He frowned. “What do you want as a present?”
She hesitated. “You have to give me the object I desire most, and you have to swear above all other oaths that it’s mine, regardless of any you make hereafter.”
“Why that condition?” Decker hissed at her.
She glanced at him. “Do you think his wife will want me to have it? She’ll probably demand my death. That term will keep me breathing.”
Decker nodded. “Smart.”
It took effort to not roll her eyes but looking at Aveoth again helped. “That’s the condition.” She glanced at Decker. “Tell him you’ll kill me if he doesn’t agree to my terms.”
Decker moved next to her, touching her shoulder as if they were pals or something. Jill struggled with the need to jerk away.
“Make her the promise of a gift and the oath, Lord Aveoth. You want and need her blood. I’ll kill her if we can’t reach an agreement on this day. She’s the last of Marvilella’s line. There are no more granddaughters to offer you. If she dies, you’ll be forever bereft of the pleasure you seek.”
“Do it, bat boy,” Jill urged. “Trust me. I’ll be so worth your while. I’ll rock your world, and I promise to never run away again.”
Aveoth said nothing, watching her.
“Come on,” Jill urged. “You heard him. I swear on my life to submit to you from now on. Everyone wins. Say yes.”
Aveoth glanced at Kelzeb, both of them grim-faced. Kelzeb shrugged. Aveoth shifted his stance and dropped his arms to his side. “I agree.”
“Now you must agree to my terms.” Decker stepped forward. “Your promise that I get to return to my clan—and you must end the lives of my enemies first.”
Aveoth’s rage was clear as he snarled, his hand gripping his sword. “You want me to slaughter the other VampLycan clans for you?”
“I deserve to lead them all!” Decker yelled.
“Just say yes!” Jill urged him. “Naked. Blood. You and me, tonight. Doesn’t that sound fun, big guy?”
Aveoth stared at Jill. She nodded slightly at him.
“I agree…against my better judgment.”
“I want Lorn first,” Decker demanded. “Bring me proof of his death.”
“Um, excuse me, but there’s still a bomb strapped to my chest,” Jill reminded Decker. “We’ll all friends now, right? I get what I want and you get what you want. Take this thing off me.”
Decker hesitated.
“You either believe him or we stand here forever. He gave his word. It’s what you wanted. I’m still right here in blast radius if they attack. We’ll wait together while one of them goes after this Lorn person you want killed. Get me out of this getup!”
Decker nodded to Boon. The jerk began to unfasten the straps at her back and cut the bonds off her wrists. She carefully removed the vest and handed it to the scarred thug. “Here, Fido.”
He snarled as he took it.
“Don’t antagonize him, Grandchild.”
She wanted to tell Decker what he could do with his orders. The weight of the explosives being gone made her breathe easier. She held out her hand. “I want the detonator.”
“No.”
“Fine. Keep the damn thing, but if you push it, we all die. Remember that.” Jill looked back at the GarLycans. “I guess we’ll all stand around here while Aveoth has his number-one man go snatch the prey.” She met and held Kelzeb’s gaze. “You should do that right now, Stone Garden. Snatch the prey.”
He hesitated but nodded. “I will.”
“Lorn is to die first, then I want ever other clan leader dead,” Decker yelled.
Kelzeb cut a sharp look to him. “I heard your demand.” He spread his wings and ran off the edge of the large boulder, going airborne. His strong wings flapped, taking him into the air, gained altitude as he soared over the VampLycans.
Jill inched away from Decker and his men. They all turned to watch the GarLycan in the sky, making sure he was going in the right direction, not paying attention to her.
She heard gasps, and knew what was coming—Kelzeb must have already circled around.
Jill spun, sprinting for her life. This was going to probably hurt like a son of a bitch, but she raised her arms high. She prayed that they wouldn’t throw the vest at her.
“What is she doing?” That baffled shout came from Shark. “Get her!”
Flapping sounds drowned out her ragged breathing as she ran as fast as she could, and then fingers locked around her wrists. She was violently torn off her feet, pain wrenching up both shoulders. If it hadn’t been dislocated before, she was certain her shoulder was now. Tears blinded her and she blinked them back fast, watching the trees rush at them, but Kelzeb gained altitude as she dangled in his hold. He flew higher. The fall would kill her if he let go.
“What the hell are you playing at, Jill?”
“Just take me to Aveoth and get ready to dive if that stupid vest blows up. A moron probably put it together, so I wouldn’t be surprised if anything sets it off. Will an explosion kill one of you if you shell first?”
“Doubtful. Decker wanted us high where he could see us but those boulders provide cover if we need it.”
“Hopefully we won’t find out.”
“Aveoth will want me to take you to the cliffs where you’ll be safe.”
“I’m not leaving yet! Those bastards kidnapped me for a second time. I’ll stand behind one of you guys but I have to speak with Aveoth.”
“I’m going to release you. Stiffen your body and I’ll catch you. I’m afraid I’ll break your feet if I land with you this way.”
“Don’t you dare!”
He let her go and Jill screamed, watching the ground rush up at her. Going rigid wasn’t difficult to do while falling like a stone in the sky. Kelzeb slammed into her from behind and wrapped his arms around her ribs and hips. Her stomach heaved at the way he braked their sudden fall by jerking her upward as he flew.
“Not cool,” she hissed, as soon as she was certain she wouldn’t puke.
He had the audacity to laugh. “Are you injured?”
“Maybe a little, but most of it happened earlier. Good grab-and-fly, though.”
He slowed, twisting them in the air, and lowered until they landed on the boulder a few feet away from Aveoth and the GarLycan twins. She stared down at Decker and his goons. They appeared pissed off and confused.
“He gave me his word!” Decker bellowed. “You can’t kill me.”
“Calm down.” Jill wiggled in Kelzeb’s arms, and he gently allowed her to slid down his body until her feet touched the boulder before letting her go. She didn’t look at Aveoth, afraid she’d lose it and just throw herself at him, she was so happy to be near him. She’d had serious doubts of surviving long enough to be able to do that again. “I just wanted to be far from that vest. I like my body in one piece.”
“Jill,” Aveoth softly rasped.
She finally met his gaze. “You promised me a present.” She made certain the jerks below could hear her. “You swore to give me what I want, regardless of any other promises you made. Remember?”
“I do.”
“Great. I want Decker Filmore’s head as a gift.”
She glared down at Decker to witness his shocked reaction. His mouth had fallen open.
“I figured you’d fall for pulling a fast one on someone else. You really are as dumb as I thought. Try telling Aveoth who to kill without a voice box.” She ran her finger across her throat and then flipped him off. Her gaze went to Aveoth next.
“Do you really want me to bring you his head?” Aveoth arched one eyebrow.
“No. I just want him dead.”
He broke their gazes, glancing at his men.
“They are fleeing,” Kelzeb warned. “Running for their lives. I’d like to take down the one called Boon. I didn’t like the way he touched our lady. I also didn’t miss that shove he gave her. He needs lessons on how to treat women.”
“Be careful of the bomb. He’
s got it,” Aveoth warned.
“Not anymore. He just dropped it.” Chaz snorted. “He’s probably worried Decker will panic and hit the button and accidentally blow him up instead of us.”
“I hate suits,” Fray muttered. “They look so uncomfortable. What kind of VampLycan wears them, anyway? He must be crazy. He needs to be put down for the good of all kind.”
“I want the dopey-looking one who never said a word.” Chaz chuckled. “Just for the fun of it.”
Aveoth grinned. “I shall bring you Decker’s head. Stay here.”
“I won’t be upset if you drop it somewhere from high up on your way back. Just saying.” She grimaced. “Really.”
“A promise must be kept.”
She understood. “You have to actually bring me the head, huh? I can live with that as long as he’s dead. Be careful.”
“Don’t move. This won’t take long.” He released her and backed away, turning to his clansmen. “Let’s hunt. They don’t leave alive.”
“It’s about time,” Fray grinned. “Shithead season is on!”
Aveoth jumped, his wings sharply expanding and flapping. His men followed him into the sky and Jill watched them go. She caught a glimpse of Decker and his enforcers running through the woods. Boon shifted, dropping as he ran, parts of his clothing falling off his changing body.
“Go get them and come back to me safe,” she whispered to the wind.
Chapter Eighteen
Aveoth trailed his target. Decker hadn’t shifted yet, he was too busy running. The thickness of the trees impeded him slightly, but Decker avoided smashing into them, despite the high rate of speed at which he dashed through the woods. The trees also kept Aveoth from swooping down to grab him.
From the height he flew, Aveoth viewed a clearing coming up. He got there first, landed, and turned as he shelled his body. He kept his wings out. They were excellent weapons, and he planned to use them. Fray came down next to him, shelling his body as well, a look of delight on the enforcer’s hardening features.
“Mine is sticking close to yours. This is going to be fun. Should we play or just take them out, my lord?”
“Kill the bastards. They stole my mate,” Aveoth hissed. “No mercy.”
“No problem.”
Decker burst through the tree line and spotted them. He skidded to a halt and tried to spin around to flee the way he’d come, but the one in the suit slammed into him from behind. Both went down.
“Ouch,” Fray murmured. “That looked uncomfortable, didn’t it? Think they’ll shift now?”
“Only if they find their backbones and are actually willing to fight,” Aveoth rumbled loudly, making certain his words carried. “They did shoot Chaz.”
Decker snarled, untangling his body from one of the few men who’d stayed loyal to him. “I’ll kill you, Aveoth!”
“I quiver in my boots.”
Fray snorted. “Good one, my lord.”
Aveoth inclined his head. “You may kneel and die a quick death, or you shall bleed first. Your choice, Decker Filmore. Make it now. Your time on this Earth has come to an end. You are sentenced to death for the crimes you’ve committed against the VampLycans, and for stealing my mate.”
Decker appeared shocked. “Your what?”
“Jill became my mate.” Aveoth had to leash his rage. “She went home to pack, and you attacked her guard while I was buying her a human wedding ring. The only reason I offer you a quick death is because you are her blood relation. Kneel, and I shall take your head off with one slice of my blade.”
“That fucking bitch!” Cole hissed.
“Did you just call my lady a bitch?” Fray shook his head in disgust. “You truly are mad, One Who Wears Suits.”
“You know my name!” Cole tore off his jacket, then began to undo the buttons on his shirt. “And I bow to no one. I’ll fight you.”
Decker growled. “No! You swore you wouldn’t kill me, Lord Aveoth!”
“Are you that stupid? You threatened the life of my mate!” Aveoth glared at Decker. “Kneel or fight. You die today.”
“They’re really going to kill us,” Cole rasped.
Decker reached back and withdrew a gun from his waistband.
“Wow,” Fray sighed. “Just wow. I heard he was a pussy but this is downright sad.”
“It makes sense now why he didn’t try to shift as he ran. He’d have lost the weapon with his clothing.” Aveoth moved suddenly, going left, allowing Decker to witness his speed. He paused about ten feet away from where he’d been. “You can try to shoot me but it’s a useless endeavor.” He shelled his body further.
Decker aimed and fired. Aveoth lunged right then left, avoiding the bullets. He tucked his wings in as he moved, advancing on Decker.
He leapt up, expanded his wings in a heartbeat, and spun.
The edge of his wing struck the VampLycan. The bullets stopped an instant later.
Aveoth dropped to the ground, staring down at Decker Filmore.
Cole stumbled back, crying out in anguish. The strike Aveoth had made wasn’t a killing blow, but Decker’s arm and part of his shoulder had been severed. Aveoth gripped the handle of his sword and unsheathed it, standing over him.
Decker stared up at him, his eyes wide. Agony and shock mixed as his features twisted. Blood rapidly stained the ground.
“I give you mercy, since you are half of the bloodline that gave me my Jill. You were just the bad side.”
Aveoth beheaded him in the blink of an eye.
“No!” Cole screamed and began to shift.
Fray was suddenly beside Aveoth, but he stilled, waiting for the VampLycan to complete his transformation.
Aveoth sheathed his sword before gripping Decker’s head by his hair, keeping it at arm’s length to avoid getting blood on his boots.
He glanced at his enforcer. “Do you have this?”
“Yes, my lord. I’ll kill him swiftly and dispose of the bodies.”
“Pick up my Jill and take her to my quarters when you’re done. Don’t take long. You’re her protection duty. I’ll see you at the cliffs soon. I have a stop to make first.” Aveoth took flight.
He glanced at what was left of Decker Filmore. He wanted to return to Jill, but it was important that the VampLycans know Decker wouldn’t be a problem anymore. Fray would swiftly reach his mate and keep her safe. The idea of another man carrying her during flight wasn’t welcome, but he trusted the twin brothers without question. They were loyal. So was Kelzeb. He knew his best friend would see to her safety as well, as soon as he’d killed the VampLycan he’d gone after.
He landed in front of the neat cabin with the wide porch. It didn’t take long for the front door to fly open, and then the clan leader strode outside.
Velder came to an abrupt halt at the top of the stairs, his gaze going from Aveoth to what he held in his hand. He slowed his pace as he came down the steps and approached.
“Lord Aveoth.”
“Velder.”
Aveoth hated the formality of their conversations. It made his chest ache just a tiny bit. He noticed the reaction every time he faced the man.
“You caught him.” Velder glanced at what remained of the former clan leader. “We owe you a debt.”
Aveoth bent and set the head down, then straightened. He wiped his hands on his pants, despite the lack of blood on his fingers. They just felt dirty for having touched someone so vile. “Think nothing of it, and there is no repayment needed. It was best for all of us if Decker wasn’t alive. I’m just grateful you were home. I must return to the cliffs.” He paused. “I have a mate.”
Surprise flashed across Velder’s face. “Congratulations. I hadn’t heard.”
“You’re the first to know outside of my clan.” He looked down at the head. “At least, the first who’s still alive.”
He glanced around the area. None of the clan approached and few were within sight. They had privacy. He met Velder’s gaze again. “I’d appreciate if you kept that news
between us for a little longer. It’s very new, and some of Lorn’s clan might have issues with me over killing Decker. I don’t even want them thinking about doing her harm. Not that they could touch her, but I’ve dealt with enough shitheads lately.”
“I’d never betray a trust.”
“Not even to your mate or sons?”
Velder shook his head. “My word is solid, and you have good reason to keep the news of your mate within your clan. I love my family, but I’m a leader as well. I can draw the line and hold it. They understand. I made sure of it, so their feelings were never hurt if I had to keep any secrets. I’m happy you found a mate, Lord Aveoth.”
That ache expanded. “Your sons are lucky to have a father who cares for them so much.”
The blue of Velder’s eyes softened. “I’m sure your father loved you as well, even if he didn’t show it.” Then he glanced away, clearing his throat. “I apologize. That was out of line. I shouldn’t have said that. It was an unforgivable assumption on my part.”
“You’re incorrect. Abotorus was as harsh a father as he was a leader,” Aveoth divulged. “I don’t believe he knew how to love anyone.”
Velder’s mouth opened, then closed.
“Say what you planned to. There’s no need to hold back. I won’t take offense.”
“It’s nothing. Thank you for dealing with Decker, Lord Aveoth. It is deeply appreciated.”
“You may call me Aveoth. We’re alone. Set aside the fact that we’re from two different clans. We shall just be two men right now having a conversation.”
Velder’s body relaxed. “Aveoth…” He hesitated. “I would like to speak to you about something concerning our clans. Would that be too bold?”
“What is it?”
“It gets tiresome, worrying about the future. Will we continue to be allies? I’ll speak freely and just spit it out. We no longer have full-blooded Lycans to offer as mates for your men. It’s our concern that you will want us out of this territory.” He glanced down at the head. “Decker kept the fear of war in our hearts for a long time.” He gazed into Aveoth’s eyes. “We wish for peace to remain. This is our home, and we like having you as neighbors. I wish our clans were bonded better. Is there any way to make that possible?”