched his neck.“Did she say why?I mean sure, he’s a bastard when it comes to poaching, but his import/export business is legit isn’t it?”

“I had thought so, but with his connection to Kevin Kallan, who knows.Sarah isn’t convinced Kallan is involved.She grew up with Kevin in her life.She wants to question her father before making any assumptions.”

Galen sat down and leaned forward.“She may have a rocky relationship with Brian Marksmen, but she is his only living child.I can’t see him giving her up.”

Brock interrupted.“Sarah had a sibling?”

Hunter huffed.“Are you kidding me, man?Donald Marksman.Brian’s, pride and joy because the little prick was just as bad as him.You don’t remember?”

“No.Like I would give a fuck what happens to a Marksmen.”He paused before looking at Devon.“Sorry man I didn’t mean to...”

Devon waved his hand.“Don’t.I’m struggling with her parentage myself.”

Hunter leaned forward.“It was about five years ago.Don was hunting lions with his old man when one snuck up behind him and attacked.Brian killed the king of the pride, but the damage was done.Donald died the next day.”

“I have to get back to Sarah.”

Hunter stood, rubbing his chin.“Has she started the transition yet?”

It was a diplomatic way of asking if he’d claimed her.“She was bitten by Cyril on the arm.I think she has started, but it’s slow.I haven’t had a chance to fully explain the transition to her.Brian’s arrival threw her off.She wanted me out of the way while she questioned him.”

“Shit,” Hunter said.“She bitten by Cyril too?There’s no way this is a coincidence, right?”

“I don’t think so.She was bitten at Kallan Corp while meeting her father.She was told that Cyril had escaped a psychiatric facility.”

“I know that Marksmen imports for Kallan, but he does that for a lot of people.That’s his business.Is Sarah’s attack an accident?Was it a coincidence?Or did Brian throw his only daughter under the bus?”

Devon shrugged.“That’s the question she is asking him right now.”

“Fuck me.I thoughtwehad family drama.We look like the Brady Bunch next to the Marksmen family.”

Devon’s cougar continued to push him to return to its mate.He sensed no fear from Sarah, only apprehension.He was thankful she was armed.He looked at his father.

Galen’s face was scrutinizing.“Will she tell him about us?”He asked calmly.

“No.She agreed to talk to him and then me before any type of report.”