Page 74 of Inhuman Nature

Rake’s brows creased. “Seems risky.”

“But…?”

“But we should do it. For Shaun.”

DJ gave him a widegrin. “For Shaun.”

Chapter Seventeen

Shaun

“Your creator has gone to ground.”

Shaun lifted his head, Lynette appearing in front of him as if conjured from thin air. He said nothing, just waited for her to continue.

This was the first occasion she’d come to see him after a few nights of solitary confinement. Initially, he’d brooded over recent events, but then he’d relied on the tried and tested method of making up stories in his head to pass the time. Because, as desperate as he was for freedom, this wasn’t the first time he’d been alone and imprisoned.

He was a pro at it by this point.

“Do you know where Weston might be?” Lynette asked.

Shaun shook his head. “No. But I’d imagine he’s keeping out of your way in case you realise he broke the laws, not me.” He didn’t bother trying to hide his bitterness.

“My creations have been watching his house every night, but there’s no sign of him. Any insight would be useful.”

“I don’t know. He could be at any number of the houses he owns across the country if he’s no longer in Brighton.”

Lynette skewered him with a disbelieving look.

Shaun sent a weary one right back at her. “You should have just kept him here.”

“He had to go feed in order to heal,” Lynette said, emotionless. “He claimed none of the humans I had to offer him were of interest, and I couldn’t detain him without cause.”

A sarcastic laugh burst out of Shaun. “How convenient for him.”

“He told me what happened well before you did. You cannot blame me for listening to him.”

“Regardless of who told you first, listen to me now. Lawrence attacked Julia.” Shaun weighed up his next words. He didn’t want to reveal Rake and DJ’s involvement, but he needed them to be protected. “Rake Mishra and DJ Armstrong-Tomlinson. They’re members here at the club—humanmembers. Lawrence will go after them next,” he said, making the urgency clear.

“Why?”

“Because he can’t get to me here. So he’ll go through them, just like he went through Julia to get to you.”

Lynette looked to be contemplating this. “I’ll have one of my creations watch their house at night to ensure their safety until the matter is resolved.”

“Thank you. I couldn’t rest without knowing they’d be safe.”

“You consider them yours?”

“One day, maybe I will.” They’d barely discussed yet where stood relationship-wise, so Shaun wouldn’t suggest he planned to recreate them, lest Lynette hold him to it.

Lynette studied him. “Weston did tell me you were looking for ways to get rid of him so that you could be withthem instead.”

Shaun couldn’t deny the accusation. It might not have been how the situation went down, but he did want Lawrence out of his life. Until Lawrence had turned on Shaun, it had been a pipe dream to imagine himself being with Rake and DJ. Despite his intentions, Lawrence’s actions had pushed the three of them together in a way that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.

“I admit I wanted free of him. But that doesn’t mean I’d kill any humans to spite him, or whatever it was he claimed. It’s not against the laws to want to leave your creator.”

“I suppose not.”