Page 31 of Devon

“He said that you could come over and spend the night anytime you want.”

Kendrick had told Ryan that he was an adult and could have visitors if he wished.But they both knew that the only visitor Ryan would ever have was Devon, and Jonas wasn’t comfortable with that yet.It would have to happen eventually, but Ryan suspected that before they could be a real family, Devon and Jonas would have to talk things out.Jonas still scowled every time Ryan mentioned Devon, and he could be scary, even though he was short and scrawny.

It was a good thing that Melissa didn’t have a problem with Ryan being around.Ryan hadn’t been there for her conversation with Devon about him spending the night, but they’d talked over a late dinner.Devon didn’t have to go to work tomorrow morning, which meant he could go to bed later and spend more time with his family.They’d eaten and watched a movie with Haley, who’d been almost more excited than Devon at having Ryan there.Melissa had watched them with a fond smile and told Ryan that it was a pleasure to have him there.

It was awkward because both Ryan and Devon lived with their families, but they had plans.It was too soon for them to even think about moving in together, but once Ryan found a job and earned enough money to be able to rent a place, he was planning on asking Devon if they could do it together.He couldn’t wait.

Devon shook his head.“I’m not ready to spend the night at your brother's house.No offense.”

“No offense taken.”

Devon slid into bed.Ryan quickly did the same, eager to be close to his mate.It was still a bit weird to share a bed, but when Ryan opened his arms, Devon wiggled his way into them without hesitation.He pressed his head on top of Ryan’s heart, and when he sighed, his whole body relaxed.

Ryan kissed the top of Devon’s head.“I don’t need you to ever be ready to spend the night at Kendrick’s house.”

“I’ll have to deal with Jonas eventually.”

“Yeah, but there’s no rush.”

Devon snuggled closer, and Ryan closed his eyes.There really was no rush.He would give Devon whatever he needed, and if that was more time, that was perfectly fine with him.

Ryan relaxed and listened to Devon’s breathing.He wasn’t quite sure how long he stayed like that, but he was starting to fall asleep when he heard a noise.He frowned but didn’t open his eyes, thinking it was the house creaking around them.It was more like scratching, though, and when it turned into knocking, Ryan knew there was more to it.

He blinked his eyes open and stared into the darkness.The noise came from the window, so he turned his face toward it, careful not to jostle Devon, who was asleep against him and adorably snuffling every so often.

Ryan sucked in a breath.There was someone there.He could see the silhouette of a man in the dim moonlight.He hadn’t wanted to wake up Devon, but having someone at Devon’s window in the middle of the night couldn’t be good.

The person knocked again.Ryan sat up, gently shaking Devon, who groaned.He tried to bury himself harder against Ryan, but Ryan couldn’t allow him to.“There’s someone knocking on your window,” he whispered.

Devon frowned and opened bleary eyes.“What?”

“There’s someone at the window.”

“That’s not possible.We’re on the second floor.”

“Even a human could climb to your window, and we live in a village full of supernatural people.It would be easy for any of them to climb up here.”And there were the Kudlaks to consider, too.They were dangerous, and while Ryan couldn’t think of a reason for one of them to be knocking on Devon’s window, they couldn’t dismiss the possibility that they were about to be attacked.

Ryan hadn’t lived in the village for long, but he’d been attacked by a Kudlak on his way here.He knew how dangerous they were, and he wouldn’t be surprised to find one sneaking into people’s houses.The clan Vila were working on magical protections or something like that, but Ryan had no idea if they were done or if there were still weak spots the Kudlaks could sneak in through.It wasn’t his job, and while he was curious, he hadn’t wanted to bother anyone by asking.

Maybe he should have.

The knocking came again.The person at the window swore, and Ryan heard them slip.Devon didn’t react, so he probably had no idea what was happening, but then, he was human.He couldn’t hear as well as Ryan.

“I think it’s a man,” Ryan said.

Devon was still frowning.“I don’t see who it could be.I don’t have friends, and you’re here.”

“There’s only one way to find out.”

Ryan got out of bed.Devon’s eyes widened, and he quickly followed suit.When Ryan moved toward the window, Devon caught his arm.“Be careful,” he said.

“I’m always careful.”Ryan wasn’t a fighter, and he had no intention of becoming one now.Whoever it was could probably beat his ass without breaking a sweat.At best, Ryan would start screaming and pray he’d get someone’s attention.

But Ryan was slightly bigger than Devon, and he could turn into a tiger.It made sense for him to be the one to go to the window and confront the person there.

He was careful as he did so.Once he was closer, he could see that the guy crouching there was young.It took him a few moments to recognize him, but when he did, he wasn’t surprised.

Why the fuck was Nic here?

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