Page 52 of Enter the Lair

She saw as well as felt Devon’s amusement as her weak attempt to explain their sudden relationship.She turned her back on both Cascade brothers.“What’s up?”

“There’s been another cougar attack.”

Sarah whirled back around, knowing that both men could easily hear their conversation.“When?Where?”

“Only a few miles from the office about two hours ago.We need you back here for a briefing,” Bob said in a low tone.

“Yes of course.I will leave right now.”She hung up the phone.

She looked at the clearly uncomfortable men.“Are there any other cougars missing...shifters I mean?”

Hunter shook his head.“Not that we know of.Dad checked with the other lairs when we found out about Cyril.He told them to check with the members who were off site.”

Sarah nibbled her lip.“It’s possible it’s a natural cougar then.”

Devon rubbed his chin.“Possible, but the timing...”

“Yeah.Either way, I have to go.”She felt Devon’s oppression.

He put his hands on her arms.“Sarah you’re a cougar now.You need time to adjust to your new form,” he looked at Hunter’s somber face before continuing.“To learn to control your cougar’s basic needs.”

“Are you asking me to quit my job?”She expected to feel anger.Outrage.She didn’t.Her current job had been motivated by her need to find Racheal, knowing why and how she was taken had changed that.

Devon’s face looked pained.She felt his internal struggle.“Perhaps you could take a leave of absence.I will take the courses needed in order to work with you.I will do anything to make you happy...”

Guilt forced her to interrupt.“Stop.I will take a leave of absence or quit, whatever we need to do as soon as we find out about the cat.”

Devon nodded.“I have to stay with you.I don’t want you out of my sight.”

Sarah knew it wasn’t that he didn’t trust her abilities.She felt his need to protect her.Besides, she wanted him with her.After so many years of going it alone, it was nice to feel she could depend on someone.

Hunter ran a hand through his hair.“I should have Talen double check that no-one is unaccounted for in another lair.Make sure we get verbal confirmations.”He walked out.

Sarah felt Devon’s emotions surge.“What is it?”

Devon looked sad.“Father wanted Talen to have a few months with Lucy to focus on his babies before having the responsibilities of the lair forced on him.”

Sarah put her arms around Devon’s waist, looking up at him.“It isn’t your fault your father is aging again.”

“No, but Razel took those few months of freedom from him.Talen deserved them.”

“I’ve met your brother.I’m sure he’s sad that your father is getting older, but I don’t think he cares that he has to take over.In fact, I think he thrives on it.”

Devon looked at her with speculation.“Is that a women’s or a cop’s intuition?”

Sarah laughed.“Maybe both.Just remember that when you are trying to get away with something.”

Devon kissed her cheek.“The only thing I want to get away with is your heart,” he said silkily.

Sarah put her lips to his ear.“You already have,” she whispered.

She felt his cheek smile against hers.Felt the love coming from him.“Are you actually going to go into the office with me?”

“Where you go.I go.”

Her eyes sparkled with mirth.“Well, you better suit up.Deputy Devon.”

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