Shadows (Dark in You 5)

“I wouldn’t call exchanging info for hellcat venom ‘cooperative.’” Larkin fiddled with the end her long braid. “But, yeah, I agree that he’s not normally so forthcoming.”

Keenan shrugged. “Maybe he just didn’t like the thought of having Knox and Jolene on his ass, so he didn’t bother with his usual games. Whatever the case, I agree it’s wise to speak with Sheridan and Lockwood.” His gaze cut to Tanner. “If it turns out that Maddox has you chasing shadows, it’ll become clear soon enough.”

“There’s something else,” Tanner said to Knox. “It turns out that Maddox is Raini’s anchor.”

Levi let out a low whistle. “Did they form the bond?”

“No,” replied Tanner. “She marched out of the club, and he didn’t try to stop her.”

“Do you think he’ll want to bond with her?” Levi asked no one in particular. “I mean, he rarely concerns himself with demons outside his own breed. She’s not a descendant.”

“I might have said no if I hadn’t felt the pull of the anchor bond myself,” said Knox. “It’s very strong, and his demon will no doubt be pushing him to seek her out—that’s not easy to ignore.”

Tanner rubbed at his nape. “I’m not certain he’d have much success convincing Raini to form the bond. She wasn’t whatsoever happy to learn that he was her anchor.”

“Well, if Raini and Khloë had just stayed at home like they should have, Raini might never have known about it,” clipped Keenan. “She could have lived with the bliss of ignorance. You should have sent them home, Tanner. Especially Khloë. She’s a magnet for trouble. Self-preservation is not a priority of hers at all. I don’t know how that imp has survived this long.” He took a long swig from his flask.

Larkin arched a brow at the incubus. “And just what exactly did she say when you telepathically yelled at her for turning up at the Damned?”

Keenan looked as if he’d deny having done so, but then he sighed. “She laughed and slammed a mental door on me.”

Larkin’s lips twitched. “She won’t reopen it, will she?”

“Nope.” Keenan took another long drink from his flask. “Someone needs to save her from herself.”

“Khloë’s like any imp: a law unto—”

“Can we stop talking about her?” Keenan complained. “I say we talk about Tanner—it’s obvious he got laid last night. It’s written all over him.”

Tanner shot the incubus a narrow-eyed glare.

Larkin huffed. “I’m offended that you think I’d be so easily distracted, Keenan.” But she was eyeing Tanner curiously. “Yeah, you got laid all right. Was it Eleanor?”

Mouth setting into a slash of distaste, Tanner replied, “No.”

“Well, you’d better warn whoever it was that Eleanor might confront them over it, since she won’t want someone affecting her plans for you,” the harpy advised.

Tanner stilled. “If she tries that shit, she’s dead.”

Larkin sat up straight, smiling. “Whoa, whoa, whoa … You’re protective of this mystery girl, huh? In that case, she must be part of our lair. The only female outside of our lair that you’re protective of is …” She trailed off, eyes widening. “Oh my God, you slept with Devon.”

Fuck. Hey, Tanner had no problem admitting it happened. He just had no wish to discuss it with anyone—it was between him and his hellcat.

Keenan snorted. “Their demons would fight to the death before they’d allow that to happen.” But when Tanner didn’t argue with Larkin’s claim, the incubus gaped. “Oh my God, you slept with Devon.”

Levi’s brow wrinkled. “But … your hound and her feline are natural enemies.”

“They have something in common, though—they’re both protective of Devon,” said Tanner. “Her feline sees me as an ally and senses that Devon’s safe with me.”

“Still, I wouldn’t have thought that—” Knox broke off as his phone rang. He fished the cell out of his pocket and frowned at the screen. “Well, this is a surprise.” Instead of elaborating, he answered the call.

Like the other sentinels, Tanner fell quiet as Knox—Larkin’s mind touched his. So, what’s next for you and Devon? I’m hoping you’re not going to say it was just a one-night stand.

And this was why Tanner hadn’t wanted to share what had happened with the sentinels; he’d known that at least one of them would stick their nose in. You usually don’t take an interest in my sex life.

Your sex life doesn’t usually include Devon, who I consider a friend. I just want to be sure you’re not going hurt her, that’s all.

Anger edged his words as he echoed, Hurt her?

Come on, Tanner, you have to admit that you don’t have a good track record with the female persuasion. You run at any sign of emotion. Kind of like mascara.

Tanner felt a muscle in his cheek jump.

Hey, I’m not judging, Larkin hurried to add. It’s not like you’re the only guy who avoids relationships—

Devon and I could never have a relationship, Tanner cut in. She’s a hellcat, I’m a hellhound; our demons would never take each other as mates. It wasn’t just that their kinds were mortal enemies, it was that the hound would never see a hellcat as its equal. And he strongly doubted that Devon’s feline would ever feel safe enough with a hellhound to accept it as a partner.