Page 80 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

And if he had attacked Milo, would I have stopped him—or helped him?

Milo stared after Dellan, rubbing his chin and blinking. “Monster? What’s he talking about?”

Unless Milo was a supremely accomplished actor, it appeared—to Horvan, at least—as though he didn’t have a clue.

His voice low, Horvan filled him in on Alec, with Saul adding a word or two.

Milo recoiled, his eyes wide and staring. “Oh my God. I didn’t know. You have to believe me. This is the first I’ve heard about it.” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “There has to be some way I can convince you that what I’m telling you is true.” He stilled. “I can hear her thoughts in my head.”

Saul huffed. “The Gerans know about that too.”

Stalemate.

Except….

Dellan? Can you come back here, please?

When there was no response, Horvan tried another tack.Rael? I need him. Do what you can.

There was a pause.I’ll try. I’ve only just got him to calm the fuck down.

Please. I know he’s hurting, but this is important.

Horvan gestured to the couch. “Take a seat, Milo. There’s something I wanna try that might help resolve this situation.”

Milo’s eyes reflected his incredulity. “I don’t see how you can.” He snorted. “After hearing about Alec,Isure as hell wouldn’t trust me. We’re at an impasse.” Nevertheless, he did as asked.

“Maybe, maybe not.” Horvan jerked his head toward the door as Dellan entered, Rael behind him. “Come here, baby.”

Dellan walked over to him, his face blotchy, and Horvan held him for a moment.

“You said you wanted to know if you’ve inherited any of your dad’s abilities. I think we should find out.”

“What do you want me to do? Read his mind?” Dellan was as incredulous as Milo.

“No, of course not. All I’m suggesting is that you sit down with Milo, and… open yourself up to the possibilities. See what you can sense.”

“Your dad trusts me,” Milo blurted. “Why else would he have given me that message for you?”

Horvan squeezed Dellan’s hand. “You can only try.”

Dellan squared his shoulders. “I’ll give it a go, okay?” He smiled when Horvan kissed his cheek. “I’ll expect more of that when I’m done.” His eyes twinkled. “AndI’ll expect to feel those lips inwaybetter places.”

“You’ll get it, I promise.”

Rael chuckled. “And my lips will be joining in on the action too.”

Horvan sensed resignation, but there was something else too, a trickle of anticipation.

He wants to do this. He wants to see where it leads.

Dellan sat next to Milo. “This is new, okay? I don’t even know if anything’s going to happen. But Horvan’s right. I have to try. Give me your hand.” Milo stared at him, and Dellan let out a sigh. “Look, I know I blew up just now, but I had my reasons. And fortunately for you, I’ve gotten past the point of ripping your head clean off your shoulders. Well, mostly.” He stilled. “By the way, what are you?”

“A gorilla.”

Eve’s breathing hitched.

Dellan managed a chuckle. “Okay, maybe the whole head-ripping thing might not have worked.” He held out his hand. “We’re going to have to try to trust each other. Are you willing?”

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