Page 65 of Enter the Lair

“Kallan will have difficulty tracking her as well.”

“He won’t go after her for one week.As much of a bastard he is, the man always keeps his word.Fuck!”Fur rippled along his arm before subsiding.

“Hunter pull it together.”Talen snapped.

Hunter let out a long breath.“I don’t know what’s going on.My cat is crazed, fighting me...her scent.I have to get out of here.”

He didn’t wait for Talen to reply.He was out the door in seconds.

She felt the slow burn emanating from the tiny strokes on her neck.She wondered if what was affecting Hunter was getting to her as well.She looked at Talen and Cade.Both were watching her, causing her to look away.

There was no way she was admitting she was in a fiery hell.Not in front of them.She put her hand on Devon’s chest.“Can we go now?”

Devon sensed her anxiety.He wasn’t used to relying on his cat’s instincts and considered taking her to the bedroom for a private moment alone.He was unsure if that would bring her more distress, so he remained.“Is there anything you want from here?We will arrange pickup of your things tomorrow, but if there is anything you want...”

“The only thing of importance is my mother’s earrings and they are in the package Racheal has.”She seemed to be pleading with him.

He had always considered his emotional bond a curse.Now as he watched his mate struggle, not knowing why or what she felt, tore him apart.Something was wrong.“Honey are you okay?”

He knew she wanted to reassure him by her hesitancy to speak.“No, I’m not.”

His heart sank.Had Kallan done more damage than he first anticipated?Did shooting him have another adverse effect?

“I feel different,” she stammered.

His fingers clamped around the nape of her neck, holding her to him, fighting to keep his mate.

She shook her head.“No.Not about YOU.”

His relief was a tidal wave of emotion that he was thankful she didn’t feel.His breath was shallow and uneven.“How so?”

“I mean without our bond.”

“I never thought I would miss it either.Knowing how my family felt.When an animal was scared, it was hell.Until I met you.Now I wish I knew what you were feeling so I could take care of your needs.”He meant every word.

“It’s not that I miss it.I was still getting used to it, really...I FEEL different.”

Devon connected with his cat’s instincts, looking to feel out its mate.He was surprised to find the animal’s bond was not only there, but stronger than ever.His mate was aroused.He was confused.

“Our emotional bond is gone, but that wasn’t part of the mating.That was an aberration of mine.”

Her eyes flared amber.“Nothing about you is an aberration.”She growled.

Devon appraised his angry mate.She didn’t like anyone, especially him making disparaging remarks.He felt a warmth spread through his body.His eyes softened as he kissed her temple.“What is it, baby?What has you concerned?”

He felt her relax into him, burrowing against his body like she was trying to share his skin.

“I liked our connection.I always knew you wanted me,” she admitted.

His cat balked at the lack of confidence in her voice.“I always want you, Sarah.Every minute of every day I want you.I dream about you when you’re lying next to me.I long to be buried inside you even when I have just taken you.”

He saw her glance at Talen.“You promise?”Her embarrassment was evident.

He chastised himself for his mistake, wondering what he had done to cause her to doubt herself.“Yes, Sarah.”He put his love into his voice, hoping she would understand what she meant to him.

“Good because it’s getting worse,” she said.

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