Lorn

  “He was weak if he allowed them to take him down.”

  “You son of a bitch!” Lavos snapped. “Don’t speak that way about my friend. He was an excellent fighter. That tells me there was a large group of them if they were able to take him out.”

  It reminded Lorn of something Kira had told him before they’d gone to sleep. He refused to say her name, though, and risk his father believing she might be hidden somewhere. He decided to lie. “I caught up to a Vamp. Do you know what he told me? Decker went to their Vampire Council for some reason. Now they’ve attacked us. He’s somehow to blame for this. They suddenly think we’re weak enough to take out.”

  Ladius snarled and his claws extended, along with his fangs. “Blasphemy! He would do no such thing!”

  Lorn reacted by doing the same and tensing, preparing to attack. His mother rushed between them, opening her arms wide.

  “Stop it! I won’t allow you two to fight. You’ll have to go through me.”

  “Get out of the way, Mom.” Lavos slowly stepped closer, his tone pleading. He reached out to her. “You could get hurt. Come here.”

  “No! I won’t let them kill each other.” She turned her head, staring at her mate. “Don’t do this.”

  “Get the hell out of the way, woman,” Ladius snarled.

  “You’re angry and projecting your thoughts.” She turned, facing him. “You think our son is weakened from spending days hunting for the girl. You’ve decided you can take him, that with the girl dead, his grief will have broken his will to live. You see this as your chance to kill our son, and think you don’t need him anymore—because you believe what he said about Decker! You think you can use what you’ve just learned to turn everyone against Decker and assume they’ll accept you as the new leader.”

  That enraged Lorn. He growled fiercely.

  His mother held up one finger, a signal for him to hold his temper. He remained still, not willing to possibly injure her to get at his father.

  “Ladius, you’re wrong. I know my boys better than you ever did, or ever will. Lorn’s not grieving, and he isn’t weakened from not eating. Believe me—I know the signs of his misery. I’ve seen it most of his life. He’s strong and determined. And he will kill you if you leave him with no choice. Don’t do this. I didn’t birth two sons just for you to kill them if they defied you. They are our flesh and blood!”

  “Shut the hell up!” Ladius turned his fury on her, his eyes starting to darken as he stared down his mate.

  Silence reigned, and Lorn knew his parents were communicating without words. It pissed him off further when his mother actually stumbled back a step, as if she’d been physically struck by his father.

  He moved without thought and caught her around her middle, holding her close, careful not to scratch her with his claws. He dragged her farther from her mate.

  “Stop it, Dad.” Lavos moved swiftly, reaching Lorn and their mother. He pulled her into his arms. “What are you saying to her, you bastard?”

  “The only bastards in this room are the two of you.” Ladius snarled. “That bitch made you weak! She’s always indulged you both too much. Is this what you wanted, Tussa? Two sons who defy their father? I hope you’ve learned your lesson before we have the next ones.”

  Lorn glanced at his mother, seeing tears streaming down her face. It outraged him. No man should ever hurt his mate, even if just with painful words and thoughts.

  She shook her head. “I won’t have more children with you if you kill our sons. How can you think that way? They aren’t failures. They are good men with honor! You could learn from them!”

  “How dare you!” Ladius lunged toward his mate.

  Lavos lifted their mother and swung her out of the way, just as Lorn blocked their father’s path. He’d wanted to hit the son of a bitch all his life and for once he didn’t hold back. He punched instead of using his claws and landed a fist to his father’s face.

  Ladius grunted as he flew backward and hit the dining room table; it collapsed under his weight.

  “No!” their mother screamed.

  Ladius sat up and shook his head. His eyes darkened to solid black and hair erupted all over his face and arms. Lorn began to shift too. It wasn’t ideal wearing jeans but their father had no interest in a fair fight, since he wasn’t stripping out of his clothes before the change.

  “Don’t do this,” their mother sobbed. “Please, Lorn. I can’t lose him!”

  It tore at Lorn’s heart, hearing the desperation in her voice. He didn’t look back, knowing Lavos would keep hold of their mom to prevent her from jumping into the fight. He managed to tear off his boots to get them out of the way. His clothing became painfully tight around his hips and thighs as he transformed, material splitting and ripping. He was just grateful he hadn’t worn a belt that day.

  Ladius tore at his clothing as he transformed, the loose outfit he’d worn easier to be rid of. He dropped to all fours and ran at Lorn.

  He had a second to note his father’s fangs and open jaw, guessing the older man planned to go right for his throat. Lorn jerked his body to the right but the impact of their bodies clashing together forced his paws to skid on the hardwood floors, his claws scarring them. He rammed his head against the side of his father’s when fangs sank into his shoulder.

  He hit hard enough to stun Ladius, to loosen his hold. Lorn sank his teeth in too, biting his father’s upper arm. Blood filled his mouth as he gave him a hard enough shake to knock the older VampLycan off his feet. Ladius hit the floor and they both rolled. Lorn released him and used his clawed fingers to grab hold of his throat.

  “Lorn, no!”

  He couldn’t ignore his mother’s screams. Lorn squeezed instead of ripping into his father. He threw his hindquarters down, pinning Ladius’s slightly smaller body. He jerked his head and shoved his muzzle in front of his father’s, snarling a warning.

  “Ouch!” Lavos roared.

  Someone grabbed Lorn’s tail and yanked hard. It hurt, and the tug shifted his weight enough that his father managed to roll away and jerk out of his hold. Ladius scrambled to his four legs. Lorn swiveled his head in time to watch Lavos grab their mother around her waist again and lift her away, making her release Lorn’s tail.

  Ladius used the moment of distraction to attack. Sharp fangs bit into Lorn’s throat.

  He instantly threw his weight forward, toward his father, and landed on top of him, hard. The action made Ladius grunt and his jaw loosened enough for Lorn to get free. He batted at his dad with his claws, slapping him in the side of the head. The smell of blood from both of them filled his nose.

  They each backed off, snarling as they rose to their legs again.

  “Stop it! Let me go!”

  Lorn ignored his mother. He knew she wasn’t in danger. Lavos would only prevent her from coming close to the fight a second time.

  His father attacked again. Lorn lunged, head lowered, and slammed his forehead into the bottom of his father’s jaw. Bones cracked and the impact threw his father back, sending him sliding across the floor until he hit the wall.

  Lorn trotted over and stared down at his father. Blood spread across the floor as Ladius lay on his side, eyes closed. He seemed to be down for the count. His jaw hung open at an unnatural angle. It normally would have been a good time to rip out his opponent’s throat to end it.

  Sobs filled the room, and hearing his mother’s grief tore at his heart. Lorn began to shift back, watching his father for any sign that he was coming around. He kept his claws and fangs out, then crawled closer and gripped his father by his throat, waiting.

  “Lorn, please don’t!”

  He couldn’t glance at his mother.

  Ladius opened his eyes, a dazed look in them. It cleared fast as Lorn gripped him more firmly, allowing his claws to be felt. They stared at each other.

  Lorn had to clear his throat before he could speak. “For once, be smart. Concede. Don’t make me kill you in front of your mate. I will if I have to.” r />
  His father panted.

  “You leave this clan today and never come back. I don’t even want you around the other clans. You’re banished to the borderlands between our clan and the next. You stay there, and nowhere else, so I can keep an eye on you. I’ll hunt you down if I ever find out you’ve spoken to Decker or anyone associated with him after today. I’m only giving you this chance out of mercy for my mother. I don’t care about you anymore. I’m no longer your son. I’ll kill your ass if I even suspect you’re up to no good. There won’t be another chance. Live or die. Make the choice.”

  His father’s gaze slid away and he whined.

  Lorn released him and stood. He wasn’t about to turn his back on the bastard. He blindly moved closer to Lavos. His brother must have released their mother because she came up next to Lorn and paused, resting her hand on his arm.

  “Thank you for sparing his life.”

  “Don’t. I just subjected you to a hellish future. You’ll be living in the borderlands without a clan. And I will kill him if he breaks his word. He starts any shit and he’s done. Understand?”

  “I do.”

  “You’re always welcome here. He’s not.”

  She nodded and released him, rushing to her downed mate.

  “Don’t bleed for him,” Lorn softly ordered. “Let him suffer the agony of a slow heal.”

  She twisted her head, her horrified expression one he knew would haunt him for a long time.

  “I’m contemplating permanently maiming him to make certain he’s less of a threat to others, but a mate missing an arm or leg wouldn’t be able to defend you well enough. He’d become a burden. My compassion is at the limit, and the next few days will give him time to realize how damn lucky he is to be breathing. He won’t starve before the jaw heals.”

  “You’re right.” She suddenly turned her head and slapped her mates injured jaw.

  Ladius yapped loudly.

  Lorn’s mouth dropped, stunned. Ladius had to be in a lot of pain, and that smack definitely caused more agony.

  His mother stood fast, her tears stopping, anger replacing them. “Stubborn fool.” She wiped her face dry. “I’m closing my mental link to him. He’s being stupid, thinking he can still find a way to lead the clan. I’ll take care of him—and he will listen to me, since he can’t talk back. I appreciate you sparing his life but I’ll break his legs myself if he tries to mess with you again.”

  Ladius whined.

  Their mother turned and kicked him in the hip. “Enough out of you! You crossed a line today by trying to kill our sons. I’ve always been aware of your flaws but I had hope that you’d overcome them. I see now you won’t do it unless you’re made to. Things have changed, mate.”

  Lorn studied his mother, admiring her determination and inner strength. It wasn’t something he’d seen often used against her mate. She peered up at him.

  “I’ve always been the obedient mate he demanded, but no more. Things need to change. You’ve said it for years.” She licked her lips. “Today, I lost any remaining hope that your father would mellow with age and wisdom. I watched my firstborn and my mate fight. He’s not fit to lead this clan.” She turned her head, glaring down at Ladius. “It’s your turn to be the obedient one, or I’ll keep you injured until you see things my way. That’s how it will be from now on. I’m in charge.”

  Lorn watched his father’s reaction and stifled a grin. The old man appeared a little afraid of his once docile mate. She growled low, a warning to Ladius. It impressed Lorn. He glanced at Lavos, seeing his raised eyebrows and surprise etched over his features.

  “Wow, Mom. You’re a badass. Who knew?” Lavos suddenly chuckled. “I wouldn’t mess with her, Dad. She used to grab us by the hair to force us to stop and listen when we misbehaved as young ones. I’m betting she’ll just go straight for your nuts. Ouch.”

  “That’s a real possibility,” she agreed. “We won’t be having any more children soon, if ever. I sure don’t feel in the mood to have sex, so he won’t have a use for his nuts in the near future.” She lifted her arm, offering it to Lorn.

  “What?” He glanced at it.

  “Drink. You’re hurt, and you just kicked your father’s ass. I know what that means.”

  He studied her eyes.

  “You can take the clan.” She glanced at Lavos, then back to him. “Both of you can. Drink my blood and heal. Beware of Amos the most. He’s quiet for an elder but I’ve watched him and your father practice fighting. He’s a fast shifter and uses it to his advantage to launch sneak attacks. He won’t give warning.”

  Lorn hesitated.

  “Do it,” Lavos said. “She’s right. You don’t need to be already injured when shit hits the fan as soon as we leave here. You have Dad’s blood on you. They’ll realize as soon as they get a whiff that shit is going down.”

  Their mother smiled. “I haven’t had to feed you since you were nine and broke your leg falling out of a tree.”

  He remembered. Their father had forbidden her to ever help them heal. Each injury was supposed to be a lesson to toughen them up, but that day their father had been gone, so she’d fed him her blood. It had been their secret. The leg had completely healed by the time their father had returned days later, her scent faded.

  He took her wrist and licked her skin, gentle when he bit down. He closed his eyes, drinking just enough to feel his skin tingling as the wounds mended. He released her when it was done, sealing the bite. He opened his eyes and held her stare.

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” She glanced at Lavos. “Both of you. I have faith you can win leadership.” She turned away and crossed the room.

  Their mother leaned down and grabbed her mate to flip him over. “As I see it, neither one of us has a use for your balls, so keep that in mind. Now be very still so you don’t bleed all over my floor any more than you already have. I’m going to go pack.” She straightened, addressing Lorn. “We’ll be out of here within the hour, if that’s okay with you.”

  “Of course. You’re always welcome to return, Mom.”

  “I’ll visit, and you can call if you need anything. May we use the borderline cabin built by the clan for emergencies? It’s going to take time to build us a home of our own.”

  Lorn cringed. He’d been so angry he hadn’t considered where they’d live. “It’s yours for as long as you need.”

  “Thank you.” She strode out of the room, toward the bedroom.

  “Damn,” Lavos muttered.

  “What choice did I have? Would you have preferred I killed him? She was screaming and begging me to stop.”

  Their father whined but both of them ignored him.

  Lavos’s expression softened. “I get it. And letting them stay in the borderland area was nice.”

  “I didn’t want to unleash him on the humans and it will be easier to keep an eye on him here.”

  “Agreed.” Lavos stepped closer. “Now what?”

  “We deal with Nabby and the elders most loyal to Decker.” Lorn looked down at his clothes. He just pulled off what was left of his shirt and dropped it. Two snaps of his pants had come undone and they were torn in a few spots, but they’d do. He looked back up at his brother.

  Lavos glanced at their father. “What about him?”

  Lorn studied Ladius. He lay on the floor where his mate had flipped him, barely conscious and still bleeding. “He’s done for right now. He’s too injured to even shift back. Mom can handle him on her own. I’m sure she’ll take one of the off-road vehicles and toss him in the back, along with whatever she packs. The cabin is stocked at all times. They’ll have plenty of food and water.”

  “True. Let’s go. I’ve got your back.”

  “I’m depending on it. Nabby isn’t going to take being challenged easy or well.”

  “No shit.” Lavos walked beside him after they left the house. “He’ll probably go for a weapon. He has no honor.”

  “It would surprise me if he fought fair
.”

  “At least your clothes have already been torn up. Shifting again won’t be a problem if he pulls the same stunt Dad did.”

  There was that. Lorn thought about Kira, hoping she slept late after the long hours they’d spent talking. He eyed the sky, seeing that there wasn’t much daylight left.

  Lavos suddenly gripped his arm, bringing both of them to a halt.

  “You can’t have the same compassion for Nabby, Lorn. It would be a mistake.”

  “I’m aware.”

  Lavos frowned.

  “I had sympathy for our mother, not Ladius. I realize Nabby has no honor and any promises he makes will be lies. He’ll only seek out Decker and join forces with him if I allow him to live. The fewer enemies we have, the better. He dies.”

  “I just wanted to make certain we were on the same page.” His brother let him go. “This isn’t going to be a private family matter as soon as anyone else sees you and smells the blood. It’s a declaration of war on Decker when you attacked his advisor. This is setting the tone for you taking over the clan. Just remember that.”

  “As if I could forget.”

  Chapter Ten

  Kira woke alone and sat up. Hunger pains clawed at her belly. She groaned, shoved off the covers, and stumbled to her feet. “Lorn?”

  The light he’d left on revealed the bathroom door wide open and empty. He wasn’t inside the den. She dressed, putting on the clothes from the day before.

  Her hands shook and she whimpered, her need to feed increasing until it became difficult to think. She took a seat at the table, gripping the edge of it to keep still. Lorn would be back at any moment. He was outside somewhere and knew the sun had gone down. He’d come.

  Just breathe. She focused on that. In. Out. In. Out. It helped, and some of the cramping faded so she eased her death grip on the wood. She rose to her feet and caught sight of the note that had fallen to the floor on the other side of the table. She bent, reading it.

  “Shit,” she muttered. He’d just said he needed to deal with something and he’d be back soon. The fact that he’d left said it all. There must be a serious problem with the clan. She searched for the phone he kept but quickly realized he must have taken it with him.