Her fangs wouldn’t retract and hunger pains made her ache. She needed to feed. Pacing around the small den didn’t help. Worry about Lorn only aggravated her more. What if he’d had to interact with the clan? What if they found he was harboring her and attacked him? He hadn’t said why he’d left but the possibilities were endless. Decker could have returned.
Would Lorn challenge for leadership without her?
The answer came instantly. He would.
She walked over to the door, unlocked it, and figured out how to work the lift. It rose and she glimpsed darkness above. She stepped out and released the mechanism that kept the elevator above ground, keeping the entrance hidden. She jumped up on the nearest boulder, finding it much easier to do as a vampire. Her human self couldn’t have done that.
She could detect a lot of scents but there was one that alarmed her. She turned her head and hissed at the sight of one of the men from her clan stepping out from behind a large tree trunk. She instantly recognized Kar.
It was a nightmare. Someone from the clan knew what she was! He would be able to smell her as well as she could him.
“Easy.” He put up both arms, opening his hands. “Lorn asked me to keep an eye on you. I’m not going to hurt you, Kira.”
She wasn’t certain what to do.
“Are you hungry? I didn’t have any rope to use to catch a moose but I herded a few of them this way. They’re close. I’ll help you capture and hold one for you to drink some blood.”
It had to be a trick. The clan would want to kill her. Only Lorn, Lavos, and her father would protect her.
“Don’t look at me like that.” He took a step closer, scowling. “I wouldn’t kill a woman, even a Vampire one, unless I had no choice. Please don’t run.”
“Where is Lorn?”
“Something held him up, or I know he’d have returned before dark.”
Kar smelled so good. Too good. Kira jumped off the boulder, landing in a crouch.
He dropped his hands and stepped back. “Don’t look at me like I’m dinner, either. I’m not allowed to feed you my blood, and to be honest, I don’t want to. Lorn warned me that he’d kick my ass. The moose are just behind that stand of trees. I didn’t want them catching your scent and fleeing.” He pointed. “Go that way.”
Kira rose up and turned, inhaling. She smelled them. Instinct took over as her hunger increased. She sprinted toward the animals.
Kar cursed softly but he ran after her. She could hear him breathing, hear the tread of his boots as he kept close. She saw heat signatures of three medium-sized moose. The speed in which she could move surprised and thrilled her as she hurried over the ground. It didn’t even hurt her bare feet.
The three animals must have sensed her because they charged toward the river. She locked on to the slowest one and launched herself at it. It hurt when she impacted with the creature, knocking them both off balance. Kar was there in the next instant, helping her take it down. He wrestled the frightened moose onto its side and used his weight to pin it to the ground.
“Bite,” he panted. “Now.”
Kira hesitated.
“Bite,” Kar snarled.
The warm body writhed under her and Kira looked at Kar. Tears filled her eyes. She felt sorry for the moose.
“Damn it. You’re not going to kill it unless I have to break its neck to keep it down. Bite and feed.”
“I can’t.” She put her hands on the moose’s side, petting it. Its fear horrified her.
Kar moved one of his arms and extended his claws, slicing a small wound in the moose’s flank.
The scent of blood overwhelmed Kira. She struck without thought and warm blood began to fill her belly.
“That’s it,” Kar crooned. “This big guy’s okay. He’s pissed, scared, but he’ll be fine. You’re not going to kill him, Kira. Keep drinking.”
She did until the hunger faded and her thoughts became clear again. She gently eased her fangs out and slowly pulled back on her hands and knees.
Kar rolled, releasing the big animal. It struggled but got up, running toward the river. Kira watched it go. It seemed okay, not hurt.
Kar brushed off his clothes as he got to his feet. “Better?”
She stared up at him.
He pointed to his chin. “You have blood all over you. Let’s take a walk to the water. You can splash your face and clean that off.”
The VampLycan had helped feed her but she still wasn’t certain she could trust him. He seemed to read her hesitancy. He stepped closer and offered his hand.
“We’ve worked together on shifts. Did I ever give you any shit about being human? At least now you’re stronger and faster. I’ve got no problem with you being a Vampire, Kira. I’m sorry it happened to you but I have faith that you’re still a good person. You felt sympathy for that beast even though I know you were starving. That says it all. Besides, Lorn would kill me if I let anything happen to you. Trust in that. I don’t want to be shredded to pieces.”
She reached up and clasped his hand, allowing him to pull her to her feet. He actually smiled. “I had a hell of a time keeping up with you. You’ve gained impressive speed.”
“Thank you.”
“I’d say it wasn’t some newbie Vamp who turned you.”
“He said he was five hundred years old.”
“That’s going to be quite an advantage. It means you’ll be stronger than most of the newbies I’ve come across.” Kar led the way to the river.
The moose were long gone. Kira bent near the edge, scooping chilled water into her hands and washing her face and throat. She stood and looked at Kar.
He nodded. “You got it all. Let’s go back to the den.”
“I want to check on Lorn.”
“No way in hell are we going near the village.”
“He might need help.”
“Then return to the den and I’ll go. They’d smell you from a mile away.”
“I stink?” She winced. “Lorn lied to me.”
“You’re carrying the Vampire scent. It’s not bad or anything, just distinctive.” He leaned in and sniffed. “You also smell like Lorn. No one from the clan can get a whiff of you. They’d know he’s been feeding and fucking you. That’s the last thing he needs right now. Shit’s going down and he has to be firmly in charge before he can spring you on them.”
“He’s challenging Nabby, isn’t he?”
“I honestly don’t know. Ladius and Nabby, along with the elders, were starting some shit. Lorn’s probably dealing with that.”
“What kind of shit?”
“Walk and talk.” Kar glanced around. “I don’t like you out in the open. Who knows where the patrols are, now that we were attacked by Vampires. They might switch patterns. I wasn’t on duty tonight so I’m not aware of their routes.”
Kira headed back toward the den. “What do you know?”
“Some of the clan are thinking of joining the other ones. It’s a good time to get out. To prevent that, Nabby plans to split the families apart by keeping all the mothers and children inside the lodge.”
Anger surged in Kira. “So the men will stay. They won’t leave their mates and children behind.”
“It’s an asshole move,” Kar agreed. “Lavos, Garson, and I spent the day trying to keep everyone calm. Nabby has been looking to start fights since Decker left, as if he can’t wait for someone to give him any excuse to kill them. We asked everyone to play it cool until Lavos could get ahold of Lorn. Most have faith he’ll do what it takes to prevent their families from being taken away and held at the lodge tonight.”
“Go help Lorn and Lavos.”
“I’m not leaving until you’re locked inside the den. And promise me you won’t leave. You’ll only distract Lorn if you were to show up, and you could be used against him. You’re a weakness he can’t afford right now.”
“I might be able to help.”
Kar stopped and gripped her arm, spinning her to face him.
She sta
red up, unafraid. He’d have attacked her already if he’d planned to.
“These assholes are using mates and children against our men. What in the hell do you think they’d do with you if you’re captured? You’re a Vampire, Kira. Yeah, you’re fast, but I could not only catch you but kick your ass if I wanted to. You’ve got weaknesses I don’t.” He released her and raised his hand, his claws extending from his fingertips. “A few well-placed slices and you’d lose enough blood to be weakened. They’d use you against Lorn and take him out—because he would stop fighting if your life depended upon it.
“Go inside the den and lock down until he comes back. Do you love him? Then forget your pride and everything else. The best thing you can do is stay safe so he doesn’t have to worry about you.”
She wanted to argue still, the urge to help Lorn too strong.
“You just became a Vampire. It’s going to take time for you to learn your new skills and make the best of them. Trust me. I thought I was a badass after I could fully shift when I hit full maturity, until I had my ass handed to me in training. You’re not an asset to Lorn right now. Stay locked inside the den and I’ll go to the village.”
She nodded. “You’re right. Okay.”
“Swear to me on Lorn’s life. I can’t leave you if you don’t promise me.”
She raised her hand. “I swear.”
“Good.” He released her. “Now move.”
Kira returned to the stand of boulders. “Go on. I’m safe.”
He nodded. “You gave your word. You’re a hindrance to Lorn. Don’t forget that.”
“I’m going inside the den. Now go help him since I can’t.”
Kar spun, taking off toward the village. She tracked his heat signature until the trees between them became too thick. She entered the den and took a seat at the table.
“Be okay, Lorn. I need you to return to me.”
* * * * *
Lorn paused by the lodge with Lavos at his side. Garson, two youths and three of Nabby’s cohorts were gathered in a small group. Xelor, Nabby’s younger brother, shoved one of the youths by slamming his palm into the kid’s chest.
Garson moved fast, getting between the teen and the bigger VampLycan. “Hey, none of that.”
“You want to fight me instead?” Xelor puffed up his chest and slid out his claws.
Garson snorted. “Me? You know that’s not my thing. Why are you picking on them anyway? It wouldn’t even be a fair fight. There’re three of you and two of them. They’re still in training. They aren’t hurting anyone by being outside. I’m with them.”
“Don’t interfere. They were given an order to go inside the lodge before dark. They didn’t do as they were told.”
Garson withdrew his phone and tapped the screen. “I promised I’d show them something first. Why don’t you come back in like five minutes?” he asked casually.
“What did you say?” Xelor snarled.
Garson turned his phone. “Look. I found this on the internet. The kids don’t understand why anyone would find a human attractive.”
Xelor lowered his gaze to the phone. His two friends stepped closer, also staring at whatever was on the screen. Garson used his other hand to wave off the two youths behind him. They fled around the building fast.
“See? She’s hot, isn’t she? Women make money by filming themselves masturbating. I’d totally do her.” Garson smirked.
Lorn had seen enough. He approached, coming up behind Xelor. Garson spotted him first and a look of relief crossed his face. He shoved his phone back inside his pocket.
“Where did they go?” Xelor realized the youths had taken off.
“They’re avoiding being bullied,” Lorn drawled.
“Porn?” Lavos snorted at Garson but stayed by Lorn’s side.
Garson grinned. “It worked. Show him a beautiful woman touching herself and any man will stop whatever he’s doing to watch. It’s about time you got here. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could stall. These assholes were looking to bleed our trainees.”
Xelor lunged at Garson but the latter swiftly threw up his leg and kicked him in the stomach. Xelor stumbled back, almost into Lorn, who grabbed his arm and spun him around, his own claws unsheathing from his fingertips.
“Are those the orders your brother gave you? Bully and beat on the weaker? What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Did you find Kira’s body?” Yenis mocked from a few feet away. “I hope they fucked her before she bled to death. Someone should have.”
Xelor tore out of Lorn’s grasp as the other VampLycan taunted him.
“You’re a moron,” Garson muttered. “With a death wish.”
In a blink, Lorn grabbed Yenis by the throat and slammed the jerk against the side of the lodge, lifting him off his feet. He punched his chest with his other fist, a warning.
“Don’t, Marlo,” Lavos rasped. “Garson and I will take you down before you get one step closer.”
Lorn wasn’t worried about Xelor or his friend as he glowered up at Yenis. “What were you saying about Kira? And she’s not dead.”
“Nothing.” The VampLycan lowered his gaze, refusing to meet Lorn’s.
Lorn backed up, taking Yenis with him, and tossed him hard. His heavy body rolled a few times before he ended up in a crouch.
Lorn glared at Xelor. “Things are changing. I used to like you when you were a boy. It must have been hell dealing with your brother every day. I know Nabby tormented you. It’s time to make a life-altering decision.”
Xelor grimly regarded him. “You’re taking the clan?” His nostrils flared and he paled. “You killed your father?”
“He’s alive. Barely. I allowed him to live but he’s been banished. Choose sides.”
Long seconds passed. Xelor shifted his gaze away for a split-second then looked back at him. “I pledge to you—but don’t trust Yenis.”
Lorn gave his full attention to the one named.
The blond VampLycan snarled. “Traitor! Nabby will kill all of you!”
He tried to run but Lavos tackled him from behind. They both went down then got up quickly. Yenis unleashed his claws.
Lorn wasn’t surprised. Yenis and Nabby were best friends and very similar. “Decide now.”
“I’ll never follow you. Nabby and I are going to kill you!”
“That’s your final answer?”
“Yes!”
“To the death.”
“Don’t waste too much energy on him,” Lavos warned.
It wasn’t advice Lorn needed. Yenis launched at him, slashing with his claws. Lorn avoided contact with those sharp tips, ducking his head and twisting, kicking out hard. His heel struck Yenis in the hip, sending him stumbling into a tree. Yenis pushed off against it, snarled, and lunged again.
“I’m going to find Kira and fuck her. I’ll pass her around to anyone who wants a piece of that ass after you’re dead!”
Lorn knew it was Yenis’s attempt to make him lose his focus and temper. He flashed his fangs. “And you’re stalling for time. Are you hoping your friend arrives to finish your fight? We both know you’re weak and don’t stand a chance. Garson over there could take you.”
“Hey,” Garson blustered. “I resent that.”
“Shut up,” Lavos muttered.
“Fine,” Garson huffed.
Yenis struck, attempting to go for Lorn’s throat with his claws. Lorn easily avoided him, dropping to a crouch before driving upward in the next second. His claws buried deep into Yenis’s chest. He pinned the other VampLycan to a tree, staring into his eyes.
“You chose the wrong side.”
Fear and panic flashed on Yenis’s face but sympathy wasn’t an emotion Lorn could afford. The asshole would go after Kira if he didn’t kill him. He twisted his wrists as he shoved his claws deeper. Material and skin tore, the latter a sickening sound. Yenis screamed, his head thrown back.
Lorn didn’t hesitate. He ripped out his enemy’s heart and dropped it on the ground as he leap
t back, avoiding the slumping body.
Blood coated both of his hands and wrists as he faced Xelor and Marlo. “Decide.”
Marlo fell to his knees in an instant, bowed his head, and trembled. “I swear allegiance to you, Lorn.”
Xelor was a bit slower to drop, but he did. He kept eye contact with Lorn and nodded. “My oath to you, as long as you aren’t like my brother or Decker.”
“Things are going to change.” It was a promise.
“What do you want us to do?” Xelor stayed on his knees.
“I don’t trust you yet,” Lorn said. “Go home and stay there. Don’t come out.”
“We could help,” Xelor offered.
“I’d never ask you to help kill your own flesh and blood. I’m not heartless.” Lorn glanced at his own brother. It would destroy him to have to fight Lavos. He addressed Xelor again. “Do what I said. Go home.”
“Nabby will send for me to help him, even come for me. He’ll kill me when I refuse.”
Lorn knew that was the truth. “Go inside the lodge then. Keep the peace—and no fighting. Don’t bully anyone. That bullshit is over forever. You protect the weaker now.”
“I didn’t enjoy it. I was under orders. Nabby wanted the youths injured, so they couldn’t help their fathers defend their mothers and siblings if he had to punish any of them to keep everyone in line.”
Rage seeped out of Lorn’s every pore. “You defend them now. Understood? No one touches the children, the youths, or the females.”
“I swear.” Xelor rose to his feet.
“Xelor?” Lorn locked gazes with him. “You betray me and you won’t have a fast death. Do you understand? I’ll strip your skin an inch at a time. You’ll beg for death but you won’t have it for days.” He looked at Marlo. “The same for you.”
“I do have honor.” Xelor blew out a breath. “So does Marlo. You know how Nabby is. That’s why he sent Yenis with us. To make certain we were following his orders. I’ll be grateful when Nabby is gone. I know that makes me a bad brother but he terrorized me my entire life.” Anger deepened his voice. “I have no love for him, but I’ve had plenty of fear. He swore he’d kill Millie if I didn’t do as he said. And he would. He has no heart.”