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down.
    With obvious reluctance, Kyle and Erin made their way back to the SUV. Ian opened the truck door and Devon climbed in without so much as a glance at her family. Payne had left the truck running, so Ian closed the back door then climbed in behind the wheel. She stared off into the distance with unseeing eyes, obviously in shock.
    “I want to go home with you.” The whispered plea stunned him. Her expression didn’t change and she didn’t look at him, but tears trailed down her cheeks.
    “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I think you need your family.”
    “I can’t. I just can’t.” She finally turned her head and the utter misery in her expression broke his heart. “Please, I want to go with you.”
    He gripped the steering wheel until the blood left his knuckles as he struggled through the alternatives. It didn’t matter why she’d latched on to him. She was obviously not ready to face her family. If he took her to his house in Snowmass, her family would doubtlessly come get her. Ian wasn’t sure exactly what her captors had done to her, but it was going to take more than one good cry to exorcise these demons.
    The SUV idled at the far end of the parking lot, waiting for him to follow. He picked up his phone and sent Kyle a quick text telling him they’d be along in a few minutes. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath then shook his head. Payne had seen this coming. Somehow the lion had known Devon would reject her family.
    Ian turned off the engine and tucked the keys under the floor mat. Hopefully Erin would forgive him. Eventually. He sent a text to Payne and asked him to come back for the truck in half an hour. He didn’t need to say more. Payne would understand. Finally, he walked around to the passenger side and opened the door. “Last chance. Are you sure this is what you want?”
    She climbed down from the truck and closed the door. “I want to go with you.” She no longer sounded hysterical, just depleted and lost.
    After tucking his phone into his pocket, he pulled off his shirt and tossed it into the bed of the truck. “Then hold on tight, ‘cause where we’re going is most easily reached from the air.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed against his chest. He grabbed her hips and lifted her off her feet. “Wrap your legs around my waist.” After a moment’s hesitation, she complied.
    He embraced her small warm body, trying to keep his mind on the reason for his rash actions. She needed time and space away from her overprotective family. That was all this was. He was helping out a friend.
    His back burned as his wings unfurled. Devon gasped and squeezed him even tighter. He turned into the wind, testing the resistance and calculating a trajectory. “Ready?” She nodded, so he launched them skyward with a forceful flap of his wings.

Chapter Three
     
    Roberto stubbornly hid his revulsion as Tias peeled back another section of Osric’s skin. The tiger-shifter screamed, his voice hoarse, body convulsing from the pain. Alloy bands restrained his arms and legs, spreading his limbs without hindering Tias’ access to his body. A wider band circled his throat, preventing him from shifting. Actually it didn’t hinder his ability to transform, it would just strangle him if he summoned his tiger shape.
    The skill with which Tias wielded her blades was awe inspiring, but Roberto had never been fond of blood. Retired General James Milliner, on the other hand, watched every move their partner made with sadistic enjoyment.
    They made a good team. With Milliner’s military connections, Roberto’s ready access to deep pockets and Tias’ Yakuza contacts, they could accomplish almost anything.
    “I can keep this up indefinitely,” she reminded their prisoner. “You’ve watched me work often enough to know it’s no idle boast.” Tias was tiny with a timeless Asian beauty that was the perfect disguise for her vicious nature.
    “I’ve told you everything I know.”