Frustration edged a deeper growl from his throat as he allowed his frustrations rein on the man who had most likely caused Merinus to develop such traits.
“Then you will have no problem giving her this phone so I can make arrangements to collect my willful sister,” Kane remarked smoothly, suspiciously. “I’ll be landing at the airport in a matter of hours. I expect her to be waiting for me.”
Callan stilled. “I don’t think that’s possible, Tyler.” He kept his voice smooth, calm. “Regrettably, your influence on her has been detrimental. She is a stubborn, determined woman, but she is now my woman.”
Silence again. Callan imagined the man was fighting for control himself, a way to ease his sister from whatever danger he believed she was in.
“Don’t make me come in and take her,” Kane warned silkily. “You wouldn’t like it, Lyons.”
“And your sister would not survive it,” Callan answered him quietly. “Do not make that mistake.”
“Harm her—”
“I could no more harm her than I could harm myself,” Callan bit out. “Your sister is not in any danger from me. But she can’t leave me now, for her own safety, it’s out of the question.”
“She’s in more danger with you.” Kane bit out.
“She is tied to me now, Tyler, in ways you do not understand,” Callan sighed. “You may see your sister. You may speak with her, but at a time that is of my choosing.”
“And you expect me to calmly accept your decision?”
“No, knowing Merinus must have learned her willfulness from somewhere, I would suspect I had better be watching over my shoulder for a while now.” Callan grimaced. “But never fear, Mr. Tyler, I have grown quite used to that habit anyway, so it will be no hardship.”
Callan happened to glance up at that moment, Merinus’ scent drawing him, heating his blood. She stood in the doorway, her arms folded across her br**sts, a frown marring her expression
“You’re wasting your time,” she told him patiently. “If that’s Kane on the phone, then you won’t convince him of anything.”
“Who says I wish to convince him at all?” he asked her, allowing a smug smile to tip his lips. “I merely
grew bored with my own company.”
“Let me talk to her, Lyons.” Tyler’s voice was suddenly imperative, coldly furious at his ear. Merinus stood patiently in front of him, her hazel eyes suspicious, hopeful. He sighed roughly. He should have never answered the damned phone.
He covered the mouthpiece carefully, watching her.
“I won’t mention the others,” she said softly. “But if you don’t let him talk to me, he’ll become dangerous, Callan. I don’t want you or my brothers hurt. And you can bet Kane’s not alone.”
Callan snarled softly. A complication they of course did not need.
“Talk to him, but Merinus, remember. My Pride would give their life for yours. Don’t betray them.” He didn’t think she would, but they hadn’t survived this long on faith alone. She came to him slowly, her slender arm reaching out for the small phone. Callan handed it to her, watching her, assessing her soft expression as she brought it to her ear. He listened to her talk to her brother. He heard the tremble in her voice, her unwavering faith in Kane as she talked to him. Argued with him. Assured him.
“It’s not that simple, Kane. I can’t leave him,” she finally said softly. “I know you don’t understand, but I’ll explain it all when I understand it myself.”
Callan reached out, his fingers gripping her other arm lightly.
“Tell him we will meet with him. You and I and Dr. Martin. Alone, Merinus. I will not have your whole tribe breathing down my neck.”
She looked at him in surprise.
“As though I don’t know he has your whole family in that plane with him.” He grunted. He listened to her relay the message. She was silent for long moments, sadness filling her eyes.
“You and Dad only, Kane,” she finally said firmly. “Or I can’t do it. You know I wouldn’t ask if there were any other way.” She was silent for long moments, then came back with a sharp edge to her voice.
“Listen, ass**le, this isn’t your decision. Stop playing He-Man on me, you know it doesn’t work.”
Callan winced. At least the brother didn’t have to deal with the Lion-O crack. Then she started arguing with Kane. Furiously, her tone steel hard, her smartass cracks causing him to wince in sympathy. Long moments later, it appeared she had won, though.
“You can set the details with Callan. If you two can manage to talk civilly?” She arched a dark brow at Callan.