That would certainly be informative. Shannon was looking forward to seeing how Eli bent and molded under the pressure of their line of work's stresses. He certainly had the potential to be something great, but not all greatness was handled with proper care. Shannon did not intend to coddle Eli, but he did intend to give him the best chance at coming through the flames properly tempered.

Shannon reached out and rubbed his hand along the crown of Jasper's head, behind his ear and down the side of his face in an intensely fond gesture. No one else would know how soft Shannon Vaughn was with his number man's furry form, but then again, who would believe it anyway? He pulled his hand away and gestured toward the couch along the side.

"Put him there. We'll see if he's upright by the time food comes along or not."