“That’s why I didn’t take you with me. One of us needs to survive to keep the peace.”
“You took backup with you?”
“No.”
“Damn it, Aveoth! You know Decker would love to kill you.”
“He could try, but I doubt he’s smart enough to do it. I was careful.”
“Why didn’t you take a few enforcers?”
“I’m not certain how the clan will react when they learn I’ve brought Jill here.”
“Right. VampLycan. I have to say, she smells mostly human.”
“But?”
“I’m scenting blood. Is she well?”
“She’ll be fine. It was a slight cut.”
“It’s acceptable for you to keep a lover. No one can say anything as long as you don’t breed with her. What’s the problem? They didn’t bat an eye when Lane lived here.”
Aveoth studied his friend. “Lane had no human blood. You’re forgetting biology.”
“Shit. I’m not fully awake yet but I’m getting there. You could have her sterilized. That way there’s no accidental pregnancy.”
“No.”
“It will cause major problems if you get her with child.”
“I’m aware. But I’d like to have children.” He paused. “I don’t plan to just have her as my lover. I want to create a family.”
Kelzeb softly cursed.
“Exactly. There is going to be a lot of fallout.”
“Probably not with the younger generations, but some of the pure Gargoyles are going to rise up against you if you mate a woman with VampLycan bloodlines.”
“I’m aware.”
“A few will side with you.”
“Name one.”
“Fray and Chaz’s father, Hawk. He’s pretty mellow about that shit. He might get Gorzak on his side. They’ve both lost mates and are lonely. They’d understand your need to take one, despite her bloodlines. They also don’t want a full-blooded Gargoyle lord again. You know they didn’t get along with Abotorus.”
“Vampires killed both of their mates.”
“But they are friendly to VampLycans and humans. I’d say you were shit out of luck if that woman was a full Vamp, but then again, having children wouldn’t be an option if she were.”
“Agreed. I sometimes wonder why I bother to stay.”
“You do it for the good of all. The other Gargoyle clans would attack us if they heard you were no longer our lord.”
“No. They fear us.”
Kelzeb snorted. “The other clans fear you. They’d challenge me.”
Aveoth scowled.
“You are the one who killed Lord Abotorus. No one ever beat him until you.”
“I get it. I need to stay.”
“How is this Jill handling being here and meeting you? You said she was unaware of anything not human.”
“She’s brave. I got the impression she gave Decker’s men a difficult time when they kidnapped her.”
“I like her already.”
“So do I. She asked me to beat the shit out of both of them.”
Kelzeb chuckled. “You didn’t.”
“I did.”
“How did she react to seeing violence? Most humans abhor it.”
He grinned over the memory. “She has spunk. That’s why I’m considering taking her as my mate.”
“Don’t rush into anything.”
“She’s going to need time to adjust to me and this life first. I won’t force the issue until she’s ready.”
“That might never happen. Her mind could shatter. Humans are pretty frail with their beliefs.”
“She’s no weakling.”
Kelzeb sighed. “You hope.”
“I have faith.”
“That’s new.”
“I’m attracted to her, Kelzeb, and lonely. It’s motivation. But I wanted your assessment skills right now. How do you think the clan will react when they learn I’ve brought what they will believe is a human here?”
“They’ll be shocked, since Elco has spread word that Winalin is yours. It’s expected that you’ll take a full-blooded Gargoyle female as your mate, since there is one here.”
“Elco needs to be beaten, and I’d never touch his sister. Life with Winalin would be pure misery. That’s never going to happen. And I can handle shock. What do you think will be their second reaction?”
“Some will assume you’re going to use her to breed children. And no lord uses a breeding vessel unless there are no other mate options or our clan numbers are decreasing. It’s been that way from the beginning. That will likely cause outrage, since we stick to tradition, and this doesn’t fall under either of those situations. Once they realize you plan to mate this Jill…” Kelzeb sighed. “I can’t even guess.”
“I want change.”
“I do as well, but this is pretty bold, mating with a woman with Vampire bloodlines, especially if your children show any signs of a need for blood passed down to them.”
“There’s a way we could avoid that entirely if I do mate her and she gets pregnant. I’d need your assistance with that.”
Kelzeb lowered his gaze. “Damn.”
“I won’t kill you. You’re family to me. To let her drink your blood would ensure any offspring are strongly Gargoyle. Is that asking too much?”
His friend lifted his gaze and peered at him. “If your bond will allow it, I’ll offer my blood in a cup for her to drink. It would be an honor.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I also need to continue to protect my secret.”
Kelzeb stepped closer. “It would be hell if they realized.”
“That’s why I’m asking you to share your blood at some point.”
“Done.”
Aveoth relaxed. “Thank you again.”
“Look on the bright side. We won’t have to take any secret trips in the future.”
Aveoth nodded. “True.”
“You’ve got your own blood supply when you need it.”
“She’s more than that to me, or she will be. Thankfully, I don’t get the urge often.”
“You could have always taken my blood. I’ve offered.”
Aveoth grinned. “I knew you’d be uncomfortable with that. It’s intimate to share blood.”
Kelzeb chuckled. “True.” A teasing spark flared in his gaze. “Although it’s been so long since anyone has been intimate with me in any way that I might have appreciated it.”
“I keep telling you to take a few days for yourself.” Aveoth reached out and gripped his friend’s shoulder. “When things settle, go find a woman to warm you.”
Kelzeb shook his head. “I’m not looking for a mate yet, and my ravage is years away still. I’m good. It’s a complication I don’t need. Humans are so drawn to us that I feel guilt over their attraction, and Lycans always seek to mate.”
That piqued Aveoth’s curiosity. “What do you mean, humans are so drawn to us?”
“You’re never around them. I forget. Remember when I had to spend four days in Anchorage?”
Aveoth nodded.
“I hated being cooped up in the hotel, waiting to see if any of Decker’s men showed up there. They had a gym for humans to alleviate some of their energy. I decided to try it. I lifted some weights, ran on a treadmill, and then did some pull-ups. Before I realized it, about twenty human women had surrounded me. They were drawn to me in an unnatural way.”
Aveoth frowned. “How?”
“I’m not certain if it was the sight of my body or maybe the scent of my sweat, but we seem to attract them. I could smell arousal on all of them. A few of the more aggressive ones approached me for sex, and two of them almost came to blows fighting for my attention. It might be a pheromone thing. I wasn’t sure. I broke it up and got the hell out of there. A few tried to follow me back to my room. It felt wrong to take advantage of them, considering I wasn’t certain why they were so sexually interested.”
“You never t
old me.”
“It wasn’t necessary. We usually avoid humans and it’s extremely rare for our men to stay in hotels. When they do, they aren’t exactly social. They check in, sleep, and leave after they’re rested. I didn’t think it was a big enough deal to bring up.”
“It’s not, but perhaps I can use that information to help Jill accept me.”
Kelzeb arched an eyebrow. “I’d call that an unfair advantage.”
“I need one. She’s going to be very resistant to becoming my mate. I want to keep her.”
“We don’t have a gym.”
“No, but we train. You could spar with me. That usually causes me to sweat.”
Kelzeb grinned. “I don’t take it easy on you.”
“I appreciate that. Everyone else fears being too aggressive.”
“You know I have no reason to take your head, so I don’t have to worry about you mistaking my actions for veiled attempts on your life.”
“True.”
“In the morning?”
“Afternoon.”
“I’ll arrange for the training area to be empty except for the two of us and your Jill.”
“Thank you, Kelzeb.”
“I’m going back to bed.”
“Sorry for waking you.”
“I just wish you’d done it sooner, and had me go with you when you retrieved the woman. Don’t do that again.”
“I make no promises. Lock the lower doors, please.”
Aveoth watched his friend lift his sword and leave down the back staircase. He waited moments, sealed the door by putting a large piece of furniture in front of it that Jill wouldn’t be able to move on her own. He did the same to the front entrance. He just wanted to keep her upstairs in his private area and away from the mirrored space on the floor below that guests visited him at times.
He returned to the bedroom and found her peacefully sleeping. He lifted a chair and placed it next to her bed, took a seat, and watched her.
A good hour passed before he stood, finally going to his own room. He planned to sleep for an hour, then return to her side so she’d wake to find him close.
His phone buzzed before he could lie down. He answered it. “Yes?”
“You hurt my men.”
“So?” He gritted his teeth. The bastard had nerve.
“I want retribution.”
“Fuck you, Decker. You gave me the impression your granddaughter willingly agreed to become my lover. Your men traumatized her by stealing her from the world she knew. Your enforcer roughed her up and made disturbing threats. They deserved the abuse they received. Feel lucky I didn’t send them to you in pieces.”
“I want to return to my clan.”
“You should have been happy when you led them previously, but instead your greed cost you everything. I told you to leave the other clans alone and to keep the peace.”
“I don’t have to listen to you. It’s a VampLycan matter.”
“You made it my business when you tried to blackmail me into doing your bidding. You can’t take them on your own. We both know it, and so do they. My men will never attack a VampLycan clan just so you can rule them all.”
“Lorn murdered the men I left behind! That bastard needs to die.”
“He challenged for leadership, and won fair, Decker. I like Lorn much better than I ever did you. He has my blessing.”
“It’s not up to you!” Decker snarled the words, clearly outraged.
It amused Aveoth. “You’re right—but Lorn has my support and that of my clan. We will help defend his clan if you send anyone after them again.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Decker yelled. “And it’s not Lorn’s clan. It’s mine!”
The ease in which Decker lied killed Aveoth’s good humor. The asshole had no honor whatsoever. “You’re full of shit. You’ve been working with the Vamps for a while. You put a hunt order out for your own granddaughter with their council and every Lycan pack, in the hopes they’d capture Batina for you. Then you sent Vampires into VampLycan territory as revenge because Lorn took over your clan. You probably thought it would make him appear weak to the clan, having a VampLycan kidnapped by a Vamp during his reign.”
“That’s not true!”
Aveoth snorted. “Spare me your lies. Were you worried your clansmen didn’t miss you? Did you think being attacked would encourage them to believe they were better off with you there? Wrong. Lord Abotorus taught me the art of manipulation. Your plan failed. The VampLycans aren’t stupid, and every clan is aware of who is really responsible for that Vampire attack. You are.”
“They’re setting me up and trying to blame me,” Decker spat.
“Give it up. You have your life, but it’s forfeit if you don’t leave everyone alone, including me. I beat the shit out of your men. So what? I left them alive. Feel gratitude. I’m going to hold you responsible if there are any more attacks on the clans. That includes from suckheads, Lycans, or even humans. Don’t call again, Decker, and stay the fuck out of Alaska if you want to remain alive.” He disconnected the phone.
“Fucking idiot,” he muttered.
Chapter Five
Jill woke to the sight of a rock ceiling. It took her a few seconds for memory to slam home. She’d been kidnapped and flown to some Gargoyle cave.
She sat up, peering around the bedroom.
She had to admit, it was extremely elegant for a cave. The furnishings appeared antique and high end. She shoved off the covers and her bare feet touched thick carpeting. It turned out to be a large area rug. She stood, taking in the entire room. The tops of the walls weren’t exactly even, seemingly built to fit the rock ceilings. The floors were smooth though. Flat.
Where’s the hot dude with wings?
She listened but the silence didn’t clue her in. She rounded the bed, stepped off the large area rug and onto cool stone flooring. She stopped, staring down at the polished stone. Impressive. She had to give them credit for craftsmanship. They took cave dwelling to an unthinkable level of class. She found her shoes and put them on.
Jill left the bedroom and entered a bathroom. It seemed to be surprisingly modern, with a toilet, shower, and tub. She quickly peed and washed her hands. One toothbrush was in a glass cup on the counter. She figured that belonged to Aveoth. She used his toothpaste and her finger to deal with her morning breath. Her hair was a mess but most of it remained trapped in the braid. She left it alone.
There was another door out of the bathroom, and she carefully opened it, trying to be very quiet. The sight of another, larger bedroom surprised her. Sunlight filled the room from a large opening in the wall. A warm breeze fanned across her skin. She crept inside and her gaze landed on the massive bed.
The sight there made her freeze, lips parting.
Aveoth lay sprawled in the center of the mattress and black bedding, face up. His eyes were closed.
His chest rose and fell but he didn’t snore. He wore a pair of black, silky pajama pants without a shirt. She took in the sight of his flat stomach and beefy arms, one of them stretched out across the bed. He took up a lot of space because he was a big man. She crept closer, wondering if he really slept or if it was some kind of ruse. He didn’t stir.
She hugged her waist and swallowed hard, unsure what to do.
He shifted his leg, bending a knee and arching his hips a little. Her gaze lowered down his body. His stomach tightened, revealing a lot of muscles. His wings were gone. She wasn’t about to forget he could grow them, though.
She spotted something on his nightstand—and hope flared when she realized he had a cell phone. She could call for help.
She tiptoed forward—but froze when he suddenly rolled onto his stomach. He spread out his limbs and she was left staring at his broad back.
There was no sign of where his wings had been the night before. Smooth, unmarred skin stretched across his shoulder blades. She lifted a foot to inch closer to the nightstand, and that phone, but he made a low grunt.
/> Jill backed away. It might be possible that he could sense her as she got near him. There was no telling what kind of other freaky things he could do. Though he didn’t move or make another sound.
Her gaze remained fixed on the phone but she didn’t dare go for it. He’d probably wake and catch her red-handed. She turned toward the opening in the wall instead, quietly crossed the room and stepped out onto a flat ledge. The sight that met her as she stared out at the world left her breathless.
The view from that height revealed what appeared to be endless wilderness. She didn’t spot any signs of a city, buildings, or even homes. Just trees, and a jagged line through them revealing a river in the distance.
She turned her head, spotting another ledge some distance away. She also saw cuts in the rock, perhaps handholds, that led to a third ledge much farther below, probably twenty or thirty feet.
She backed up and returned to the bedroom she’d woken in, exiting to enter the room Aveoth had brought her in through the night before. The wall remained sealed. She walked down a hallway and found another door. A large piece of furniture blocked it. More exploration took her to another large room, with a living space and kitchen.
Son of a bitch. There seemed to be no escape with that doorway blocked. She returned to that spot and studied it. Aveoth had done blocked it. She felt certain of that. She tried to lift the heavy armoire but it had to weigh hundreds of pounds. She tried to tug and pull but the wood scraped the floor a mere inch, the sound loud. She stopped and listened, fearing it might have woken him.
Damn it!
She needed to escape. The only way out had been that open ledge inside his bedroom. She chewed on her bottom lip, debating it. She turned, retracing her steps, searching for another phone. She found none. Finally, she returned to Aveoth’s bedroom. He still lay on his stomach, in the same position she’d left him. She tiptoed toward the phone but when she got close to it, he rolled onto his side.
Her heart pounded as she backed up, glancing over her shoulder to make certain she didn’t bump into anything or trip. Aveoth grunted in his sleep, and as she watched him, he reached up and rubbed his cheek. He appeared to be dreaming, possibly having a nightmare.